Local Insight:Madrid’s city center sits atop a network of medieval tunnels and underground rivers. The name “Madrid” itself is believed to come from the Arabic “Mayrit,” meaning “place of abundant water,” a secret history you’ll uncover on its best walking tours.

The tradition of tapas began in Madrid as a practical measure—bartenders would place a small plate (“tapa”) on top of a drink to keep flies out. Today, that simple act has evolved into a vibrant social ritual you can experience firsthand on a guided tapas walking tour.

Look for the small bronze statue of a devil on Calle de la Cruz. Locals touch its horns for luck. This “Diablo Cojuelo” is a hidden reference to a 17th-century play and is one of many quirky details a good walking tour guide will point out in Madrid’s old streets.

Walking is the only way to truly feel Madrid’s rhythm. You’ll stumble upon hidden plazas, hear live music from a tucked-away bar, and smell churros frying—experiences you’d miss from a bus or car. It’s how the city reveals its secrets.