Madrid Local’s Guide: Best Areas to Stay

Madrid Local’s Guide: Best Areas to Stay

– So, deciding where to stay in Madrid can be a real challenge. Look, we get it. This is a big city and each neighborhood has its own personality, its own vibe. – So in this video, we’re going to show you our eight favorite areas to stay in Madrid.

For each, we’re going to give you an overview of the area’s vibe, safety, public transport, nearby sites, plus some cool places to eat and explore. – Plus, we’ve asked our audience over in the Spain Revealed Facebook group which some of their favorite hotels are in Madrid. Below in the description,

You’ll find links to those hotels, plus some of our favorites with options for all budgets. – But before we kick off, here are three things you need to keep in mind when booking your accommodation in Madrid. Number one, external rooms can give you lovely European city street views,

But they risk having street noise. So if you’re a light sleeper like me, or unlike James, book yourself an interior room or a room that is on the top floor if the hotel has them available. Number two, be aware that in some hotel rooms, you may have booked a double room,

But you end up with two single beds pushed together. So when you book your room, ask for a (speaks Spanish), literally a marriage bed. And number three, you may see some accommodations called (speak Spanish). The word (speak Spanish) doesn’t necessarily mean youth hotel. It simply means a basic kind of hotel,

But it may mean youth hotel. So, just please make sure that you check the photographs under the description when you make your booking. – First up, La Puerta del Sol and Madrid de los Austrias are right in the heart of the city. La Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s buzzing and bustling central square

And alongside, Madrid de Los Austrias is the part around the Royal Palace, which is the oldest and most historic part of Madrid. The vibe around the Puerta del Sol and the nearby Plaza Mayor is non-stop busy. And as it’s the most touristy part of town, you’re less likely to be surrounded by locals.

The upshot is many of the shops and restaurants in this area naturally cater to tourists and locals who are going out with friends are likely to go to other parts of the city. Having said that, there are plenty of locals in this area for the shopping.

You’ve got the famous department store, El Corte Ingles, plus lots of well-known big brand clothing shops, like Zara, H&M, and Mango. But the area isn’t all nonstop energy. Around the Royal Palace, the area known as Madrid de los Austrias, it’s all of very quiet and charming streets

That I used to love wandering about and getting lost in when I first moved to Madrid. Safety-wise, overall, Madrid is a really safe city, but given the number of tourists in this area, I would just be aware that there could be pickpockets and scammers around. So, keep your belongings close to you.

But if you’re traveling alone and you like the idea of staying in an area that’s always busy even at night, then grabbing a hotel near the Puerta del Sol might actually be a good bet. And keep in mind that the Madrid de los Austria area

Around the palace does get pretty quiet at nine. Transport options here are great. You’ve got plenty of Metro stops that will get you all over the city. Between Sol, Opera, Gran Via, and Callao the most important Metro lines cut through this area. And given it’s so centrally located,

This is also a great area for walking to other parts of Madrid, especially the key sites. You can walk from here to the Royal Palace, the Prado, the Reina Sofia, and really any other site you might like to see. For eating, this is where the famous Mercado de San Miguel is.

It’s a fun start to get your (speaks Spanish). But for a more authentic eating experience, our favorite is of course Casa Toni. There are very few of these classic casas or rustic tapas bars left in the center of Madrid as the tourist shops and more chainy restaurants push them out.

But this place is still going and it’s the real deal. A couple of hotels that our viewers have raved about are the Hotel Francisco I and the family-run Hotel Moderno. This area is ideal for people who wanna be able to step outta their hotel and have busy bustling Madrid right at their feet.

– Just a five to 10 minute walk from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol is La Latina. And this beautiful historic neighborhood is famous for two things, eating and drinking. There are hundreds of taps bars and restaurants amongst these gorgeous all winding streets and white plaza.

What’s nice is that these are bars and restaurants that both tourists and locals hate, so it doesn’t feel as built for tourists as some of the places in the Puerta del Sol area might. But the vibrant dining scene here is both a blessing and a curse. It’s wonderful to explore and eat,

But if you’re going to get a hotel here, just make sure you have an interior or high up room away from the evening street noise. Safety shouldn’t be a big issue here, but there are still going to be the odd scammers and pickpockets that will prey on tourists.

And given that if you are in this area, you’re likely to be eating and drinking, just keep an eye on your belongings, especially when it comes to leaving your phone or wallet on the table or the bag on the back of your chair. Transport-wise, this is not the most connected area

For public transport. The main Metro in and out is the stop La Latina on Line 5. However, you’re still so central that you’re pretty much walking distance from everywhere. (indistinct) is a tapas scroll down the famous Calle Cava Baja, which is a street with literally 50 tapas bars.

