I fell in love with Madrid after living there for a summer. I was able to take my time, explore the neighborhoods, and establish local spots. I wanted to put together a short guide since there are so many amazing qualities and unique characteristics about each neighborhood in Madrid. Each area could have its own post, but for now, here are my snippets from my time in Madrid.

I found the map above helpful, but note that some of those barrios aren’t official neighborhoods and instead are areas the locals refer to.

Retiro

The neighborhood surrounding the famous Retiro park is gorgeous and filled with beautiful (and some of the most expensive) homes.

• Highlights: Beautiful architecture surrounding the Retiro park
• Random favorites: Reading or running in Retiro park, especially by the lake
• Food / Nightlife: The area is pretty residential with a few options to eat or drink

Atocha

There are so many side streets and residential areas that I felt like I escaped the bustling city, yet just walk a few blocks north and you are next to Retiro and Paseo del Prado.

• Highlights: Nearby are the Atocha train station, the Grand Central station of Madrid, and La Caixa Forum, which houses different art exhibitions and the famous garden wall (vertical garden just outside of it)
• Random favorites: My favorite supermarket, Mercadona, is in this neighborhood. There are 2-levels of goodness at unbeatable prices in the city center
• Food / Nightlife: A few bars here and there and restaurants that aren’t too touristy, but typically I would venture to other neighborhoods

Huertas

Located above Atocha, this area is known for the street, Calle de Huertas, which is filled with bars and restaurants.

• Highlights: Drinks and bars, this area is a great place to go out and I love the quotes from different writers on the streets
• Random favorites: Chocolat on Calle de Santa Maria for churros and chocolate drinks
• Food / Nightlife: Area is filled with bars and restaurants with one of my go-to places called Lateral (a chain but will see locals there) for tapas in the Plaza Santa Ana

Lavapies

The former Jewish quarter of Madrid that has been a bit neglected by the city (and unfortunately felt unsafe to walk around by myself). It is the cheaper area of the city to live in, attracting many immigrants, who brought their cuisine to Madrid.

• Highlights: The great variety of good ethnic food from Indian to Thai to South American
• Random favorites: The narrow side streets and hanging clothes across two buildings
• Food / Nightlife: If you want a break from Spanish cuisine, explore this neighborhood and some of the bohemian bars

La Latina

My personal favorite neighborhood to go out and eat, it is always bustling after 8PM everyday.

• Highlights: A must visit on a weekend as there are streets lined (literally) with bars, lounges, and restaurants
• Random favorites: Having the option to sit outside one of the many terraces for a drink while enjoying the crowds of people
• Food / Nightlife: My favorite restaurant, Juana la Loca, is in this neighborhood where I had the best tortilla de patata and unique tapas

Austrias: Opera / Sol

Austrias is the old center of Madird. It is not pictured on the map but consists of Opera, Sol, and area outside of Palacio Real (named after the Austrias dynasty). This is one of the more touristy areas of Madrid and prime shopping areas so it is filled with people.

• Highlights: Palacio Real, Cathedral of Almudena, Opera House, Puerta del Sol (with the famous bear statue, symbol of Madrid, or the Estatua del Oso y el Madrono), and shopping (Calle de Preciados and Calle de Fuen Carral)
• Random favorites: The garden next to the Palacio Real called Jardines de Sabatini is a great place to sit and read a book
• Food / Nightlife: This touristy neighborhood unfortunately doesn’t have many local eats and mainly consists of chains

Gran Via

A neighborhood filled with retail shops, boutiques, and beautiful architecture.

• Highlights:  Perfect place to shop and admire the buildings
• Random favorites: The rooftop terraces such as Círculo de Bellas Artes (3€ entrance) has a 360 view of the city
• Food / Nightlife: Not my favorite place to eat since the area is touristy and pricey

Malasana

A great neighborhood to go out in.

• Highlights: Numerous narrow streets to wander in
• Random favorites: Happy Day bakery
• Food / Nightlife: One of my favorite neighborhoods to go out, it reminds me of a more alternative version of La Latina with streets filled with bars

Chueca

The “Castro” of Madrid.

• Highlights: The bustling nightlife, shopping, and food
• Random favorites: Mercado de San Anton 2nd (food court) and 3rd (rooftop terrace) floors to eat and drink
• Food / Nightlife: Some amazing restaurants and fun bars to go out

Salamanca

One of the most expensive areas of Madrid and very posh

• Highlights: Calle de Serrano is like Rodeo Drive filled with luxury stores
• Random favorites: Going for walks in this neighborhood and Calle Puigcerda, a side street filled with restaurants and terraces
• Food / Nightlife: There are few swanky bars and clubs in this neighborhood and some expensive restaurants, but there are affordable ones like Taberna Los Gallos (on Calle Puigcerda) and Estay Pinchos and Vinos (great menu del dia)