But never fear\u2014it is<\/em> possible to explore off the beaten path in Madrid. In fact, this is where some of the city’s greatest treasures and other hidden gems<\/a> lie!<\/p>\n\n\n Without a doubt, many of Madrid\u2019s main attractions are absolutely worth battling the masses. But think beyond El Prado museum and the famous churros at San Gin\u00e9s. You’ll discover a plethora of places packed with culture, beauty and, of course, spectacular Madrid food<\/a>\u2014you just need to know where to look. <\/p>\n\n\n So ditch the guidebook, toss the tourist map, and follow these tips and tricks to explore Madrid off the beaten path!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Madrid’s premier art museum is, of course, <\/span>a must-see sight in the city. But at the Royal Tapestry Factory<\/a>, art literally comes to life!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n This is the perfect way to get off the beaten path in Madrid for art aficionados. You can tour the working factory and watch expert weavers at work creating <\/span>spectacular tapestries. Learn about the factory’s nearly 300-year history and gaze upon fantastically preserved tapestries created by masters like Juan Gris. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n English-language guided tours are available and can be scheduled in advance by contacting the museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n The Mercado de San Fernando<\/a>, in the thriving immigrant neighborhood of Lavapi\u00e9s, is the locals-only version of the tourist-heavy Mercado de San Miguel<\/a>. This smaller, more intimate market comes complete with a local soundtrack of kids playing, adults chatting, glasses clinking, and butchers chopping. <\/p>\n\n\n Start by grabbing a craft beer from La Buena Pinta or a local wine from La Siempre Llena while snacking on tasty tapas from one of the many caf\u00e9s and restaurants throughout the market. From Mexican to Portuguese to Peruvian, it’s all here at this non-touristy Madrid market off the beaten path.<\/p>\n\n\n As if the name wasn’t enticing enough (capricho<\/em> means “whim” or “craving”), the bright flowerbeds, bubbling fountains and kids’ playground complete with a moat and cannons will undoubtedly make the trek to Parque del Capricho well worth the metro ride. <\/p>\n\n\n The park has charmed madrile\u00f1os <\/em>since the 18th century. It was created in 1784 as an artistic reprieve from city life for one of Madrid\u2019s most powerful families, the Duke of Osuna. Today, however, locals and visitors alike from all walks of life can enjoy its splendor. <\/p>\n\n\n Hop on the green metro (Line 5) to the El Capricho station and you’ll be strolling through this secluded oasis in no time. It’s the most relaxing way to get off the beaten path in Madrid!<\/p>\n\n\n You can even shop your way off the beaten path in Madrid! <\/p>\n\n\n If the sprawling neighborhood-wide El Rastro flea market<\/a> seems a tad overwhelming, the smaller, mostly indoor Mercado de Motores<\/a> is the ideal place to pick up unique items in Madrid. Located in the Railway Museum, the Mercado de Motores packs stalls of antiques, recycled-object crafts, second-hand clothes and more between old locomotives and metro cars. There are even food trucks, live performances, activities for kids, and so much more!<\/p>\n\n\n Everyone loves a serving of piping hot chocolate con churros<\/em>. After all, who can resist crispy fried dough dipped in chocolate? Few, however, know about another true Madrid classic, the soletilla<\/em>\u2014the most delicious way to get off the beaten path in Madrid<\/p>\n\n\n This light sponge cake is the specialty of the house at one of Madrid’s oldest pastry shops, El Riojano. It was once brought as a gift to pregnant women because it was nice and light (and therefore recommended at the time). Order one of these and a cup of El Riojano’s famous hot chocolate and you’ll see that there’s a whole world of chocolate-dunking sweet treats beyond churros!<\/p>\n\n\n Finding fantastic, authentic food within an easy walking distance of Madrid\u2019s main plaza, Puerta del Sol, can be a challenge. Streets packed with restaurants catering primarily to tourists surround the square\u2014so to find food that’s actually worth your time, you’ll have to head a bit further afield. <\/p>\n\n\n Some excellent restaurants near Sol<\/a> that locals can vouch for are:<\/p>\n\n\n Looking for a spectacular view<\/a> of the Spain\u2019s capital city? Don\u2019t follow your travel guide book\u2019s advice and pay and arm and a leg to get to the top of a hotel terrace!