And if you want to explore a more local side of the neighborhood, you can graduate to what’s song called the B side of La Latina, where there are some great low key tapas bars on Calle Cava Baja. The best of them is probably wine and cheese bar, Casa Gerardo.

There aren’t so many hotels in this area. Viewers have told us they love the boutique Posada de Leon de Oro or if you’re traveling with kids and want an apartment, check out Apartmentos Cava Baja. La Latina is perfect for those seeking to escape the tourist crowds of Puerta del Sol,

Yet still desire to be amidst a lively neighborhood atmosphere. – Okay, next up, we’re in the uber trendy neighborhood of Malasana. I dunno if we’re still using the word hipster, but if we are, this is Madrid’s most hipster neighborhood. In fact, this is where Madrid’s famous Movida movement took off in the 1980s,

Which was the city’s wild coming out party after the end of the dictatorship. That meant punk bands, clubs, and serious partying. Since then, the rough edges have been smoothed over, but this is still undoubtedly Madrid’s hippest neighborhood, with lots of trendy boutiques, secondhand shops, restaurants serving food from all over the world,

And some famous nightclubs from back in the day. And all this is set against a backdrop of gorgeous narrow lanes lined by the colorful turn of the century buildings. Safety-wise, this is a relatively safe area. It’s certainly an area to go to parties, so there might be some alcohol fueled excitement

In the wee hours. But apart from that, you don’t really have anything to worry about. And for transport, like La Latina, there is one main line that passes through here. It’s Line 1 and the most central stop is Tribunal. But again, you’re not far from the action

As it’s easy walking distance from all the key sites. For an excellent (speaks Spanish), check out Casa Macareno, and if you want to eat excellent Sichuan food, check out Chuan Yu. Also, the beating heart of this neighborhood is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, surrounded by cafes and terraces,

And also with a local flea market on weekend mornings. Several of our viewers raved about the Hotel Atlantico. And for a trendy option, check out 7 Islas. And for more budget accommodation, take a look at Hostal Lauria. So, I think Malasana is the go-to district for those seeking to immerse themselves

In Madrid’s trendiest neighborhood. It’s perfect for enjoying cool bars, diverse restaurants, unique boutiques, and the dynamic street life. – Okay, so let’s take it up a notch and cross from trendy Malasana over to uber trendy Chueca. And while this area has also had a rough past in the last 10 to 15 years,

It’s also become one of the trendiest parts of the city. But unlike the more rough around the edges Malasana, Chueca is more chic than hipster. Plus this is also Madrid’s LGBTQ neighborhood and the focal point for the city’s famous week-long Pride Festival every summer. As you wander the narrow streets,

You’ll pass a mixture of cool restaurants and trendy boutique. And like Malasana, it really comes alive in the evening with clubs, bars, and the always buzzing Plaza de Chueca. Salesas is a tiny neighborhood alongside Chueca that’s got a little more of an old money Barrio de Salamanca vibe

And is a little more low key, which is handy if you want to be in Chueca, but not staying right in the midst of the action. Again, this area is safe like Malasana, but if you’re out gallivanting in the wee hours, just keep your weights about you.

Getting in and out of Chueca is easy with a Metro stop in the Plaza de Chueca that’s on Line 5 and will take you into Gran Via and La Latina. In this barrio, I love the wine bar Vides. It’s run by Vicente who serves up great wine and cheese.

And if you want to take things up a notch, check out the gourmet restaurant, Angelita. And then, there is the Mercado de San Anton, which is really a gourmet food hall. When it comes to hotels, a number of viewers love Only You, a boutique hotel

That is the epitome of this barrio, chic and stylish. Others have raved about Hotel Vincci The Mint on Gran Via. This neighborhood is great if you want to be in the chicest part of the city, surrounded by trendy restaurants and bars, but without the stuffiness of Barrio de Salamanca alongside.

– Next up is one of my favorite neighborhoods and one that I often recommend that people stay in, the Barrio de Las Letras, also called Huertas, is the city’s historic literary quarter, where some of Spain’s most famous writers lived. The name Barrio de Las Letras literally means literary district.

And it’s in this neighborhood that Cervantes the author of “Don Quixote,” lived in various houses struggling to pay the rent. And these days, the neighborhood is full of historical charm, narrow lanes, beautiful architecture, and a vibe that’s much more laid back than the intensity of the Puerta del Sol area just alongside.

