Where to stay in Madrid: the best barrios (neighborhoods) in the capital
How to Pick Your Accommodation in the Spanish Capital
Madrid is a big city by European standards. Just going for the best hotel in your price range isn't going to help you get the best experience out of your accommodation.
The simplest tip is to stay within a 20-minute walk of Puerta de Sol, the geographical center of Spain and, though not physically the center of Madrid, the hub of life in the capital.
See also:
What Kind of Madrid Vacation Are You Looking For?
Madrid is a very diverse city. Where you stay can easily color your opinion of the city. Pick your accommodation wisely:
Hotels on Gran Via
Gran Via is Madrid's main thoroughfare and shopping street. Think 5th Avenue or Oxford Street. It is busy virtually 24 hours a day with people moving between Puerta de Sol and the nightlife areas in Malasaña and Chueca.
Vibe: busy, big city, shopping
What’s Nearby?
On Gran Via itself, you mainly have shops. But you can walk to most of Madrid's biggest sights from Gran Via, the notable exception being Real Madrid's stadium, Santiago Bernabeu.
See also:
Immediately to the north you have the restaurant and nightlife hotspots of Malasaña and Chueca, and to the south you have Puerta del Sol and then, beyond that, Huertas (or Barrio de las Letras, as it's also called). At the western end of Gran Via is Plaza España and the Royal Palace, while to the east is Plaza Cibeles, with the Palacio de las Comunicaciones, one of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid and where the bus from the airport arrives and departs. From there it's a short walk to the Prado museum and Atocha train station.
As an idea of distances, the walk to Atocha train station from the middle of Gran Via is 30 minutes. Everything else mentioned above is closer.
From Gran Via metro station there is a direct Metro to both Atocha and Chamartin train stations.
Should You Stay on Gran Via?
If you really want to feel you are in a city Gran Via is a good place to stay. It has good connections to the whole city and it is easily accessible from the airport.
The question is, do you want to leave your hotel in the morning and be immediately on one of the busiest streets in Spain? If not, you might prefer to stay 100 meters further north in Malasaña or Chueca.
Good Hotels
Hotels on Gran Via tend to have four stars. Hotel Atlantico is half-way along the street and gives you good access to Malasaña, Puerta de Sol and the shopping on Calle Princesa and Calle Preciados. A little closer to Plaza Cibeles (so also good for the bus to and from the airport and for getting to the Prado museum) is Hotel Las Letras.
Accommodation in Madrid de las Austrias and La Latina
Madrid's oldest and most majestic barrio, Madrid de las Austrias is where you'll find Madrid's grandest plazas, most historic restaurants and finest buildings.
Vibe: historic, grandiose, classy, classic.
See also:
What’s Nearby?
Madrid de las Austrias is home to Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain, as well as the Royal Palace and the cathedral.
On the streets around Plaza Mayor you have some of the oldest restaurants in Spain (including El Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world) and classic wine bars like Bodegas Ricla.
Immediately to the south of Madrid de las Austrias is the popular neighborhood of La Latina with the street Cava Baja, famous for its restaurants and wine bars.
It is a short walk to Puerta de Sol from Madrid de las Austrias. From there, you have metro and local trains (Cercanias) to the whole city.
Should You Stay in Madrid de las Austrias?
Madrid de las Austrias is the most attractive part of Madrid. But nice buildings also attract lots of tourists. The restaurants around here vary hugely between unchanged classics and tourist rip-offs. Can you tell the difference?
Good Hotels
Hostal Orient is just a few meters from the royal palace and a five-minutes walk from Puerta de Sol and has very good reviews. If you want to stay really close to Plaza Mayor, check out Hotel Petit Palace Posada del Peine.
Staying in Malasaña
Malasaña is Madrid's most fashionable neighborhood. Think Kreuzberg in Berlin, Shoreditch in London or Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The shabby streets are filled with independent boutiques, vintage cafes and great food options.
This is a living neighborhood. Sure, there are tourists, but there are far more people here who actually live there. Once you walk away from busy Gran Via or Fuencarral it is obvious you are in a residential area.
That doesn't mean the residents ever get a quiet night's sleep! I'd book a room with air conditioning so you can keep the windows closed at night.
Vibe: shabby-chic, gentrified, residential arty, alternative
What’s Nearby?
Malasaña itself is mainly about the bars, cafes and shops. Craft beer (at Fabricas Maravillas and Irreale), good wine and fusion restaurants mix with 100-year old bars like Bodegas Ardosa.
