6 Must-See Madrid Neighborhoods and How to Visit
Madrid is a large city, and its numerous neighborhoods are as diverse and charming as the city's residents. From bustling Sol to elegant Salamanca, Madrid has a district to suit any taste or interest. Here’s what you need to know to explore Madrid's top neighborhoods.
Centro
Some of the city's best museums.
The central district in the city, Centro is perhaps best-known as the home of the city's most celebrated museums, including the Prado (Museo del Prado) and the Reina Sofia (Museo Reina Sofia). Be sure to stroll the Paseo del Prado, and book skip-the-line tickets or tours to get the most out of Centro's cultural sights.
Argüelles
Residential with royal appeal nearby.
Just north of Madrid's central district, Argüelles is a largely residential neighborhood with lots of students wandering about. Don't miss West Park (Parque del Oeste) and the Temple of Debod (Templo de Debod). Since the neighborhood is just north of the must-see Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid), you should book a tour of the palace and refuel with a coffee in Argüelles.
Sol
Great food and famous plazas.
This tiny neighborhood in the middle of the city is best known for its bustling plazas: Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Expect lots of tourists, and make sure to find your way to one of the area's tapas bars to sample the local cuisine. Book a food tour or pub crawl to enjoy Sol’s local bars and eateries, and visit the nearby Literary Quarter (Barrio de las Letras).
La Latina
Catch a flamenco show and more.
La Latina is an ideal area to explore on foot and grab a bite. Plan to dine at one of the numerous traditional tabernas (taverns) dotting the neighborhood. Don't miss the weekly El Rastro flea market, and take in a flamenco show at one of the neighborhood's venues.
Salamanca
Take a peek at pricey homes and visit the park.
Salamanca is known for its luxurious homes and pricey real estate. Treat yourself to a walk along the tree-lined arcades, and enjoy shopping at one of the numerous high-end boutiques or designer shops. Because the area is just north of Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro), it’s easy to stop by after a park Segway tour or bike tour.
Chueca
Home to some of Madrid's coolest hangouts.
Situated between Malasaña and Salamanca, Chueca is an unapologetically hip neighborhood known for its bars and nightclubs. Generally understood to be the gay neighborhood in Madrid, Chueca offers walkable streets, excellent shopping, and a number of reasonably priced restaurants. Book a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour to find your way here without the hassle of metro travel.
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Peter Neely is a Brooklyn-based writer and poet who's been bounding between cities for a decade, with stops in San Francisco, Budapest, Montreal, and Lyon. Changing NYC apartments like socks, Peter has lived in Harlem, Greenpoint, Sunnyside, and Crown Heights, though Coney Island is his spiritual homeland. Spot him reading on the subway, or complaining about the slice at your favorite pizzeria.