Ultimate Madrid Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Lavapies (the neighborhood our apartment is in) is now one of the trendiest Madrid neighborhoods, with a rugged, Bohemian and underground feel.
It's known to be the most ethnically diverse neighborhood, attracting Asian and African immigrants, breeding cultural diversity. As it's popularity rises, and the neighborhood has become a hot spot among young hipsters and travelers alike.
The diversity of the people has contributed to a one of a kind culture unique only to this neighborhood of Madrid. Your senses will be pleased - from the sweet Indian curry smells drifting throughout the streets to the colorful windows draped in African artifacts, the neighborhood is edgy and unique, with a variety of delicious cuisines and alternative nightlife.
It's a great place to check out the ever-changing personality of Madrid.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Tirso de Molina - a two min walk from the apartment, this plaza is known for it's daily flower market and is full of patios for your wining and dining pleasure
🥘 Calle Lavapies > the "Curry Row" of Madrid
🥘 Mercado de San Fernando - cool market filled with food stands of all varieties
🥘 Mercado Anton Martin - another great food market
🍹 Calle Embajadores - popular street with lots of bars and cafes
🎨 A 3D graffiti monkey mural. The entire neighborhood is covered in street art! The exact address of the mural is Calle de los Cabestreros, 27.
🍹Calle Argumosa > lined with hipster bars and tons of terraces
🎨 Reina Sofia Museum > a must for art lovers
🍹 Cafe Pavon - very cool bar to grab a vermouth or caña. It's a traditional neighbourhood café with a zinc bar, wooden tables and chairs, large windows, and an art deco wooden ceiling dating back to 1924.
☕ Pum Pum Café - hipster coffee shop around the corner from the apartment. Brunch on weekends.
☕ Plantate Café - vegan coffee shop. The owner Kevin, hailing from Canada, is well-versed in the topic of specialty coffee. Pay him a visit to support local small shops. :) Brunch on weekends, coworking during the week.
☕ Cafelito Cafe - try the Cafelito coffee in the summer. It's an iced latte with a twist of lemon zest
🥘 Nina Pasta bar - the best pasta in the neighborhood
🍹 Daaraji bar - a cool bar owned by our neighbor, Papi from Senegal. Industrial ambiance & chill weekend vibes. Try their Senegalese dishes during the week.
🎨 Artistas del Barrio - a small shop featuring local artists' work. Many of the pieces that hang on our walls are from here.
👀 Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Cool place.
🎨 Calle San Pedro Mártir 5 - a two min walk from the apartment, it’s said that Pablo Picasso lived in on in Lavapiés between the years of 1897 and 1898. There's a wonderful mural on the side of the building calling it out.
Bonus tips: Like a Local
These are the places I go pretty much daily to get fresh produce or that are along my daily routine :)
🐕 Parque Casino de la Reina - dog park, address is Embajadores 68
🐟 Pescados Alofer - Fresh, fresh, fresh fish market right around the corner. These guys not only cut your fish how you want, but entertain you meanwhile ;) Go around 10/11am to avoid the line. Address is Esgrima 8
🐔 Right next to the fish place you'll find a butcher shop with fresh meats, cold cuts and cheeses
🍞 Panifesto Lavapies - the best fresh-baked bread in the neighborhood. Order the baguette and eat a Spanish-style breakfast by making yourself a toast, then blend a tomato, olive oil and salt in the blender, spread over the toast, and voila - you have yourself the typical Spanish breakfast, 'pan tomaca'.
🍅 This is where you get the tomato for your bread - fresh fruit and veggies, address is Meson de Paredes 18.
254 locals recommend
Lavapiés
Lavapies (the neighborhood our apartment is in) is now one of the trendiest Madrid neighborhoods, with a rugged, Bohemian and underground feel.
It's known to be the most ethnically diverse neighborhood, attracting Asian and African immigrants, breeding cultural diversity. As it's popularity rises, and the neighborhood has become a hot spot among young hipsters and travelers alike.
The diversity of the people has contributed to a one of a kind culture unique only to this neighborhood of Madrid. Your senses will be pleased - from the sweet Indian curry smells drifting throughout the streets to the colorful windows draped in African artifacts, the neighborhood is edgy and unique, with a variety of delicious cuisines and alternative nightlife.
It's a great place to check out the ever-changing personality of Madrid.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Tirso de Molina - a two min walk from the apartment, this plaza is known for it's daily flower market and is full of patios for your wining and dining pleasure
🥘 Calle Lavapies > the "Curry Row" of Madrid
🥘 Mercado de San Fernando - cool market filled with food stands of all varieties
🥘 Mercado Anton Martin - another great food market
🍹 Calle Embajadores - popular street with lots of bars and cafes
🎨 A 3D graffiti monkey mural. The entire neighborhood is covered in street art! The exact address of the mural is Calle de los Cabestreros, 27.
🍹Calle Argumosa > lined with hipster bars and tons of terraces
🎨 Reina Sofia Museum > a must for art lovers
🍹 Cafe Pavon - very cool bar to grab a vermouth or caña. It's a traditional neighbourhood café with a zinc bar, wooden tables and chairs, large windows, and an art deco wooden ceiling dating back to 1924.
