best area to stay in madrid

Chueca, LGBTQI-friendly area in Madrid Its close to Malasana, Centro, and well connected to the rest of the city. The lakes, botanical gardens, and numerous walking trails of Madrids grandest park are perpetually popular with locals and visitors alike busiest on weekends. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum Embark on a journey through seven centuries of European art, from the early 1200s to the late 20th century, taking in works by the likes of Drer, Frans Hals, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Kirchner. Located on the sidewalk in Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) a public square and the center of the beginning radial network of Spanish roads. There is so much to do in Madrid surrounding its art, architecture, cultural events, cozy cafs, and awesome restaurants and nightlife. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, at the south end of Paseo del Prado, is Madrids biggest and best repository of contemporary art. Known in English-speaking circles as Madrid's unofficial "gayborhood," Chueca is home to a thriving LGBTQ community. From the nightlife in Chueca to thetranquillity ofChamber; the classic architecture in Los Austrias to the alternative Malasaa; from multicultural Lavapis to the epicentre of tourism, Sol Madrid has a barrio that'll fit your vibe. There is no single best neighborhood to stay in; where you choose to stay largely depends on your budget and interests. To kick off the list of best areas in all of Madrid is Chueca. 2,352 Reviews . Parque del Retiro - Paseo del Prado 7. Huertas. Fashion shopping is excellent, too: the same street is known for its numerous shoe boutiques. 5. The entrance to the Royal Palace is awe-inspiring. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider booking a table at Sobrino de Botn, the oldest restaurant in the world. This quiet residential area is one of Madrid's most charming. Sol-Gran Va Getty If you visit Madrid as a tourist, you will eventually find yourself here. Depicting a bear eating from a strawberry tree, the 4-meter-tall statue represents Madrid's coat of arms. It has an outdoor terrace, a stylish bar and comfortable and spacious air conditioned rooms. The tiny streets are still marked with remnants of graffiti and dotted with tattoo parlors, but vintage shops, hip bars, trendy cafes, and restaurants have replaced much of the earlier seediness and grime. Chueca Neighborhood Best places to stay in Madrid for Nightlife, 4. If the name Retiro sounds familiar, it's likely because Madrid's most famous park of the same name has come to mind. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This spectacular apartment is in a great location on the fifth floor of a historical building has an amazing patio view that opens up to Plaza Mayor. Gran Va and Sol are the most popular areas for tourists. This busy area in the very heart of the city is possibly Madrid's most touristy area. If you go to La Fisna, you wont just get a great glass (or two or three) of wine. Best Restaurants Near the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor La Esquina del Real Choose (Vegan) Le Bistroman Atelier Dos Cielos Madrid Taberneros EatMyTrip Brunch & Cocktails Madrid Chocolatera San Gins Best Hotels Near the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor Have a look at these great hotels next to the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. View on Airbnb A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. midrange. We do not represent World Nomads. Want to be featured in our list? Dance until dawn (and even beyond) at the Thundercat Club. The graffiti art youll find around this neighbourhood hasnt only been passed over by the city governments clean-up crews butitstreated as real art (some works truly are). Its main square, Plaza Dos de Mayo, was the site of an epic battle in which madrileos defeated Napoleon's forces on May 2, 1808. Centro Neighborhood - Best Place in Madrid for First Timers 2. But if you dont mind tables without cloths and you do want to explore some of the most exciting cuisine and drinks in Madrid, head to AskuaBarra. Plus with 128 distinct neighborhoods, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay in Madrid due to its massive size. Equally walkable La Latina, just south of Centro, known for its attractive architecture, Madrids largest flea market (Sundays), and its excellent tapas bars, many of them clustered along Calle de Cava Baja. . This downtown neighbourhood is where youll find grand avenues, stunning architecture, delicious restaurants, and a constant buzz of excitement and activity. Located at the heart of this fabulous and fashionable neighbourhood, this hostel is within walking distance of the hottest bars and trendiest nightclubs. 