Immediately to the south of Malasaña you have Gran Via and just beyond that Sol. From the north end of Malasaña it is a thirty-minute walk to the Prado museum.
See also: Things to Do in Malasaña and Chueca
Should You Stay Here?
Definitely!
Malasaña is perhaps the most vibrant barrio in the whole of Spain. Every street is teeming with people flocking to the latest boutique or to a classic restaurant. It is also a residential neighbourhood, which means there are also supermarkets and places to buy fruit and vegetables, perfect for if you are staying in an apartment and want to cook for yourself.
It is also well connected to the rest of the city, both on foot and by metro.
Whenever I am in Madrid, I stay in Malasaña.
Good Hotels
The best hotels in Malasaña tend to be on Calle Pez, recently famous for its cocktail bars. Check out Hostal Pizarro or Domus Selecta Abalu Hotel. For a good apartment in the center of the action, take a look at
There's no better way of getting to know a neighborhood like Malasaña than by staying with the neighbors! AirBNB has some great options in the area. They will usually only have one room available, so check out a few, such as this one, this one or this one.
Staying in Chueca
Chueca is Madrid's gay neighborhood, though it's become common to describe it as 'straight-friendly' to show that everyone should feel comfortable there. It has great restaurants and cafes for the daytime, but most straight people tend to head over to Malasaña at nighttime.
Vibe: gay, modern, residential, arty, chic.
What’s Nearby?
Chueca is mainly about the restaurant scene in the daytime and the gay nightlife.
To the west you have Malasaña, also known for its nightlife and cafe scene. Chueca is next to Paseo de Recoletos and Plaza Cibeles (good for the bus to the airport) and beyond that, Paseo del Prado and the Prado museum.
See also: Things to Do in Malasaña and Chueca
Should You Stay Here?
Chueca is the sister-neighborhood to Malasaña, with perhaps even better restaurants. The main difference is that this is the gay neighborhood. And with that comes a music scene and ambience that you'd expect of a gay part of town. It is not my personal preferred asthetic, so I usually stay in Malasaña and come to Chueca for the restaurants.
Good Hotels
For a good apartment, check out Madrid SmartRentals Chueca. For a hotel experience, check out Lusso Infantas Hotel.
Staying in Sol and Huertas (Barrio de las Letras)
Puerta del Sol is the point in Spain from which all distances are measured and is the heart of Madrid.
In reality, it isn't the geographical center of Madrid (it is situated to the south of the city) but most of Madrid's big sights are within walking distance. There are a number of pension guesthouses in the area where you could get a double room for as little as 30€ if you're lucky (and willing to put up with a room with limited amenities).
One of the noisier areas of Madrid - if you are worried about noise at night, ask your hotel for a room that doesn't have a street-facing window or get a room with air conditioning so you can keep the window closed.
To the south-east of Puerta de Sol, Huertas is an historic neighbourhood. Many of Spain's litereary giants either lived or died here, including Cervantes himself. To commemorate this, the area is officially referred to as Barrio de las Letras, though most locals still call it Huertas.
Vibe: historic, classic.
What’s Nearby?
Plaza Santa Ana is the hub of activity here, with famous cafes where Hemingway used to hang out and the hotel where bullfighters used to stay. Walk down Calle Huertas to Atocha train station and the famous triangle of art museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Should You Stay Here?
Definitely!
Huertas' location close to Atocha train station, Puerta del Sol, Lavapies and Plaza Cibeles makes it ideal for visitors to the city. I lived in this neighborhood when I first came to Madrid.
It has since got a lot more touristy, but it is still a wonderful place to stay.
Good Hotels
El Pasaje on the Sol side of the barrio gives you good access to both the historic Huertas area and the transport connections of Madrid's central square.
Stay around the corner from from where Cervantes died at One Shot Prado 23 or get views of the famous Plaza Santa Ana from Room Mate Alicia.
Hotels in Barrio Salamanca
Old-school chic, dominated by expensive brands such as Prada and Loewe. This is where you go if you're Victoria Beckham Or Russian. Snobbery and old money abound. Though I don't know you, I can't imagine this would be your thing.
Vibe: expensive, snobbery, brand names.
What’s Nearby?
The archeology museum and the national library are both very close, just off Plaza Colon. The Retiro park is just a little to the south, while the Chueca neighborhood is to the west.