☕ Pum Pum Café - hipster coffee shop around the corner from the apartment. Brunch on weekends.
☕ Plantate Café - vegan coffee shop. The owner Kevin, hailing from Canada, is well-versed in the topic of specialty coffee. Pay him a visit to support local small shops. :) Brunch on weekends, coworking during the week.
☕ Cafelito Cafe - try the Cafelito coffee in the summer. It's an iced latte with a twist of lemon zest
🥘 Nina Pasta bar - the best pasta in the neighborhood
🍹 Daaraji bar - a cool bar owned by our neighbor, Papi from Senegal. Industrial ambiance & chill weekend vibes. Try their Senegalese dishes during the week.
🎨 Artistas del Barrio - a small shop featuring local artists' work. Many of the pieces that hang on our walls are from here.
👀 Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Cool place.
🎨 Calle San Pedro Mártir 5 - a two min walk from the apartment, it’s said that Pablo Picasso lived in on in Lavapiés between the years of 1897 and 1898. There's a wonderful mural on the side of the building calling it out.
Bonus tips: Like a Local
These are the places I go pretty much daily to get fresh produce or that are along my daily routine :)
🐕 Parque Casino de la Reina - dog park, address is Embajadores 68
🐟 Pescados Alofer - Fresh, fresh, fresh fish market right around the corner. These guys not only cut your fish how you want, but entertain you meanwhile ;) Go around 10/11am to avoid the line. Address is Esgrima 8
🐔 Right next to the fish place you'll find a butcher shop with fresh meats, cold cuts and cheeses
🍞 Panifesto Lavapies - the best fresh-baked bread in the neighborhood. Order the baguette and eat a Spanish-style breakfast by making yourself a toast, then blend a tomato, olive oil and salt in the blender, spread over the toast, and voila - you have yourself the typical Spanish breakfast, 'pan tomaca'.
🍅 This is where you get the tomato for your bread - fresh fruit and veggies, address is Meson de Paredes 18.
La Latina boasts the city’s oldest architecture (hence the name, the Latin Quarter) and some of its finest cuisine. Our apartment is right next to La Latina, just about a 3 min walk.
What's notable about La Latina are the charming alleyways you'll find snuggled tightly between 18th century buildings.
On Sundays, La Latina’s most famous street, La Cava Baja, is Madrid’s place to be, known as the tapas street. Go tapas-hopping here.
The colorful street is lined with tiny bars serving up cañas (small draft beers), wines and tapas. It’s tradition to go to this Madrid neighborhood on Sunday afternoons after the city’s antiques market, El Rastro (from 10am-2pm) and hop from bar to bar until late.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
💃 Dance • 🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee
🥘 Calle Cava Baja - tapas street
El Rastro - massive antiques/flea market on Sundays until 2/3pm
🥘 Etiope Goner - one of my favorite restaurants, a wonderful Ethiopian place if you're up for something different
🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place to eat the traditional Spanish tortilla. Try the brie & jamon with truffle oil one. YUM.
Plaza San Andres - cute plaza with plenty of patios. There is a secret garden there, see if you can find it ;)
☕ Perro de Pavlov - specialty coffee
🥘 La Bobia - Asturian restaurant known for its cider. The highlight is that you can eat inside a giant wine barrel.
🥘 Malacatin - if you come in winter, this restaurant is a MUST for Cocido, Madrid's traditional winter stew. It's massive, so go on an empty stomach.
🍹Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Cool place.
💃 La Moreria - although Flamenco isn't from Madrid, you can still catch a good show here.
🥘 El Alamillo - delicious & authentic, high-end Mexican restaurant
☕ Café Federal - this is getting closer to Sol & Mercado San Miguel, but it's a hipster spot for coffee, coworking during the week, and brunch on the weekends.
444 locals recommend
Barrio de La Latina
La Latina boasts the city’s oldest architecture (hence the name, the Latin Quarter) and some of its finest cuisine. Our apartment is right next to La Latina, just about a 3 min walk.
What's notable about La Latina are the charming alleyways you'll find snuggled tightly between 18th century buildings.
On Sundays, La Latina’s most famous street, La Cava Baja, is Madrid’s place to be, known as the tapas street. Go tapas-hopping here.
The colorful street is lined with tiny bars serving up cañas (small draft beers), wines and tapas. It’s tradition to go to this Madrid neighborhood on Sunday afternoons after the city’s antiques market, El Rastro (from 10am-2pm) and hop from bar to bar until late.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
💃 Dance • 🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee
🥘 Calle Cava Baja - tapas street
El Rastro - massive antiques/flea market on Sundays until 2/3pm
🥘 Etiope Goner - one of my favorite restaurants, a wonderful Ethiopian place if you're up for something different
🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place to eat the traditional Spanish tortilla. Try the brie & jamon with truffle oil one. YUM.
Plaza San Andres - cute plaza with plenty of patios. There is a secret garden there, see if you can find it ;)
☕ Perro de Pavlov - specialty coffee
🥘 La Bobia - Asturian restaurant known for its cider. The highlight is that you can eat inside a giant wine barrel.
🥘 Malacatin - if you come in winter, this restaurant is a MUST for Cocido, Madrid's traditional winter stew. It's massive, so go on an empty stomach.
