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The Coolest Areas to Stay in Madrid

Where to stay in Madrid for tourists.

The Coolest Areas to Stay in Madrid
The Coolest Areas to Stay in Madrid

Madrid is a super cool city with something for everyone. It’s got fantastic art galleries, an old historic center, and the most successful football club ever! You will love this Spanish capital’s tasty tapas, fun bars, and awesome nightlife. Here’s a quick guide to help you find where to stay in Madrid.

Madrid is famous for many museums like the Prado Museum (filled with cool art from artists like Goya and Velázquez) and the Reina Sofía Museum (with modern art). The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum has works from many eras too!

The best times to visit Madrid are spring and autumn because summer can be super hot and winter can be freezing. When you go, don’t miss out on El Retiro Park. It’s got loads of green space for picnics, running, or biking, and a pretty lake.

Where to Stay in Madrid
Where to Stay in Madrid

The nightlife in Madrid is great! You can find classic tapas and beers in neighborhoods like La Latina and Malasaña. Plus, there are lots of clubs and bars that stay open super late into the night. For shopping, check out Gran Vía. It’s a massive shopping street from Calle Alcalá to Plaza de España.

The metro in Madrid is really easy to use and connects most neighborhoods. So even if it’s your first time in the city, getting around will be simple.

Choosing where to stay in Madrid comes down to what you like, what you want to do, and how much money you want to spend. In the Spanish capital, you can find everything from cheap hostels and inns to some of the most luxurious hotels in Europe.

Keep Reading About Madrid…

Malasaña: The Hippest Madrid Neighborhood

Malasaña - The hippest Madrid neighborhood
Malasaña: The hippest Madrid neighborhood

If you’re a young traveler looking for the coolest areas to stay in Madrid, Malasaña is where it’s at. This central neighborhood is famous for its role in the Movida Madrileña movement that blossomed in the mid-70s after Franco’s dictatorship ended.

Located just north of Gran Vía, Malasaña attracts artists, hipsters, and bohemians with its vibrantly graffitied streets, lively nightlife scene (don’t miss iconic spots like Penta Bar, La Vía Lactea, and Madrid Me Mata), and booming gastronomic scene.

While exploring Malasaña, check out the San Antonio de Los Alemanes Church and bustling Plaza Dos de Mayo. Outdoor cafes and vintage shops surround this lively square.

Malasaña, along with neighboring Conde Duque, are great bases for exploring Madrid’s alternative side. Plus, you’ll stay connected to the rest of the city via metro stops Callao, Noviciado, San Bernardo, and Ventura Rodríguez.

Best Places to Stay in Malasaña:

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Sol & Austrias: Where to Stay in Madrid to Be Close to Everything

Sol: Where to Stay in Madrid to Be Close to Everything
Sol: Where to Stay in Madrid to Be Close to Everything

Let’s explore Sol, the tiniest yet most central part of Central Madrid. Named after Puerta del Sol, this area is famous for being the city’s core political and commercial spot. All you need to do is stroll around, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by famous Madrid landmarks like the Royal House of the Post Office, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue, and Tio Pepe’s iconic neon sign.

Right next to Puerta del Sol, Madrid de Los Austrias, Madrid’s oldest quarter, is spreading towards the Royal Palace. Must-visit spots here include Plaza Mayor, Casa de la Villa, and Mercado de San Miguel – awesome places to immerse yourself in Spanish history while feasting local food and tapas.

Walk-and-shop lovers will appreciate Calle de Preciados – one of Madrid’s major shopping streets. Get ready for a treat when exploring Gran Vía – a mile-long street packed with Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and avant-garde architecture. Gran Vía is lined with swanky hotels, fashion boutiques, and top-notch theaters.

Best Places to Stay in Sol & Madrid de los Austrias:

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Salamanca: The Area for Tourists Seeking Luxury

Salamanca: The Area for Tourists Seeking Luxury
Salamanca: The Area for Tourists Seeking Luxury

If you’re searching for a luxurious place to stay in Madrid, the posh Barrio de Salamanca is famous for its stylish apartments, high-end shops, and well-to-do locals. It’s an area where showing off wealth is not a concern.

