Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Madrid to the max with the best things to do in Madrid with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!
Whether you're a foodie, history lover, urban explorer or a traveling family. Enjoy Madrid to the max with the best things to do in Madrid with a local expert. The best thing? It's private & personalized - just for you!
Heading to Madrid soon? Spain’s capital will offer you a crazy amount of activities of all kinds. We promise you’ll have some serious fun! Here are our top 10 favorite things to do in Madrid to experience the city like a local.
Explore the most amazing museums
There’s no doubt that Madrid has the best museums in Spain. The cultural offer of the capital is outstanding, whether it is the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía or Thyssen-Bornemisza the biggest art museums in the city. This is where you’ll see artworks like the world-famous Las Meninas o Guernica. Make sure to book a private tour that will give you an overview of the movements of the Spanish art that interest you the most.
Afterward, grabbing a beer with your local host will be the best choice. Sit back, relax and people-watch from one of the many terrazas that you’ll find around the city.
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The best way is the local way! From private cooking classes to exploring the hidden city gems, your friendly local host will help you discover all the fun things to do in Madrid. Hola! There are so many interesting things to do in Madrid you’ll be keen to explore the city in more depth. Food lovers will be running for chocolate dipped churros, drinking sangria and feasting on cured meats and cheese. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the bike and walking activities. You’ll be exploring Madrid’s hidden gardens, Royal Palace and secret backstreets at your own pace with a friendly local by your side. Simply tell your local host what your hobbies and interests are, and they will show you where to go and what to do on your private tour in Madrid! Exploring with a true local is the easiest way to get to know the real Madrid, with someone who knows the first-hand stories and hidden secrets. When you’re deciding which activities to do in Madrid, your local host will be at hand to show you all the best things to see. Whether you prefer to skip the line at Reina Sofia Museum, take a cooking class or visit Del Prado, exploring Madrid with a local who knows the city like the back of their hand is a great way to uncover the perfect things to do on your private tour in Madrid! If you’re looking for personalized activities in Madrid look no further than a Withlocals private tour. With your favorite local host by your side, you’ll discover the best things to do on a fully customizable tour in Madrid. Let them know which things you wish to see, and they’ll arrange everything locally for you!
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Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
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Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide
317 reviews
2.5 hours | Skip the line tours | Madrid
A quick visit to the Prado Museum is not enough. There are other spots worth checking out outside this attraction, and your local host knows exactly where. Combine your visit to the Prado Museum with a touch of hidden gems and an easy access to this famous attraction, and you are set for a good time!
The Mercado de San Miguel is a real pleasure for your senses. Enjoy another cool thing to do in Madrid, only a few meters away from Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square. The market’s building itself is very unique, but what captivates the visitors is, of course, the food! You’ll see fresh products everywhere, an array of colors and wonderful smells!
After a personalized tour around the market, let your host help you choose something to eat. Is there a better snack than some freshly cut, high-quality Spanish ham? What about some tiny-but-oh-so-flavorful Arbequina olives? Give your taste buds a treat and munch on some fantastic local food to keep you going.
Find bargains at El Rastro second-hand market
Leave some time on Sunday for El Rastro. This is a very popular second-hand market amongst the locals. Situated in the Embajadores district, you’ll find all sorts of things: from vintage clothes and jewelry to exclusive antiques. You’ll want to take souvenirs home with you, so make sure you have enough room in your suitcase.
Wander around the stalls with your host and have fun hunting bargains. You’ll soon realize why this is one of our top things to do in Madrid! If you need a pit stop after all that shopping, we have good news for you. The area is filled with cafés where you can refuel and continue exploring this fantastic flea market.
Eat homemade cocido
You can’t visit Madrid and not try one of their most renowned and delicious dishes. Your local host will be delighted to share a special evening with you eating cocido. It consists of a chickpea based stew mixed with meat and vegetables cooked in a pot for hours. As a result, you get an intense broth that is served separately and a colossal tray of all the good stuff.
It’ll be your chance to experience the relaxed Spanish way of eating. During the sobremesa (the time you spend chatting at the table after the meal) you’ll get the chance to talk about other Madrid fun facts with your host. But let us warn you, the cocido is so substantial that you might need to take a little siesta after it!
