The Best Neighborhoods in Madrid in 3 words & more
At last, a single updated source with all the best neighborhoods !
Too much information to choose the best Madrid neighborhood for you ?
This list will give you an overview of the personality of all the best neighborhoods in Madrid in 3 words for each neighborhood. If you want more details, do refer to our interactive map
Famous in Madrid for its bars, artist population and “movida legacy”, Malasaña is the neighborhood for the gentrified, the alternative and people who like to be in the middle of things.
Famous for its gay population, it is fact much more than this. Old typical Madrid buildings, with quaint bars, quiet coffees, it’s a bit of a more laid back and diverse than its brother Malasaña.
The poshest part of the city with Salamanca. it is where many designers, political parties, banks and lawyers live. Next to all the buzzing activity of Chueca and Malasaña, it looks nearly Parisian.
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El Madrid de los Austrias – Historic, authentic, cultural
The oldest part of Madrid, between the Palace, the Cathedral and the Opera. You will hace access to many great restaurants and green spaces.
The most Castizo neighborhood of Madrid – castizo meaning traditional Madrid. Typical old Madrid building, a vivid neighborhood life, coupled with the most famous street for tapas.
A mix between Madrid present with typical bar like the Melo’s, and the future with a mix of cultures like nowhere else in Madrid. You will find great Indian food along with typical Madrid terrace bars. It has a bad reputation, but now is safer than before. I would consider safe for a man at least. I would not consider this neighbourhood for a women living alone for the first time in Madrid.
Letras is a neighborhood with a long intellectual history, known for its traditional tapas bars and partying along calle Huertas.
A neighborhood which still lives the traditional Madrid way, with local markets, no lounge bars and only the typical tapas restaurants where Madrileños enjoy to be in with friends. All you need for shopping, eating out and groceries.
The neighborhoods developped for the government and businesses, starting at Nuevos Ministerios. It is the business nexus and many large companies have offices there. Therefore, everything is made for a business-focused population
The poshest part of Madrid, with the best restaurants, the most expensive shops, lounge bars and all that you can need ! It is also a traditional neighborhood of Madrid.
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Moncloa – Students, Party, Green
A blend between a student and a posh neighbourhood. A hotspot for student parties on the west side, the east side is much more “traditional Madrid” style with local shops, markets and terraces.
The neighborhood is defined by the massive park in the middle of it. Retiro is quite expensive, with great restaurants in its surroundings, “modern” buildings compared to the city center.
The heart of the city, full of theatres, cinemas, bars, restaurants and people. The now famous square where the “indignants” settled their camp. If you want to be in the middle of everything, always a few minutes walk from anything you need. Just make your street isn’t the “party street” and you don’t have too much noise in your room or it will be hard to sleep !
To sum up, take a look at this great video to give you a first idea of the personality of eacn of the 7 most famous Madrid neighborhoods:
I hope this post will have helped you get a first understanding of the different neighborhoods.
As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to send me an e-mail with all your doubts and questions, or tweet me @pierrewaters
Yours madridly,
Pierre
Moving2Madrid
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