The capital city of Spain, Madrid, is known for its numerous unique features, from lively squares, narrow cobblestone streets and historical quarters to modern skyscrapers, luxurious palaces and cozy squares.
The city is divided into several neighborhoods, each with a different atmosphere and personality. This short guide aims to give an in-depth answer to the question, “Where can you stay in Madrid for the first time?”
Gran Vía
Centrally located, Gran Via is close to almost everything you may need while in Madrid. The city has zero marker points for most tourist cities. It is one of the best areas to stay in Madrid. The city has emblematic streets where shopping enthusiasts can enjoy big brand stores.
Main places to visit in Gran Vía
Among the main places to visit in Madrid is the Casino del Madrid, conveniently located close to the city’s best shops and stores. Additionally, it is well-located, since there are museums and theaters nearby.
Other than the Casino, you can see amazing statues like the Mariblanca statue, the Bear and Strawberry and Charles III of Spain. They have a privileged location in the center of Madrid between Carrera de San Jerónimo and Calle de Alcalá.
Sol
This is another centrally located area of Madrid where you can discover what Madrid has to offer while walking down the local tapas, cafes and pedestrian shopping streets. It is the top of Madrid’s most famous plazas with historic statues and stunning architecture. It is the best place to visit and stay in Madrid for a long vacation or a short city break.
Main places to visit in Sol
While in this area, you will have a chance to visit one of the historic landmarks, Plaza Mayor, located near the Royal Palace. It houses many traditional bars, restaurants and shops.
If you enjoy shopping, you can take a stroll to Mercado de San Miguel, a covered market, just a few meters from Plaza Mayor.
La Latina
This is the best place to experience local life. This neighborhood is home to a large number of people (tourists and locals) and plazas. The streets are charming with an excellent selection of restaurants and bars. Every part of the area is connected with the centrally located Metro Station.
Main places to visit in La Latina
The area boasts one of the best and most famous tapas streets in Madrid, the Calle Cava Baja. Here, you will enjoy the best architecture, a vibrant social scene, traditional food made in Madrid and friendly people.
The main Spanish art museum, El Prado, located in the center of Madrid will make your day run smoothly, offering some of the best art from famous artists.
Barrio de las Letras
This name signifies a rich literary history. The name translates to “the neighborhood of the letters”. This neighborhood owes its iconic name to a number of top-rated poets and writers like Lope de Vega, Miguel de Cervantes and Luis Vélez de Guevara who made it their home. The city, particularly the historic architecture and narrow cobbled streets, shows the real Madrid’s cultural heritage.
Main places to visit in Barrio de las Letras
The area features a top market, Mercado de Antón Martín, with stalls offering various items such as fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits. It is strategically located between Santa Isabel and Atocha streets.
If you want to enjoy an evening coffee or drinks with friends, make your way to Plaza de Santa Ana, where you will get hundreds of terrace cafes and bars to choose from. It is located near Calle de Huertas.
Cortes
It is one of the best locations to stay for a longer period. The area allows easy access to attraction sites and major landmarks in Madrid. This neighborhood is divided into several barrios, Barrio de las Letra being the most iconic one.
Main places to visit in Cortes
If you’re staying in Madrid for an extended period, visit the oldest Flamenco Tablao.
Another notable architectural structure in the center of Madrid is Basílica de Jesús de Medinaceli. This famous Roman Catholic church is a must see attraction, particularly the three facades of the church that represent the three aspects of divinity.
El Retiro
This is the best place for people who are into culture and nature. It is a must-visit location for first-time visitors, located east of the city center. Bein one of the most famous parks in Madrid, Parque del Buen Retiro Park has a King Alfonso XII monument riding a horse. The park is also characterized by a fountain of Satan statue riding a hippo and a big Crystal Palace containing exotic plants, dating 1887.
To the northeast side of the park sits a world-class museum, Prado Museum. Art lovers will enjoy the largest collection of European art by famous artists like Goya and Velázquez.
Main places to visit in El Retiro
Take a stroll in one of the largest parks in Madrid, around 1.4 square kilometers. Parque del Buen Retiro offers amazing features and statues and it is located just at the edge of the city center.
Where to stay in Madrid
It won’t be long before you start looking for the best place to stay in Madrid. Choosing accommodation space in this amazing city can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Review the list of the best hotels in Madrid to find the perfect accommodation.
To shorten the list to a single hotel, check out Catalonia El Retiro.
Built in 2004, this hotel is located in one of the most popular Retiro neighborhoods. It is conveniently located near Puente de Vallecas metro station and the Méndez Álvaro bus stop, making access to town central easy. While in this 4-star hotel, you can easily access M-30 and A-3 motorways.
The AVE Madrid Puerta de Atocha station is just 10 minutes away from the Puerta de Vallecas metro stop. This means that within 15 minutes guests can access an extensive cultural treat, leisure and gastronomic activities.
Additionally, Parque del Retiro is just a 20-minute walk from the hotel, where guests can enjoy attractions and features like the famous Crystal Palace, the Great Pond and the Fallen Angel fountain.
Now, you know where to stay while in Madrid for the first time, what to do and where to visit. The city has something for everyone whether they are there for a few hours, a day, a week or months. From museums and parks to plazas and cafes, the city has it all.
