Planning a trip to Madrid, Spain, and eager to go beyond the touristy spots? You’re in the right place! This guide to the hidden gems in Madrid will help you dive deeper and experience the authentic Madrid locals love.
As Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid is a city that bursts with history, culture, and energy. While its iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum are must-sees, there’s so much more waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. In this guide, you’ll discover local-favorite parks, palaces, charming neighborhoods, and more.
Without further ado, let’s dive into to 9 of Madrid’s best hidden gems! 😍👇
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9 Hidden Gems in Madrid to Add to Your Itinerary
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Campo del Moro
Campo del Moro is a hidden gem of a park that hides behind the Royal Palace of Madrid, and differs from the Sabatini Gardens of the Royal Palace.
This park is home to luscious nature ranging from old, tall trees to perfectly cut grass, ivy that grows all over, and bright flowers. As you walk through the Campo del Moro, you will come across a few pathways, such as the Paseo de Damas, the Fuente de las Conchas, and fantasy-like huts.
Campo del Moro is a true hidden gem, one that only locals know. This is the perfect place to slow down and escape the beautiful craziness, and sometimes crowds, of Madrid. Here you will find people going on a run, sitting on benches or on the fresh grass, and others are admiring it all.
Campo del Moro is free to enter, and it’s open everyday from 10 AM to 6 PM. As my favorite hidden gem in Madrid, I cannot recommend it enough!
Quinta de los Molinos
If you want to quickly escape to Japan’s blossom’s season – Quinta de los Molinos will transport you.
This hidden gem of a park is home to over a thousand almond trees that bloom between February and March, bringing mesmerizing views. If you’re in Madrid in February or March, make sure to visit Quinta de los Molinos and enjoy the “Hanami Madrileño”.
Quinta de los Molinos is free to enter, and is open everyday from 6:30 AM to 10 PM.
Templo de Debod
Over 2,200 years old, the Templo de Debod is an authentic Egyptian temple donated to Spain back in 1968.
A tip I learned from my friend, who is a local, is to visit Templo de Debod at sunset time. During this hour, the Temple and the water that surrounds it are bathed in golden light. Simultaneously, locals and tourists alike are just a few steps away admiring the sunset from Mirador de Templo de Debod.
Temple of Debod is free to visit and is open every week from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM, or 8 PM depending on the season.
If you want to enter and admire the Temple of Debod from up close, you need to book a time slot! This is because, being such an ancient piece, there’s a limited amount of visits allowed.
Madrid’s Street Art
One of my absolute favorite things to look out for when traveling is the street art – it’s something I find unforgettable, and that adds so much character to a city.
I’ve only come across a few works so far, but am looking forward to go back to Madrid and look out for more. If you want to be guided through Madrid’s street art, this guide shares all the information you need!
Paseo de Recoletos
Paseo de Recoletos is a charming path, lined with trees, that sits within the Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literature quarter. This hidden gem of a street has lots to admire, including the statue Julia by Jaume Plensa, Cibeles Palace, and the humongous, Good Luck Frog.
Something really neat is that, every October, there is the Feria de Otoño del Libro Viejo y Antiguo de Madrid. This is a book fair where 32 bookshops participate, and readers can find antique books, including first editions and original manuscripts, and more.
If you’re trying to decide when to visit Madrid and are a book lover, October is the perfect month!
Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
Located in La Latina neighborhood, this incredible basilica is something to not miss out on!
The Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande is home to the 4th largest dome in Europe, following the St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, and Florence Duomo. Furthermore, it is home to incredible works of art including one by the one and only Francisco Goya.
As a reminder, this is a place of worship. If there is a service going on, please be respectful and enter quietly and don’t take pictures.
Liria Palace
The Liria Palace is known as one of the most important private residences in Madrid. Dating back to the late 18th century, this palace is full of history and, according to many, shares some similarities to the Palacio Real de Madrid, “Royal Palace”.
Within the Liria Palace you will get to admire beautiful art from famous painters like Francisco Goya and Velázquez, neoclassical architecture, and visit more than 12 rooms.
Something neat about this palace is that it’s owner, Duke of Alba, who continue to live here, is determined to keep this palace open to the citizens of Madrid and those who wish to visit. Duke of Alba.
If this sounds like your type of hidden gem, book your tickets here!👇✨
Garden of Salvador Bachiller
Located right next to Gran Vía, Madrid’s most famous street, and hidden within a leather shop is the Garden of Salvador Bachiller.
When you first enter the Salvador Bachiller store, you are surrounded by beautiful leather goods – from bags of all types to keychains, and more. As you walk deeper into this store, you discover that there’s a secret rooftop bar.
This store, being right next to Gran Vía, is in one of the busiest areas possible. This garden-inspired bar allows you to escape the crazy crowds, and take a peaceful break in what seems like an oasis.
I personally was unable to eat here, but from the reviews it sounds like they are famous for their brunch and drinks. Only thing is that it is higher in prices, likely due to rent and the area it’s located in.
Mercado el Rastro
This is Madrid’s famous Sunday market, and is beloved amongst locals and tourists alike. This isn’t a fully hidden gem, but is one that many tourists might not be first aware about.
Located in La Latina, Madrid’s oldest neighborhood, this market is the perfect place to visit if you love vintage things. With many different vendors, you can find everything from vintage glasses to watches, pens, toys, clothes, and more!
Open only on Sundays from 8 AM to 3 PM, visiting Mercado el Rastro is the best thing to do if you’re spending a Sunday in Madrid.
Important Tips. Bring cash, preferably smaller bills, and always keep your personal belongings close to you. This market gets crowded and you never know if there are pickpockets near you.
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Here additional posts that will help you out with your upcoming Spain travels!👇
- 3 Days in Madrid | The Ultimate Itinerary
- How to Spend the One Day in Madrid
- How to Spend the Perfect Sunday in Madrid, Spain
- 12 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Madrid
- How to Spend 2 Days in Granada, Spain
- One Day in Cordoba, Spain Itinerary
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I have to ask…
Which of these hidden gems in Madrid are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!😊
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