Quaint vermouth bars with hand-painted signage, iron-balconied apartments painted in shades of sage green and dandelion yellow, world-class museums, grand palaces, charming parks, glass castles... the reasons to visit Spain’s capital are endless, but where to go if you’re looking to explore the best neighbourhoods in Madrid? For returning visitors, or those looking to swerve the usual tourist hotspots, there’s a handful of neighbourhoods that equally excite and astonish. Pockets of the city where daily Madrileño life unfurls at a slower pace, where nostalgic bodegas and taverns hum with activity and locals delight in an unapologetic joie de vivre. Not to mention exquisite hotels like Heritage Madrid Hotel and The Principal, offering elegant bedrooms from which to relax. These are the best neighbourhoods to explore in Madrid for travellers craving a truly authentic Spanish experience.
A flower shop in one of Madrid's best neighbourhoods
The best neighbourhoods to explore in Madrid
1. Salamanca
This high-end, glamorous shopping district, boasting diplomatic mansions, grand houses with lush internal private patios, and some of the city’s most creative hotels, makes it one of the most expensive areas of Madrid, but also one of the safest. Inhabited by the country’s elite, this residential pocket showcases high-end daily city life, a sharp contrast to the hipper areas of Chueca and Lavapiés frequented by younger city-dwellers, but worth spending time in all the same. Don’t miss Mercado de la Paz, one of Madrid’s oldest markets.  |
| Tomatos for sale at Mercado de la Paz |
This covered enclave draws a certain amount of tourists due to it being home to Casa Dani - the place to come for some of the best tortilla in the city - but it’s one of the main shopping areas for local Madrileños, too. With a wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as great butchers and cheese stalls, it’s an incredible place to get an overview of old-school local life.
2. Almagro
Filled with discreet restaurants, boutique stores, and serene leafy boulevards, the
upscale area of Almagro begs to be explored on foot, especially before dusk when
the sun's rays create a hazy, almost magical effect across the neighbourhood’s wide
streets.  |
| Sun-dappled afternoons in Almagro |
A short stroll reveals ancient, well-preserved palaces rubbing shoulders with impressive manor houses and some of the most impressive architecture in the city. Hours slip by easily in Almagro, especially when punctuated with stops for speciality coffee and baked goods at Beik Beik or a glass of chilled albariño alongside grilled prawns at local-fave, Fide.
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| Sorolla Museum |
Set back in the surroundings of a wildly elegant garden, complete with a water fountain, Museo Sorolla is the home, turned museum, of Joaquín Sorolla. While the space is often frequented by art-loving tourists, it's also adored by locals who delight in the whimsical sun-drenched scenes of the adored Spanish painter. Tickets to Museo Sorollo are available online or at the door. Closed Mondays.
3. Malasaña
Pretty much everyone who visits Madrid will be familiar with Malasaña thanks to its
chain stores and high-street shops, but head away from the main thoroughfare of
the Gran Via, and you’ll be greeted with little-known streets and pockets of intrigue.
The place to come for buzzy bars, second-hand stores, open-air art installations, and
a younger crowd, it’s worth a stroll on a late afternoon followed by a few cool cañas
around Calle de Velarde.  |
| One of Malasãna's wooden-fronted stores |
As one of the most beautiful Baroque-style churches, not only in Madrid but the whole of Spain, the Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes is pretty underwhelming from the outside, yet mind-blowing from the inside. Covered in the most exquisite, highly elaborate frescos dating back to the 17th century, it’s well worth seeking out.
4. La Latina
You’ll never get historic, lively La Latina all to yourself since it’s always packed with
locals and tourists alike. But if you know where to look, it’s easy to find an authentic
place from which to enjoy a long, satisfying lunch. Tiny peeled prawns fried in olive
oil, garlic, and parsley (Gambas al Ajillo), and the chickpea-based stew known as
Cocido madrileño are the dishes to order in Spain’s capital.  |
| Tortilla from Pez |
While Pez Tortilla has become more popular with tourists in recent years, locals still adore this small-chain, low-key store thanks to its innovative flavoured tortillas and craft beer. Nearby Casa Revuelta is still somewhat of a local institution - try the battered salt cod.
5. Casa de Campo
Home to the largest green space in Madrid, this nature-filled enclave has a slightly
under-the-radar status with tourists since they usually head to the perfectly
manicured grounds of El Retiro Park. Popular with runners, families, and friends,
Casa de Campo has a slightly more rugged edge but boasts a vast boating lake,
roaming wild deer, and a fragrant pine forest.  |
| Swimming pool at Casa de Campo |
For a taste of local life away from the crowds, it’s worth spending a whole day exploring this underrated, sprawling neighbourhood. While many Madrid locals leave the city behind during the oppressive summer months that span July to September, die-hard residents head to the outdoor pools at Municipal Casa de Campo Sports Centre to cool off. Sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming are all welcome, and it’s a great place for a spot of people-watching too. The pools get incredibly busy throughout the summer, so it’s best to pre-book a slot online.
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