See Madrid from above
All the Madrileños love using the expression “de Madrid al cielo”, which translates to “from Madrid to heaven”, meaning that it’s the best place to be. Indeed, locals know the best places in the city from where you’ll enjoy stunning views. Get closer to Madrid’s heaven and head to the Círculo de Bellas Artes’ rooftop.
With the city’s skyline in front of you, chilling on the lounges with your host chatting and sipping on some sangría sounds like a plan to us. Be sure to add it to your list of cool things to do while in Madrid, you won’t regret it.
Bike like a local through El Retiro park
We’re sure you’ll stay fit in Madrid while discovering the city on foot, but for those of you who want an extra dose of serotonin even during your holidays, nothing beats biking through El Retiro. You’ll meet plenty of sporty locals while exploring one of the main attractions of the city with your local host.
Home to over 15.000 trees, El Retiro is not only a park but also offers cultural sites such as the Palacio de Velázquez and the Palacio de Cristal, as well as several sculptures, fountains and a big pond where you can rent a boat with your host. You’ll have a blast!
Watch the sunset from Templo de Debod
Can you believe there’s an Egyptian temple right in the most famous park in the city? It’s a hidden gem you can’t miss. Your host will recommend watching the sunset. The sky’s pastel colors will give you the perfect background to get fantastic shots of the temple. You can thank them later!
The Templo de Debod was rebuilt at El Retiro park in 1968 after being sent from Egypt. It was offered to the capital to thank the Spanish archaeologists working in the Unesco who helped save monuments. It soon became one of the top things to visit while in Madrid. You’ll know why when you get there.
Enjoy chocolate con churros at Plaza Mayor
Calling all the chocolate lovers! Dipping churros (fried-dough pastries) in the super thick Spanish hot chocolate is a fantastic way to take a break from all the sightseeing.
Don’t be shy and ask a local to help you pick a good café at Plaza Mayor. You can enjoy this decadent snack while watching the buzz of the square. If you love it, you can even ask them for the recipe and try to make it once you’re back home! If you don’t have a sweet tooth, a café con leche (caffè latte) is a typical alternative.
Learn everything about tapas
Tapas time! Learning how to make tapas is a unique experience to have. This is why we’re including it in our top things to do in Madrid. Your host, with a vast knowledge in Spanish cuisine, will tell you about the fundamentals of the local gastronomy. Feel free to ask anything you're curious about. This is your chance to learn about cooking patatas bravas, calamari a la Andaluza, pimientos de padrón and other typical delicacies you have probably seen at the city’s restaurants.
Let’s not forget the wine, a big part of the Spanish culture. If you are into it, your host can take you to a wine tasting. You’ll learn how to pair premium Rioja red wines and Galician white wines, amongst others, with tapas.
Get the flamenco rhythm
Ask your local host to take you to a flamenco show. This is an unforgettable experience that you have to see! It's definitely one of the most fun things to do in Madrid. Corral de la Morería, Café de Chinitas and Casa Patas are three of the best venues to watch authentic flamenco, the southern dance, and music that the whole country is known for.
If the night is still young, head to Chueca o Malasaña, two of the districts with an even better nightlife. They have a different atmosphere than the city center, where it will be much easier to meet locals and chat over a few cervezas.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Ready to taste the best food in Madrid? Join your foodie host for a food tour in and satisfy your cravings for local food, culture, and city highlights. Enjoy 10 delicious tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Madrid.
Unveil the mysteries of the Reina Sofia Museum and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.
Curious to know more about Madrid’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of Madrid from a local perspective as you learn about the insights of Spanish history.
Did you know that the Madrid tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Picture this, a night out in Madrid hopping from hot spot to hot spot, discovering local nightlife while tasting typical local wines perfectly paired with delicious local bites. Sounds like a fun night? Join a local nightlife expert and discover how the locals unwind in Madrid.
Welcome to Madrid! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Madrid to start your city trip on the right foot.
Take a walk off the beaten track, away from the tourist crowds, and see the real side of Madrid. On this private tour, go beyond the classic route and explore Chueca where you’ll experience a different Madrid, like a local with a local by your side!
