Prestigious neighborhoods of Madrid with cheap accommodation, delicious food and chic sights

Madrid, the rainbow capital of Spain, has been famous for its hospitality for many years, so crowds of tourists flock here all the time. After arriving in this large city, travelers immediately ask themselves the question - where is the best place to stay, so as not to pay a fortune for a night's stay and see a lot of sights.

In this article we want to cover the topic of what are the best neighborhoods in Madrid with a list of restaurants, hotels, bars and entertainment for tourists and natives of the city. Without our guide, it will be quite difficult for you to decide where it is better to book accommodation in order to meet the planned budget. You can use the money you save to visit a restaurant and taste local wines and delicacies or buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

Each neighborhood of Madrid has a distinctive character and unique atmosphere, and all of them are worthy of receiving guests from all over the world. If you are a lover of a busy life with a flurry of emotions, choose the Chueca neighborhood with its dynamic nightlife. If you're a fan of a more sedate lifestyle, you'll probably like the quiet Chambéry neighborhood.

Los Austrias is the keeper of the best traditions of classical architecture, while Malasaña is adorned with spectacular ultra-modern buildings. Hugely popular among travelers is the Sol district, but let's not get ahead of ourselves and tell you about everything in order.

Tip of the Day! When traveling around Madrid, be sure to visit the Opera House, which regularly hosts live performances with a talented troupe and colorful props. You can book tickets to the action at bargain prices and find out more information about the performances on the website.

Malasaña

Malasaña is a great irregularly shaped quadrangle in Madrid's Centro. A special atmosphere with the hipster spirit of Madrid prevails here. It is famous for being the birthplace of the fashionable youth movement La Movida in the 80s.

Nowadays, there are many antique shops and charming coffee shops where you can rest your soul with a cup of your favorite aromatic drink. There are many great stores including El Templo de Susu, La Mona Checa Biba Vintage and Vintage Kilo where you can buy quality clothing by weight.

Malasaña does not boast a lot of tourist attractions. But apart from a couple of museums there is a huge number of cordial cafes, restaurants and nightclubs with a light atmosphere, without excessive epatage. An important plus of the neighborhood is that from here you can reach the curious architectural monuments in Sola and the surrounding area quite quickly.

Many houses with impressive "graffiti" can be found here, which add to Malasaña's special charm and originality. New gastronomic establishments open regularly, including cafes and restaurants that host amazing brunches that are just starting to take root in Spain. If you wish, you can even come here with your pet, who will surely appreciate such an unusual vacation.

Cafes, restaurants and bars in Malasaña

Malasaña, one of Madrid's best neighborhoods, offers delicious food and sophisticated drinks:

1. Ochenta Grados Malasaña is an elegant restaurant that successfully combines design features of several styles. It serves delicious cold appetizers and flavorful hot dishes that give guests a lot of pleasure. The restaurant offers a comprehensive menu with very attractive prices.
2. Ojalá is a cozy gastronomic scene with luxurious brunches, rich selection of wines from juicy grapes and specialty cocktails. If you wish, you can have a great time on the patio of the establishment, savoring the best food and hospitality of Spain.
3. Kinza is a chic restaurant with "temperamental" drinks and delicacies of Georgian cuisine. Be sure to try here lobio and chanakhi cooked in pots, and their island flavor will be remembered forever.
4. Santa Maria is a comfortable cocktail bar that invites guests to sample a tantalizing gin and tonic with savory appetizers. It is located in the central part of the district, and magically attracts Madrid natives and travelers alike.

Famous bars in the neighborhood are: El Fabuloso, Madrid Me Mata, Fábrica Maravillas, La Vía Láctea, La Bicicleta, Fábrica Maravillas, Little Angie or El Rey Lagarto.

Where to find accommodation in Malasaña

7 Islas Hotel is a spectacular boutique hotel in Malasaña, decorated with designer carpets and creative décor. The luxurious suites have private terraces with comfortable yoga areas and hammocks for wonderful relaxation.

