Where to Stay in Madrid: A Neighbourhood Guide

For a first visit, stay inside the ring formed by the Royal Palace, the Gran Vía and the Paseo del Prado. Everything important is then within a walk, and you'll rarely need the Metro except to and from the airport. The main question is how much noise you can live with, because central Madrid stays up very late, even on weeknights.

Ask for a room facing the inner courtyard (an interior room) if you're a light sleeper, and check for air conditioning if you're coming between June and September.

Sol and the Centro

The geographic middle, with Metro lines in every direction and the Plaza Mayor next door. It's the easiest base for a short trip, but the streets around Sol are crowded and commercial, and noise continues late.

Barrio de las Letras

The literary quarter, where Cervantes and Lope de Vega lived, runs downhill from Sol to the Paseo del Prado. Its streets have quotations set into the pavement and plenty of bars around Plaza de Santa Ana. Our favourite for a first visit: the museums in our museums guide are on one side and the old town on the other.

La Latina and Lavapiés

La Latina is old Madrid at its most traditional, with tapas bars, churches and the Sunday Rastro on the doorstep, and it's loud at weekends. Lavapiés, just east, is the city's most multicultural neighbourhood, with cheaper places to eat and a younger, rougher feel.

Malasaña and Chueca

North of the Gran Vía, and the centre of Madrid's nightlife. Malasaña has independent shops, vintage stores and bars. Chueca, next door, is the heart of LGBTQ+ Madrid, with smart restaurants and the Mercado de San Antón. Both are fun and noisy, and a short walk from the sights.

Salamanca

A grid of elegant nineteenth-century streets east of the Castellana, with designer shops and quieter nights. A good choice for families and anyone who wants calm, with Retiro Park close by, but it's a Metro ride or a longer walk from the old town.

Retiro and Jerónimos

Between the Prado and the park, one of the most attractive corners of the city and quiet at night. Hotels here are fewer and pricier.

If you're arriving by train, Atocha is close to the Barrio de las Letras and the museums. Our getting there guide covers the airport links for each area.