Madrid is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and we will tell you the tourist traps to avoid in Madrid for your next trip.
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is filled with culture, art, and history, but like any major city, it has its fair share of tourist traps.
Being aware of these can enhance your experience and help you enjoy what the city truly has to offer. Here’s a guide to some common tourist traps in Madrid and better alternatives
What Is The Best Way From Madrid Airport To City Center?
The best way from Madrid airport to city center if you are getting to Madrid at night time is by Airport Express Bus 24 hours for €5 and it will take 30-40 minutes. If you go by metro you will be able to reach everywhere in Madrid for €8 and 45 minutes travel time.
Read here How to get from Madrid Airport to city center and how to buy a Sim Card Madrid Airport
Read here Tips for living as an expat in Madrid, how to get from Madrid itinerary
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Tips for Visiting Madrid
Time Your Meals Like a Local
Spaniards eat on a different schedule than many visitors are used to:
Breakfast is light, around 8–10 AM.
Lunch (la comida) is the biggest meal, typically between 2–4 PM.
Dinner is late—don’t expect a full dinner before 9 PM!
Tip: Try the menú del día—a multi-course lunch menu offered at many restaurants for a great price (usually €10–15).
Stay Central but Avoid the Noise
Popular neighborhoods like Sol and Gran Vía are great for sightseeing but can be crowded and noisy at night.
Best areas to stay:
Malasaña – young, trendy, great nightlife
Chueca – LGBTQ-friendly and stylish
La Latina – tapas heaven and more local feel
Salamanca – upscale and quieter
Take Advantage of Free Museum Times
Madrid’s art scene is world-renowned, and you can save money by visiting during free hours:
Prado Museum: Free daily from 6–8 PM (Sunday 5–7 PM)
Reina Sofía: Free Mon/Wed–Sat from 7–9 PM; Sundays from 12:30–2:30 PM
Thyssen-Bornemisza: Free Mondays from 12–4 PM
Tip: Arrive early for the free entry windows—they do get crowded.
Use Public Transport and Walk
Madrid’s metro system is clean, fast, and extensive. It’s the best way to get around.
Tips:
Buy a 10-journey ticket to save money.
Download the Madrid Metro app or use Google Maps for directions.
The city is also very walkable—pack comfy shoes and explore neighborhoods on foot.
Join a Free Walking Tour
Get your bearings and some local insight by joining a free walking tour. These are tip-based and run daily from Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor.
Tip: Look for small group options or niche tours (like food, history, or street art).
Eat Where Locals Eat
Skip restaurants with photos on the menu or aggressive hawkers outside.
Look for:
Busy spots filled with locals
Cañas y tapas bars (beer and tapas culture)
Hole-in-the-wall places like El Tigre or Taberna El Sur
Explore Beyond the Big Sights
While the Royal Palace, Prado, and Retiro Park are must-sees, some of Madrid’s best gems are in its neighborhoods:
Lavapiés – multicultural, artsy, great food scene
Conde Duque – hipster hangouts, indie boutiques
Chamberí – authentic Madrid with less tourist traffic
Shop at Local Markets, Not Just El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés is everywhere, but for a real experience, head to:
Mercado de San Miguel (touristy but fun for snacks)
Mercado de San Antón – great rooftop bar
Mercado de Maravillas – local and authentic with great produce
Catch a Flamenco Show—But Choose Wisely
Yes, flamenco is touristy—but it’s also an integral part of Spanish culture.
Go to:
Casa Patas (authentic, though now closed temporarily—check status)
Cardamomo – intimate and top-rated
Corral de la Morería – considered Madrid’s most prestigious
Avoid overpriced shows that come with mediocre dinner packages.
Keep Your Belongings Close
Madrid is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common in touristy areas like:
Sol
Gran Vía
Metro stations
Retiro Park
Tips:
Use a crossbody or anti-theft bag.
Don’t hang your bag on the back of your chair.
Keep phones and wallets in front pockets.
Tourist Traps to Avoid in Madrid
1. Restaurants in Plaza Mayor
Why to Avoid: The restaurants in Plaza Mayor are often overpriced and cater primarily to tourists, offering subpar food at inflated prices.
Alternative: Walk a few blocks away from the Plaza to find more authentic and affordable dining options. The La Latina and Lavapiés neighborhoods are nearby and offer a wide range of restaurants serving delicious Spanish and international cuisines.
Restaurants can be 20-30% more expensive and some of them do not have the best quality!
2. Souvenir Shops Near Major Attractions
Why to Avoid: Shops around major tourist spots like the Royal Palace or Prado Museum tend to sell generic, overpriced souvenirs that are often not even made in Spain.
Alternative: For unique local crafts, visit markets like Mercado de Motores or the El Rastro flea market. Here you can find authentic Spanish goods, from handcrafted jewelry to art, at reasonable prices.
3. Flamenco Shows Marketed to Tourists
Why to Avoid: While flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture, many of the flamenco shows in central areas are designed for tourists and can be overpriced.
Alternative: Seek out a flamenco show at a tablaos or a cultural center known for its authenticity, such as Casa Patas in Lavapiés or Cardamomo, where the locals go.
4. Overpriced Tapas Bars on Gran Vía
Why to Avoid: Gran Vía is a busy street popular with tourists, and many bars there charge much more for tapas and drinks compared to less central locations.
Alternative: Visit bars in the Malasaña or Chueca districts for more authentic and reasonably priced tapas. These neighborhoods are known for their vibrant nightlife and local crowd.
Just 5 minutes walking distance you will find bars where ordering 2-3 beers you will have enough tapas to make it your dinner.
5. Street Performers and Costume Characters in Puerta del Sol
Why to Avoid: The central square can be fun to visit, but the performers and costumed characters often expect tips in exchange for photos, and some can be quite pushy.
Alternative: Enjoy these performances from a distance if you’re interested, but always watch your belongings closely in crowded areas.
6. Generic Paella on Touristy Streets
Why to Avoid: Authentic paella is from Valencia, not Madrid, and many restaurants in tourist-heavy areas serve a commercialized version that lacks the true flavor and quality.
Alternative: For authentic Spanish cuisine, consider trying local specialties like cocido madrileño (a traditional chickpea stew) in less tourist-focused restaurants.
7. High-Cost Guided Tours
Why to Avoid: While some guided tours offer valuable insights and history, they can sometimes be pricey and no more informative than a good travel book or free audio guide.
Alternative: Opt for free walking tours (just tip the guide what you feel is fair) or download an audio guide for a self-paced tour of the city’s historic sites and museums.
By avoiding these traps, you’ll be better positioned to explore Madrid’s authentic charm and enjoy experiences that truly reflect the local culture and lifestyle.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.