Should You Stay Here?
Did you come to Madrid to shop for Prada? If not, I can't see why you'd want to stay around here.
Good Hotels
A very reasonably priced hotel for the area is Hotel Melia Galgos. Or check out Hotel Unico, another popular choice.
Where to Stay Near Parque del Retiro
Retiro Park is Madrid's lung. In lieu of a beach, this is where Madrileños go to get away from it all. But of course, you wouldn't be staying in the park itself. The area to the west is still a bit swanky, but has more restaurants than shopping
I wouldn't stay east of Retiro.
Vibe: classy, relaxed.
What’s Nearby?
The park is the big attraction here.. The south-west corner of Retiro is close to the big Art Triangle museums and Atocha train station.
And we're still close to the shopping of Barrio Salamanca, which is just a short walk to the north.
Should You Stay Around Here?
If you have the money, this is a nice area to stay, with great access to the park, art museums and train station. It's not quite as central as Malasaña or Huertas, but it's still a great place if you can find the right hotel.
Good Hotels
Luxury Suiteshas an excellent location and great reviews. Or for views of the park itself, check out AC Palacio del Retiro.
Accommodation Near Paseo del Prado
Madrid's biggest avenue, with grand hotels and the Prado museum dominating things here. It separates the historic Huertas (Barrio de las Letras) district from Parque del Retiro.
There's not much actually on Paseo del Prado, apart from the aforementioned sights and accommodation.
Vibe: classy, metropolian
What’s Nearby?
At the south end is Atocha train station.
Should You Stay Here?
If you're looking for luxury hotels and quick access to the Prado, then you'll want to stay here.
If you don't need the hotels though, stay in Huertas instead.
Good Hotels
Luxury Suites is just off the Paseo and is well priced for the area. But the big two here are the Ritzand the Westin Palace.
Accommodation Near Santiago Bernabeu and Business District
Lavapies was once a very poor neighborhood, popular with immigrants and artists. The quality of life here has risen, though the international flavour has remained, with lots of Indian restaurants and other ethnic cuisines.
Vibe: ethnic, bohemian, relaxed, working class.
What’s Nearby?
Lavapies is a short walk from Atocha train station and the Reina Sofia modern art museum. From there it's just a few short steps to the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.
Up the hill from Lavapies is Huertas (Barrio de las Letras) and then to Sol.
Should You Stay in Lavapies?
Lavapies is a great place to stay in Madrid, particular for quick access to Atocha train station and the Art Triangle Museums (it'll also be a lot cheaper to stay around here).
Good Hotels
For some reason there are very few hotels in Lavapies itself. One popular one is Hostal Santa Isabel There is also Hostal Far From Home, on the boundary between Lavapies and Barrio de las Letras.
Hotel NH Madrid Atocha is a great place to stay, as is Balconies Urbay Stay. Also check out Hotel Mediodia.
Hotels Near Plaza España
The furthest north you'll ever need to be in Madrid (unless you have to catch a train from Chamartin).
Vibe: business.
What’s Nearby?
Santiago Bernabeu is soccer team Real Madrid's home stadium. The rest of what you see around here is big business skyscrapers.
Read more about Booking Tickets to a Real Madrid Match
Should You Stay Here?
Only if you want an easy walk back to your hotel after the big match.
Good Hotels
Holiday Inn Bernabeu is a short walk from the stadium. Also check out AC Hotel Aitana by Marriot.
The west end of Gran Via ends with Plaza España, a pleasant square surrounded by some of the oldest skyscrapers in Spain.
Vibe: metropolitan, classic.
What’s Nearby?
The Royal Palace and Cathedral (and the rest of Madrid de las Austrias) are just around the corner (to the south). To the west is Templo Debod, the Egyptian temple given to Spain as a gift from Egypt. To the north is Malasaña. To the east you have Gran Via.
Should You Stay Here?
This is a good area to stay for access to some of the biggest sights in Madrid. But for a more residential feel, stay in nearby Malasaña.
Good Hotels
Sercotel Suites Vienais located close to the Templo de Debod and a short walk down to Plaza España and the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, on Plaza España itself you have theEspahotel.
Madrid is a big city by European standards. Just going for the best hotel in your price range isn't going to help you get the best experience out of your accommodation.
The simplest tip is to stay within a 20-minute walk of Puerta de Sol, the geographical center of Spain and, though not physically the center of Madrid, the hub of life in the capital.
