Discover Madrid’s 200 best Local Soul spots for your trip

Taberna Bodegas Ricla

★ 4.2 · 1,060 reviews

Discover Taberna Bodegas Ricla, a family-run tavern in Centro pouring vermouth straight from the tap. Squeeze in at the counter and share home-cooked tapas in a no-frills, authentically Madrileño setting.

Casa Revuelta

★ 4.4 · 6,746 reviews

Stop by Casa Revuelta, the classic Centro tapas bar known for its fried cod. Squeeze in at the bar for a golden tajada de bacalao, a gilda and a cold drink alongside Madrid regulars.

La Sanabresa

★ 4.6 · 3,199 reviews

Join the locals at La Sanabresa, a no-frills Madrid favourite for hearty set menus. Tuck into bean and chorizo soup, a veal steak and flan, all at a budget-friendly price.

Cerro del Tío Pío Park

★ 4.7 · 5,643 reviews

Head up Cerro del Tío Pío, the hillside park where Madrileños go to watch the sun go down. Climb the grassy slopes for sweeping panoramic views over the city, far from the usual tourist crowds.

Parque Norte

★ 4.4 · 2,733 reviews

Take a breather at Parque Norte, a wooded local park beside Madrid's business towers. Jog the footpaths, try the outdoor exercise bars, or simply find a shady bench.

Parque Forestal de Entrevías

★ 4.5 · 1,967 reviews

Escape the centre at Parque Forestal de Entrevías, a quiet pine forest in Puente de Vallecas. Follow the shaded trails on foot or by bike along a stretch of the Anillo Verde.

Parque Juan Carlos I

★ 4.7 · 27,303 reviews

Lose yourself in Parque Juan Carlos I, Madrid's sprawling urban oasis in Barajas. Wander between the lake, olive grove and modern sculptures, and hop on the free train if your legs need a rest.

Dehesa de la Villa

★ 4.7 · 9,117 reviews

Wander into Dehesa de la Villa, a hilly woodland park where Madrid locals jog, cycle and picnic under tall pines. Follow the dirt trails to the lookout point for views over the rooftops.

Manzanares River Linear Park

★ 4.6 · 7,675 reviews

Walk the Manzanares River Linear Park in Puente de Vallecas, where a giant sculpture tops a terraced hill. Climb for city and river views, then settle on the grass in a quiet, mostly local setting.

Bar Melo's Lavapiés

★ 4.4 · 3,998 reviews

Pull up to Bar Melo's, the Lavapiés bar where Galician tapas are done plainly and well. Order the signature zapatilla, add morcilla and padrón peppers, and pour a glass of Ribeiro.

Carabanchel

Head south to Carabanchel, a large residential district well off Madrid's tourist trail. Wander its everyday streets, pop into neighbourhood bars and markets, and get a feel for the city as locals live it.

Chamberí

Wander Chamberí, the relaxed, lived-in district north of Madrid's historic core. Drift between leafy squares and traditional bars, stopping for tapas and a vermouth as the locals do.

Parque Forestal de Valdebebas - Felipe VI

★ 4.5 · 9,465 reviews

Stretch your legs at Parque Forestal de Valdebebas, one of Madrid's biggest green spaces. Walk or cycle past lagoons and the river, and let the kids loose in the playgrounds and maze.

Mercado de la Paz

★ 4.5 · 11,608 reviews

Wander into Mercado de la Paz, a Salamanca market trading since 1882. Browse stalls of fresh produce, meat and gourmet fare, then grab a seat and eat something from the counters.

Restaurante La Montería

★ 4.5 · 3,444 reviews

Discover La Montería, the busy Retiro favourite where locals crowd the bar and tables. Share traditional regional dishes such as venison and tuna belly with a glass from the long wine list.

Casa Camacho

★ 4.3 · 2,367 reviews

Discover Casa Camacho, a no-frills old-world bar in Centro that pours vermouth straight from the barrel. Grab a spot at the bar, order a glass with a few classic tapas and soak up the local buzz.

Parque Enrique Tierno Galván

★ 4.5 · 12,151 reviews

Slow down at Parque Enrique Tierno Galván, a spacious green escape in Arganzuela. Stroll past the pond and fountains, watch the ducks, and catch city views from the park's higher stretches.

Cafetería, Chocolatería, Churrería Manosanta

★ 4.0 · 1,216 reviews

Start the day at Manosanta, a Salamanca churrería where locals line up for breakfast. Dip golden churros into thick hot chocolate at the counter, the way Madrid has done it for generations.

Casa Mingo

★ 4.1 · 14,623 reviews

Visit Casa Mingo, the beloved Moncloa cider house where roast chicken is the main event. Once you are seated, food arrives within minutes: chicken, Spanish appetizers and cold apple cider.

AMORRO • Vinos y Más

★ 4.9 · 66 reviews

Discover AMORRO, a local-feeling wine bar in Chamartín that rewards those who venture beyond the centre. Pour a glass from the wide selection, share some tapas and enjoy the easygoing atmosphere.

Restaurante Quinqué

★ 4.5 · 803 reviews

Discover Quinqué, a low-key Chamartín restaurant that lets the food do the talking. Order the rice dish reviewers rave about and enjoy a meal alongside local regulars.

Bodega de la Ardosa

★ 4.2 · 7,774 reviews

Discover Bodega de la Ardosa, a classic Centro tapas bar full of character. Order the tortilla, a bowl of gazpacho and a glass of vermouth, and share plates at the bar.

Local Flamenco Show at El Cortijo with Tapas

★ 4.6 · 1,029 reviews

Head to El Cortijo, a Vallecas tablao where Madrid locals come for flamenco. Take a seat for an up-close performance by singers, guitarists and dancers, with the option of a drink or a Spanish dinner.

Madrid Río Park

★ 4.7 · 3,294 reviews

Stroll Madrid Río, the long green ribbon that follows the Manzanares through the city. Walk among boxwood gardens, spread out a picnic on the lawns and watch locals jog and cycle along the water.

Bodegas el Maño

★ 4.4 · 1,054 reviews

Step into Bodegas el Maño, a lively Centro tavern with a convincingly authentic feel. Share classic tapas, order the burrata with Iberian tomatoes, and pair them with a Spanish wine or beer.

El Retiro Park

★ 4.8 · 216,670 reviews

Spend a slow morning in El Retiro, Madrid's former royal park at the heart of the city. Stroll tree-lined avenues, circle the boating lake and pause among fountains, statues and the rose garden.

Lavapiés

Wander Lavapiés, Madrid's most multicultural central neighbourhood. Follow the street art through its lanes, then eat your way around the globe at its independent restaurants and cafés.

Authentic Tapas Tour: Eat Like a Local

★ 4.9 · 1,283 reviews

Join the Authentic Tapas Tour and see a quieter side of central Madrid through its bars and bodegas. Over three hours you'll taste ten to twelve tapas across four venues, each paired with a house drink and a guide's local stories.

Usera

Head south to Usera, Madrid's lively Chinatown and one of its most distinctive local districts. Wander the streets of Asian supermarkets and bakeries, then sit down to a noodle or hotpot lunch.

Marcelino, Vinos y Ultraporcinos

★ 4.4 · 364 reviews

Discover Marcelino, a local wine bar in Madrid's Chamberí district devoted to wine, cheese and cured pork. Linger over a board of Spanish cold cuts and a glass in a relaxed, unhurried room.