Private & personalized tours - just for you!

Experience the best of
Madrid with Withlocals

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!

Tours in Madrid

Private guided tours
No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.
100% Customizable
Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.
Responsible
Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind

Top 10 things to do in Madrid

Make your stay in Madrid complete with these things to do

Choose your local
1Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide
2.5 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €71.55 per person
Choose your local
2The 10 Tastings of Madrid
3 hours • food tours
Book now
From €103 per person
Choose your local
3Explore the Reina Sofia Museum with a Local Guide
2 hours • art & culture tours
Book now
From €54.51 per person
Choose your local
4Withlocals Your Way! - Madrid City Tour
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €45.43 per person
Choose your local
5Drinks & Bites in Madrid Tour
2.5 hours • food tours
Book now
From €68.14 per person
Choose your local
6City Kickstart Tour: Madrid
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €23.47 per person
Choose your local
7Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Chueca Tour
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €32.18 per person
With Elena
8A Real Flamenco Experience with a Local Musician
3 hours • off the beaten track
Book now
From €134 per person
With Drica
9Vegetarian Tapas Tour for Foodies
2.5 hours • food tours
Book now
From €60.66 per person
Choose your local
10Highlights & Hidden Gems of Madrid
3 hours • city highlight tours
Book now
From €44.67 per person

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

5.0
Food tour with Ari
"Ari was great!!!! Enjoy!!!"
MarthaAbout local AriadnaMadrid, October 31, 2024

5.0
Excellent tour by a knowledgeable local
"We enjoyed our tour with Victor immensely. He was personable, incredibly knowledgeable and demonstrated his sincere appreciation for Madrid’s role in Spain, the Iberian Peninsula and the world. Moreover, be brought an intimate understanding of what he experienced living in Madrid on a daily basis. He tailored the tour to our interests and despite pouring rain, kept the tour engaging and entertaining. "
BeverlyAbout local VíctorMadrid, October 30, 2024

5.0
Thoughtful and Extremely Enjoyable!
"Our tour with Maria was pretty much everything I was hoping it would be (and what I've now come to expect with withlocals!). Our group was two couples (4 people) and Maria was extremely engaging with everyone in our group from the moment we arrived at the meeting point through the end of the tour. Maria brought us around to a few cool, unique shops, stopped by a few local art galleries, and pointed out a bunch of interesting facts/observations about the buildings, architecture, and general history of Madrid. From a basic content and structure standpoint, 10/10. Beyond the structure and content of the tour, Maria is an absolutely delightful human. She was warm, friendly, listened to our questions, was patient throughout the tour, and was an excellent and clear communicator. I didn't once feel rushed, pressured, bored, or anything of the sort during our time spent with Maria. As a guide, 10/10. If you're going back and forth about spending money on a private tour or whether to choose Maria - do it. You can thank me later. "
MaxAbout local María AugustaMadrid, October 30, 2024

5.0
Tapas Tour with Julian
"Fabulous tours. Julián took us to a charming neighborhood full of history. Julián was a wealth of knowledge and very personable. The tapas were delicious. Highly recommend booking a tour with Julián. "
KristyAbout local Julián Madrid, October 29, 2024

5.0
Great way to learn context of artworks
"Majo spent several hours with us going through highlights of the Reina Sofia Museum. The art work there really reflects the historical and political struggles of the last century and a half, and Amy helped us understand both the artworks and the politics much better."
StuartAbout local MajoMadrid, October 28, 2024

5.0
Inspiring visit to the Prado
"Maria Augusta is an excellent guide who introduced me to the area around the Prado and then talked passionately and clearly about a good number of the collection. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. "
MartinAbout local María AugustaMadrid, October 27, 2024

5.0
Wonderful afternoon with Majo
"Majo was very flexible in tailoring the tour to my needs. She helped me get comfortable in my new neighborhood, took me to local shops and to Retiro Park. She really went above & beyond to make sure that I got what I wanted out of the tour. And afterward, she followed up with links to places we had discussed. I plan to use her again to tour a museum "
SHARONAbout local MajoMadrid, October 25, 2024

5.0
Maria was wonderful!
"We toured both the Prado and the Reina Sofia with Maria and she was an excellent guide to both museums. Very knowledgeable about art history, a great story teller and super fun to be around. She was our favorite tour guide in Madrid! Highly recommended. "
MayaAbout local María AugustaMadrid, October 24, 2024

