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Madrid Home

Barrio Salamanca

Madrid Spain

Ever since Madrid's city walls came down in the 1860s, the Salamanca district in the north has been one of the most fashionable areas to live in Madrid. The western border is marked by Calle Serrano, a street with ample international shops, stores and boutiques. Now, the US Embassy is located in this area, close to the magnificent Lazaro Galdiano Museum. The neighborhood is also home to the world's most important bullfighting ring, the 25,000 seat Las Ventas, offering a taste of a true Spanish tradition. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Steven Wong

Photo: jemotilla

 

El Centro

Madrid Spain

Central Madrid covers many districts, with its heart at the Plaza Mayor, Sol and the Gran Vía. In 1617, the Plaza Mayor became the hub of Madrid, and today it is the tourist centre. This district provides ample wine, tapas, and musical entertainment. Chueca, on the other hand, is the old and atmospheric area north of the Gran Vía. It is now the center of Madrid's gay scene, with dozens of clubs and restaurants of all price ranges and nationalities. Puerta del Sol, the semicircular "Gateway to the Sun," is also packed at night, although this scene is more peripheral. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Martin Hapl

Photo: Björn Láczay

Photo: Martin Hapl

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Photo: jorgeip

Photo: Cristina Muñoz-Reja

Photo: Marco Giacomuzzi

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Photo: Lucia Trujillo

Photo: Juan de Farago

Photo: Daniel A. Saavedra Rolán

 

 

El Retiro

Madrid Spain

Escape the city in huge, lush, green Parque del Buen Retiro (Good Retreat Park). Do what the Madrileños do: buy a bag of sunflower seeds or kikos (fried corn kernels), dress up in your Sunday best and stroll down the long paseo (promenade) in front of the pond overlooked by a statue of Alfonso XII. On sunny days, you can rent a rowboat (watch out for the pesky splashers!), or enjoy the numerous magicians, folk musicians, Michael Jackson wannabes and poets (who will reject any donations under EUR1 pesetas!) performing on the promenade. The best way to enter the park is from Calle Alcalá, passing the 19th-century Puerta de Alcalá. Beware of pickpockets in this area, especially at night. Right outside the park boundaries is the elegant district of Salamanca, which features several up-scale boutiques and art galleries. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Guillermo Castro Dur

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Gran Via

Madrid Spain

Traffic surges through this long, noisy avenue, along with swarms of locals and tourists. Look up and admire the eccentric 20th-century architecture built during the Franco era. You'll find every style represented, from neo-baroque to art deco. As you follow the Gran Vía all the way from Calle Alcalá to Plaza de España, take note of the grand old-fashioned movie houses, some of the last of their kind, which continue hiring artists to paint original movie posters. Other buildings to watch out for are the elegantly domed Edificio Metrópolis at the Alcalá intersection, and the monstrous Telefónica building halfway down. Review © 2007, Wcities

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Huertas & Plaza Santa Ana

Madrid Spain

This is yet another lively spot for cafés, bars and nightlife action. It is centred around Plaza de Santa Ana. Located close to Madrid de los Austrias, this is also the place to go to see live music. The crowds here are 20 to 30-somethings. Typical bars here include Viva Madrid and Los Gabrieles, decorated with beautiful tiles and serving great cocktails and sangría. Or go to the traditional Cervecería Alemana for crowds, beer and tapas. Café Central is a perfect stop for coffee during the day or live jazz at night. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Martin Hapl

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La Latina (The Rastro)

Madrid Spain

Just next to Madrid de los Austrias, this old district is known for its huge array of bars, cafés and restaurants and Spain's largest flea market, the Rastro. Every Sunday morning, you'll find stalls selling everything from valuable antiques to old junk. The market sits not too far south of the Plaza Mayor and is a great place to browse for bargains before heading to an open-air café in the Plaza. On other days of the week you can tour the medieval Puerta de Toledo or some of the impressive cathedrals nearby. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: davidmclaughlin

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Lavapiés

Madrid Spain

Lavapies was in decay until a few decades back. This district was a former medieval working-class quarter. Positioned south of the Plaza Mayor, it been pedestrianised, and old houses have been tastefully converted into studio flats. There is a new ambience that has been created by a recent influx of immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East. This area is certainly one of the most international regions of Madrid but also one of the most stimulating because of its bohemian appeal and working-class roots. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: mallol

Photo: lorena

Photo: ...te veré en el trastevere!!

Photo: Sergio Zurinaga

 

 

Malasaña & Chueca

Madrid Spain

This is a fairly quiet area during the day, with winding streets and 19th-century architecture. At night it's transformed into a busy nightlife spot as young and old mix in the many bars, discos and cafés. Malasaña is dominated by Plaza Dos de Mayo, while Chueca is the epicentre for the city's gay population. Discos like Black & White are great places to dance or take in a drag show! Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Zheileman

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Moncloa & Argüelles

Madrid Spain

Nightlife, nightlife and more nightlife! This area is dominated by great tapas bars that don't even open until 9pm or later. Alternatively, try out Al Pil Pil for good Basque food; Gaudí for a mainly vegetarian menu; and the Sports Café if you want to watch the football on TV whilst enjoying typical American or Catalan food. A student enclave, come prepared to encounter a lot of enthusiasm. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: jorge

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Photo: Tiago.Cardoso

 

 

Paseo de Castellana

Madrid Spain

This long tree-lined boulevard is the backbone of Madrid. It's so long that it even has three official names. Come here to relax, take a coffee break or sightsee. Starting from Atocha train station, wander up shady Paseo del Prado and take in two of Madrid's most famous art museums: the Prado and the Thyssen Bornemisza. The area also features the Real Jardín Botánico (Royal Botanical Gardens), home of many exotic plants. Continue on until you reach Plaza de Cibeles and the grand Palacio de Telecomunicaciones (post office). Suddenly, the boulevard turns into the Paseo de Recoletos, a great place to take a stroll. Or, better still, stop at Café Gijón, where Spain's intellectuals hang out, for a café con leche (white coffee). Check the local listings for times and dates of the book and craft fairs that take place along this part of the Castellana. Continuing on, you'll pass the massive square and monument to Columbus, and the Bibilioteca Nacional (National Library). At this point, the street officially becomes Paseo de la Castellana, a busy commercial area. Here you'll find Real Madrid's football stadium, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and more banks. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Luis García

Photo: Ken Peace

 

 

Sol

Madrid Spain

The heart of it all! You should start your tour of the city at the lively Puerta del Sol. Expect to find wonderful 19th-century buildings, shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and crowds at this busy central intersection. From here, head up Calle Mayor to Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the old historic district. Or you can take Calle Arenal and visit the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and Teatro Real (Opera House). If you go up the Carrera de San Jerónimo, you'll come to the Prado Museum. Or stroll down Calle Alcalá past the impressive row of banks to Retiro Park. Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Steven

Photo: Cassidy Norvell

Photo: Steven

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Madrid - Neighborhood Guide"
Madrid
Madrid - Historical Background
Madrid - Where to Stay
Madrid - Dining & Drinking
Madrid - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Toledo (81 miles)
Salamanca (160 miles)
Zaragoza (274 miles)
Bilbao (315 miles)
Valencia (325 miles)
Seville (403 miles)
Barcelona (509 miles)
Bordeaux (540 miles)
Montpellier (720 miles)
Marseille (826 miles)

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