And while this area has gentrified in recent years and become more touristy, it still has a bit of a neighborhood feel. Plus the nearby Anton Martin Market means you can pick up produce in a traditional Spanish market. Safety-wise, this is a safe neighborhood, though it is popular with tourists,

So it’s wise to keep an eye on your things. For transport, there’s no Metro stop in the middle of this neighborhood, but you’re surrounded by stops in the Puerta del Sol, Banco de Espana, and Anton Martin. Plus, if your focus is gonna be the big three art galleries,

The Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia, from here, you’re within easy walking distance from all three. The streets are dotted with bars and restaurants, as well as some classy boutiques. And on the first Saturday of every month is the so-called Mercado de las Ranas or Frog Market, where the local vendors and shops

Set up their wares in the street, creating the feeling of an outdoor flea market. For tapas, we love the famous Casa Gonzalez for wine and cheese. Also, check out the great tapas bar Taberna Elisa and try tapas hopping along the wonderful Calle Jesus, which is always full of people drinking vermouth

And eating (speaks Spanish). Also, if you want an awesome hidden museum, check out de Lope de Vega House Museum. Hotels that our viewers have raved about here are Catalonia Las Cortes, Room Mate Alba, and Artistic BnB. Overall, I think this is an area that suits a lot of people,

Really anyone who likes the idea of being in the center of Madrid, but would rather be just slightly out of the tourist hubbub of the Puerta del Sol. – Okay, next up is a neighborhood very close to our hearts and one where we used to live, Lavapies.

This is a neighborhood that sprout multicultural, down to earth, and historic. The vibe is of a busy bustle Madrid barrio and is home to residents from all over the world. Spain, Europe, Africa, Asia. And that richness is on display in the restaurant scene,

The shops, and simply in the vibrancy of daily life here. You’ll find outdoor bars and cafes along Calle Amor Hermoso, lots of great Indian restaurants, and beautiful historic squares, like the Plaza Augustin Lara. In short, this eclectic neighborhood is brimming with creative youthful energy amongst gorgeous turn of the century buildings

And winding lanes. One thing to keep in mind is that this area can be a little touch and go safety-wise. It’s in this neighborhood that we have both had our things stolen. To put it in perspective, during the day and night, it’s always busy and you can feel safe.

But I will just be a little careful about your belongings or walking home at night through quiet street with your phone in your hand. Transport-wise, you got the Anton Martin and Tirso de Molina Metros at the northern end and the Lavapies Metro at the southern end.

But be aware the Metro Lavapies is on a slope just in case that’s an issue for your mobility level. This neighborhood is full of great places to eat and explore. For wine lovers, don’t miss the excellent tapas bar, La Fisna. For great British-inspired food, grab a table at Los Chuchis.

And if you need a curry, we’ve always thought Moharaj was pretty good. Also, make sure to grab a vermouth at Antonio Sanchez the oldest still running tavern in Madrid having opened in the 18th century. A few of our viewers have loved staying in the MH Apartments in Tirso de Molina.

This is a great neighborhood for people who want to soak up a more eclectic and multicultural side of Madrid. – Next up is the famous Barrio de Salamanca, which is without a doubt the poshest neighborhood in Madrid. And the vibe here is quite different from the other parts of the city.

Think of this as Madrid’s Upper East Side with wide avenues, regal apartment buildings, and lots of classy shops and restaurants. By day, you’ll get lots of bustle with business types and well-heeled locals going about their day. And in the evening, there are great restaurants to check out.

But by and large, it’ll be pretty quiet at night. As you’d expect, personal safety is not really an issue in this area. You’re out of the center and so you won’t really need to worry about pickpockets and scammers. But look, as always, be aware of your belongings.

Transport-wise, you’ve got plenty of Metro stops throughout the neighborhood, but keep in mind that it’s a bit of a hike if you’re gonna walk into the center or to see any of the main sites. It could be a 45 minute walk to the Puerta del Sol

And about 35 to 40 minutes to the Prado. So, this probably isn’t a good neighborhood if you’re hoping to see Madrid completely on foot in this area. We recommend checking out the Mercado de la Paz, a traditional market for Madrid’s wealthy set. Meaning it’s got great quality ham, cheese, and wine.

A great spot if you want to grab some gourmet gifts or just to enjoy some hamon and wine at one of the outdoor tables. And inside is the famous bar Casa Dani, which serves Madrid’s most famous Tortilla de Patatas and also does a pretty good fixed price menu (speaks Spanish).

