A Local's Guide to Europe's Hidden Corners: Madrid, Portugal, and Amsterdam

Explore the trendy streets of Malasaña. This neighborhood is perfect for finding a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional 'Menú del Día'—a fixed-price multi-course lunch that office workers use to eat affordably.

Head to the traditional bars of La Latina for an authentic bar-hopping experience. Order a 'caña' (small beer) or a glass of wine, and enjoy the complimentary tapas that traditional bars automatically serve with your drink.

Visit the world-renowned Prado Museum during its secret free hours. To secure entry without paying the standard fee, line up 30 to 60 minutes before the free admission window begins.

See Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica, at the Reina Sofía. Take advantage of the museum's designated free evening hours to appreciate modern art without the crowds.

Spend Sunday afternoon in Retiro Park, which transforms into Madrid's living room. Pack a picnic with snacks from a local supermarket, find a spot on the grass near the Crystal Palace, and enjoy the drum circles and street performers.

Take a solo day trip to the medieval hilltop city of Toledo. Skip the expensive tour buses and take the fast 30-minute train from Madrid to explore the winding streets and historic cathedral at your own pace.

Indulge in world-famous churros with hot chocolate. While tourists wait in long lines during the day, the creator recommends visiting in the early morning hours after a night out when there is no wait.

Visit Cascais, a former fishing village that became a royal summer retreat. Walk the historic center, explore the clifftop paths, and enjoy fresh grilled fish delivered directly from the boats.

Explore the beautiful walled village of Óbidos. Walk the intact medieval ramparts, browse artisan shops, and try 'ginjinha' (cherry liquor) served in edible chocolate cups.

Check in for a fairytale night at this luxury castle hotel built directly into the fortified walls of Óbidos. Sleep in historic tower rooms and enjoy early morning access to the village walls before day trippers arrive.

Drive to Monsanto, one of the most unique villages in Portugal, where stone houses are built directly under and between massive, 50-ton granite boulders.

Journey south to Monsaraz, a stunning medieval village perched on a hilltop in the Alentejo region. Walk the castle ramparts at sunset for endless views over the golden plains and the Alqueva reservoir.

Escape to Comporta, a protected nature reserve and secret beach village. Enjoy miles of wild, empty Atlantic beaches backed by pine forests and rice paddies.

Spend time exploring De Pijp, a trendy, multicultural neighborhood. This is the perfect area to find hipster cafes, Surinamese, and Indonesian food away from the tourist traps.

Visit the Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam's largest outdoor market. Walk among the cheese vendors to sample aged Gouda and fresh stroopwafels at local prices.

Skip the expensive commercial canal cruises. Instead, take the free public ferry from Central Station to Amsterdam Noord to enjoy great views of the IJ River and the city skyline.

Visit the Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) to learn about the moving history of WWII in the Netherlands. It offers incredible exhibits with none of the long lines found at other major sites.

Discover Our Lord in the Attic, a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house with a completely hidden Catholic church built secretly into the attic floors.

Wander through the Jordaan neighborhood. This charming area is famous for its quiet canals, local boutique shops, and traditional Dutch 'brown cafes' where you can relax like a local.