The Internet’s Madrid Travel Tips Are All Wrong
Released on 01/23/2025
Hi I am David Moralejo, a travel expert at Madrid Local.
I'm taking on the internet suggestions
for what to do in Madrid.
I'll tell you if these posts are worthy of time
or where I will go instead.
[upbeat music]
Markets are an essential part of everyday life in Madrid.
The most famous on Google, Yelp and Trip Advisor
is of course Mercado de San Miguel.
This is the market that all the people go to.
It's expensive, crowded, it's more like a postcard,
but the food is great, this is Spain after all.
But my recommendation is Mercado de Vallehermoso.
This is the more authentic spot, very local,
full of international cuisine and very, very gorgeous spots.
Come on, let's go.
We are in a place in a neighborhood
where live a lot of students
because the main university of Madrid is very close to here.
Market is, as you see, a mix of hubs, spots,
a traditional food corner and international cuisine.
They are all preparing the day.
This is completely crowded on weekends.
If you listen, you can find just Spanish language.
There's no tourists here, it's very, very local.
Look, the T-shirts of the team in that corner.
I can't say the the word in English
because it's like a bad word, but it's very fun in Spanish.
Just search in Google.
[upbeat music continues]
[speaking in foreign language]
[upbeat music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[Shopkeeper] I'm with ya.
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[both laughing]
Look, these are snails from Madrid
and it's a traditional recipe
with peritho with a very, very good sauce.
You always need lots of bread to do.
We say in Spanish, parkitos like chips.
Oh, it's hot.
[bright music]
You must explore Madrid's historic squares and plazas.
These are spots where people gather, shop, eat.
What's the top recommendation?
TripAdvisor says, of course, Plaza Mayor.
The reviews are saying it's a must-see place
for tapas, beer, coffee,
and I have to say paellas, fake paellas.
This will not be my recommendation.
I find it's crowded and full of mediocre cafes
and tourist trap shops.
For sure, my recommendation is Olavide Square.
[bright music]
Here you can find a locals neighborhood
with authentic restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Let me sew you some of my favorites.
[bright music continues]
I love the name of this bookstore.
It's called Bar De Libros Book Bar
because you can have a drink,
a coffee while you enjoy a book.
[bright music continues]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[David chuckles]
[ambient music]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[ambient music continues]
[bag crackles]
It's the perfect carry on.
[upbeat music]
Ola.
Ola!
[David] This is Rughra Haus.
It is one of my favorite spots to buy special souvenirs,
handmade pieces, artisan and local pieces.
It's so, so nice.
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
From Benidorm to Madrid.
It's like our grandma style.
Yes, yes.
[speaking foreign language]
[upbeat music continues]
[cheerful music]
Time for tapas.
It's a must in Madrid.
So where are the most popular places to try it?
Okay, let's see.
I'm seeing lots of recommendations in the Huertas area.
It's a really popular neighborhood.
Lots of bars and restaurants crammed together.
I want to take you to the spot that I love for tapas.
We are in Malasana, a very popular neighborhood
and the name is Josefita.
With authentic comfort food,
it's very cozy and it's so fun.
Come check it out with me.
[cheerful music]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
It's too soon for lunch in Spain, it's 1:30.
And this is Sol, the owner.
[speaking foreign language]
A beer.
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
Kanya is the most famous drink in Madrid.
It's typically they serve with the foam
and Sol serves always perfect.
[upbeat music]
This is finger food.
It's not easy, but let's try.
This is salad with mayonnaise and potato and anchovies.
[hand claps]
[David chuckles]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
Wow!
[speaking foreign language]
It tastes like tomato, real tomato.
[speaking foreign language]
You have to eat, try to eat completely, but it's difficult.
Salut!
[lively music]
Madrid has some of the best art of the world,
so which museum should you visit?
Okay, this is very easy.
Prado is number one on every list.
TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google, I agree.
You have to see Prado.
It's part of the heritage of Madrid and of the world.
But you should also visit the Museum of Romanticism.
[lively music continues]
[gentle music]
I love these kind of museums
because you can feel how the people live different ages.
You can feel the rises of Madrid in the 19th century,
the rise of culture, art and economy and the bourgeoisie.
We are in the room of all the artists of those years.
Siter Amadrid is like the Penelope Cruz of the Romanticism.
This house, this small palace reflects how was the life
of a typical family of the 19th century
and it reflects all the areas of a typical house.
[gentle music continues]
[soft bright music]
Madrid is a beautiful city,
so where do we go for the best views?
Let's see the recommendations.
Trip Advisor and Yelp say
Circulo de Bellas Artes has the best view of the city.
This is one of the trendiest rooftop terraces
with great views of Madrid for sure.
You won't find a single local there.
We prefer the Debod Temple.
You will find lots of couples on first dates
and it's so historic, romantic.
It's so Madrid.
Come with me, let's see the views.
[soft bright music continues]
I told ya, the perfect spot for sunsets.
And this is the Debod Temple.
It's an unexpected monument.
It was a gift from Egypt to Spain and I love this place.
[soft bright music continues]
And after sunset time to dress up,
we have to find a good restaurant.
It's very difficult in Madrid.
We have lots of good restaurants,
but what are the top recommendations on the internet?
Okay, typical, the area of Jorge Juan Street
it's very cool, but perhaps too showoff.
I would recommend instead La Beuna Vida, the Good Life.
It's one of my favorite restaurants in Madrid.
They have the best product, classic recipes
and an excellent wine cellar.
[bright music]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
This is a puff pastry with anchovies, handmade of course,
and it's like a snack.
[speaking in foreign language]
[bright music continues]
You can't imagine how it smells.
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
[speaking in foreign language]
This is maybe my favorite tour of Madrid.
Now after this spectacular dinner,
let's go to perhaps the last place,
but in Madrid, you never know.
[bright upbeat music]
To end the day or start the night,
This is the place to be
because as you know, all in Madrid is about nightlife.
[bright upbeat music continues]
[bright upbeat music continues]
These are my favorite spots in Madrid.
Do you agree with my suggestions?
Let us know what you think.
[bright upbeat music fades]
The Internet’s NYC Travel Tips Are All Wrong
The Internet’s Madrid Travel Tips Are All Wrong
Everything That Makes B.I (비아이) Proud to Be Korean
Everything Kelly Rowland Loves About Atlanta
Everything That Makes Zara Larsson Proud to Be Swedish
A Day Making 5,000 Bagels at One of NYC’s Oldest Bagel Shops
Everything MUNA Loves About L.A.
Everything 'Drag Race' Star Queen Priyanka Loves About Toronto
Rob Lowe & John Owen Lowe’s Favorite Things About L.A.
We Tried Dubai’s Michelin-Rated Food For Under $20