First time in Madrid, needless to say the streets can be tricky to find your way around and more so considering where to stay. There are so many neighbourhood and accommodation options therefore you need to find a place that fits your desires and interests. Here in this guide we’ll guide you through some of the best areas to stay in Madrid if this is your first visit to the Spanish capital.
1. Centro – The Heart of the City
Staying in the Centro district means you will be in the center of the action if you want to. The neighborhood sees famous attractions including the popular Puerta del Sol, Palacio Real and Plaza Mayor. In addition, there are lots of shops, restaurants and bars in the area, so if that’s your kind of thing it’s also ideal.
From budget friendly hostels to luxury hotel room you can find accommodation options. If you are traveling on budget, there is the lively Sol area, that is cheap in accommodation and also has good public transport.
2. Salamanca – Luxury and Shopping
If you’re looking for a fancier kind of option, that means staying in the Salamanca district. Salamanca is within the most affluent neighbourhood of Madrid, famous for its luxury boutiques, stylish restaurants and beautiful architecture. This is where the upscale traveler is an attractive one, finding a more refined and exclusive environment.
Yet, Salamanca is also home to the famous Retiro Park, a vast place of greenery crisscrossed by pathways, pitch each morning where children and their relatives come and enjoy a game of pichón or footy: picnics take place in bursts of colour and excitement. Luxury hotels to boutique settings, there is many options to travel on Salamanca.
3. Malasaña – Hip and Trendy
So this is not what you are looking for, some more of and alternative and eclectic vibe? Malasaña is the place to be. Trendy, bohemian neighborhood, street art, vintage shops; place where artists and young travellers enjoy hanging out. Annually on the 1st of July, thousands of people in Malasaña attend a giant street party and dance the night away in the streets.
There’s something available for everybody’s budget when it comes to accommodation in Malasaña – from basic hostels to upmarket boutique hotels. This is true if you’re an aficionado of culture or an avid party goat.
4. Lavapiés – Cultural and Multicultural
Lavapiés is the place to go if you’re searching for a diverse community and tons of cultural experiences. The area is home to its ethnic cuisine, street art and colourful market stalls. The word Lavapiés refers to Madrid’s Centre, an area home to Madrid’s iconic Reina Sofia Museum, a place to discover art and begin your exploration of works of art from Picasso and Dalí, for example.
Accommodation options in Lavapiés range from budget guesthouses to stylish apartments. Living in this neighborhood will make you live an immersive cultural experience and to be close to Madrid’s boisterous art scene.
5. Chueca – LGBTQ-Friendly District
Chueca would be perfect for LGBTQ travelers or anybody who wants a vibrant, inclusive place to stay. Madrid’s LGBTQ community call this lively neighbourhood home and the authentic Pride celebrations take place here each year.
LGBTQ friendly hotels and guesthouses are available in Chueca. Along with bars, clubs and drag shows, the area also has a bustling nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Madrid is a city filled with neighborhoods which, although similar to one another, are each unique. If staying in your first hotel is your basket, then decide on your interests visit, your agreed budget, and the ambiance you were looking for. Madrid has a lot to offer, historical landmarks, luxury experiences, artistic adventures, or bohemian escape.
Also make sure that when you are choosing your accommodations, you scrutinize and compare as it helps and verify different accommodation options, read reviews and consider how close your accommodation will be to the attraction and have easy access to public transportation. And when you do, you’ll leave with a memory of a memorable stay in the enchanting Spanish capital!