The shopping haven Calle Serrano features brands like Prada, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

But Salamanca isn’t just about high-end shopping—it’s also home to some unique museums. The National Archeological Museum is one of Madrid’s best-kept secrets, with fascinating artifacts from Iberian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic history. The Lázaro Galdiano Museum showcases a mix of medieval and Renaissance paintings along with British and American masterpieces. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Juan March Foundation for contemporary art exhibitions.

So if you’re looking for a superb area to stay in Madrid while indulging your love for luxury and culture, be sure to consider Barrio de Salamanca.

Best Places to Stay in Barrio de Salamanca:

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Gran Vía: A Grand Street with Grand Accommodation

Gran Vía: A Grand Street with Grand Accommodation
Gran Vía: A Grand Street with Grand Accommodation

Gran Vía Street, located in the heart of Madrid, Spain, is a popular neighborhood for travelers to stay. The area boasts a special charm and historical significance, with numerous attractions such as theaters, shops, and restaurants lining the street.

A major highlight of Gran Vía Street is the renowned Edificio Telefónica. This landmark building once housed telecommunications operations but has now transformed into a lively cultural hub with ongoing exhibits, concerts, and events. Other sights include the Plaza de España and Plaza del Callao.

Gran Vía Street is often considered the center of Madrid’s musical theater scene. In addition to the fantastic show options, visitors can explore countless chic boutiques and fashionable stores.

Best Places to Stay in Gran Vía:

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Barrio de Las Letras: Madrid’s Literary Quarter and Tapas Epicenter

Barrio de Las Letras: Madrid's Literary Quarter and Tapas Epicenter
Barrio de Las Letras: Madrid’s Literary Quarter and Tapas Epicenter

Located at the southern edge of Barrio de Las Cortes and bordered on the east by Paseo del Prado, it is nestled within Museum Mile. This cultural hub houses Spain’s Big Three museums: El Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. In addition to those cultural landmarks, other museums worth visiting in Las Letras include CaixaForum Madrid, Ateneo de Madrid, and Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.

Plaza de Santa Ana is the district’s focal point, adorned with stylish establishments such as cafes, tapas bars, palaces, theaters, and the Gran Hotel Reina Victoria, a 1919 hotel favored by visiting celebrities, bullfighters, and dignitaries. Calle de las Huertas is a pedestrian-only street with verses from eminent Spanish writers and poets on its pavement. Fun fact: Miguel de Cervantes used to reside at Huertas 16!

Las Letras has an enduring reputation as a lively, party-centric neighborhood. Young travelers will not be disappointed by the area’s vibrant nightlife, popular with locals unwinding with their after-work drinks and tourists on spirited pub crawls.

Best Places to Stay in Las Letras:

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Chueca: The Coolest LGBTQ+ Quarter in Europe

Chueca: The Coolest LGBTQ+ Quarter in Europe
Chueca: The Coolest LGBTQ+ Quarter in Europe

Chueca is a vibrant neighborhood not far from Malasaña and Gran Vía. While many major attractions are just a short walk away, Chueca itself boasts the Museum of Romanticism, the impressive History Museum of Madrid, and the unique Art Nouveau Longoria Palace.

Located near Plaza de Chueca is the heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ scene. Known as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world, Madrid celebrates its annual Pride Festival called Orgullo, attracting massive crowds every first weekend of July. For those planning to attend Gay Pride, Chueca is an ideal base, but early booking is recommended as accommodations tend to fill up quickly.

Beautiful squares like Plaza de Las Salesas, Plaza de la Reina, and Plaza Villa de París, along with bustling markets like Mercado de San Antón and Mercado Barceló, can also be found here.

