How to Travel Like a Local

by Emily Wilson

Avid explorers often find that the best travel tips come from locals. More often than not, the people you chat to on a bus can offer more valuable advice than most expensive travel guides. But how do you gather the courage to ask a local for advice?

Meet Stay.com.

This FREE travel app, available for iOS and Android, has revolutionised the concept of travel guides with advice provided by locals, allowing you to easily travel like a local. We’ve tested the Stay app ourselves (it’s available online and offline!) and put all of our favorite places in a killer Spotahome Guide for Madrid.

Travel like a local in Madrid:

For vegans, vegetarians, or those on a specialised diet:

VivaBurger

Costanilla de San Andrés, 16, 28005 Madrid

Labelled Viva la Vida! on Stay.com, VivaBurger is a unique vegetarian restaurant that fits in well with its La Latina surroundings. Their name is a giveaway – if you didn’t guess already, VivaBurger specialises in veggie burgers, but they also serve salads, wraps and even cocktails that are 100% animal-product free.

Image source: http://www.vivaburger.es/

For a different kind of night out:

The Passenger

Calle del Pez, 16, 28004 Madrid

This vibrant bar has been described as one of Madrid’s most unique places to spend a night out. As indicated by its name, The Passenger is decorated like a train – the walls are even adorned with photos of landscapes to make you feel as if you were whizzing through the countryside! Chill out here during the day, or come at night time to enjoy live music and comedy performances!

For family-friendly outings:

Zoo Aquarium de la Casa de Campo

Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid

Situated in the heart of Casa de Campo, this zoo/aquarium is one of the largest in Spain. If you enjoy gawping at both sea and land animals, visit Zoo Aquarium de la Casa de Campo – who will enjoy this more, you, or your children?

For an adventure off the beaten track:

Esta es una Plaza

28012, Calle del Dr. Fourquet, 24, 28012 Madrid

This vibrant community garden has been likened to similar spaces in Berlin. Visit this lively plaza to view street art, listen to live jam-sessions and soak up the energetic atmosphere.

Hammam Al Andalus Baños Árabes

Calle de Atocha, 14, 28012 Madrid

When you planned your stay in Madrid, did visiting authentic Arabic baths come to mind? Enjoy a relaxing retreat in the Hammam Al Andalus - a tranquil oasis in the very centre of the bustling city. If you have enough time, why not try a massage whilst you’re there?

Image source: http://www.hammamalandalus.com/

So how does it work?

With Stay.com, you can either create your own guide or take inspiration from those already made by other people.

Visit the homepage to see a selection of guides made by locals from all over the world – WARNING: you may catch the travel bug in the process!

Do you have an insider’s scoop on your city that you’d love to share?

  • Create a FREE account.
  • Browse through thousands of guides by locals and organisations.
  • Click the I’ve Been Here button to offer your opinion.
  • ‘Drop a pin’ to place a new location and add it to your guide!
  • Add your favourite places to your own guide.
  • Start exploring!
hidden gems

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