With gorgeous views of the Royal Palace, the Melia Madrid Princesa offers luxury accommodation with bright rooms and functional appliances. There are coffee makers to make wonderful coffee and spacious bathrooms with panoramic views of the cityscape.

What to see in Malasaña

The heart of Malasaña, a good neighborhood in Madrid, is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, which sits on the site of Monteleón Park, the site of a landmark uprising some 200 years ago. It was an important event in the struggle for the country's independence.

The Spanish resistance against the French was led by soldiers Daoise and Velarde, to whom a marble sculpture from 1830 is dedicated. Many Spanish soldiers died then, including the main heroes of an important battle.

Today, the Plaza del Dos de Mayo is where lovers often meet for an unforgettable weekend together. There are many cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces and excellent cuisine. Romantic lovers are happy to spend time in the garden, strolling along its cozy paths under the shade of lush trees and inhaling the scents of roses.

Vacation in Malasaña is adorned with visits to popular attractions:

• Temple of Deboda.
• Conde Duque Center for Contemporary Culture.
• National Museum of Romanticism
• Cafe Hop.
• Museum of Contemporary Art.

Not far from the Palacio de Liria are military barracks, on the territory of which there are libraries, where the documents of the historical heritage of Madrid are carefully preserved. Here are arranged rooms with colorful attributes of music, theater and dance art.

Sol

In the heart of Madrid lies the lively Sol district with a mass of bars and restaurants, museums and theaters for the busy leisure time of travelers and locals. It is home to a large concentration of cultural landmarks that can be explored for hours on foot.

Despite the bustling life, this area of Madrid is considered quite safe for traveling and living. The only thing to watch out for is pickpockets due to the large crowds.

Cafes and restaurants in the neighborhood

Sol pleases travelers with a rich culinary diversity and unchanging Spanish hospitality. This is skillfully emphasized by gastronomic establishments:

1. Restaurante-Coctelería Inclán Brutal Bar is a restaurant where the highest level of chef's skill and first-class service come to the fore. Here dishes are carefully selected for serving delicacies and special attention is paid to aesthetic design of dishes.
2. Bar la Campana is a cozy restaurant, which is comfortably located near the Plaza Mayor. Here you can taste delicious sandwiches from Spanish bread with ham or sardines, sandwiches with fried calamari and spicy pork sausage. Such food will serve as a full lunch or dinner, and thanks to the impressive size of sandwiches they can be easily divided for two people. The bar is a favorite with meat-eaters and fans of plant-based food.
3. Chocolatería San Ginés is an institution that carefully keeps culinary traditions since 1894, starting from the recipe of dishes and finishing with their decoration. It serves delicate hot chocolate and crispy fried pastries made of choux pastry.
4. Solo de Croquetas Echegaray is a pro at making croquetas of all kinds. People with different food preferences will find great options here for an appetizing breakfast.

Where to book cheap accommodation in Sol

Sol is a "magic box" that holds many pleasant surprises for travelers. It offers many options for budget accommodation, close to museums and art galleries, stores with exclusive goods and colorful attractions.

Both cozy hostels and fashionable hotels with royal suites and an impressive list of services invite you to book cheap accommodation here.

Worthy options for a favorable rental accommodation in Sola:

1. UMusic Hotel Madrid, which pleases guests with its central location and chic interior decoration. Its highlight is the spacious rooftop terrace, where you can daydream for long periods of time while taking in the scenery of the surrounding countryside. And if you add to this the royal marble bathrooms, exquisite room design and swimming pool, your vacation will be picture perfect.
2. Hostal Madrid is a great option for an overnight stay in the Sol neighborhood, with beautiful rooms of varying sizes and sleeping arrangements. The accommodation is equipped with stylish furniture and pretty decor.

What to see in Sol

The oldest structure in the Sol neighborhood is the Casa Correos, the seat of the Madrid Community Government. For many years there has been a wonderful tradition of welcoming the New Year near the noble clock tower.