🍹Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Cool place.
💃 La Moreria - although Flamenco isn't from Madrid, you can still catch a good show here.
🥘 El Alamillo - delicious & authentic, high-end Mexican restaurant
☕ Café Federal - this is getting closer to Sol & Mercado San Miguel, but it's a hipster spot for coffee, coworking during the week, and brunch on the weekends.
Surely you've passed through Sol already. It's about an 8 minute walk from the apartment.
This is THE city-center, and home to Madrid’s most popular statue, “the bear statue” or, as it’s called in Spanish, “El Oso y el Madroño”.
This neighborhood also marks Kilometer Zero, literally making it the middle-point of the entire Iberian Peninsula. It's also the center of the city when it comes to transport, shopping and tourist destinations.
Madrid’s most popular shops are located within walking distance from Sol, and there are also many restaurants. The Plaza Mayor is a hop, skip and a jump away, and a ten-minute walk from Sol will conveniently bring you either to the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace.
*Be aware of tourist traps around Sol, and keep your personal belongings close to you at all times, as there are professional thieves (non-violent, in fact you won't even notice your phone is missing until much later.) Never leave your phone on the table when dining on patios.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Mayor - one of Madrid's most famous and notable plazas, built in 1580. Used to be a market in the old days, now it's lined with restaurants and patios. This is where the famous squid sandwich (bocadillo de calamares). Coming to Madrid without trying one is like going to NY without eating a bagel. Do as the locals do and don’t dream of paying more than about €3.50. Don’t sit at one of the restaurants on the square – instead, make like a Madrileño and buy your sandwich from inside one of the surrounding bars, then either eat it standing in the bar, or find a bench and enjoy it al fresco.
🥘 Mercado San Miguel - a gorgeous covered food market boasting cast iron decor, offering gourmet tapas, with over 30 different vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, baked goods and other foods.
🥘 Restaurante Botin - the OLDEST restaurant in the world, famous for it's cochinillo (piglet) - not my thing, but a lot of people love it. Reserve before going.
☕ Café Federal - hipster coffee shop/coworking during the week with brunch on weekends
👀 Oso y Madroño - the famous statue in Sol representing the coat of arms of Madrid - a bear with his paws leaning toward a strawberry tree above him.
👀 Kilometer zero marker in Sol - the exact middle point of all of Spain & Madrid
👀 Corte d'Ingles Callao - take your pic in front of the famous Schwepps building. This is a mall with a great rooftop bar and food vendors. Pricey & touristic, but with great views of the city for free.
🍹 Wow, seriously one of the coolest cocktail bars in the city. A true speakeasy where the bartenders never break their prohibition-era characters. Knock on the door of an apartment building and say the password (find it on their Instagram as it changes monthly - 1920 Bad Company.)
🍹 El Jardin de Salvador Bachiller - really cool secret garden on the final floor of a home goods store.
🍹 Rooftop bars: Picalagartos + Atico 11
68 locals recommend
Sol
Surely you've passed through Sol already. It's about an 8 minute walk from the apartment.
This is THE city-center, and home to Madrid’s most popular statue, “the bear statue” or, as it’s called in Spanish, “El Oso y el Madroño”.
This neighborhood also marks Kilometer Zero, literally making it the middle-point of the entire Iberian Peninsula. It's also the center of the city when it comes to transport, shopping and tourist destinations.
Madrid’s most popular shops are located within walking distance from Sol, and there are also many restaurants. The Plaza Mayor is a hop, skip and a jump away, and a ten-minute walk from Sol will conveniently bring you either to the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace.
*Be aware of tourist traps around Sol, and keep your personal belongings close to you at all times, as there are professional thieves (non-violent, in fact you won't even notice your phone is missing until much later.) Never leave your phone on the table when dining on patios.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Mayor - one of Madrid's most famous and notable plazas, built in 1580. Used to be a market in the old days, now it's lined with restaurants and patios. This is where the famous squid sandwich (bocadillo de calamares). Coming to Madrid without trying one is like going to NY without eating a bagel. Do as the locals do and don’t dream of paying more than about €3.50. Don’t sit at one of the restaurants on the square – instead, make like a Madrileño and buy your sandwich from inside one of the surrounding bars, then either eat it standing in the bar, or find a bench and enjoy it al fresco.
🥘 Mercado San Miguel - a gorgeous covered food market boasting cast iron decor, offering gourmet tapas, with over 30 different vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, baked goods and other foods.
🥘 Restaurante Botin - the OLDEST restaurant in the world, famous for it's cochinillo (piglet) - not my thing, but a lot of people love it. Reserve before going.
☕ Café Federal - hipster coffee shop/coworking during the week with brunch on weekends
👀 Oso y Madroño - the famous statue in Sol representing the coat of arms of Madrid - a bear with his paws leaning toward a strawberry tree above him.
👀 Kilometer zero marker in Sol - the exact middle point of all of Spain & Madrid
👀 Corte d'Ingles Callao - take your pic in front of the famous Schwepps building. This is a mall with a great rooftop bar and food vendors. Pricey & touristic, but with great views of the city for free.
