Madrid is the capital of Spain and it is a vibrant city that offers world-class museums and galleries. Travelers also love to visit this city to take advantage of the shopping scene, and the active nightlife and to admire the beautiful architecture of its buildings. Although Madrid boasts lots of modern attractions, it is also home to historic landmarks like ancient ruins and temples, plus cultural highlights like small markets.
As you can tell, this place has quite a lot to offer. As with most big cities, Madrid is made up of a series of neighborhoods and each one is unique. You will need to go to a certain part of town depending on what you want to do since some places have better shopping, dining or cultural attractions than others, and if you want to experience every side of Madrid you should try to travel around the city as much as possible! When you are out exploring the individual neighborhoods and get weighed down, leave your shopping bags or heavy backpacks at a luggage storage in Madrid.
Chueca
One of the most lively and trendy neighborhoods in Madrid is Chueca, which is also the city’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. The people in this part of the city are friendly and welcoming, and there is also a wide selection of hipster cafes and shops as well as nightclubs and bars where you can grab a drink and meet some pretty cool locals. If you are visiting Madrid in the summertime you will want to come here for the Madrid Pride festival which is one of the biggest in the world!
Other attractions are available year-round, like Mercado de San Antón which is a 3-story gourmet market that all foodies will adore (check out the rooftop bar!). Another great bar in this part of the city is called Museo Chicote, and you can find some other terrific dining and drinking options around the Plaza de Chueca. Feel like going shopping? The Gran Via is just a short walk away.
Malasaña
Just next to Chueca is Malasaña, another hip neighborhood that has its own historic background. This part of the city was named after Manuela Malasaña, a young seamstress who was tried and executed during the Peninsula War after her scissors were unfairly interpreted as a weapon.
After the dictatorship ended in the late 1900s this part of town was transformed from a rough-around-the-edges place to a more trendy area with cool boutiques and vintage stores. However, it still has a rebellious vibe to it and there is hip graffiti and street art found throughout its maze of streets. One of the things that you should do here includes visiting the Plaza de Dos Mayo which is where the battle against Napoleon of 1802 happened!
La Latina
History buffs will appreciate a trip to La Latina which is one of the oldest parts of Madrid. Tourists come here to appreciate the old architecture and cobblestone streets, some of which date back to the 18th century, as well as the fantastic cuisine offered in its restaurants and tapas bars. If you can, we highly recommend visiting on a Sunday when El Rastro, a 400-year-old flea market, happens every week.
La Cava Baja, one of the most popular streets in the area, also comes alive on Sundays with bars serving fantastic draft beers, wines, and tapas. This is also where you can find Posada de la Villa, an old flour mill that has been in Madrid since 1642. Want to learn more about the history of this neighborhood and the rest of Madrid? Check out the interactive exhibits of the San Isidro Museum!
Salamanca
If you are looking for glam and luxury during your trip to Madrid then Salamanca is the best place to be. This is the most upscale neighborhood of the city and you can find expensive and prestigious Spanish designer brands in the shops along the Golden Mile, making it a fantastic shopping destination for fashionistas. It was meant to be an exclusive spot for the Spanish aristocracy in the 19th century, although today anyone is welcome to browse its shops.
Even if you are shopping on a budget you should be able to find something affordable since there are some charming traditional covered markets hidden throughout its streets as well. Treat yourself to a designer drink or Michelin-star dish from one of the restaurants when you want a break from shopping!
Chamberí
Chamberí is often frequented by the older population of Madrid, but don’t underestimate it, this neighborhood is beautiful and has its own charm and personality. It started out as a zone for the working class in the 19th century and is a quiet and laid-back area today.
In the center of the neighborhood is the beautiful Plaza Olavide which is complimented by the historic mansions and spacious streets of the surrounding area. Chamberí is also a business district that houses offices, bars, and restaurants. While you are here, go on a walking tour to spot all of the stunning architectural masterpieces, like the British Council and Instituto Internacional buildings! Another highlight of the neighborhood is the Museo Sorolla which was once the residence and working place of a very talented artist.
Puerto del Sol
No list of Madrid neighborhoods would be complete without mentioning Sol, the center of the city and its primary social hub. This place has been important to Madrid since the 19th century and you will find many of the main landmarks situated in the Plaza de la Puerta del Sol. Some of the attractions that are worth checking out include the Bear and Strawberry Tree sculpture which is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, as well as the Equestrian Statue of King Charles III.
If you ever spend New Year’s Eve in this city you will notice a huge crowd at the Casa de Correos which is home to the clock that counts down to the beginning of the New Year. Locals have a tradition of eating 12 grapes along with the chimes of the clock to celebrate the holiday!
Discovering a New Side of Madrid
Now you know a bit more about the places that you can visit while in Madrid! There is a neighborhood suited to every lifestyle and taste, but if you want to make the most of your vacation you should try stopping by them all. With so many unique places to visit, Madrid never gets boring.
Citations
https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/facts-about-madrid/
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-trendiest-neighborhoods-in-madrid/
http://www.nakedmadrid.com/madrid-neighborhoods/
https://www.frommers.com/destinations/madrid/planning-a-trip/neighborhoods-in-brief
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-neighborhoods-in-madrid
