{"id":7019,"date":"2020-03-13T11:52:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T11:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/discover-hidden-gems-in-madrid\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T09:11:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T09:11:17","slug":"discover-hidden-gems-in-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/discover-hidden-gems-in-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Hidden Gems in Madrid","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2013<\/em>\u00a0This post was written by Liam McGarry<\/em>\u00a0\u2013<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, you\u2019ve visited each corner of the Golden Triangle<\/a> and had your fill of calamari sandwiches. You\u2019ve had a peek at the gargantuan Royal Palace<\/a>, and gone for an oh-so-pleasant stroll through Retiro Park. These are all musts for your checklist \u2013 but what about the hidden gems in Madrid?

To really get a flavor of royal Madrid, you need to scout out the locals\u2019 favorites: secret bars, little-known restaurants, buzzing mercados, <\/em>and much-loved pastimes. Be tempted by tapas, clink your ca\u00f1as (tiny beers), and see the side of the city locals experience every day!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Find sandy beaches in Madrid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Photo by travelnow.or.crylater<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Okay, so technically Madrid is landlocked. Quite frustratingly so, if you\u2019re looking to get your tan on. There are a solid 350 kilometers between the Spanish capital and the nearest spot of ocean.

But, there are gorgeous beaches near <\/em>Madrid where you can relax and unwind, and be buried from the neck down by a pack of unruly children *shakes fist at the sky*. Read the descriptions below and see if any of these beaches close to Madrid fit your itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alberche Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most accessible of the beaches in Madrid (almost) is Alberche. This riverside retreat is a picturesque escape from the urban haze of the city. Cool off with a swim, and bring a picnic if you\u2019re trying to do Madrid on a budget. It\u2019s one of the more idyllic hidden gems in Madrid, especially if you can avoid peak times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Lancha del Yelmo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Life\u2019s a\u2026 reservoir? Wait, don\u2019t scroll past La Lancha del Yelmo just yet! An hour\u2019s drive from El Foro,<\/em> it can be a pickle getting there, but intrepid travelers who are able to rent a car or brave public transport are richly rewarded. This nature-haven is a popular spot for swimming, biking, and hiking beside the San Juan Reservoir. It makes for a worthwhile adventure in some of Spain\u2019s lesser-seen great outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valencia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by Kit Suman<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Valencia is a long way from Madrid as the crow flies. But, did the crow ever think to board a high-speed train? 

The autonomous community of Valencia is just 1 hour and 48 minutes from the capital by rail, giving you ample time to soak up the sun at one of the region\u2019s beautiful seaside perches, even if you\u2019re only able to make a day\u2019s trip.

The easiest and most popular option is La Malvarrosa<\/strong>, the closest stretch of sand to the city. It\u2019s a giant seaside space, lined with palm trees and frequented by joggers, cyclists, and local volleyball legends. Perfect if you like to people-watch while you chill.

For a quaint and quiet escapade, Port Saplaya<\/strong> is one of the numerous towns worldwide dubbed ‘Little Venice’,<\/em> due to its perfectly pastel houses and weaving waterways. If long walks on the beach are your thing, you can actually mosey along the water from La Malvarosa up to Port Saplaya in around 45 minutes. Why not go for a stroll and stop in at one of the local restaurants along the way?

For a sandy retreat popular with locals, opt for the rolling dunes and blue water of El Saler; i<\/strong>t\u2019s only a bus ride out of the city in alluring Albufera. The birthplace of paella is also home to a sweeping, coastal nature reserve.

Like your beaches with a side of ancient history? The intriguing Roman town of Sagunto<\/strong> is a train ride north of Valencia if you don\u2019t mind adding a little extra travel time to your day trip from Madrid!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Say \u201cSalud!\u201d at these secret bars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Photo by Iago DL<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Amalavida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The world needs more dog-friendly cocktail bars, so kudos to the guys at Amalavida<\/a>. Bark and Stormy, anyone? Maybe a Long Island Iced Beagle?

Head to the Malasa\u00f1a neighborhood for a modern bar dressed in that recycled industrial chic look. Visit for trendy music and tasty food. A perfect way to start a night out in Madrid!

Further dog-cocktail jokes: French Bulldog Martini, Rex on the Beach, Dogmopolitan, Old Dachshund, Bloody Hairy, Cosmopoodleton, Bloodhound Mary.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

El Jard\u00edn Secreto de Salvador Bachiller<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you just need to look up. Right in the mix, on busy Calle de la Montera, a miniature oasis exists to those in the know. What at first glance is just <\/em>a store selling fashionably expensive bags, in fact, hosts a charming botanical hangout on the roof. You don\u2019t stumble upon it by chance!

Find the elevator at the back of the store, and relax in garden-like tranquility with teas and specialty coffees. There\u2019s quick and filling food, and a menu of ultra-refreshing, original cocktails. A security guard will show you the way up to this secret bar after dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Coquette<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Self-described as Madrid\u2019s ‘last temple of blues’, this underground brick-decor venue is for fans of live music and dive-bar coziness. Artists from around the world pass through here every week, and in the absence of a billed performer, there are also epic jam sessions to accompany your chosen beverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azotea del C\u00edrculo<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll be honest: This one\u2019s less of a secret bar in Madrid. But, we\u2019d be doing you all a disservice by not mentioning the C\u00edrculo’s sweeping city views and a menu designed by a Spanish cocktail champion (champion of making them rather than drinking them, we\u2019re guessing, although we would be impressed either way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Chow down at this Chinese restaurant<\/strong> \u2013<\/strong> a local-approved Madrid hidden gem!<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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