See also:
What Kind of Madrid Vacation Are You Looking For?
Madrid is a very diverse city. Where you stay can easily color your opinion of the city. Pick your accommodation wisely:
- To live like young and hip locals, stay in Malasaña, Chueca or Lavapies
- To feel you're in a big city, stay on Gran Via,Plaza de España or on Paseo del Prado
- For historic Madrid, pick Madrid de las Austrias and La Latina or Huertas (Barrio de las Letras)
- If you're going to a Real Madrid match, you might prefer to be near the stadium: Santiago Bernabeu and Business District
- If your trip is about shopping for high-class European fashion brands, stay in Barrio Salamanca
- To be near the big museums, stay near Retiro, Paseo del Prado or Lavapies and Atocha
Hotels on Gran Via
Gran Via is Madrid's main thoroughfare and shopping street. Think 5th Avenue or Oxford Street. It is busy virtually 24 hours a day with people moving between Puerta de Sol and the nightlife areas in Malasaña and Chueca.
Vibe: busy, big city, shopping
What’s Nearby?
On Gran Via itself, you mainly have shops. But you can walk to most of Madrid's biggest sights from Gran Via, the notable exception being Real Madrid's stadium, Santiago Bernabeu.
See also:
Immediately to the north you have the restaurant and nightlife hotspots of Malasaña and Chueca, and to the south you have Puerta del Sol and then, beyond that, Huertas (or Barrio de las Letras, as it's also called). At the western end of Gran Via is Plaza España and the Royal Palace, while to the east is Plaza Cibeles, with the Palacio de las Comunicaciones, one of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid and where the bus from the airport arrives and departs. From there it's a short walk to the Prado museum and Atocha train station.
As an idea of distances, the walk to Atocha train station from the middle of Gran Via is 30 minutes. Everything else mentioned above is closer.
From Gran Via metro station there is a direct Metro to both Atocha and Chamartin train stations.
Should You Stay on Gran Via?
If you really want to feel you are in a city Gran Via is a good place to stay. It has good connections to the whole city and it is easily accessible from the airport.
The question is, do you want to leave your hotel in the morning and be immediately on one of the busiest streets in Spain? If not, you might prefer to stay 100 meters further north in Malasaña or Chueca.
Good Hotels
Hotels on Gran Via tend to have four stars. Hotel Atlantico is half-way along the street and gives you good access to Malasaña, Puerta de Sol and the shopping on Calle Princesa and Calle Preciados. A little closer to Plaza Cibeles (so also good for the bus to and from the airport and for getting to the Prado museum) is Hotel Las Letras.
Accommodation in Madrid de las Austrias and La Latina
Madrid's oldest and most majestic barrio, Madrid de las Austrias is where you'll find Madrid's grandest plazas, most historic restaurants and finest buildings.
Vibe: historic, grandiose, classy, classic.
See also:
What’s Nearby?
Madrid de las Austrias is home to Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain, as well as the Royal Palace and the cathedral.
On the streets around Plaza Mayor you have some of the oldest restaurants in Spain (including El Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world) and classic wine bars like Bodegas Ricla.
Immediately to the south of Madrid de las Austrias is the popular neighborhood of La Latina with the street Cava Baja, famous for its restaurants and wine bars.
It is a short walk to Puerta de Sol from Madrid de las Austrias. From there, you have metro and local trains (Cercanias) to the whole city.
Should You Stay in Madrid de las Austrias?
Madrid de las Austrias is the most attractive part of Madrid. But nice buildings also attract lots of tourists. The restaurants around here vary hugely between unchanged classics and tourist rip-offs. Can you tell the difference?
Good Hotels
Hostal Orient is just a few meters from the royal palace and a five-minutes walk from Puerta de Sol and has very good reviews. If you want to stay really close to Plaza Mayor, check out Hotel Petit Palace Posada del Peine.
Staying in Malasaña
Malasaña is Madrid's most fashionable neighborhood. Think Kreuzberg in Berlin, Shoreditch in London or Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The shabby streets are filled with independent boutiques, vintage cafes and great food options.
This is a living neighborhood. Sure, there are tourists, but there are far more people here who actually live there. Once you walk away from busy Gran Via or Fuencarral it is obvious you are in a residential area.
That doesn't mean the residents ever get a quiet night's sleep! I'd book a room with air conditioning so you can keep the windows closed at night.