<\/p>\n\n\n Instead, head to the C\u00edrculo de Bellas Artes building, where a mere \u20ac5 gets you access to the impressive Azotea rooftop<\/a>, which overlooks some of the most spectacular buildings in the city. Lounge on outdoor sofas while sipping a handcrafted cocktail and gazing out over the twinkling city lights. We highly recommend timing your visit to watch the sunset!<\/p>\n\n\n Here\u2019s Spain’s worst kept secret: sangria really isn\u2019t very Spanish. <\/p>\n\n\n Yes, it was technically invented here<\/a>, but you won’t find it flowing freely from behind every bar in town. In fact, much of Madrid’s sangria is usually found in restaurants and bars that cater to tourists (although there are exceptions to this rule!). <\/p>\n\n\n Instead, most madrile\u00f1os<\/em> opt for tinto de verano<\/i>, a simple cocktail red wine mixed with lemon soda. It quenches your thirst while lounging on the sunny terraces of summertime Spain. Getting off the beaten path in Madrid has never been more refreshing.<\/p>\n\n\n When in Madrid, eat as the madrile\u00f1os<\/em> eat. That means ditching cast-iron pans of paella for the multi-course feast that is cocido madrile\u00f1o<\/a><\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n Paella (which is actually from Valencia, a city about 220 miles east of Madrid) may have the international fame. But cocido<\/em>\u2014a stew of pork, beef, chicken, chorizo, vegetables and garbanzos\u2014is definitely the hometown favorite. During the winter months<\/a>, restaurants across the city brew up big pots of cocido<\/em> to warm the bellies of Spaniards and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n If Don Quixote is more your style than Don Juan, then swap the swords of Toledo<\/a> for the birthplace of Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. <\/p>\n\n\n In the cozy town of Alcal\u00e1 de Henares, located an easy 30-minute train ride from Madrid, you\u2019ll find a gorgeous university, a beautifully manicured plaza featuring a statue of Cervantes, tours of the house where the famous author was born, and an array of delicious pastries perfected over the centuries by Alcal\u00e1\u2019s traditional bakers.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Person](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/madrid-street-U.jpeg\")
1. Explore the Tapestry Museum Instead of El Prado<\/h2>\n\n\n
2. Eat at the San Fernando Market instead of San Miguel<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/mercado-san-fernando-madrid-WMC.jpeg\")
3. Relax in Parque del Capricho Instead of Retiro<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Walking](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parque-del-capricho-fcc.jpg\")
4. Shop at Mercado de Motores Instead of El Rastro<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/mercado-de-motores-WMC.jpeg\")
5. Try Spanish Hot Chocolate at El Riojano Instead of San Gin\u00e9s<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Overhead](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/soletilla-and-hot-chocolate-el-riojano-madrid.jpg\")
6. Dine at a Local Madrid Restaurant Instead of Tourist-Centered Spots<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Interior](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/la-bola-dining-room-madrid.jpeg\")
7. See the Views from the C\u00edrculo de Bellas Artes Rooftop Instead of a Hotel Terrace<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Sunset](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/circulo-de-bellas-artes-azotea-terrace-madrid-U.jpeg\")
8. Cool Down with Tinto de Verano Instead of Sangria<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Person's](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/tinto-de-verano-1.jpeg\")
9. Eat Cocido Madrile\u00f1o Instead of Paella<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Plate](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cocido-madrilen\u0303o.jpg\")
10. Take a Day Trip to Alcal\u00e1 de Henares Instead of Toledo<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/alcala-de-henares-U.jpeg\")