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Best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid

Where should you look for a place to live in Spain’s capital?

Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Yet when you get to know it [Madrid], it is the most Spanish of all cities, the best to live in, the finest people, month in and month out the finest climate.”

See? Even the iconic author vouched for Madrid as the best place to live.

However, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay in Madrid due to its size. There are 131 neighborhoods to choose from. How do you even start selecting?

That’s why we’ve created this neighborhood guide for you.

We’ll narrow your search to six of the best neighborhoods, aka barrios in Spanish, and fill you in on what to expect in each area. Let’s dive in!

Sol

Sol is right in the middle of the city. It’s one of the most upscale neighborhoods and is home to Madrid’s top tourist attractions. You’ll visit the Reina Sofia museum and the Puerta del Sol square.

Newcomers will find Sol the perfect starting point for sightseeing, partying, and shopping. It’s also much easier to find English speakers in Sol.

If you choose to live in Sol, you can get anywhere in Madrid in 15 minutes, thanks to their efficient metro network, well-connected buses, and “cercanias,” the commuter rail service.

Huertas

Huertas, aka the Literary Quarter, is located in the city’s east and was historically a meeting point for artists and writers. It still maintains its history and literary references. You’ll also find century-old houses that are only seen in books.

It hosts some of the city’s best apartments, not to mention luxurious hotels like Gran Hotel Inglés – the oldest one that maintains a classical 1920s style.

Huertas is pedestrian-friendly, making it suitable for people with disabilities, and even their restaurants and attractions are accessible to people with disabilities. The neighborhood is accessible by bus, metro, and train services.

Malasaña

Malasaña is a hippy Madrid neighborhood wedged between Chueca and Conde Duque. It’s a few minutes from Sol and is sought for its cultural hotspots and museums.

Malasaña is a charming neighborhood famous for hip and modern museums, shops, and thriving nightlife. It’s popular with young people looking to have fun.

Numerous businesses offering vintage clothing, handicrafts, books, and CDs hard to find elsewhere thrive here. Malasaña is also the place to go if you want a variety of Spanish cuisine, from traditional tapas to fusion creations.

Salamanca

Salamanca is a shopper’s paradise. Its wide avenues are home to major international fashion brands and household names. It may be chic and upscale, but it’s a residential neighborhood.

This shopper’s paradise is not a party or nightlife neighborhood. It’s a luxurious and quiet neighborhood with elite shopping and fine dining. It’s possible to rub elbows with diplomats, celebrities, and government officials.

The neighborhood is serviced by buses and the metro. The upmarket district, known as the Golden Mile, hosts much of the shopping, educational, and dining points,

La Latina

La Latina is located in the Centro District, which makes it close to iconic destinations such as Palacio Real Madrid and Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena.

La Latina is a food lover’s neighborhood. If you want the best place to find a tapas crawl, it’s in the iconic Calle Cava Baja Street. You can also eat at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725 and has not once closed its doors.

Are you into flea markets? El Rastro, the biggest flea market in Spain with a history of 400 years, opens its doors every Sunday. Just be wary of pickpockets in the market.

Lavapiés

Lavapiés is located directly south of central Madrid. It takes ten minutes to walk from Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor to reach it.

Lavapiés is the place for art enthusiasts. The neighborhood oozes art, from the vibrant street art and galleries to live music and street dancing.

Cultural activities are abundant here as Lavapiés has the highest number of neighborhood associations and self-managed centers. Anyone can submit a proposal to set up an exhibit, show a documentary, or organise a debate.

Get ready for Madrid!

Ernest Hemingway once said Madrid is the best place to live. He was right. The fine people, cuisine, and weather make this city irresistible.

Each neighborhood has its lifestyle, from the Salamanca neighborhood, where you’ll rub shoulders with celebrities and diplomats, to Malasaña, the hippy neighborhood. No two neighborhoods will give you the same experience.

You are bound to experience Spanish culture at its best in Madrid, no matter which neighborhood you settle in. We hope you enjoy your stay!