Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, has become the place to be in Europe. The place to be for its quality of life, and for real estate as well. To help you get to know it better, the experts at Terreta Spain have prepared this comprehensive guide to the neighborhoods of the beautiful Spanish city.
The central neighborhoods: culture and urban life
Centro
The Centro district, which encompasses the emblematic areas of Sol, Gran Vía and Malasaña, is the historical heart of Madrid.
Shops and restaurants line the sidewalks of Sol and Gran Vía. Malasaña, on the other hand, is an area known for its alternative and bohemian atmosphere. The district is home to many trendy bars and cafes, vintage boutiques; it is the hipster corner of the city and the epicenter of Madrid's nightlife.
The Centro district offers an immersion into Spanish history and culture, a journey between the opulent Royal Palace and the most underground bars in Madrid.
Must-see:
- Puerta del Sol and its statue of the bear and the strawberry tree
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
- Shopping streets of Gran Vía
- Vintage bars and boutiques of Malasaña
- Plaza del Dos de Mayor
- The Royal Palace
6,600 €/m2
La Latina
The La Latina district, also located in the historic center of the capital, is known for its winding medieval streets, authentic tapas bars, and local atmosphere. It is also home to the famous El Rastro flea market, which welcomes thousands of tourists and strollers every Sunday. La Latina is the ideal district for discovering traditional Madrid.
Must-see:
- Medieval streets
- Authentic tapas bars
- El Rastro flea market
- Plaza de la Cebada
3,100 €/m2
Upscale districts: luxury and elegance in the heart of the capital
Salamanca
The Salamanca district is one of the most upscale and elegant in the city. Structured in the 19th century around large avenues, it is full of prestigious schools, and its streets are lined with boutiques of major designers, Michelin-starred restaurants, and buildings with classical architecture.
Must-see:
- Luxury boutiques on Calle Serrano
- The Lazaro Galdiano Museum and the works of Goya
- The Casa Árabe
8,800 €/m2
Chamberí
Chamberí is an upscale and popular district of Madrid. It is appreciated by locals for its traditional atmosphere and elegant architecture. Very attractive for wealthy families looking for a central and peaceful living environment, it is mainly residential.
The district is distinguished by its tree-lined streets and opulent Haussmann-style buildings. Chamberí offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Must-see:
- Haussmannian architecture
7,300 €/m2
The bohemian and alternative neighborhoods
Lavapiés
Lavapiés is one of the most dynamic and multicultural neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. It is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and thriving art scene. The neighborhood is an open-air museum, an absolute must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. They will find a multitude of galleries, cultural centers, as well as colorful street art with committed messages.
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 is packed as soon as the weather is mild
- La Tabacalera, a former tobacco factory transformed into an art space
5200€/m2
Chueca
Chueca is the trendy district of Madrid. Located near the Gran Vía, it has become, over the years, the center of the LGBTQ+ community in the capital. Chueca's nightlife is particularly lively, with a multitude of bars, clubs, and restaurants that attract locals and tourists alike. As soon as night falls, the district changes its face.
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 a living testament to its rich past.
Must-see:
- LGBTQ+ bars and clubs
- Trendy boutiques
- Plaza de Chueca
- Mercado de San Antón
- Museum of Romanticism
- Madrid's Gay Pride sets the streets of Chueca ablaze every year
8300€/m2
Living in Madrid close to nature
Retiro
The Retiro district borders the famous Buen Retiro Park, in the heart of the capital. Its geographical location is privileged as it combines green spaces and urban amenities.
The atmosphere is peaceful, the setting pleasant, away from the tourist bustle of the hyper-center. The architecture is refined and gives an undeniable charm to this district.
Must-see:
- Retiro Park and its lake
- Crystal Palace
- The Prado Museum nearby
6,550 €/m2
The modern districts
Chamartín
Chamartín is a modern district located 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 first inclined towers in the world, nicknamed « la Puerta de Europa », « the Gate of Europe ». Chamartín is also a constantly evolving business district that attracts investors. Ambitious projects are multiplying, like Madrid Nuevo Norte, which aims to transform the north of the capital into an ultramodern and sustainable economic and residential hub.
Must-see:
- Torres Kio (inclined skyscrapers)
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
6,600 €/m2
Tetuán
Tetuán is a district undergoing profound transformation. It is located north of the city and adjacent to Chamartín. The area is very well connected and full of real estate opportunities. It is attracting more and more investors, particularly due to the various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the district (AXA IM has, for example, just completed the construction of two 24-story towers).
Must-see:
- Modern architecture in development
5000 €/m2
Moncloa
Moncloa-Aravaca is a lively, modern, vibrant area located west of the city and very popular with students due to its proximity to two major universities in Madrid (Complutense and the Polytechnic University). It is an ideal target for real estate investors interested in student rentals. Small apartments are highly sought after in the area and rent very well.
Very well connected and benefiting from its proximity to the Casa de Campo, one of Madrid's green lungs, Moncloa-Aravaca has many advantages.
Must-see:
- Ciudad Universitaria (campus)
- Faro de Moncloa (panoramic tower)
- Casa de Campo
5,300 €/m2
The district to invest in on the outskirts of Madrid
Puente de Vallecas
To the southeast of the city is Puente de Vallecas, a popular district known for its lively atmosphere and strong cultural identity. Very well connected to the city center, it still benefits from very affordable prices per square meter, making it an area of interest for real estate investment. Be careful, the word is getting out...!
Must-see:
- Cerro del Tío Pío Park, nicknamed "las siete tetas", offers one of the best panoramic views of Madrid, especially at sunset.
- Entrevías, the district where the famous eponymous Spanish Netflix series takes place.
€2,600/m2
FAQ: Madrid Neighborhood Guide
Which are the central neighborhoods of Madrid?
The main central neighborhoods are Centro (encompassing Sol, Gran Vía, and Malasaña) and La Latina. These districts offer an immersion into Madrid's culture and urban life.
Which is the most expensive neighborhood in Madrid?
The Salamanca district is the most expensive, with an average price of €8,800/m².
Where can I find the best luxury boutiques in Madrid?
The Salamanca district, especially Calle Serrano, is renowned for its luxury boutiques and major designers.
Which neighborhood is ideal for affluent families?
Chamberí is particularly popular with affluent families for its central and peaceful living environment.
Which are the bohemian and alternative neighborhoods of Madrid?
Lavapiés and Chueca are known for their bohemian and alternative atmosphere. 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.
Which are the modern neighborhoods of Madrid?
Chamartín, Tetuán, and Moncloa-Aravaca are modern neighborhoods undergoing rapid development.
Which neighborhood is ideal for student rental investment?
Moncloa-Aravaca, close to universities, is an excellent option for student rental investment.
Where can I 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 neighborhood is known for its lively nightlife?
Chueca is renowned for its dynamic nightlife, particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community.
