Where To Eat, Drink, Shop, Stay & Play In Madrid From A Former Local
Like a Local
By Ella Passfield | 7th August 2025Spain: known for sunny days, tapas and endless sangria. Last year I was fortunate enough to make Madrid my home for six months. I left Australia knowing only that Madrid was full of art and the sunniest capital in Europe – that alone was enough to entice me. Six months later and I truly believe it’s the best city ever. Yes, it’s home to the Golden Triangle of galleries, and yes, it’s lovely to bask in the sunshine during mid-December, but Madrid has even more to offer.
If you’re looking for chic wine bars, standout design, hidden culinary gems, and the best boutiques for unique finds look no further because I am bringing you the local recs.
Get lost in the streets and feel inspired at every turn. Here is my mini guide of where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and play in the Spanish capital.
Eat
True locals eat at 9pm. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant is empty at 8pm (for them that’s like a 5pm res). While I was overseas I kept a running notes list of all the places I ate which totalled to well over 100 places. It’s pretty hard to narrow down the best of the best but these spots are very well deserving.
Best described as a Madrid institution, Casa Dani serves up the best tortilla. On any given day, Casa Dani in Mercado de la Paz will full of locals mingling over classic Spanish dishes. Madrid also has a huge culinary influence from South America. Head to Charrúa for a cosy intimate steakhouse with the best meats from Argentina and Uruguay.
Follow the cool crowd and you’ll end up at Casa Salesas. The restaurant slash bar slash club is decorated top to bottom with eclectic furniture and mismatched momentos. The attention to detail is not missed in the menu, offering a variety of traditional Spanish tapas and European dishes like my favourite Rigatoni al Vodka.
Venture a little further out of the city centre and you’ll stumble across Tramo. An eco conscious restaurant with contemporary dishes using ingredients from local Spanish farmers.
Given Madrilenians eat so late and party so hard, you can comfortably sleep in for a hearty brunch. I have to say while the brunch culture is not as big as it is in Australia, Madrid still has a wide offering of quality cafes. For a post night out feed, you will see a line out the front of Bo Coffee or Mazal in Rios Rosas. Mazal Bagels‘ speciality is of course the bagel, but don’t leave without trying their french toast (drool).
The cool girls will grab a table at Bocado for their avo toast and pick a matcha up from Natif. A post El Rastro feed calls for the fluffiest pancakes from Watts Cantina (or a brekky burrito).
With all the walking you do, you inevitably build up an appetite. Alma Nomad Bakery (again will always have a line) is your one stop shop for sweet treats. Grab a selection of pastries and head to the fountain to soak up the sun. For the really hot days, MYKA is your go to. Essentially it’s the Madrid version of Yo Chi. If savoury is more your style, Focacciamo serves up the most mouthwatering, fresh focaccias found all over the city. Finally, the infamous 24 hour chocolateria, San Gines, is a must visit for authentic churros and chocolate.
Drink
One thing about Madrilenians is they know how to party, which is why they take a siesta mid afternoon. After a quick nap, it’s back to socialising with the terraces filled with people drinking and laughing. MASA in Chamberí has the perfect terrace to enjoy the never ending Madrid days, and a collection of vinyls to enjoy while sipping natural wine.
When the weather is nice (which is most of the year) take to the rooftops like Ella Sky Bar or Oroya at the Madrid Edition. My all time favourites happens to be the tucked away bars. Macera Taller Bar is unlike any other cocktail bar. Here you’ll find a youthful crowd, great beats, and walls full of lip liner signatures. The real locals will be found at Bar Trafalgar near Olavide, always packed and a very Madrid atmosphere.
Shop
The most stylish women are found in Madrid (check out Madrilenians in Madrid if you don’t believe me). Spanish women know elegance, mastering the art of building outfits that are both polished and effortlessly relaxed. So, shop like a local with these hidden (and not so hidden) gems.
Along Serrano, you’ll find all the luxury stores as well as Spanish staples like Massimo Dutti and Zara (trust me, it’s a million times better here). Don’t miss WOW Concept with six floors featuring top designer Spanish brands like The (Real) Garcia and Susmie’s.
Wander through Salesas to find multi-brand boutiques like Pez and Ekseption, which stock cool girl Spanish labels like Paloma Wool, Siedrés, and Gimaguas. And, have you really visited Madrid if you didn’t leave with a pair of Flabelus?
Without the hefty price tags and overcuration, the thrift scene in Madrid is far better than that of Paris or New York. It’s still under the radar enough that you are bound to hit the jackpot. Malasaña is the neighbourhood for second hand vintage. Stroll along Calle de Velarde for back to back vintage.
Stay
My favourite thing about Madrid is how well connected the city is. Not only is the metro clean and easy to catch, but you can reach anywhere by foot. Maybe it’s just me but I believe the hotel is one of the most integral parts of the vacation. A good room = a great holiday.
The Palace Madrid: luxury, charm, timeless elegance. For the art lovers with an eye for detail.
Hotel Santo Mauro: tranquil, sophisticated, refined. For immersing yourself in the city’s bustle while keeping a restful night’s sleep.
The Madrid Edition: luxe, modern, bold. For the famous spiral staircase and electric blue pool table you will be posting.
Play
Madrid is the European capital of culture. Known for the Golden Triangle of Art, you can find world-renowned museums – the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum – all in walking distance. You can’t miss Madrid’s Central Park, El Retiro, an escape from the metropolitan chaos. Get lost amongst the beautifully maintained gardens, spot peacocks, visit the Crystal Palace, or hire row boats for just four euros.
For a night out hit up Victoria or Istar – the coolest people will be there and the best djs will be playing. But if wholesome is more your vibe, Madrid has the most beautiful workout studios that require no-to-minimal Spanish to follow along. My favourite is gorgeous Batelier studio off Retiro Park or in Chamberí.
I could go on and on about what to do in Madrid, but this is a very comprehensive guide of the local secrets you won’t necessarily find on TripAdvisor. Maybe the beach is more your scene? Check out Bianca’s full guide for Palma, Mallorca here.
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