Madrid's Districts

more than a year ago

The most attractive districts of the 6mln Spanish capital you can discover by foot, using the public transport (one of the best in Europe), or taking the tourist buses. Either way hop off and on often to see the main central districts.

Sol and Austrias

The oldest city center districts to get acquainted with the Spanish medieval royal traditional environment at its best taverns, markets, palaces, gardens and cathedrals. You can start your walk at Plaza Mayor - the main city square from medieval times. Make sure to plan a visit at the distinguished by Guinness as the oldest restaurant in the world - Restaurante del Botín. It is famous for its top quality of traditional cuisine. In Austrias you can see Madrid´s main cathedral Almudena and Royal Palace and Gardens, as well as the Royal Opera and the Royal Theatre Houses. Plan a stop at the best cafeteria to try Madrid`s Chocolate with churros and try the Spanish way to enjoy hot chocolate. Casa de Torrijas is another obligatory stop for those who have a sweet tooth.

Letras

The district of poets, theatre, jazz and lively tapas bars with the favourite outdoor terraces of the people of Madrid to meet and get together for tapas and wine. Barrio de las Letras - the Poet´s and Writer´s district, is famous for the poetry quotes you can read on the main street Huertas, writers´houses as Casa Museo Lope de Vega, which offers free guided tours. On both sides of Huertas you can discover some of the most lively bars of Madrid´s night life, as Populart, as well as many art galleries, boutiques, book and antique stores. Huertas street ends at St. Ana Square, where tourists usually enjoy a walk and "terraceo" - sitting for a beer and tapas in the open chatting with the local people. At St. Ana´s square you can see the monuments of Lorca and Calderon, as well as visit on of the best theatres in town - Teatro Español.

Princesa, Conde Duque, Chamberí, Salamanca and Retiro

The most elegant districts preferred for living and dining by the affluent local population are located next to the best parks, temples, museums and gardens. Plan to see the sunset or sunrise at Templo de Debod - an Egyptian temple, saved by the Spanish as it was going to be lost by the rising of lake Nasser, brought to Madrid stone by stone and rebuilt in the 1970s. Another top plan is a visit at Cerralbo Museum, where you can see on of the finest private XXc collections of the Marquis of Cerralbo family. Make a stop at España Square - Plaza de España - in Conde Duque area, where as symbols of Spain you can see Cervantes heroes Don Quijote and Sancho Panza biggest monument in Madrid. Malasaña is a great quarter to visit also at Conde Duque, with its especially attractive city life for young people, who gather there every warm night to chat and enjoy this most picturesque part of the city often until dawn. Café La Palma is one of the most original places, where you can enjoy a top quality live musical program of tropical influences.

Chueca

Chueca is the gay district famous for its gourmet restaurants, art shops and bars. You can visit the Casino of Madrid "Gran Madrid", the Museum of the Romantisism, with its unique magnolia garden, the Madrid´s Wax Museum and the emblematic Le Cocó tapas bar and restaurant can become your favourite gourmet experience in arty environment.

Lavapies and Malasaña

These are multicultural districts most loved by young people for its lively art life, meeting and hanging out places and squares. Malasaña is a great quarter to visit also at Conde Duque, with its especially attractive city life for young people, who gather there every warm night to chat and enjoy this most picturesque part of the city often until dawn. Café La Palma is one of the most original places, where you can enjoy a top quality live musical program of tropical influences. Lavapies and Malasaña are multicultural districts most loved by young people for its lively art life, meeting and hanging out places and squares. Malasaña is a great quarter to visit also at Conde Duque, with its especially attractive city life for young people, who gather there every warm night to chat and enjoy this most picturesque part of the city often until dawn. Café La Palma is one of the most original places, where you can enjoy a top quality live musical program of tropical influences.

Castellana

And finally there's Castellana, Madrid's business district with its shiny highrise towers, the Gates of Europe and the Bernabeu Football Stadium.

Madrid