Experience the Vibrant Malasaña Neighborhood in Madrid

Bubbling with life at any time of day – and often long into the night – Malasaña is Madrid’s hippest neighborhood. Surrounding Plaza del 2 de Mayo and near the Tribunal Metro stop, this trendy barrio is just minutes from Sol and a short walk to the most sought-after museums and cultural hotspots.

Madrid locals understand that an ideal way to enjoy the city is to spend a day hanging out in one of the many barrios; eating, drinking, relaxing in the park, or shopping in the boutiques. In Malasaña, you can also absorb a bit of history and culture.

9am – Breakfast at HanSo Café

Kick off the day with breakfast at HanSo Café on Calle del Pez – a hotspot for the international crowd that takes coffee very seriously. You can also grab a croissant or a piece of matcha cake to prepare for the day. The atmosphere here is an eclectic mix of local hipsters, students, and travelers. Some spend all morning at one of the tables, working on their laptops or chatting with friends. After breakfast, wander towards the Tribunal metro stop and enjoy the ambiance along some of the smaller streets. The area typically has limited motorized traffic, making walking very pleasant.

10am – Museo de Historia de Madrid

Located smack in the middle of Malasaña, you’ll find Museo de Historia de Madrid, the city’s history museum. Reopened in 2014 after several years of closure, this municipal museum tells the story of Madrid through mural-sized paintings, etchings, and old maps. Admission is free, and visitors can admire centuries-old fans, ceramics, and furniture produced by local artisans.

12pm – Shopping Stroll

As you leave the museum, you’ll find yourself in Madrid’s hippest shopping area. Walk down Calle Fuencarral towards Gran Via, stopping at one of the many distinct shops along the way. Some streets in Madrid specialize in specific products, so if you’re looking for shoes, head over to Calle Augusto Figueroa. For alternative styles, Snapo on Espíritu Santo is a great option, or go gift-shopping at Nest on Plaza San Ildefonso.

2pm – Lunch in Malasaña

Madrid is famous for the sheer number of bars and restaurants along its streets. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Malasaña has hundreds of options for lunch. Experience the well-heeled crowds at Bazaar for a fixed menu or grab a bite at Mercado San Antón.

Many of Madrid’s traditional markets have been remodelled recently, and San Antón, with its international flair, is among the best. You can try tapas from different regions of Spain, sushi, bagels, arepas, and plenty more. The market also features a few full-service bars and restaurants, along with bakeries selling pastries and desserts.

3pm – Afternoon Relaxation

By this time, the day calls for a mid-afternoon break. As one of the sunniest European capitals, nearly any day of the year offers the perfect opportunity to find a spot in one of Madrid’s parks to relax. In Malasaña, Parque del Buen Retiro is just a few minutes’ walk from Mercado San Antón. Find a patch of grass under a shady tree to watch the madrileños enjoy the sun. You could also spend a breezy afternoon at one of the outdoor cafés on the plazas, trying out the trendy Plaza de Chueca or the hipster-filled Plaza Dos de Mayo.

5pm – Cultural Exploration at Centro Cultural Conde Duque

Once you’re rested, you can pop across Calle San Bernardo to check out the latest exhibitions at Centro Cultural Conde Duque – a historic barracks that now houses exhibition spaces, a public library, and the local Museum of Contemporary Art. Alternatively, visit one of the other nearby museums; Madrid’s city center is small enough that you’re never too far from the Prado or Reina Sofia.

7pm – Pre-Dinner Drinks at Bodega de la Ardosa

Those in the know skip the newer bars and stop by Bodega de la Ardosa for a drink before dinner. Established in 1892, it’s one of Madrid’s few remaining century-old taverns. It might be standing-room only when you arrive, but the tortilla (Spanish omelette) is considered one of the best in the city. Many locals also enjoy the red vermouth aperitif, a tradition in Madrid.

9pm – Dinner at La Camocha

Dinner options abound in and around Malasaña. If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish bar experience, try La Camocha on Calle Fuencarral. Not much has changed in decades; the waiters serve hard cider, squid rings, and typical fare from the northern region of Asturias. A floor covered in used napkins and olive pits is a good sign in a bar: it indicates popularity among locals.

11pm – Nightlife in Malasaña

If you’re still awake and ready to party, visit El Junco, one of Madrid’s best jazz clubs. With concerts several nights a week, it attracts both locals and tourists. For something louder and later, numerous discos and pubs populate Malasaña, many of which stay open very late. Enjoy fabulous cocktails at 1862 Dry Bar, or dance till dawn at Why not?

A night in Madrid often doesn’t conclude until breakfast the next morning. Indulge in hot chocolate and churros at an old-school bar before catching the Metro home to rest.