fbpx
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • info@ogotours.com
Logo OgoTours

10 Things to Feel Like a Local in Madrid

Madrid is an inviting city where anyone who visits will quickly feel at home. In fact, the Madrileños say that if you spend 24 hours in Madrid, you become a Madrileño, too. Nevertheless, today we’re offering a list of 10 things you should do if you want to feel like a local in Madrid.

Talk loudly

Spaniards are an effusive, passionate people, and this shows in the way they talk. As a general rule, Madrileños talk loudly, gesticulate often and stand close to the person they’re talking to.

Drink “cañas” and eat “tapas”

Madrileños love to frequent bars and drink cañas (a small glass of beer). Every evening, coworkers, friends and family get together and have a good time. Without a doubt the most popular local beer in Madrid is “Mahou”. You can find it in any bar in the capital. Tradition dictates that a good beer should be accompanied by a tapa (a small portion of food to go with your drink). The variety of tapas is incredible, and can range from some olives or cured sausage to a sophisticated dish.

 
BOOK your spot NOW! Free Walking Tour in Madrid with local Guides | 8 Certificates of Excellence on TripAdvisor (based on more than 800 reviews) | Small Groups (15 pers. max.)
Madrid Free Walking Tour - Old Town
✔️ 100% Local Guides
✔️ Award Winning Walking Tours (1,000+ reviews)
✔️ Small Groups
BOOK NOW
LOCAL GUIDES

Eat offal

Although it doesn’t appear in many travel guides, offal (tripe, chicken livers, pig’s ear, etc.) is one of Madrid’s gastronomic specialties. If you aren’t too squeamish, we encourage you to try these local specialties. More information about these dishes and more in our post The Most Strange Foods to Try in Madrid

Feel like a local in Madrid
"Gallinejas" (lamb tripe fried in its own fat) one of the most traditional foods in Madrid | Image credits: Wikipedia C.C.

Visit a traditional market

In Madrid, you can still find markets like in the olden days. It truly makes for an interesting visit, as you can buy local products at really good prices in these markets, and also see how the Madrileños go about their day. We recommend the Mercado de Antón Martín (Calle Santa Isabel, 5) and Mercado Barceló (Calle Barceló, 6).

In the traditional markets you can find all kind of products (fresh fish, fruits, quality meat) at a great value. | Image credits: (Wikipedia / C.C.)

Become a football fan (soccer)

A trip to Madrid isn’t complete without experiencing a football game, Spain’s favorite sport. The two major teams in the city are Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and there’s no love lost between their respective fans 🙂

Eat a squid sandwich in Plaza Mayor

Few things are more traditional in Madrid than chowing down on a fried squid sandwich. The best bars to eat this famous “bocadillo de calamares” are located around Plaza Mayor. We recommend two of our favorite bars: La Campana (Calle Botoneras, 6) and La Ideal (Calle Botoneras, 4).

how to feel like a local in Madrid
"Calamari Sandwich" is the perfect food to recharge your batteries | Image credits (OgoTours)

Taste the famous hot chocolate with churros

When autumn arrives and the temperature cools down, a Madrileño’s favorite way to stay warm is by enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and some fresh churros. The oldest “Chocolatería” in Madrid (San Ginés) is just a few steps away from the Puerta del Sol.

Things to feel like a local Madrid
Churros with hot chocolate for dipping | Image credits: (OgoTours)

Sundays at the flea market

If you love bargain hunting and don’t mind squeezing through a huge crowd, el Rastro is the place for you. This flea market is the most famous in the entire city, and in it you can find everything from clothes to vintage toys to antiques. When? Sundays and holidays in the morning in the Barrio de la Latina.

Feel like a local in Madrid
El Rastro Flea Market | Image credits: (OgoTours)

Drink the tap water

Madrid natives like to brag that they have some of the best tap water in Spain. The water comes directly from the mountain and it really is very good. It’s unusual for Madrileños to drink bottled water – they almost always drink from the tap.

Stroll through el Parque del Retiro

If there’s one place that Madrileños are proud of, it’s the Parque de Retiro (116 hectares or approximately 290 acres). On holidays, the locals come to take a walk, ride bikes and disconnect from the commotion of the city. Don’t miss the Palacio de Cristal, one of the most famous spots in the park.

things to do to feel like a local Madrid
One of our favorite places in Madrid, no matter the season, this park is a delight for the senses | Image credits: (OgoTours)

If you want to see Madrid from a local’s point of view, book our Free Tour now and feel like a true Madrileño.

About Javier

Hola! My name is Javier Redondo, tour guide in Madrid for more than 8 years.
As a good "Madrileño", I love football (I support Atlético de Madrid), eating tapas and walk the cobblestone streets of old Madrid 🙂

This Madrid blog is where I share tips on popular attractions, local food and off-beat spots.

Madrid Travel Guide
Our Walking Tours in Madrid
Madrid Free Tour - Old Town
5/5

Based on 1000+ reviews

  • 10:45
  • 2,5 horas
  • Puerta del Sol, equestrian statue of King Carlos III
  • Free Price
BOOK NOW
Our Madrid Private Tours
Madrid Private Tour
Private and Custom Tours in Madrid
  • upon request
  • Flexible
  • Pick up at your hotel / apartment
BOOK NOW
Follow us on Social Media
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Copyright © OgoTours Madrid 2013-2023

OgoTours is a 100% local company. And as such, we are proud to do our bit to preserve the traditions and spirit of the city. Our goal is to help you experience Madrid like a local.

Tax Identification Number: 46890705F

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Got questions?

  • info@ogotours.com
  • (+34) 660 59 49 52

If you need any additional information about our services, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all your questions.

Walking Tours

Free Walking Tour in Madrid

Madrid Private Tours

 

Useful Links

Are you travelling around Spain? We are a proud member of Discover Our Cities. This network is made up of local tour opertators that share the same philosophy about tourism. All companies involved in this proyect have something in common;  we are focused on offering 100% local and genuine experiences. 

Our most popular posts:

The best panoramic views in Madrid 

How to get to Segovia from Madrid

What to do in Madrid in two days

  • With love from Madrid , Spain
  • Copyright OgoTours 2013 - 2023

New measures to face COVID-19 and enjoy our tours with safety

SMALLER GROUPS
(MAX. 10 PEOPLE)

Our groups are now limited to 10 people, therefore it is required to book your spot in advance.

MANDATORY USE OF FACE MASK

Mandatory use of face masks for guides and customers. Following the Spanish legislation, the wearing of face masks in all public spaces is obligatory.

SOCIAL DISTANCING (2 METERS)

When available, we highly recommend to maintain 2-meters social distancing between all the participants of the tour.

HAND SANITIZER AVAILABLE

All our guides will be carrying hand sanitizer during the tour and it will be available during the whole route for you.

GUIDES EQUIPPED WITH VOICE AMPLIFIERS

You will hear the explanations perfectly, as your guide will be carrying a voice amplifier.

NO PAPER

You don´t need to print out your tour confirmation (just in case keep the email confirmation on your phone). Your name and last name will be enough for the guide to complete the check-in process.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience here. If you continue to use this site, we assume you are happy with it.
accept & close