Hidden Gems in Madrid: The Ultimate Guide

Celebrated for its incredible culture and history, Madrid is a stunning summertime destination with plenty of unique spots for those seeking out the perfect getaway speckled with hidden gems!

With a range of unique off-the-beaten-path destinations, intriguing attractions, small boutique hotels, and restaurants that only the locals know of, Madrid is the perfect place to be for those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind vacation.

Best Hidden Gem Hotels in Madrid

Known for its rich culture and history, Madrid is a truly stunning Spanish destination with plenty on offer, and when it comes to finding one of the best-hidden gem hotels to retreat to at the end of a long day exploring the city, we have you covered.

This selection of hotels consists of luxurious boutique spots and hidden gems that most visitors overlook in favor of large chain hotels and well-known names. Whether you’re looking for a stay with relaxing spa treatments, or indulgent fine-dining, there’s something for everyone here!

Bless Hotel Madrid, Salamanca, Madrid

This stunning hotel is a truly luxurious hidden gem, that’s tucked away in the heart of Madrid’s Salamanca neighborhood. It boasts flawless service and a great range of amenities to suit the needs of every guest, as well as some truly stunning architectural design, thanks to the artistic eye of Barcelona-based designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who blends contemporary and classic styles to create stunning spaces.

On-site services include complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, a helpful concierge service, and laundry services. There’s plenty to do nearby, including a great range of upscale dining spots, but be sure to enjoy the breakfast here at least once, as it features house-made culinary delights and made-to-order eggs.

The on-site Japanese-Mediterranean restaurant is well worth a visit too, and isn’t too far from the lobby bar, where you can enjoy a nightcap. If you fancy a drink during the day though, head upstairs to the terrace bar, which is situated next to the rooftop pool. The hotel also boasts a range of spa services, including massages, hot tubs, and a sauna, as well as a well-equipped exercise room.

Each of the rooms is designed with comfort at the forefront and is spacious despite the cozy atmosphere. Enjoy amenities such as a 55” cable TV, air conditioning, electric fireplaces, a coffee or tea maker, and a minibar. Some; rooms come with a separate living area too.

The Principal Madrid, Centro, Madrid

Situated in the heart of the city is The Principal Madrid, a truly stunning hotel in a bustling district, surrounded by a great range of shopping, dining, and entertainment, and boasting iconic views of Madrid’s Gran Via Avenue from the rooftop restaurant terrace.

This luxurious boutique hotel is home to a number of great facilities and amenities, including The Wellness Suite, which can be booked out for exclusive use and treatment sessions, as well as an on-site gym.

Restaurants and bars at the Principal Madrid are also absolutely outstanding. Be sure to spend some time at Atico restaurant and cocktail bar, where you can enjoy avant-garde haute cuisine and classic cocktails in a laid-back modern rooftop lounge and outdoor terrace, surrounded by original architecture that dates back to 1917. The menu here was created by two Michelin-star chef Ramoń Freida, who is also responsible for the dining experience at the other on-site restaurant, La Terraza. Both of these restaurants require advanced booking, so be sure to call ahead of your visit or chat with the concierge upon arrival to ensure you don't miss out.

Each of the 76 stylish and spacious rooms and suites at this hotel boasts air conditioning, cable and satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a desk, a safe, and a minibar. Some exclusive room types and suites include free access to wellness suite services butler service and Nespresso and coffee machines. No matter which room you choose expect true opulence and stunning design throughout.

Dear Hotel Madrid, Centro, Madrid

Situated next to Plaza de España in central Madrid and within one minute's walk of the metro station, this hotel is in both a stunning and convenient location. It is also within walking distance of other major landmarks, including the Royal Palace of Madrid, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor.

This stunning establishment is the epitome of Madrid’s boutique hotels. It features a truly great range of amenities and facilities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi, an exclusive buffet breakfast, personalized tourism planning, a gorgeous rooftop terrace plunge pool, and a solarium. 

The Nice to Meet You Restaurant & Lounge is located on the 14th floor and boasts a mouth-watering array of contemporary and cosmopolitan cuisine served with delicious cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. With 360° panoramic views of the city, and a multi-purpose space where you can enjoy DJ music on weekends or a romantic alfresco dining experience.