5.0
Wonderful Madrid Walking Tour
"Great fall afternoon with Carmen on a walking tour of Madrid! Really interesting tour of the palace (outside) and palace cathedral then around the old town. Carmen was knowledgeable, helpful, pleasant and fun. Having a drink in Cerveceria Alamana where Hemingway used to hang out with bullfighters was a real highlight."
DoakAbout local CarmenMadrid, October 24, 2024

5.0
Walking in Madrid
"Beatriz is an excellent guide . She is very knowledgeable and communicates clearly. We ( family of 4 with 2 young people ) really enjoyed our walk with her . She was good at involving the young people and made the history come alive for all of us ! We felt much better informed after the tour which has helped us make the most of our trip here . Beatriz also gave us some useful tips about Madrid in general. Would highly recommend Beatriz . "
ClaireAbout local BeatrizMadrid, October 23, 2024

Explore Madrid with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Madrid with locals

Patricia The Curiousities ExpertSee More
ClaudiaThe Cool FashionistaSee More
María AugustaThe Artsy StorytellerSee More
GoviThe Foodie Art LoverSee More
DawinsonThe Wine&Tapas SpecialistSee More
Mateo Mateo the music nerdSee More
RosenThe Traveling EconomistSee More
Evayour best friend in SpainSee More
MajoThe Show producerSee More
Patricia Full of life storytellerSee More

Things to do in Madrid

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Madrid has to offer

Choose your local
Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide
4.9
271 reviews
2.5 hours • art & culture tours
from €71.55 per person
Choose your local
The 10 Tastings of Madrid
4.8
529 reviews
3 hours • food tours
from €103 per person
Choose your local
Explore the Reina Sofia Museum with a Local Guide
4.9
1049 reviews
2 hours • art & culture tours
from €54.51 per person
Choose your local
Withlocals Your Way! - Madrid City Tour
4.8
145 reviews
3 hours • city highlight tours
from €45.43 per person
Choose your local
Drinks & Bites in Madrid Tour
4.8
304 reviews
2.5 hours • food tours
from €68.14 per person
Choose your local
City Kickstart Tour: Madrid
4.8
427 reviews
1.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €23.47 per person
Choose your local
Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Chueca Tour
4.8
157 reviews
2.5 hours • city highlight tours
from €32.18 per person
With Elena
A Real Flamenco Experience with a Local Musician
5.0
310 reviews
3 hours • off the beaten track
from €134 per person

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Enjoy the Best of the Madrid
Like a Local

Things to do in Madrid

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.
Try the local flavors at Mercado de San Miguel
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.

Unique things to do in Madrid

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!

Private guided tours

100% Customizable

Responsible

Top 10 things to do in Madrid

1Explore the Prado Museum & Surroundings with a Local Guide

2The 10 Tastings of Madrid

3Explore the Reina Sofia Museum with a Local Guide

4Withlocals Your Way! - Madrid City Tour

5Drinks & Bites in Madrid Tour

6City Kickstart Tour: Madrid

7Off the Beaten Track in Madrid: Chueca Tour

8A Real Flamenco Experience with a Local Musician

9Vegetarian Tapas Tour for Foodies

10Highlights & Hidden Gems of Madrid

Travelers love our locals

Food tour with Ari

Excellent tour by a knowledgeable local

Thoughtful and Extremely Enjoyable!

Tapas Tour with Julian

Great way to learn context of artworks

Inspiring visit to the Prado

Wonderful afternoon with Majo

Maria was wonderful!

Wonderful Madrid Walking Tour

Walking in Madrid

Explore Madrid with our incredible locals

Things to do in Madrid

Find experiences by category

Enjoy the Best of the MadridLike a Local

Things to do in Madrid

Explore the most amazing museums

Try the local flavors at Mercado de San Miguel

Find bargains at El Rastro second-hand market

Eat homemade cocido

See Madrid from above

Bike like a local through El Retiro park

Watch the sunset from Templo de Debod

Enjoy chocolate con churros at Plaza Mayor

Learn everything about tapas

Get the flamenco rhythm

Unique things to do in Madrid

Related Madrid pages

Enjoy the Best of the Madrid
Like a Local