Neighborhoods in Madrid

MADRID'S NEIGHBORHOODS

Sol – Puerta del Sol (an enormous plaza) is a major hub of activity. Locals often use it as a meeting place when unsure which direction the day will take. From here you can easily walk to any of the major neighborhoods, attractions or monuments. The streets radiating off the plaza are full of little shops also making it the beginning of many a shopping excursion.

Gran via - Gran Via is Madrid’s “Main Street” offering a great cross section of the population – ideal for getting a general sense of this town. The street isn’t long but showcases many of the big-name clothing stores, movie theaters, cafes and limited restaurants. Even though the streets are jammed with people, don’t forget to look up as the architecture here is one of the big draws.

Malasaña – Malasaña is a “love it or hate it” neighborhood. If you yearn for the rowdy energetic nightlife, it’s for you. Stumbling groups of drunken party kids my break into song or line the curbs drinking and laughing. The quantity of bars and music venues is impressive and if you aren’t afraid of crowds, chances are you’ll find a place that’s just right for you. However, don’t let all of this student revelry put you off; by day the barrio is quite different – even tranquil at times. Plaza Dos de Mayo offers great terrazas and there are plenty of interesting restaurants scattered throughout the area.

La Latina – La Latina is perhaps best described as the older sibling of grungy Malasaña. Many of the above dynamics are present to some extent: there is a festive atmosphere and, once again, plenty of bars and clubs. The primary difference is that the crowd is more thirties-and-up. In place of divey clubs you are more likely to encounter venues with artistic flair or bohemian elegance – many of them very affordable.

Huertas - Huertas is another twenty-something party neighborhood. Weekend nights the streets are a crush of locals and tourists alike. Differing from self-consciously alternative Malasaña, the Huertas crowd seeks larger venues and tends to dress for the occasion. During the week, the area calms down and you can find some interesting historic venues such as sherry bars and flamenco venues.

Chueca – Chueca is, of course, Madrid’s gay barrio. The welcoming plaza at its center and the network of little cafes, bars and clubs that extend outward give it a homey feel. Don’t let this hominess fool you, though – it’s a big neighborhood attracting all ages and types. The stores and restaurants represent this diversity from cheap kebab joints to exclusive restaurants and from alternative clubs to chichi wine bars.

Lavapiés - Lavapés is a unique international blend. Populated by immigrants, many consider it a "dangerous area", but residents of the hood often laugh at this designation. Unlike the other zones, the cute shops and trendy bars haven't made headway just yet. The neighborhood is a crowded and often chaotic collection of ethic restaurants - including Indian, Arabic and Senegalese - and local bars. In the warm months Calle Argumosa, with its many terrazas, is an ideal way to spend an day or evening.

---Published 2008-04-15

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