Want to see the best of Madrid? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Madrid!
Unveil the mysteries of the Prado Museum and get the most out of your visit on this enriching tour! Get to know everything about this magnificent attraction with the insights provided by a local expert.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Best Things to do in Madrid in 2026 - Withlocals
Travelers love our locals
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
5.0
Great passion, great insights
"For two people with very limited knowledge of Spanish history and art, Iker was spot-on! He listened to us and adjusted the itinerary perfectly. His knowledge and passion were superb. We learned so much about Goya, Velasquez and more. We recommend Iker highly. "
"Stop looking for a great tour guide and book Piero -- you will be hard pressed to find anyone better!! We were lucky enough to have Piero's lovely wife, Laura, join us as well. Piero's tour felt like a walk around the city with a good friend. His depth of knowledge about the city he loves (and the delicious food in it) is obvious, but his presentation is conversational, highly engaging and light -- all infused with a wonderful sense of humor. He even took extra time to give us a little insight into the art of bullfighting - which was quite enlightening and much appreciated (although not a part of our "official" foodie tour). Our group was not without its challenges as we were 4 meat lovers, 1 pescaterian and 1 vegetarian. Piero did not miss a beat, and we all enjoyed many delicious drinks and tapas at a nice variety of stops. Be sure to ask him about the artichokes -- as they are not to be missed!! And if you get the chance to have Laura join you, say "yes!""
"We did the “10 Tastings of Madrid” tour with Julian in early January. He was very entertaining, both about the places we ate/drank at, and his own personal stories. He is fluent in English and can easily switch between Spanish and English. And you can really tell that he enjoys being a tour guide. Highly recommend touring with Julian!"
"We toured with Maria. She was one of the best we toured with. Extremely knowledgeable about Madrid’s history and explained it well. She has a great personality and was fun to spend the afternoon with. There were several things we learned that we wouldn’t have picked up on by ourselves. We were parched near the end of the tour and she took us into a local tavern that was welcoming, warming, and full of the old city charm. Easy to talk to. We were a group of 4, two of us in our 50’s and two are in their 20’s. The hidden gem tour was well worth the money. Maria gave us several recommendations and we were not disappointed by any of them. Highly recommend. She spoke English very well and had a vast knowledge of English (USA) vocabulary. "
NickiAbout local María AugustaMadrid, January 15, 2026
5.0
Very knowledgeable
"Carolina is very knowledgeable! The kickstarter tour was exactly what I needed for a great start touring Madrid. Highly recommended!"
"Carolina was fantastic. We only had 90 minutes so it needed to be quite punchy. She was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. But really made an effort to make sure the tour was what we needed.
And good fun, great sense of humour, down to earth. Fully recommend. "
"We booked a private tour with Dawinson and enjoyed our walk through the streets of Madrid very much. It was a relaxing tour with a mix of city and cultural highlights and recommendations on good spots for Tapas and local specialties. Very enjoyable to see the city through the eyes of a local."
SvetlanaAbout local DawinsonMadrid, December 26, 2025
5.0
Great intro tour to Madrid
"We had a experience on the Madrid tour led by Julian. His blend of humor and deep knowledge truly made the city come alive. He seamlessly shared fascinating stories and facts about the sights, all while keeping us entertained. Julian's passion for Madrid was evident and made the tour both fun and informative. Highly recommend his tours!"
"My 14-year-old daughter and I did a two-hour Prado tour with Iker, and it was excellent. We were short on time and wanted to focus on the most interesting works and stories, and the tour was perfectly tailored to that. Everything ran smoothly from the start - we met easily and stored our cases at the museum without issues. We covered around 15–20 key pieces, and for each one, Iker explained the history, context, and artistic reasoning in a genuinely fascinating way. The Prado is vast and can feel overwhelming, so having such a knowledgeable guide was invaluable. We also visited the Cloister of Los Jerónimos and learned about its history and how it’s been integrated into the museum. Although my daughter was a bit tired after a wedding the night before, I’m sure she’ll remember this visit as a meaningful addition to her art studies, she’s a keen artist. Iker was open, engaging, and kind, and we’re very grateful to have had him as our guide."
