Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, has become the place to be in Europe. The place to be for quality of life, but also for real estate. To help you get to know it better, the experts at Terreta Spain have put together this comprehensive guide to Madrid's neighborhoods.
Central districts: culture and urban life
Centro
The Centro district, which encompasses the emblematic Sol, Gran Vía and Malasaña zones, is the historic heart of Madrid.
Stores and restaurants line the sidewalks of Sol and Gran Vía. Malasaña, on the other hand, is renowned for its alternative, bohemian atmosphere. Home to numerous trendy bars, cafés and vintage boutiques, it's the city's hipster corner and the epicenter of Madrid's nightlife.
The Centro district offers an immersion in Spanish history and culture, a journey between the opulent Royal Palace and Madrid's most underground bars.
A must-see!
- Puerta del Sol and its statue of the bear and the strawberry tree
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
- Gran Vía shopping streets
- Vintage bars and boutiques in Malasaña
- Plaza del Dos de Mayor
- The Royal Palace
6.600 €/m2
La Latina
The Latina district, also located in the capital's historic center, is known for its winding medieval streets, authentic tapas bars and local ambience. It's also home to the famous Rastro flea market, which welcomes thousands of tourists and strollers every Sunday. La Latina is the ideal place to discover traditional Madrid.
A must-see!
- Medieval alleys
- Authentic tapas bars
- El Rastro flea market
- Plaza de la Cebada
3.100 €/m2
Uptown: luxury and elegance in the heart of the capital
Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the city's most upscale and elegant districts. Built in the 19th century around grand avenues, it's packed with prestigious schools, and its streets are lined with designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and classical architecture.
A must-see!
- Luxury boutiques on Calle Serrano
- The Lazaro Galdiano Museum and works by Goya
- La Casa Árabe
8.800 €/m2
Chamberí
Chamberí is a chic and sought-after district of Madrid. Local residents appreciate its traditional atmosphere and elegant architecture. Highly attractive to affluent families looking for a central yet peaceful living environment, it is predominantly residential.
The district is distinguished by its tree-lined streets and opulent Haussmann-style buildings. Chamberí offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
A must-see!
- Haussmann architecture
7.300 €/m2
Bohemian and alternative neighborhoods
Lavapiés
Lavapiés is one of the Spanish capital's most dynamic and multicultural neighborhoods. It is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and thriving art scene. The district is an open-air museum, an absolute must for contemporary art lovers. Here you'll find a multitude of galleries and cultural centers, as well as colorful street artworks with committed messages.
A must-see!
- Street art and graffiti
- The Reina Sofia Museum and Guernica, Picasso's masterpiece
- The contemporary galleries of Calle del Doctor Fourquet, nicknamed "the street of art".
- La Casa Encendida, a superb cultural center with a rooftop terrace that's always busy when the weather's mild.
- La Tabacalera, a former tobacco factory transformed into an art space
5200€/m2
Chueca
Chueca is Madrid's trendy neighborhood. Located close to the Gran Vía, it has over the years become the center of the capital's LGBTQ+ community. Chueca's nightlife is particularly lively, with a multitude of bars, clubs and restaurants attracting locals and tourists alike. As soon as night falls, the district takes on a whole new look.
Chueca is also known for its trendy fashion and design boutiques.
Beyond its nightlife and cutting-edge boutiques, Chueca is home to first-rate cultural centers and its picturesque streets are living testimony to its rich past.
A must-see!
- LGBTQ+ bars and clubs
- Trendy boutiques
- Plaza de Chueca
- Mercado de San Antón
- Museum of Romanticism
- Madrid's annual gay pride festival sets the streets of Chueca ablaze
8300€/m2
Living close to nature in Madrid
Retiro
The Retiro district borders the famous Buen Retiro park, in the heart of the capital. Its privileged location combines green spaces with urban amenities.
The atmosphere is peaceful and the setting pleasant, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the hypercentre. The refined architecture lends an undeniable charm to the area.
A must-see!
- Retiro Park and lake
- Crystal Palace
- Prado Museum nearby
6.550 €/m2
Modern districts
Chamartín
Chamartín is a modern district in the north of Madrid. It is known for its exceptional connectivity (proximity to the train station and road access). It is home to emblematic skyscrapers, such as the famous Torres Kio, the world's first inclined towers, nicknamed "la Puerta de Europa", "the Gateway to Europe". Chamartín is also a constantly evolving business district that attracts investors. Ambitious projects are multiplying, such as Madrid Nuevo Norte, which aims to transform the north of the capital into an ultramodern, sustainable economic and residential hub.
A must-see!
- Torres Kio (inclined skyscrapers)
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
6.600 €/m2
Tetuán
Tetuán is a district undergoing profound transformation. It is located to the north of the city and adjoins Chamartín. The area is very well connected and brimming with real estate opportunities. It is attracting an increasing number of investors, spurred on by various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the district(AXA IM, for example, has just completed the construction of two 24-storey towers).
A must-see!
- Modern architecture in development
5000 €/m2
Moncloa
Moncloa-Aravaca is a lively, modern area in the west of the city, popular with students due to its proximity to two of Madrid's major universities (Complutense and Polytechnic). It's an ideal target for real estate investors interested in student rentals. Small apartments are highly sought-after in the area and rent very well.
Moncloa-Aravaca is very well connected and benefits from its proximity to Casa de Campo, one of Madrid's green lungs.
A must-see!
- Ciudad Universitaria (campus)
- Faro de Moncloa (panoramic tour)
- Casa de campo
5.300 €/m2
The right neighborhood to invest in on the outskirts of Madrid
Puente de Vallecas
To the south-east of the city lies Puente de Vallecas, a popular district known for its lively atmosphere and strong cultural identity. Well connected to the city center, it still benefits from very affordable prices per square meter, making it an attractive area for real estate investment. Beware, word is spreading...!
A must-see!
- The Cerro del Tío Pío park, nicknamed " las siete tetas", offers one of the best panoramic views of Madrid, especially at sunset.
- Entrevías, the district in which the famous Spanish Netflix series of the same name is set
2.600 €/m2
FAQ : Madrid neighbourhood guide
What are Madrid's central districts?
The main central districts are Centro (including Sol, Gran Vía and Malasaña) and La Latina. These neighborhoods offer an immersion in Madrid's culture and urban life.
Which is Madrid's most expensive district?
The Salamanca district is the most expensive, with an average price of €8,800/m².
Where to find the best luxury boutiques in Madrid?
The Salamanca district, especially Calle Serrano, is renowned for its luxury boutiques and top designers.
Which neighborhood is ideal for affluent families?
Chamberí is particularly popular with affluent families for its peaceful, central location.
What are Madrid's bohemian and alternative neighborhoods?
Lavapiés and Chueca are known for their bohemian, alternative vibes. Lavapiés is multicultural and artistic, while Chueca is the trendy LGBTQ+ district.
Where can you enjoy nature in Madrid ?
The Retiro district, bordering the park of the same name, offers an excellent balance between green spaces and urban amenities.
What are Madrid's modern districts?
Chamartín, Tetuán and Moncloa-Aravaca are modern neighborhoods in full development.
Which district is ideal for a student rental investment?
Moncloa-Aravaca, close to the universities, is an excellent option for student rental investment.
Where to find affordable investment opportunities?
Puente de Vallecas, in the southeast of the city, still offers affordable prices per square meter and good investment potential.
Which district is best known for its lively nightlife?
Chueca is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community.