In the Sol district there is a famous statue of Oso y el Madroño, which is considered a symbol of the capital of Spain. The shopping sphere is developing intensively here, and the largest brand stores Mango, H&M and Zara are located on Gran Via. You should also visit one of the central squares of the city, which bears the vivid name of Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid and the majestic Almudena Cathedral.

The Sol district is worth a visit if only to see the Circus of Fine Arts, which was designed by the talented architect Antonio Palacios. It regularly hosts many exhibitions and concerts in the theater and concert hall. In addition, the Circulo hosts an annual masquerade ball for Carnival. Its rooftop terrace is always lively and filled with a diverse crowd from all over the world.

Retiro

Retiro, one of Madrid 's most popular neighborhoods, is a chic option for tourists who prefer a quiet vacation away from the bustling civilization. It is located east of the center of the Spanish capital.

Where to find appetizing food in Retiro

"Quiet nest" of Madrid is filled with cozy bakeries with unreal aromas, cafes and restaurants with a rich selection of delicacies for the finest gourmets.

Retiro's gastronomic scene is definitely worth exploring further. There are many restaurants and bistros with specialties from experienced culinary professionals:

1. Levél Veggie Bistro is a pretty place with an elegant interior and a nice selection of meatless and even fishless dishes. If you like refined food made of vegetable ingredients, order here sushi with a harmonious combination of vegetables and aromatic spices, and your taste buds will thank you.
2. Chico Calla Madrid is a stylish Retiro restaurant with amazing cheesecake and airy cakes with vanilla cream. Here you can order both large and small portions of meat, vegetable and seafood dishes. When visiting this facility do not miss the opportunity to try skillfully cooked octopus with carefully selected seasonings and spices.
3. Restaurante Ogrelo is a cozy facility with a rich choice of seafood delicacies. There is a sumptuous menu of lobsters, rice with seafood and grilled fish.

Where to relax in Retiro for the best of times

One of Madrid's top-rated neighborhoods invites you to visit Retiro Park, a famous tourist location beloved by travelers and natives alike. This lush area welcomes visitors until the evening. Strolling along its cozy paths, it is so pleasant to dream and enjoy the freshness of fabulous nature.

Besides Retiro Park, there are many notable places with magical energy:

• Prado National Museum with curious exhibits.
• Paseo del Prado.
• Neptune Fountain.

The Madrid Botanical Garden with paradise plants deserves special attention of travelers in this tourist destination.

Where to stay overnight in Retiro

One of the most famous neighborhoods of Madrid is rich in inexpensive and comfortable options for accommodation. This can safely include establishments such as:

1. Heima Homes Retiro Park-Ibiza is an establishment that is ideal for family vacations. Here you can rent a spacious and bright accommodation consisting of several bedrooms, a chic kitchen with functional equipment and two bathrooms. It is the perfect "hideaway" for a vacation with little ones, close to shopping and vibrant architecture.
2. Only YOU Atocha is another cool idea for a stay in the famous Retiro neighborhood. Charming rooms and apartments are decorated in pleasant shades, taking into account the fresh trends of designer fashion. An important plus of the establishment is the possibility to stay with four-legged friends. Cozy balconies and roof terraces are the best way to fill up with the energy of the surrounding landscapes. And a range of suitable exercises in the gym helps to keep you in great physical shape.
3. Hotel Agumar, which successfully combines long-standing traditions and modern hotel trends. It is located near Retiro Park with emerald greenery and Atocha. If desired, you can book accommodation with breakfast, which will help to decorate the beginning of your day with the best emotions.

Lavapiés

If you are in search of a location with favorable prices for accommodation, pay attention to Lavapiés, a very nice neighborhood of Madrid. It is ideal for a budget vacation in a vibrant capital filled with southern hospitality and frenzied "temperament".