Vibe: shabby-chic, gentrified, residential arty, alternative
What’s Nearby?
Malasaña itself is mainly about the bars, cafes and shops. Craft beer (at Fabricas Maravillas and Irreale), good wine and fusion restaurants mix with 100-year old bars like Bodegas Ardosa.
Immediately to the south of Malasaña you have Gran Via and just beyond that Sol. From the north end of Malasaña it is a thirty-minute walk to the Prado museum.
See also: Things to Do in Malasaña and Chueca
Should You Stay Here?
Definitely!
Malasaña is perhaps the most vibrant barrio in the whole of Spain. Every street is teeming with people flocking to the latest boutique or to a classic restaurant. It is also a residential neighbourhood, which means there are also supermarkets and places to buy fruit and vegetables, perfect for if you are staying in an apartment and want to cook for yourself.
It is also well connected to the rest of the city, both on foot and by metro.
Whenever I am in Madrid, I stay in Malasaña.
Good Hotels
The best hotels in Malasaña tend to be on Calle Pez, recently famous for its cocktail bars. Check out Hostal Pizarro or Domus Selecta Abalu Hotel. For a good apartment in the center of the action, take a look at
There's no better way of getting to know a neighborhood like Malasaña than by staying with the neighbors! AirBNB has some great options in the area. They will usually only have one room available, so check out a few, such as this one, this one or this one.
Staying in Chueca
Chueca is Madrid's gay neighborhood, though it's become common to describe it as 'straight-friendly' to show that everyone should feel comfortable there. It has great restaurants and cafes for the daytime, but most straight people tend to head over to Malasaña at nighttime.
Vibe: gay, modern, residential, arty, chic.
What’s Nearby?
Chueca is mainly about the restaurant scene in the daytime and the gay nightlife.
To the west you have Malasaña, also known for its nightlife and cafe scene. Chueca is next to Paseo de Recoletos and Plaza Cibeles (good for the bus to the airport) and beyond that, Paseo del Prado and the Prado museum.
See also: Things to Do in Malasaña and Chueca
Should You Stay Here?
Chueca is the sister-neighborhood to Malasaña, with perhaps even better restaurants. The main difference is that this is the gay neighborhood. And with that comes a music scene and ambience that you'd expect of a gay part of town. It is not my personal preferred asthetic, so I usually stay in Malasaña and come to Chueca for the restaurants.
Good Hotels
For a good apartment, check out Madrid SmartRentals Chueca. For a hotel experience, check out Lusso Infantas Hotel.
Staying in Sol and Huertas (Barrio de las Letras)
Puerta del Sol is the point in Spain from which all distances are measured and is the heart of Madrid.
In reality, it isn't the geographical center of Madrid (it is situated to the south of the city) but most of Madrid's big sights are within walking distance. There are a number of pension guesthouses in the area where you could get a double room for as little as 30€ if you're lucky (and willing to put up with a room with limited amenities).
One of the noisier areas of Madrid - if you are worried about noise at night, ask your hotel for a room that doesn't have a street-facing window or get a room with air conditioning so you can keep the window closed.
To the south-east of Puerta de Sol, Huertas is an historic neighbourhood. Many of Spain's litereary giants either lived or died here, including Cervantes himself. To commemorate this, the area is officially referred to as Barrio de las Letras, though most locals still call it Huertas.
Vibe: historic, classic.
What’s Nearby?
Plaza Santa Ana is the hub of activity here, with famous cafes where Hemingway used to hang out and the hotel where bullfighters used to stay. Walk down Calle Huertas to Atocha train station and the famous triangle of art museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza.
Should You Stay Here?
Definitely!
Huertas' location close to Atocha train station, Puerta del Sol, Lavapies and Plaza Cibeles makes it ideal for visitors to the city. I lived in this neighborhood when I first came to Madrid.
It has since got a lot more touristy, but it is still a wonderful place to stay.
Good Hotels
El Pasaje on the Sol side of the barrio gives you good access to both the historic Huertas area and the transport connections of Madrid's central square.
Stay around the corner from from where Cervantes died at One Shot Prado 23 or get views of the famous Plaza Santa Ana from Room Mate Alicia.
Hotels in Barrio Salamanca
Old-school chic, dominated by expensive brands such as Prada and Loewe. This is where you go if you're Victoria Beckham Or Russian. Snobbery and old money abound. Though I don't know you, I can't imagine this would be your thing.