🍹 Wow, seriously one of the coolest cocktail bars in the city. A true speakeasy where the bartenders never break their prohibition-era characters. Knock on the door of an apartment building and say the password (find it on their Instagram as it changes monthly - 1920 Bad Company.)
🍹 El Jardin de Salvador Bachiller - really cool secret garden on the final floor of a home goods store.
🍹 Rooftop bars: Picalagartos + Atico 11
Considered the "hippest" part of town, this is a must for anyone looking for Madrileño nightlife. But don't let this fool you - it's also one of the most historic neighborhoods. Its main plaza, Plaza de Dos de Mayo, was home to the battle in 1802 against Napoleon. Now the plaza is full of charming cafés and restaurants.
Malasaña was also home to Madrid’s breaking movement known as La Movida Madrileña, which began after the fall of Franco’s dictatorship in the late 70's. You'll see remnants of graffiti as you walk through the tight streets, lined with vintage shops, trendy coffee shops, tattoo parlors, and hipster restaurnats.
Its main street, Fuencarral, the shopping street of Madrid, runs parallel to Calle Hortaleza, linking Malasaña and Chueca (the gay quarter).
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
🍹 Mercado San Ildefonso (avoid the food as it is overly priced, but drinks are good and the vibe is solid.)
☕ La Bicicleta Cafe - brunch & coffee + coworking throughout the week
🍹 La Paracaidista - a three story building complete with alternative Cinema, rooftop bar, and Cuban restaurant
👀 Plaza dos de Mayo - restaurants, coffee shops & botellon (drinking on the street. Technically prohibited, but still continues to be a favorite pastime for Madrileños.)
🥘 Noches de Moscu - take a voyage to Russia in the restaurant famously featured on Hell's Kitchen. Try the caviar and blini flights for an Eastern-European delight.
🍹 La Via Lactea - late night dive bar popular with locals and visitors alike
🍹 1862 Dry Bar - elegant bar with professionally crafted cocktails
☕ Hanso Cafe - one of many hipster coffee shops with good specialty coffee & snacks
🍹 V Manneken - great cocktail bar ran by a grumpy Russian and crazy Polish guy. Cash only... 😉
☕ Carmencita - popular brunch bites, reserve beforehand.
🍹 Vacaciones bar & Ojala - one across from the other, both great places to stop by for a drink. Ojala is worth a visit if you can't make it to the beach - the basement is covered in sand!
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place for the Spanish tortilla. They have the original plus a variety of others like brie and Spanish jam with truffle. There is also a location in La Latina.
🥘 Bodega La Ardosa - going strong since 1892, the wood-panelled bar of Bodega de la Ardosa is brimful with charm. To come here and not try the artichokes or tortilla de patatas (potato and onion omelette) would be a crime.
287 locals recommend
Malasaña
Considered the "hippest" part of town, this is a must for anyone looking for Madrileño nightlife. But don't let this fool you - it's also one of the most historic neighborhoods. Its main plaza, Plaza de Dos de Mayo, was home to the battle in 1802 against Napoleon. Now the plaza is full of charming cafés and restaurants.
Malasaña was also home to Madrid’s breaking movement known as La Movida Madrileña, which began after the fall of Franco’s dictatorship in the late 70's. You'll see remnants of graffiti as you walk through the tight streets, lined with vintage shops, trendy coffee shops, tattoo parlors, and hipster restaurnats.
Its main street, Fuencarral, the shopping street of Madrid, runs parallel to Calle Hortaleza, linking Malasaña and Chueca (the gay quarter).
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 👀 Don't miss
🍹 Mercado San Ildefonso (avoid the food as it is overly priced, but drinks are good and the vibe is solid.)
☕ La Bicicleta Cafe - brunch & coffee + coworking throughout the week
🍹 La Paracaidista - a three story building complete with alternative Cinema, rooftop bar, and Cuban restaurant
👀 Plaza dos de Mayo - restaurants, coffee shops & botellon (drinking on the street. Technically prohibited, but still continues to be a favorite pastime for Madrileños.)
🥘 Noches de Moscu - take a voyage to Russia in the restaurant famously featured on Hell's Kitchen. Try the caviar and blini flights for an Eastern-European delight.
🍹 La Via Lactea - late night dive bar popular with locals and visitors alike
🍹 1862 Dry Bar - elegant bar with professionally crafted cocktails
☕ Hanso Cafe - one of many hipster coffee shops with good specialty coffee & snacks
🍹 V Manneken - great cocktail bar ran by a grumpy Russian and crazy Polish guy. Cash only... 😉
☕ Carmencita - popular brunch bites, reserve beforehand.
🍹 Vacaciones bar & Ojala - one across from the other, both great places to stop by for a drink. Ojala is worth a visit if you can't make it to the beach - the basement is covered in sand!
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place for the Spanish tortilla. They have the original plus a variety of others like brie and Spanish jam with truffle. There is also a location in La Latina.
🥘 Bodega La Ardosa - going strong since 1892, the wood-panelled bar of Bodega de la Ardosa is brimful with charm. To come here and not try the artichokes or tortilla de patatas (potato and onion omelette) would be a crime.