It is in a good location, at the intersection of Sol and Retiro, and there are plenty of options for a comfortable overnight stay, from a modest hostel or apartment to luxury apartments in the best hotels in the city.

Where to eat in Lavapiés

Appreciate the savory taste of dishes and refreshing drinks in a cordial atmosphere are invited to such establishments of the district:

1. Tinto and Tapas San Pedro with a rather meticulous approach to preparing fried pies with different fillings and toasts, traditional pizza with cheese and olives and delicate cookies.
2. Cafelito with a cozy guest lounge and atmospheric patio. This is a great place for your breakfast with a cup of invigorating coffee and a portion of creamy dessert. There is a huge selection of traditional drinks and snacks as well as bright new items with rich bouquets of flavors and aromas.
3. Café de Ratas, which is worth a visit for tasting exquisite Mescal cocktails and beers. These are perfectly complemented by corn tortilla chips and tantalizing tortillas with pulled cheese, succulent meats and braised cabbage.

Where to stay cheaply in Lavapiés

Lavapiès will never leave you on the street when you're looking for a cozy nest to rest and recharge. There are a variety of places to stay inexpensively here, and we want to advise you on the best options:

• Artrip Hotel is a family-run hotel with a predominantly artistic interior design. The rooms are equipped with good furniture and practical appliances. The balconies allow you to enjoy the picturesque surroundings. This hotel willingly accepts both single travelers and cheerful companies with children. The inclusion of breakfast in the cost of renting accommodation helps to get rid of unnecessary hassles and set up for a great day in the "smiling" city.
• Hostel Montaloya with comfortable accommodations and private bathrooms. Both couples and students are happy to stay here. If necessary, the hostel can book rooms with kitchenettes, where it is convenient to prepare flavorful homemade lunches and dinners.

What to do in Lavapiés

One of Madrid's cool neighborhoods named Lavapiés has become a warm hearth for people of different nationalities, and it's easy to find something to do here at your leisure. Thanks to the sumptuous gastronomy, you can go to a different café and restaurant every day, featuring delicacies from Spanish, South Asian and African cuisines.

You may find the sights a bit lacking, but this is easily compensated for by the abundance of stores with huge windows and fun street entertainment.

Travelers always try to get a closer look at the creative street art on Calle de Lavapiés and visit the Mercado de San Fernando market. Here, you can not only buy fresh produce but also have a chic tourist experience. The famous marketplace is home to Bendito Vinos y Vinilos, a cool Spanish wine bar, with a wide selection of drinks for the finest gourmets. The market regularly hosts cultural events:

• performances by talented artists with colorful musical accompaniment;
• book fairs;
• art exhibitions.

Another gem of Lavapiés is the Barrio de las Letras, also called the Literary Quarter. It is notable for being the home of famous writers, including Lope de Vega, in the 18th century. Nowadays, the site of his house is a museum with spectacular works of art and a picturesque garden.

Don't forget to visit the Español Theater here with great plays and the Tablao Café, where flamenco shows regularly shine. Stroll through the Plaza Santa Ana with its many restaurants with a wide selection of craft beers and cafes with outdoor terraces lined with emerald greenery.

La Latina

La Latina is one of Madrid's best neighborhoods in terms of nightlife, food and atmosphere. Evening strolls along the Calle de la Cava Baja offer tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of taverns with a rich assortment of delicacies popular in different regions of Spain.

Where to eat in La Latina

A huge number of establishments serving amazing wine, beer and cocktails mesmerize with authentic interiors and keep travelers in a positive mood. And tapas bars invite you to enjoy drinks and desserts prepared according to secret recipes by skillful culinary artists.

La Latina abounds with stylish cafes and restaurants with chic cuisine, among which such establishments take an honorable place:

1. El Perro De Pavlov - a cozy cafe with weightless cakes and great coffee.
2. Restaurante Esteban with a vintage design, bright touches of which are wooden beams and elegant decor. It invites guests to sample tapas from different parts of Spain.
3. Cedrón Restaurante Madrid, where succulent local specialties are seamlessly combined with South American culinary delights. When you come here, be sure to order a glass of classic Spanish wine and delicate ceviche, which successfully emphasizes the flavorful variety of seafood dishes.