Best Places to Stay in Chueca:

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Chamberí: An Elegant District to Stay in Madrid

Chamberí: An Elegant District to Stay in Madrid

Chamberí was designed as an upper-class district as part of Madrid’s urban expansion to the north in the late 19th century. Today, it is a cultural hub with numerous theaters like Teatro Galileo Theatre, Teatro Quevedo, and Teatro Luchana.

A fascinating landmark in Chamberí is the Andén Cero, an abandoned subway station turned into a transport museum. Chamberí is home to the Museo Sorolla, showcasing Joaquín Sorolla’s masterpieces and his life-long collection of sculptures and antique furniture.

Best Places to Stay in Chamberí:

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La Latina: Young, Hip and Packed with History

La Latina: Young, Hip and Packed with History
La Latina: Young, Hip and Packed with History

La Latina is a historical neighborhood in Madrid known for its Medina-like layout. Major sites within La Latina include Calle de Segovia, the 15th-century Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo, and the medieval Plaza de la Paja.

Well-known for its high concentration of tapas bars, particularly along Calle Cava Baja, Cava Alta, and Calle Toledo, La Latina is perfect for foodies. With gay nightlife on Calle de Calatrava and clothing, art, and food items available at Mercado de la Cebada, this lively neighborhood has no shortage of action.

Thanks to its close proximity to Sol, tourists staying in La Latina will find themselves a 10-minute walk away from Sol.

Best Places to Stay in La Latina:

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Retiro: Where to Stay in Madrid for Families

Retiro: Where to Stay in Madrid for Families

Retiro is located between Paseo del Prado in the west and Av de La Paz in the east. It is known for its magnificent Parque de Buen Retiro and upscale residential streets near the city center. The park is a delight to discover with its beautiful Palacio de Cristal, ornate Palacio de Velázquez, and vast boating lake.

Retiro is also well-known for housing the ‘Golden Triangle,’ which consists of three major art museums in the city. Other notable attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Naval Museum, the National Museum of Decorative Arts, and CaixaForum, as well as the Puerta de Alcalá and Madrid’s City Hall.

Though Retiro is not as easily accessible as Centro due to its vast park, a few metro lines serve the district. Most notably, Estación de Atocha – Madrid’s primary train station for southern and eastern Spain – at its southern end.

Best Places to Stay in Retiro:

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Argüelles: Best District for those Seeking a Quiet Holiday

Argüelles: Best District for those Seeking a Quiet Holiday
Argüelles: Best District for those Seeking a Quiet Holiday

Argüelles, located in Madrid, Spain’s capital, is considered one of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in while exploring the city. Northwest of the city center, it is near the fashionable Moncloa-Aravaca District.

Notable attractions include Parque del Oeste – a spacious green park home to the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple relocated to Spain in the 1960s – and Calle de la Princesa, which offers various shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Argüelles has a youthful and energetic environment due to the many students attending nearby universities.

Best Places to Stay in Argüelles:

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Lavapiés: Where to Stay in Madrid for Backpackers

Lavapiés: Where to Stay in Madrid for Backpackers
Lavapiés: Where to Stay in Madrid for Backpackers

Lavapiés, situated in Madrid’s south-central area is one of Madrid’s most vibrant and diverse districts. It is part of the Barrio de Embajadores, a densely populated and multiethnic area with a rich culinary landscape featuring South Asian, Middle Eastern and African food.

At the heart of this district lies Plaza de Lavapiés which is surrounded by iconic sites such as the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Teatro Valle-Inclán, El Rastro flea market, and Toledo Gate. The streets of Embajadores, Lavapiés, and Valencia showcase an array of street art, turning Lavapiés and El Rastro into an outdoor art gallery.

Additionally, this district offers numerous cultural spaces emphasizing alternative art forms and indie theater such as La Casa Encendida, La Tabacalera, Teatro del Barrio, and La Escalera de Jacob. Travelers seeking the hippest areas to stay in Madrid would find Lavapiés an ideal choice for younger travelers.

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