This Madrid neighborhood is named after its main street, Calle Huertas, and it’s also known as the place to go out. The neighborhood is also known as Barrio de Las Letras, literally translating to Neighborhood of the Letters, dedicated in it's entirety to famous Spanish literary figures. You'll see the main street, Huertas, lined with golden quotes from authors.
The neighborhood is a five min walk from the apartment, and the perfect place get wander, day or night.
Huertas street is lined with all types of restaurants and bars, both upscale and divey. The best thing to do here is to get lost in the little streets that shoot off the main street, Huertas. For example, Calle Leon is one of my favorites, full of artisan shops, delicatessens, bars, boutiques and more.
If you walk down Huertas street, you’ll end up on the Castellana, Madrid’s largest boulevard which at that point is actually called Paseo del Prado, right where the Retiro park is, full of museums and sightseeing activities, turning Huertas into a good day-neighborhood as well.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 🎶 Music • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Santa Ana - this is where your journey throughout Barrio de Las Huertas begins. It features monuments to Spanish Golden Age writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca and to the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and numerous restaurants, cafes and tapas bars, with its terraces covering most of the sides surfaces.
🎶 Café Central - historic and lively jazz bar, featuring different artists weekly
🥘 Rosi La Loca is a GREAT place to eat non-traditional tapas in an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed restaurant. Reserve before going.
🥘 Inclan Brutal Bar - gorgeously decorated restaurant for one-of-a-kind bites. Reserve beforehand.
🥘 Taberna El Sur - delicious typical Spanish tapas, highly recommended
🍹 La Santoria - voodooish decor and delicious alcoholic potions
🍹 Salmon Guru - #22 of 50 World's Best Bars, and one of my personal favorites. Lavish mixology and quirky decor make this a standout and must-see. Be prepared to wait awhile to get in.
👀 Museo del Prado - some of the Museum's greatest masterpieces, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, The Holy Family known as The Pearl by Raphael, Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, The Foot Washing by Tintoretto, Self-portrait by Dürer , Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Three Graces by Rubens, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
For party seekers:
🍹 Nomad Club - party central for youngsters.
🍹 Cheers Karaoke - the name says it all.
🍹 Enbabia Bar - doesn't look like much on the outside, actually it looks like a typical hookah bar, but shockingly some of the best cocktails are served here. They make their own bitters, fusions, and much more. Party vibe.
115 locals recommend
Calle de las Huertas
Calle de las HuertasThis Madrid neighborhood is named after its main street, Calle Huertas, and it’s also known as the place to go out. The neighborhood is also known as Barrio de Las Letras, literally translating to Neighborhood of the Letters, dedicated in it's entirety to famous Spanish literary figures. You'll see the main street, Huertas, lined with golden quotes from authors.
The neighborhood is a five min walk from the apartment, and the perfect place get wander, day or night.
Huertas street is lined with all types of restaurants and bars, both upscale and divey. The best thing to do here is to get lost in the little streets that shoot off the main street, Huertas. For example, Calle Leon is one of my favorites, full of artisan shops, delicatessens, bars, boutiques and more.
If you walk down Huertas street, you’ll end up on the Castellana, Madrid’s largest boulevard which at that point is actually called Paseo del Prado, right where the Retiro park is, full of museums and sightseeing activities, turning Huertas into a good day-neighborhood as well.
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
🥘 Food • 🍹 Drinks • ☕ Coffee • 🎨 Art • 🎶 Music • 👀 Don't miss
👀 Plaza Santa Ana - this is where your journey throughout Barrio de Las Huertas begins. It features monuments to Spanish Golden Age writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca and to the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and numerous restaurants, cafes and tapas bars, with its terraces covering most of the sides surfaces.
🎶 Café Central - historic and lively jazz bar, featuring different artists weekly
🥘 Rosi La Loca is a GREAT place to eat non-traditional tapas in an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed restaurant. Reserve before going.
🥘 Inclan Brutal Bar - gorgeously decorated restaurant for one-of-a-kind bites. Reserve beforehand.
🥘 Taberna El Sur - delicious typical Spanish tapas, highly recommended
🍹 La Santoria - voodooish decor and delicious alcoholic potions
🍹 Salmon Guru - #22 of 50 World's Best Bars, and one of my personal favorites. Lavish mixology and quirky decor make this a standout and must-see. Be prepared to wait awhile to get in.
👀 Museo del Prado - some of the Museum's greatest masterpieces, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, The Holy Family known as The Pearl by Raphael, Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, The Foot Washing by Tintoretto, Self-portrait by Dürer , Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Three Graces by Rubens, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
For party seekers:
🍹 Nomad Club - party central for youngsters.
🍹 Cheers Karaoke - the name says it all.
🍹 Enbabia Bar - doesn't look like much on the outside, actually it looks like a typical hookah bar, but shockingly some of the best cocktails are served here. They make their own bitters, fusions, and much more. Party vibe.
Food scene
🥘 Calle Cava Baja - tapas street, near El Rastro (antiques/flea market on Sundays until 2/3pm). Popular with locals after the rastro to go tapas hopping along the street.
On or very close to this street:
🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place to eat the traditional Spanish tortilla. Try the brie & jamon with truffle oil one. YUM.