Where to stay overnight in La Latina

La Latina has given a quiet shelter to many establishments for a comfortable stopover in the enchanting capital of Spain:

1. Living Plaza de la Paja is a luxurious idea to spend a vacation with your other half or close friends. This spacious house for 5 people has several rooms and a functional kitchen area. It has everything you need to live life to the fullest, from a washing machine to cute decor.
2. L&H La Latina Selection aparthotel with royal residences, which is close to the famous Calle de la Cava Baja street with endless bars and souvenir stores, stores and taverns.
3. OK Hostel Madrid with bright and well-maintained rooms, which is perfect for travelers on a tight budget. In addition to excellent service, it offers colorful tours with local sightseeing and trips to tapas and cocktail bars.

What to see in La Latina

In the La Latina area, travelers are keen to visit the Saint Isidore Museum, which highlights the historical journey of Spain's capital city from ancient times to the present day. The institution features unique exhibits including ancient maps, paintings by famous artists and other colorful artifacts.

Another important location in the La Latina neighborhood is the Mercado de la Cebada, a lively two-level market with a royal selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and pastries. Here you can buy brand-name quality clothing and cute souvenirs to remember your trip to the sunny city.

Salamanca

If you dream of being in a prestigious area of Madrid with fashionable hotels and brand stores, go straight to Salamanca. We want to warn you that this option for traveling requires some financial investment, but it more than justifies the chic impressions from the trip.

Where to eat in Salamanca

We want to share with you which Salamanca establishments with delicious food and a warm welcome should not be bypassed:

1. Hey My Coffee with flavorful drinks, airy pastries and amazing cakes. Here you can make a pleasant stop and take a break from a long walk around Madrid.
2. Library Restaurant with stylish interiors and impeccable cuisine. An unusual touch of interior design of the facility is the placement of a vast library with literature for every taste. Huge plates with salads and side dishes are served here, which perfectly complement cocktails, which received their names in honor of talented masters of pen.
3. La Traynera is a quiet establishment, where marvelous seafood dishes take the crowning place in the menu. Shrimps and clams, which were recently brought here directly from the mysterious depths of the sea, are proudly displayed on elegant dishes.

Where to stay comfortably in Salamanca

If you're a fan of royal luxury and glamour, then you'll love BLESS Madrid's carefully designed bedrooms. Every detail is important, from the snow-white linens to the elegant bedside lamps.

The new morning starts with a cup of velvet Nespresso coffee. The best feelings from the stay here are successfully reinforced by swimming in the spacious pool, bowling and visiting the wellness center with sessions of rejuvenation and mental renewal.

Another good option for a vacation in Salamanca is TÓTEM Madrid with neat bedrooms and a predominance of pastel colors. Guests are truly relaxed thanks to the enveloping light of the lamps, fluffy towels, bathrobes in the bathroom and a coffee machine.

What to visit in Salamanca

Salamanca is a safe neighborhood in Spain's capital city with a great shopping experience. You can wander its cozy streets for hours, checking out local boutiques with designer clothes and chic interior design paraphernalia along the way.

Visit the Museo Lázaro Galdiano with its huge art collection, including paintings by talented artists, spectacular objects made of fabrics and precious metals, enamel and ivory

At one of Madrid's oldest markets, the Mercado de la Paz, you won't just buy food, you'll be filled with the invisible energy of Spanish hospitality and warmth.

In this article, we've told you about the best neighborhoods in Madrid to consider when choosing accommodation and entertainment in Spain's sunny capital. We hope that our selection will be useful for you and will help you quickly navigate through the rich variety of popular hotels and restaurants in the shining city.

May your journey bring you happiness and many happy moments!