Discover the Best Neighbourhoods in Madrid

Planning a trip to Madrid? Great! Any time is the perfect time to visit Spain’s cherished capital.

Madrid offers a plethora of experiences, catering to every kind of traveller. This cosmopolitan city is brimming with bars, restaurants, entertainment, shops, and, of course, charming neighbourhoods. In fact, there are plenty of them—21 districts divided into 131 neighbourhoods! Today, we’re here to discuss the best neighbourhoods in Madrid. Whether you’re planning to visit or even move to Madrid, this guide will help you choose the perfect place to stay.

How Madrid's neighbourhoods grew

As you can see, Madrid boasts a wide variety of neighbourhoods, perfect for exploring or living in. But before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at the city’s fascinating history.

Madrid began as a small Muslim fortress in the 9th century and started evolving into a major city in 1561, when Philip II declared it the capital of Spain. From there, its growth was exponential and, little by little, more and more neighbourhoods were created. The city’s core began with Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, followed by neighbourhoods like La Latina and Lavapiés, which still retain their medieval layout and traditional charm.

Over the centuries, societal preferences and needs led to the creation of more neighbourhoods, like Salamanca, synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, and Malasaña, which adopted a more alternative and diverse vibe.

What drove Madrid’s continued expansion? One of the key factors was the development of public transport, infrastructure, and the city’s active promotion of art and culture.

The best neighbourhoods to stay in Madrid

Naturally, if you’re planning to visit Madrid, you’re probably searching high and low for the best area to stay. You’ll want a neighbourhood that’s well-connected, centrally located, peaceful at night, lively during the day, and full of attractions. Sound about right?

Let’s dive into the top neighbourhoods in Madrid so you can decide for yourself.

Centre: Gran Vía, Callao, Sol and Plaza Mayor

The heart of Madrid is perfect if you want everything within reach. From the iconic Gran Vía, teeming with theatres, shops, and restaurants, to the emblematic Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, this neighbourhood is the epicentre of action for both locals and tourists.

At the beginning of Gran Vía, you’ll find the Metropolis Building, while Callao is home to the iconic Schweppes building.

Plus, its proximity to landmarks like the Royal Palace and Mercado de San Miguel makes it an unbeatable choice for staying and experiencing the best of Madrid.

Malasaña: Tribunal, Chueca and Alonso Martínez

For a modern and alternative vibe, Malasaña is your go-to neighbourhood. Its streets are bursting with street art, vintage cafés, and independent shops, making it the hub of hipster culture.

Close by is Chueca, another well-known neighbourhood celebrated for its diversity and nightlife. You’ll feel inclusivity all around you here.

Don’t miss a stroll along Calle Fuencarral, a pedestrian street lined with shops that perfectly captures the Madrid experience.

As for Alonso Martínez, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere while still providing easy access to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding areas.

Barrio de Salamanca

The Salamanca neighbourhood is synonymous with elegance, and as you might guess, staying here can be pricier than in other parts of Madrid. Its wide avenues, like the famous Calle Serrano, are lined with luxury shops, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.

Its proximity to Retiro Park, with an entrance at Puerta de Alcalá, makes it an ideal spot for enjoying a balance of nature and urban sophistication. If exclusivity and tranquillity are what you’re after, this is the place for you.

Atocha

Atocha is your gateway to Madrid’s art and culture scene. Here, you’ll find the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—together forming the renowned Paseo del Arte. You’ll also be just steps away from Retiro Park and the Botanical Garden, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

This neighbourhood is an excellent choice for accommodation, thanks to its connectivity via one of Madrid’s largest train stations.

From Atocha, head up to Madrid’s city centre along Paseo del Prado or through the historic Barrio de las Letras.

El Madrid de los Austrias

To the west of the city, you’ll find Madrid de los Austrias, a district that stands out for the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. A walk through the Sabatini Gardens leads to Plaza España and the Templo de Debod.

Another must-visit spot is Casa de Campo, the city’s largest green space, located near Príncipe Pío. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or, if you’re up for an adventure, a visit to the amusement park or zoo.

La Latina

Next up is La Latina, one of Madrid’s most authentic neighbourhoods. Its narrow, cobbled streets are packed with tapas bars and traditional taverns, ideal for savouring Madrid’s gastronomy.

It’s also home to the famous Rastro, Madrid’s largest open-air market, held every Sunday. With its bohemian atmosphere and proximity to the city centre—just a 15-minute walk—it’s a top choice for both living and staying in Madrid.

Other notable neighbourhoods in Madrid

There are many more neighbourhoods we haven’t covered, such as Argüelles, Legazpi, Embajadores, Nuevos Ministerios, and Madrid Norte. However, the ones we’ve highlighted above will allow you to enjoy Madrid’s essence to the fullest.

We recommend visiting Madrid in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and you can explore the city’s streets at your leisure. But honestly, any time of year is perfect for discovering Madrid’s neighbourhoods.

Come and explore Madrid’s neighbourhoods

Each neighbourhood in Madrid has its own personality. Whether it’s the relentless energy of the city centre, the exclusive style of Barrio de Salamanca, the alternative vibe of Malasaña, or the tradition of La Latina, there’s something here to surprise everyone.

The key is to take your time exploring each neighbourhood, soaking in the culture, history, and gastronomy they offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a short visit, a cultural trip, or a permanent move, Madrid has a neighbourhood for you.

And just as Madrid has something to offer you, we do too! What’s that, you ask? The best accommodation in the city, so you don’t have to stress about finding a place to stay.

The best part? Whether you plan to stay for 15 days or 11 months, we offer flexible options tailored to your needs.

So, are you ready to discover the best neighbourhood in Madrid with BNB Holder?