🥘 Etiope Goner - one of my favorite restaurants, a wonderful Ethiopian place if you're up for something different
Nearby: ☕ Perro de Pavlov - specialty coffee
43 locals recommend
Cava Baja
Calle de la Cava Baja🥘 Calle Cava Baja - tapas street, near El Rastro (antiques/flea market on Sundays until 2/3pm). Popular with locals after the rastro to go tapas hopping along the street.
On or very close to this street:
🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar
🥘 Pez Tortilla - my favorite place to eat the traditional Spanish tortilla. Try the brie & jamon with truffle oil one. YUM.
🥘 Etiope Goner - one of my favorite restaurants, a wonderful Ethiopian place if you're up for something different
Nearby: ☕ Perro de Pavlov - specialty coffee
🥘 Lamiak -The best place for Pintxos (yes, they are different than tapas. It's the Basque version of tapas - more elaborate & absolutely delicious.)
103 locals recommend
Lamiak
42 C. de la Cava Baja🥘 Lamiak -The best place for Pintxos (yes, they are different than tapas. It's the Basque version of tapas - more elaborate & absolutely delicious.)
🥘 Malacatin - if you come in winter, this restaurant is a MUST for Cocido, Madrid's traditional winter stew. It's massive, so go on an empty stomach. A very traditional Spanish bar that usually requires a reservation.
82 locals recommend
Malacatín
5 C. de la Ruda🥘 Malacatin - if you come in winter, this restaurant is a MUST for Cocido, Madrid's traditional winter stew. It's massive, so go on an empty stomach. A very traditional Spanish bar that usually requires a reservation.
🥘 La Bobia - Asturian restaurant known for its cider. The highlight is that you can eat inside a giant wine barrel.
36 locals recommend
La Bobia
3 C. de San Millán🥘 La Bobia - Asturian restaurant known for its cider. The highlight is that you can eat inside a giant wine barrel.
🥘 Calle Lavapies > the "Curry Row" of Madrid. Any of the Indian restaurants on this street are a great choice.
Calle de Lavapiés
Calle de Lavapiés🥘 Calle Lavapies > the "Curry Row" of Madrid. Any of the Indian restaurants on this street are a great choice.
🥘 Mercado de San Fernando - historic and cool market filled with food stalls, both traditional and modern.
181 locals recommend
Mercado San Fernando
41 C. de Embajadores🥘 Mercado de San Fernando - historic and cool market filled with food stalls, both traditional and modern.
Mercado Antón Martin
5 C. de Sta. Isabel🥘 Mercado Anton Martin - another great food market
🥘 Mercado San Miguel - a gorgeous covered food market boasting cast iron decor, offering gourmet tapas, with over 30 different vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, baked goods and other foods.
1026 locals recommend
Mercado San Miguel
s/n Pl. de San Miguel🥘 Mercado San Miguel - a gorgeous covered food market boasting cast iron decor, offering gourmet tapas, with over 30 different vendors selling a wide variety of freshly prepared tapas, hams, olives, baked goods and other foods.
🥘 Noches de Moscu - take a voyage to Russia in the restaurant famously featured on Hell's Kitchen. Try the caviar and blini flights for an Eastern-European delight.
7 locals recommend
Las Noches De Moscú
37 Cl. del Marqués de Sta. Ana🥘 Noches de Moscu - take a voyage to Russia in the restaurant famously featured on Hell's Kitchen. Try the caviar and blini flights for an Eastern-European delight.
🥘 Rosi La Loca is a GREAT place to eat non-traditional tapas in an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed restaurant. Reserve before going.
11 locals recommend
Rosi La Loca
4 C. de Cádiz🥘 Rosi La Loca is a GREAT place to eat non-traditional tapas in an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed restaurant. Reserve before going.
🥘 Inclan Brutal Bar - gorgeously decorated restaurant for one-of-a-kind bites. Reserve beforehand.
35 locals recommend
INCLAN BRUTAL BAR
4 C. de Álvarez Gato🥘 Inclan Brutal Bar - gorgeously decorated restaurant for one-of-a-kind bites. Reserve beforehand.
🥘 Taberna El Sur - delicious typical Spanish tapas, highly recommended
11 locals recommend
Taberna El Sur de Huertas
24 C. de las Huertas🥘 Taberna El Sur - delicious typical Spanish tapas, highly recommended
Sightseeing
🍹Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Unique & edgy.
64 locals recommend
Sala Equis
4 C. del Duque de Alba🍹Sala Equis - used to be a porn cinema, now is a normal cinema, this alternative space is great on Sundays or weekends in general. If you don't catch a flick, go anyway and have a vermouth in their indoor patio. Unique & edgy.
👀 Plaza Mayor - one of Madrid's most famous and notable plazas, built in 1580. Used to be a market in the old days, now it's lined with restaurants and patios. This is where the famous squid sandwich (bocadillo de calamares). Coming to Madrid without trying one is like going to NY without eating a bagel. Do as the locals do and don’t dream of paying more than about €3.50. Don’t sit at one of the restaurants on the square – instead, make like a Madrileño and buy your sandwich from inside one of the surrounding bars, then either eat it standing in the bar, or find a bench and enjoy it al fresco.