Vibe: expensive, snobbery, brand names.
What’s Nearby?
The archeology museum and the national library are both very close, just off Plaza Colon. The Retiro park is just a little to the south, while the Chueca neighborhood is to the west.
Should You Stay Here?
Did you come to Madrid to shop for Prada? If not, I can't see why you'd want to stay around here.
Good Hotels
A very reasonably priced hotel for the area is Hotel Melia Galgos. Or check out Hotel Unico, another popular choice.
Where to Stay Near Parque del Retiro
Retiro Park is Madrid's lung. In lieu of a beach, this is where Madrileños go to get away from it all. But of course, you wouldn't be staying in the park itself. The area to the west is still a bit swanky, but has more restaurants than shopping
I wouldn't stay east of Retiro.
Vibe: classy, relaxed.
What’s Nearby?
The park is the big attraction here.. The south-west corner of Retiro is close to the big Art Triangle museums and Atocha train station.
And we're still close to the shopping of Barrio Salamanca, which is just a short walk to the north.
Should You Stay Around Here?
If you have the money, this is a nice area to stay, with great access to the park, art museums and train station. It's not quite as central as Malasaña or Huertas, but it's still a great place if you can find the right hotel.
Good Hotels
Luxury Suiteshas an excellent location and great reviews. Or for views of the park itself, check out AC Palacio del Retiro.
Accommodation Near Paseo del Prado
Madrid's biggest avenue, with grand hotels and the Prado museum dominating things here. It separates the historic Huertas (Barrio de las Letras) district from Parque del Retiro.
There's not much actually on Paseo del Prado, apart from the aforementioned sights and accommodation.
Vibe: classy, metropolian
What’s Nearby?
At the south end is Atocha train station.
Should You Stay Here?
If you're looking for luxury hotels and quick access to the Prado, then you'll want to stay here.
If you don't need the hotels though, stay in Huertas instead.
Good Hotels
Luxury Suites is just off the Paseo and is well priced for the area. But the big two here are the Ritzand the Westin Palace.
Accommodation Near Santiago Bernabeu and Business District
Lavapies was once a very poor neighborhood, popular with immigrants and artists. The quality of life here has risen, though the international flavour has remained, with lots of Indian restaurants and other ethnic cuisines.
Vibe: ethnic, bohemian, relaxed, working class.
What’s Nearby?
Lavapies is a short walk from Atocha train station and the Reina Sofia modern art museum. From there it's just a few short steps to the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.
Up the hill from Lavapies is Huertas (Barrio de las Letras) and then to Sol.
Should You Stay in Lavapies?
Lavapies is a great place to stay in Madrid, particular for quick access to Atocha train station and the Art Triangle Museums (it'll also be a lot cheaper to stay around here).
Good Hotels
For some reason there are very few hotels in Lavapies itself. One popular one is Hostal Santa Isabel There is also Hostal Far From Home, on the boundary between Lavapies and Barrio de las Letras.
Hotel NH Madrid Atocha is a great place to stay, as is Balconies Urbay Stay. Also check out Hotel Mediodia.
Hotels Near Plaza España
The furthest north you'll ever need to be in Madrid (unless you have to catch a train from Chamartin).
Vibe: business.
What’s Nearby?
Santiago Bernabeu is soccer team Real Madrid's home stadium. The rest of what you see around here is big business skyscrapers.
Read more about Booking Tickets to a Real Madrid Match
Should You Stay Here?
Only if you want an easy walk back to your hotel after the big match.
Good Hotels
Holiday Inn Bernabeu is a short walk from the stadium. Also check out AC Hotel Aitana by Marriot.
The west end of Gran Via ends with Plaza España, a pleasant square surrounded by some of the oldest skyscrapers in Spain.
Vibe: metropolitan, classic.
What’s Nearby?
The Royal Palace and Cathedral (and the rest of Madrid de las Austrias) are just around the corner (to the south). To the west is Templo Debod, the Egyptian temple given to Spain as a gift from Egypt. To the north is Malasaña. To the east you have Gran Via.
Should You Stay Here?
This is a good area to stay for access to some of the biggest sights in Madrid. But for a more residential feel, stay in nearby Malasaña.
Good Hotels
Sercotel Suites Vienais located close to the Templo de Debod and a short walk down to Plaza España and the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, on Plaza España itself you have theEspahotel.