17th century studio is one of our favourites in Madrid but theyre not taking guests right now. Close, MUST READ Where to stay in Madrid (2023). Bordering Lavapis to the north is Huertas, another compact neighborhood that Madrileos flock to in the evenings. La Lorenza promises everything in the way of unmatched croquettes, a warm atmosphere and Galician influence. Wander throughout the bustling Plaza Lavapies, the citys largest flea market. Some of the city's best museums, like the Museo Nacional del Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, are less than 10-minutes away by foot. My top pick for where to stay in Madrid for the first time, Centro is where youll find a myriad of historic and cultural attractions, including Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Plaza Espaa and Gran Via area is definitely one of the best places to stay in Madrid. Walking around in the busy city in flip flops isn't the best idea anyway - someone could stomp on . A short walk from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, this is my favorite hostel in Madrid. Just south of Sol is Plaza Mayor, Madrids main square and the focal point of medieval Madrid. Dj vu! STAY HERE FOR Museum Quarter, City Park, Luxury Hotels, Tapas Heaven. This great two-star hotel has a range of modern amenities. But the area surrounding this lovely green space is worth checking out as well. Experience everything from expansive squares and detailed buildings to charming street performers and upscale shopping in this downtown Madrid barrio. This is a traditional, sereneneighbourhood thats free from the touristy hustle and bustle of the city centre. That means with so many neighborhoods to choose from andplenty to see and do in Madrid in Madrid, you want to base yourself in the perfect place! Many of Spains most famous writers once lived in this barrio, which is still home to numerous independent shops and art galleries. Best Places to Stay in Madrid Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Madrid? Pull up a chair, indulge in the nightly tasting menu and watch as food and art become one. Puerta del Sol andits surrounding areas take a deserved place near the top ofthe list of places Madrid newbies want visit. Its always been a humble area, where, until the 80s, mostly elderly people lived in the corralas, buildings whose apartment doors open up onto an interior patio of sorts, very typical in old Madrid. Meander around the stalls in the Mercado de Anton Martn, between fishmongers and butchers, and corners of gastronomy where you can feast on sandwiches, sushi, ramen and more, and even try some craft beers. Pay a visit to Mercado de San Miguel, the only cast iron covered market that has survived the mists of time in Madrid. See nearly 1,000 pieces of art from the 13th- through 20th-century at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. Dont miss taking a peek at the impressive Hospital de Maudes. Le Pepa Chic Bed & Breakfast is one of our favourites in Madrid but theyre not taking guests right now. Located east of Centro, this neighbourhood is well connected via public transit and is a great base for exploring the city. Set down a quaint little street in the city centre, the Petit Palace Posada del Peine only gets better once you get inside. For Families: SmartRental Collection It has an attic lounge, open terrace, and large self-service kitchen. A short walk from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, this hostel is my top pick for where to stay in Lavapies. 7 Islas Hotel is located in the south of ultra-cool Malasaa, an area that has recently been regenerated and is known as one of the best areas to stay in Madrid for shopping and eating out. Many of the citys main attractions are within easy walking distance. In the same street, just a few feet from the Plaza de Tirso Molina, the famous poet and childrens writer Gloria Fuertes was born in 1918. The apartment has 3 beds and 1 bathroom and modern amenities are provided. If shopping is your passion, dont miss the boutiques along the Milla de Oro (Golden Mile) on and around Calle de Serrano. Dont worry, Ive got you covered! The flexible check-in and check-out schedule is one of the best things about this apartment. You can borrow a bike from reception (depending on availability) or take it easy with a coffee in the bright restaurant. La Latinais definitelyMadrids top neighbourhood for tapas, mojitos and terraces, much to the dismay of some the areas local inhabitants. The Westin Palace has a great location in the heart of Madrid, just across the street from the Prado Museum. Each unit is fitted with a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. The area's wide, gleaming avenuesCalle de Serrano, Calle de Goya, and Calle de Velzquezare home to major international fashion brands, particularly high-end top designers like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. An edgy, up-and-coming neighborhood, Lavapis has traditionally welcomed immigrants, and is famous for its ethnically diverse eateries and cluster of hip bars. With a central location and plenty of options in the way of food and drink, Gran Clavel is a cant-miss spot for anything from Saturday stews to boquerones with kimchi mayonnaise. What this area lacks in green spaces (parks are few and far between) it makes up for in awe-inspiring architecture, as well as its cultural spaces that survive especially thanks to an older population that still go to the cinema, the theatre and art museums. It is very quiet. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Where to Stay: In Malasaa, boutique hotels mingle with hip youth hostels to make for a huge variety of accommodation options! All the rooms feature Nordic design, private bathroom, WiFi, 32-inch TVs and daily cleaning service. Chueca Neighborhood - Best places to stay in Madrid for Nightlife 4. Recommended: Hostel CC Malasaa is a great budget . Fodor should hire you. This cosy cocktail bar - with great music and a central location - is a staple for both locals and tourists.