And if you’re in Madrid for clothes shopping, you want to wander down Calle Serrano, where all the famous luxury brands are. And in behind it, Calle de Claudio Coello is where you can get more boutiques and local brands. Two classy hotels that our viewers have loved here are the Hotel Fenix Gran Melia,

And also the Wellington. I think this is a great neighborhood if you’re in Madrid to shop or for business, or if you just wanna live like a very wealthy (speaks Spanish) for a week. But for many tourists, I think the risk here is that you could feel a little bit too far away

From the action. – Okay, next up is the least touristy of all the neighborhoods we cover in this video, Chamberi. This sprawling neighborhood is just alongside Barrio de Salamanca and has a touch of that neighborhood’s old money vibe, but with a more down-to-earth atmosphere. In recent years, it’s become popular

With young professionals who want to live near the energy of Central Madrid, but still be outside the tourist bubble and love having a strong community around them. Unlike the more historic parts of Madrid, the streets are not narrow and cobblestone, but wider with cars. And you got a mix of historic buildings,

As well as newer ones. But when it comes to shops and restaurants, you’ll find a mix of classy boutiques, true neighborhood shops, embarrassing restaurants full of locals. As one would expect, this area is extremely safe. When it comes to transport. You are unlikely to be walking into the center given the distance,

But the metro stops of Quevedo and Iglesia can get you to most places you want to go. Be aware that Chamberi covers a big area, so I will stay in the southern part so you’re not too far from the action. Here, you’ve got the fantastic museo Sorolla Art Gallery,

Where this Valentin painter’s beautiful works are on display in his majestic former home. And for eating, don’t miss the Mercado de Vallehermoso, a traditional market that also has excellent tapas and food stalls and which is always humming on the weekend. Also don’t miss the leafy Plaza Olavide, where locals linger at the terraces

Over (speaks Spanish) and tapas on warm evenings. This neighborhood doesn’t have many hotels, but it does have apartments for rent. Two that are viewers have recommended are the two-bedroom BNBHolder Chamberi in Love and the one-bedroom Libere Madrid. Chamberi is the perfect spot for people who want to stay in a part of Madrid

Where they’re totally surrounded by locals going about their… – [James] What’s wrong? – [Yoly] Chamberi is the perfect spot for people who want to be surrounded by locals going about their daily rhythms and don’t mind being a Metro ride from the main sites. – So down below, we’ve put links to all the hotels we’ve mentioned in the video, plus more of our favorite hotels.

And next up, you have to know where to eat a Madrid, where to eat well. So in this video, we go to 11 of our favorite places to eat in the historic center of Madrid, tapas bars, restaurants, pastry shops, the whole gamut. So, we’ll see you over there in a moment. Ciao.

👉 See all our recommended hotels – https://social.spainrevealed.com/best-hotels-madrid (via handy travel website Thatch)

Which are the best areas to stay in Madrid? And the best hotels? We tackle it all here!

=== LINKS TO OUR VIEWERS’ FAVORITE HOTELS ===

👉 Puerta del Sol & Madrid de los Austrias
Four Seasons Hotel Madrid (Luxury) https://social.spainrevealed.com/four-seasons
Hotel Francisco I (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/francisco-I
The Hat (Budget) https://social.spainrevealed.com/the-hat

👉 La Latina
Posada del León de Oro (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/posada-del-leon-de-oro
Apartamentos Cava Baja (Apartments) https://social.spainrevealed.com/apartamentos-cava-baja

👉 Malasaña
Hotel Atlántico (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/atlantico
7 Islas (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/7-islas
Hostal Lauria (Budget) https://social.spainrevealed.com/hostal-lauria

👉 Chueca & Salesas
Only YOU Boutique Hotel (Luxury) https://social.spainrevealed.com/only-you
Vincci The Mint (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/vincci-the-mint

👉 Huertas/Barrio de las Letras
Catalonia Las Cortes (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/catalonia-las-cortes
Room Mate Alba (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/room-mate-alba
Artistic B&B (Budget) https://social.spainrevealed.com/artistic

👉 Lavapiés
MH Apartments Central Madrid (Apartments) https://social.spainrevealed.com/MH-apartments
Only YOU Hotel Atocha (Mid-Range) https://social.spainrevealed.com/only-you-atocha

👉 Barrio Salamanca
Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá (Luxury) https://social.spainrevealed.com/hotel-fenix-gran-melia
Wellington Hotel & Spa (Luxury) https://social.spainrevealed.com/wellington

👉 Chamberí
BNBholder Chamberí in Love (Apartment) https://social.spainrevealed.com/bnbholder-chamberi-in-love
Líbere Madrid Chamberí (Apartments) https://social.spainrevealed.com/libere-madrid-chamberi
Fuencarral II (Apartment) https://social.spainrevealed.com/fuencarral

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Edited by Clément Letourneur

WHO ARE WE? 🥝
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Hola, Spain lovers! We’re James and Yoly. James is a New Zealander, and Yoly is from Spain. And we both live in Madrid. This channel is all about giving you a local insight into life in Spain, and helping you experience this country like a local when you come to visit (or live!). If that sounds like your kind of thing, bienvenid@!

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