With 11 million visitors in 2024, Madrid finds itself grappling with the same overtourism challenges plaguing destinations worldwide. Rising accommodation costs, endless queues, and increasing local resentment have travellers questioning whether Spain’s capital is still worth the trip. As someone who works as a travel journalist and tour guide in Madrid, I’ve witnessed these changes firsthand—and I’m here to tell you that yes, Madrid is absolutely still worth visiting, but with some important caveats.
The Madrid worth visiting isn’t disappearing—it’s just waiting off the beaten-to-death track for travellers curious enough to find it.
The Reality of Overtourism in Madrid
Let’s address the elephant in the room: certain areas of Madrid have become genuinely unpleasant to navigate. Calle Mayor, the main thoroughfare connecting Sol to the Royal Palace, is so overcrowded that locals avoid it entirely. We’ve developed alternative routes through the city just to escape the tourist masses. The shops along this historic street have lost much of their authenticity, replaced by generic souvenir stores selling flamenco dresses and magnets destined for landfills.
The same fate has befallen San Miguel Market, once a charming local food market that pioneered the trend of revitalised indoor markets with pop-up shops and tiny restaurants. Today, it’s a victim of its own success—packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists in what has become a genuinely unpleasant experience.
Why Madrid Has an Edge Over Other Cities
Despite these challenges, Madrid has several advantages over similarly affected destinations. Unlike Barcelona, which is bounded by mountains and sea, Madrid can expand, offering visitors affordable accommodation options in neighbourhoods like Tetuán or Usera. A 30-minute commute from these areas puts you right in the heart of the action without the noise and inflated prices of the city centre.
Madrid’s excellent transport infrastructure is another game-changer. I recently visited Kyoto on a research trip for Lonely Planet and found the city struggling with overburdened buses and limited metro lines. By contrast, Madrid’s comprehensive public transport system makes it easy to stay further out while maintaining easy access to all major attractions.
Smart Strategies for Visiting Madrid
Timing is everything. Avoid August if possible—it’s peak tourist season when many local businesses close and the heat becomes oppressive. Instead, consider shoulder seasons when you’ll find better prices and more pleasant weather. If you do visit during July and August, check out my post on How to Survive Summer in Madrid.
Embrace the alternatives. While San Miguel Market may be overrun, Madrid’s trend of revitalised markets has spread to numerous other locations. Visit Mercado de San Fernando in Lavapiés for an authentic experience where locals still outnumber tourists. And for more options, check out my posts on overrated and underrated attractions in the city.
Stay smart. Book hotels rather than Airbnbs to avoid contributing to the housing crisis that’s displacing locals. If you must stay in the city centre, request a room facing the interior patio to escape street noise.
Go early. Popular attractions like the Prado Museum are just about manageable first thing in the morning. Always remember to get your ticket in advance to avoid getting stuck in long queues. For places like the Reina Sofía, visit on paid days rather than free days to avoid crowds.
Respectful Tourism Practices
The key to being welcome in Madrid lies in showing respect for local culture and customs. Learn basic Spanish phrases—even “hola,” “gracias,” and “una cerveza, por favor” go a long way. Understanding local etiquette helps too: never put your bag on the floor in bars, avoid removing your shirt in public spaces (unless you’re clearly in a park setting), and learn the queuing system at markets by asking “¿quién es el último?” to find your place in line.
Most importantly, drink responsibly. Spaniards enjoy alcohol slowly and sedately with food, and public drunkenness is viewed unfavourably. Keep celebrations joyful but controlled.
Hidden Madrid Worth Discovering
The beauty of Madrid lies beyond its famous attractions. Venture into the dip of land below Plaza Mayor to discover hidden gardens at Plaza de la Paja. Explore the secret spaces and quiet corners that most visitors miss—the small cinemas, art galleries, and tucked-away gardens that maintain their local character. For more on this, think about buying a copy of my book, Quiet Madrid.
For day trips, consider the extraordinary Cathedral of Justo Gallego in a Madrid suburb—an incredible structure built by one former monk using only scrap materials. If you love the Sagrada Família’s extravagance, this hidden gem will amaze you. This attraction is one of many you can find by getting a copy of Madrid Beyond the Guidebook, free when you sign up for my newsletter.
The Bigger Picture
Remember that overtourism is highly localised. While areas around the Royal Palace or along Calle Mayor may feel overwhelming, step just a few streets away and you’ll find authentic Madrid thriving. The city’s residents are friendly and welcoming—they travel themselves and understand tourism’s value when it’s respectful and thoughtful.
Madrid in 2025 remains a magnificent destination for those willing to venture beyond the obvious attractions. Plan ahead, show respect for locals, and explore the quieter corners of this intriguing city. The Madrid worth visiting isn’t disappearing—it’s just waiting off the beaten-to-death track for travellers curious enough to find it.