Each of the 162 rooms is bright and stylish and fitted with great amenities including sound-proofing, air conditioning, 40-inch flat-screen satellite and cable TVs, in-room video and audio streaming services, a pillow menu, a safe, a smartphone speaker, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a mini-bar with free mineral water.

Only YOU Boutique Hotel, Centro, Madrid

The award-winning Only YOU boutique hotel is located in Madrid's Salesas neighborhood and is situated just steps away from Madrid-Atocha Train Station. It offers stunning views over the Paseo Infanta Isabel and Calle Alfonso XII and is surrounded by a great range of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a truly convenient place to stay. There are also plenty of great attractions just a stone's throw away including The Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and The famous Puerta del Sol, all of which are easily accessible by a short taxi ride.

Situated inside an iconic 19th-century building, this hotel boasts spectacular amenities and facilities, including free WiFi, a cafe-bakery, and various lounge areas. There’s a breakfast room with stunning views of the city, the Thai Room with Asian spa treatments, a gorgeous cocktail bar, and a restaurant that doubles as an art gallery! It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a luxurious stay with a rich design.

All rooms at this hotel are soundproof and boast great amenities including large flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-bars. There’s a selection of different room types, but the spacious Fabulofts are one of the best, with gorgeous original exposed-wood beam ceilings and relaxing rain showers. If you’re looking for a romantic escape, be sure to book the Suiteheart. This spacious suite has gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces and a stunning book wall!

Totem Madrid , Salamanca, Madrid

Totem Madrid (often stylized as TOTEM Madrid or Tótem) is a stunning hotel located in a historical 19th-century building. It boasts a protected exterior but the interior has been re-imagined in a way that is modern, luxurious, and bright, creating a welcoming ambiance that promises a beautiful getaway from the moment you step through the doors. It is located in the beautiful Salamanca neighborhood, with gorgeous landmarks and attractions nearby, including the Retiro Park, the Golden Triangle, and Cybeles Fountain. It is also only a convenient two-minute walk away from the nearest metro station.

This stunning hotel is not only pleasing to the eye but also boasts a great range of on-site facilities and amenities, including free Wi-Fi, private parking, and on-site dining and drinking at El Pimiento Verde, which serves up authentic Basque cuisine.

The 64 rooms at this hotel are a mix of suites and pet-friendly accommodations, with some offering views of the surrounding Salamanca neighborhood. Each boasts relaxing modern decor, parquet floors, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, soundproofing, and Nespresso machines.

Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Madrid

When it comes to sampling delicious cuisine at a variety of Madrid's top hidden restaurants,  there's a great range on offer, from fresh seafood counter-only hole-in-the-wall-style establishments to luxurious and traditional dining rooms, there’s something for everyone here.

These restaurants focus on high-quality ingredients, and while some of these are popular amongst locals, when it comes to tourists, they’re all fairly well-kept secrets!

Fide Calle, Chamberí, Madrid

If you’re looking for a tiny, casual seafood spot, then look no further than Fide Calle, boasting a standing-only counter and serving up first-rate tapas style dishes and excellent local beers the seafood-rich spot imports its ingredients each week from the Galician town of Cambado.  Here, you can indulge in a great range of the best seafood delicacies including crabs, barnacles, pulpit camariñas, prawns, and shrimp, as well as a fantastic selection of anchovies served on toasted bread.

This tiny spot is often overlooked by tourists, since it's counter only space, with many opting to go for a more convenient sit-down dining experience.

Fismuler, Chamberí, Madrid

Praised for its simple and straightforward cooking style, Fismuler puts emphasis on enhancing flavors through high-quality ingredients And offers a great range of dishes ranging from artichoke rice with flamed snails for the adventurous to a mouth-watering Carrasco Iberico chorizo omelet with potato onion and fried green peppers. Lettuce is grown in their own garden, emphasizing the simplistic and natural approach they take to cooking, and allowing the quality of the ingredients to speak for themselves with their exquisite flavors

Sacha Restaurant, Chamartín, Madrid

Named after owner Sacha Hormaechea, Sacha Restaurant offers a lovingly crafted menu that includes an array of traditional Spanish cuisine with Catalan and Galician influences. It promises an outstanding selection of indulgent meat-based dishes, fresh seafood options, and delicate tapas, all created with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant itself is home to a serene outdoor patio for Alfresco dining during the summer time.