1659 locals recommend
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor👀 Plaza Mayor - one of Madrid's most famous and notable plazas, built in 1580. Used to be a market in the old days, now it's lined with restaurants and patios. This is where the famous squid sandwich (bocadillo de calamares). Coming to Madrid without trying one is like going to NY without eating a bagel. Do as the locals do and don’t dream of paying more than about €3.50. Don’t sit at one of the restaurants on the square – instead, make like a Madrileño and buy your sandwich from inside one of the surrounding bars, then either eat it standing in the bar, or find a bench and enjoy it al fresco.
🥘 Restaurante Botin - the OLDEST restaurant in the world, famous for it's cochinillo (piglet) - not my thing, but a lot of people love it. It's cool just to walk by and see the mini version of the restaurant in the window. If you wish to eat there, reserve before going.
197 locals recommend
Sobrino de Botin
17 Calle de Cuchilleros🥘 Restaurante Botin - the OLDEST restaurant in the world, famous for it's cochinillo (piglet) - not my thing, but a lot of people love it. It's cool just to walk by and see the mini version of the restaurant in the window. If you wish to eat there, reserve before going.
👀 Oso y Madroño - the famous statue in Sol representing the coat of arms of Madrid - a bear with his paws leaning toward a strawberry tree above him.
21 locals recommend
El Oso y el Madrono
1 Prta del Sol👀 Oso y Madroño - the famous statue in Sol representing the coat of arms of Madrid - a bear with his paws leaning toward a strawberry tree above him.
👀 Corte d'Ingles Callao - take your pic in front of the famous Schwepps building. This is a mall with a great rooftop bar and food vendors. Go through the shopping mall, up to the final floor. Pricey & touristic, but with great views of the city for free.
32 locals recommend
El Corte Ingles
47 C. Serrano👀 Corte d'Ingles Callao - take your pic in front of the famous Schwepps building. This is a mall with a great rooftop bar and food vendors. Go through the shopping mall, up to the final floor. Pricey & touristic, but with great views of the city for free.
👀 Plaza dos de Mayo - restaurants, coffee shops & botellon (drinking on the street. Technically prohibited, but still continues to be a favorite pastime for Madrileños.)
Its name remembers May 2nd, the Dos de Mayo Uprising in 1808 that marked the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence. The plaza features a monumental arch in its centre dedicated to Luis Daoíz and Pedro Velarde, two soldiers fallen to the French army on 2 May 1808 who became heroes.
8 locals recommend
Plaza del Dos de Mayo
Plaza del Dos de Mayo👀 Plaza dos de Mayo - restaurants, coffee shops & botellon (drinking on the street. Technically prohibited, but still continues to be a favorite pastime for Madrileños.)
Its name remembers May 2nd, the Dos de Mayo Uprising in 1808 that marked the beginning of the Spanish War of Independence. The plaza features a monumental arch in its centre dedicated to Luis Daoíz and Pedro Velarde, two soldiers fallen to the French army on 2 May 1808 who became heroes.
👀 Plaza Santa Ana - this is where your journey throughout Barrio de Las Huertas begins. It features monuments to Spanish Golden Age writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca and to the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and numerous restaurants, cafés and tapas bars, with its terraces covering most of the sides surfaces.
342 locals recommend
Plaza de Santa Ana
2 Plaza de Sta. Ana👀 Plaza Santa Ana - this is where your journey throughout Barrio de Las Huertas begins. It features monuments to Spanish Golden Age writer Pedro Calderón de la Barca and to the poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and numerous restaurants, cafés and tapas bars, with its terraces covering most of the sides surfaces.
Art
🎨 Reina Sofia Museum > a must for art lovers
1837 locals recommend
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
52 C. de Sta. Isabel🎨 Reina Sofia Museum > a must for art lovers
🎨 Calle San Pedro Mártir 5 - a two min walk from the apartment, it’s said that Pablo Picasso lived in on in Lavapiés between the years of 1897 and 1898. There's a wonderful mural on the side of the building calling it out.
Calle de San Pedro Martir, 5
5 Calle de San Pedro Mártir🎨 Calle San Pedro Mártir 5 - a two min walk from the apartment, it’s said that Pablo Picasso lived in on in Lavapiés between the years of 1897 and 1898. There's a wonderful mural on the side of the building calling it out.
👀 Some of the Museum's greatest masterpieces, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, The Holy Family known as The Pearl by Raphael, Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, The Foot Washing by Tintoretto, Self-portrait by Dürer , Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Three Graces by Rubens, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
2515 locals recommend
Museo Nacional del Prado
23 C. de Ruiz de Alarcón👀 Some of the Museum's greatest masterpieces, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Death of the Virgin by Mantegna, The Holy Family known as The Pearl by Raphael, Emperor Carlos V on Horseback by Titian, The Foot Washing by Tintoretto, Self-portrait by Dürer , Las Meninas by Velázquez, The Three Graces by Rubens, and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya.
Coffee & Brunch
☕ Cafelito Cafe - one of my favorite coffee shops in Lavapies. Try the Cafelito coffee in the summer. It's an iced latte with a twist of lemon zest and take a seat on their new outdoor patio.
