Neighborhoods in Madrid

Posted by admin on April 15, 2008 at 12:00 am

MADRID’S NEIGHBORHOODS

Sol – Gran Vía – Malasaña – La Latina – Huertas – Chueca – Lavapiés – Argüelles & Moncloa – Conde Duque – Salamanca -
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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. Click here for a handful of highlights in the area.

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GRAN VÍA - 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. Click here for a handful of highlights in the area.

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 may 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. Click here for a handful of highlights in 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. Click here for a handful of highlights in the area.

LAVAPIÉS – Lavapiés 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.

ARGÜELLES & MONCLOA- North of the city center you’ll find these two very traditional and well known neighborhoods. Over the last couple years Argüelles has become home to those looking to escape the crowds of downtown Madrid but who still want to be close to the center of the city. It’s a great place to find an apartment; however, at the moment prices are rising in this area. With more of the older crowds taking up the flats, the feel is more suburban. Moncloa on the other hand houses more of the younger generation, because it is so close to the university. Both neighborhoods offer bars, restaurants and clubs – and around Moncloa on a weekend at three am – you’re bound to find tons of students on the streets, drinking and having a grand old time.

CONDE DUQUE – Cross Calle San Bernardo and you’ll enter the Conde Duque area. The neighborhood has a different feel than Malasaña, and many of the surrounding areas because it is quiet and less obtrusive. The shops are less flamboyant, the bars are bigger but less obvious, and the food is easy to find by not too fancy or over the top. As you may have guessed, this neighborhood has a bit of everything, but is extrememly well balanced. Not too flashy – but definitely growing in it’s cool-factor. Great cosy bars make you know that the niehgborhood is designed more for its locals than for the tourist crowd.

SALAMANCA – Looking for high art, fashion and food? Here is the neighborhood where you’ll find the best of the best. Calle de Serrano is overflowing with designer labels, and if you are looking for international brands you’re sure to spot them on Calle de Jose Ortega y Gasset. Upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants more your style? Head to Recoletos where on each street you’ll find beautiful windows to look through and fabulous menus to wet your appetite. For a quick list of restaurants in the area click here.

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Author: admin