El Fogón de Trifón, Salamanca, Madrid

El Fogón de Trifón serves up delicious plate folds of outstanding Spanish cuisine with high-quality ingredients in all of its dishes, from artichoke with foie gras to fresh clams from Carrie. The restaurant itself boasts a cozy and homely atmosphere and a simple straightforward approach to dining that makes you treasure every bite. They’re also extremely friendly and make you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door.

Lhardy Restaurante, Centro, Madrid

Lhardy Restaurante is the place to be if you're looking for a true culinary journey where you can indulge in some exquisite food. This gorgeous restaurant dates back to 1839 and is continually committed to serving up its traditional recipes created with high-quality ingredients. The dining rooms here are refined and blend an aristocratic ambiance with style and comfort.

Best Hidden Gems in Madrid

If you're planning on discovering a variety of unique hidden gems during your trip to Madrid, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of interesting attractions and sites to add to your bucket list! From boulevards with hidden details, to hidden facts and areas in the greatest bullring in Spain, there’s something for everyone to discover here!

Paseo de Recoletos, Centro, Madrid

While many visitors seek out specific tourist destinations, few choose to visit some of the city's most infamous roads and boulevards. If you're looking to uncover something that many tourists miss out on by prioritizing getting everywhere on public transport, then be sure to head to this iconic street.

 This wide tree-lined Boulevard is the picture-perfect spot in Madrid for a casual stroll, dotted with various interesting things to look at along the way. Things to look out for include the Lucky Frog statue, the Christopher Columbus statue, and the National Library of Spain. Be sure to take a close look at the frog's belly as the artist has engraved various good luck symbols from different cultures on its tummy!

Las Ventas Bullring, Salamanca, Madrid

Spain is infamous for its bullfights, and to learn more about the history and culture of this sport, what better place to do that than at an actual bullring? Las Ventas is the largest bullring in all of Spain and is also considered to be the most important, having been built all the way back in 1929.

This tour takes you around this 45,800 square-meter arena (with a capacity of 23,797 people), that is often called the “Cathedral of Bullfighting”, to discover hidden corners, and learn parts of the history that many visitors don’t see. Thanks to this private VIP experience, you’re also able to ask your tour guides any questions about the bullring, enabling you to discover unique and interesting facts and hidden spots here that many others don’t even know about!

Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez, Retiro Park, Centro, Madrid

There's no hidden gem with a charm quite like that of a secret garden, and as such, we just had to include Madrid’s Secret Gardens (Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez) on this list. Not only is the entirety of Retiro Park a truly stunning spot, but this gorgeous burst of nature in the city center is also home to some majestic peacocks. 

There’s so much to see here, including a lake, a crystal palace, and a gorgeous rose garden, making it a gorgeous destination in late spring and early summer.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the bronze statue in the park called ‘The Fallen Angel’, this is actually the only statue in the world that's dedicated to the devil!

Temple of Debod, Moncloa-Aravaca, Madrid

The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple, despite being located in the heart of Madrid, just steps from the city's Royal Palace. This temple was actually gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government  back in 1968, for the help they provided in saving the Abu Simbel temples. There's a gorgeous park next to the temple with one of Madrid's best views, boasting sights of the skyline and the Royal Palace.

Many tourists don't know of it's existence, and as such, don't venture further past the Royal Palace. If you'd like to visit as part of a guided tour then you can do, with this Madrid must see tour, which ends at the stunning Debod temple for gorgeous views of the sunset.

Matadero Madrid, Arganzuela, Madrid

Located inside a former slaughterhouse along the Manzanares River, this unique dynamic cultural center is a bustling hub for contemporary art theater and cinema. While rather unassuming from the outside, this center is a statement in and of itself, in reference to Madrid's ability to seamlessly blend the old with the new, having transformed an industrial site into a lively cultural hub.

 At this center, visitors can enjoy a range of various different artistic events, exhibitions, and workshops that bring to life this vibrant city's artistic spirit.