58 locals recommend
Cafelito
20 C. del Sombrerete☕ Cafelito Cafe - one of my favorite coffee shops in Lavapies. Try the Cafelito coffee in the summer. It's an iced latte with a twist of lemon zest and take a seat on their new outdoor patio.
☕ Pum Pum Café - hipster coffee shop around the corner from the apartment. Brunch on weekends.
7 locals recommend
Pum Pum Bakery
1 C. de la Esgrima☕ Pum Pum Café - hipster coffee shop around the corner from the apartment. Brunch on weekends.
☕ Plantate Café - vegan coffee shop. The owner Kevin, hailing from Canada, is well-versed in the topic of specialty coffee. Pay him a visit to support local small shops. :) Brunch on weekends, coworking during the week.
9 locals recommend
Plántate Café
28 C. del Mesón de Paredes☕ Plantate Café - vegan coffee shop. The owner Kevin, hailing from Canada, is well-versed in the topic of specialty coffee. Pay him a visit to support local small shops. :) Brunch on weekends, coworking during the week.
☕ Café Federal - hipster coffee shop/coworking during the week with brunch on weekends.
90 locals recommend
Café Federal
9 Pl. de las Comendadoras☕ Café Federal - hipster coffee shop/coworking during the week with brunch on weekends.
☕ La Bicicleta Cafe - brunch & coffee + coworking throughout the week.
125 locals recommend
Bicycle Café
9 Pl. de San Ildefonso☕ La Bicicleta Cafe - brunch & coffee + coworking throughout the week.
Mixology
🍹 Wow, seriously one of the coolest cocktail bars in the city. A true speakeasy where the bartenders never break their prohibition-era characters. Knock on the door of an apartment building and say the password (find it on their Instagram as it changes monthly - 1920 Bad Company.)
Bad Company 1920
1920 Puerta de Madera🍹 Wow, seriously one of the coolest cocktail bars in the city. A true speakeasy where the bartenders never break their prohibition-era characters. Knock on the door of an apartment building and say the password (find it on their Instagram as it changes monthly - 1920 Bad Company.)
🍹 One of the best elegant bars in Madrid for professionally mixed drinks.
32 locals recommend
1862 Dry Bar
27 C. del Pez🍹 One of the best elegant bars in Madrid for professionally mixed drinks.
🍹 Professionals in mixology, this dark and mysterious cocktail bar is the perfect place to end your evening with a night cap.
7 locals recommend
Santo
9 C. de los Caños del Peral🍹 Professionals in mixology, this dark and mysterious cocktail bar is the perfect place to end your evening with a night cap.
🍹 Over the top decor, extravagantly garnished drinks, out of this world flavors, this is a must for any mixology lover. #22 of 50 in the World's Best Bars list. Be prepared to wait for a table.
41 locals recommend
Salmon Guru
21 Calle de Echegaray🍹 Over the top decor, extravagantly garnished drinks, out of this world flavors, this is a must for any mixology lover. #22 of 50 in the World's Best Bars list. Be prepared to wait for a table.
Cool Bars
🍹 El Jardin de Salvador Bachiller - really cool secret garden on the final floor of a home goods store.
24 locals recommend
Garden of Salvador Bachiller
37 C. de la Montera🍹 El Jardin de Salvador Bachiller - really cool secret garden on the final floor of a home goods store.
🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar.
191 locals recommend
El Viajero
11 Pl. de la Cebada🍹 El Viajero - gorgeous building covered in greenery, restaurant on the main floor + two floors of bar, with the ultimate being a visit-worthy rooftop bar.
🍹 Mercado San Ildefonso (avoid the food as it is overly priced, but drinks are good and the vibe is solid.)
169 locals recommend
Mercado de San Ildefonso
57 Calle de Fuencarral🍹 Mercado San Ildefonso (avoid the food as it is overly priced, but drinks are good and the vibe is solid.)
🥘 Bodega La Ardosa - going strong since 1892, the wood-panelled bar of Bodega de la Ardosa is brimful with charm. To come here and not try the artichokes or tortilla de patatas (potato and onion omelette) would be a crime. The best part about this bar is the experience of the bathroom. Just ask about where it is and you'll see what I mean.
195 locals recommend
Bodega de la Ardosa
13 C. de Colón🥘 Bodega La Ardosa - going strong since 1892, the wood-panelled bar of Bodega de la Ardosa is brimful with charm. To come here and not try the artichokes or tortilla de patatas (potato and onion omelette) would be a crime. The best part about this bar is the experience of the bathroom. Just ask about where it is and you'll see what I mean.
🍹 Cafe Pavon - very cool bar to grab a vermouth or caña. It's a traditional neighbourhood café with a zinc bar, wooden tables and chairs, large windows, and an art deco wooden ceiling dating back to 1924.
36 locals recommend
Bar Pavon
9 C. de Embajadores🍹 Cafe Pavon - very cool bar to grab a vermouth or caña. It's a traditional neighbourhood café with a zinc bar, wooden tables and chairs, large windows, and an art deco wooden ceiling dating back to 1924.
La Santoría
30 Calle de Lope de Vega🍹 La Santoria - voodooish decor and delicious alcoholic potions