Where to Stay in Madrid: Local Tips, Quiet Gems, and Honest Picks

Spain is a beautiful country to visit, and if you want to check the capital, here are the best places to stay in Madrid!

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Spain is a great place to visit, and doing a 10-itinerary is quite fun, but what if you want to spend a bit more time in its capital? Madrid is an incredible city that’s definitely worth visiting, but it’s more than that; it’s the heart and soul of Spanish culture and life. Staying there, you’ll have one of the best chances to connect with Spanish people and enjoy world-class art, historic sites, fantastic food, and vibrant nightlife.

People visit Madrid for all sorts of purposes. Some are attracted to the energetic and welcoming vibe of the city, as Madrileños are passionate and proud, and quick to share their traditions and festivals. There’s also the creative side, the city embraces its historic roots, but it’s a modern metropolis with trendy neighborhoods and lots of hip cafes, boutiques, and restaurants to try.

But before we start exploring the wonderful neighborhoods, looking for the best place to stay in Madrid for you, you’ll need a good internet connection to check maps, translation apps, and send photos to your friends and family. Try a FREE eSIM from Yoho Mobile now, and save 12% of your next purchase with the promo code YOHO12.

The Best Places to Stay in Madrid

Malasaña: For nightlife lovers

If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife in an edgy and vibrant neighborhood, Malasaña is the perfect area to stay in Madrid! It attracts a lot of artists and trendsetters, so imagine the colorful street art, vintage shops, and the buzzing bars that you can visit!

One of the best activities that you can do is spend the night bar hopping along Calle Espiritu Santo and Calle del Pez. Get lost in their charm and find little cozy and quirky bars with everything you can ask for. If you ask the locals, they might suggest popular places like Tupperware and La Via Lactea, where you can also enjoy live music while you try the cocktails and drinks.

Where to stay in Malasaña

• Hotel Room Mate Oscar: You’ll find it right in the heart of Malasaña, so within walking distance to the major nightlife spots, cafes, and shops. It’s a boutique hotel with modern rooms and great, vibrant decor. It does have a bar of its own, on the rooftop terrace with views of Madrid’s skyline.

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Barrio de las Letras: For the walkers

Just as the name says, this is a bohemian and literary neighborhood in Madrid, famed for its historic heritage. It was once the home of writers like Cervantes and Lope de Vega, and many artists visit it searching for inspiration. After all, it is a lively, artsy, and elegant area.

It’s great for people that love to take long walks, and take their time moving from one attractions to the next. And there is a lot to take in here, with such a rich cultural history. The Literary Walking Tour is one of the more popular activities, taking you through the streets, in search for the quotes embedded in the sidewalks and ending up at the House-Museum of Lope de Vega.

Where to stay in Barrio de las Letras

• Catalonia Las Cortes: This elegant hotel is situated in a historic 18th-century building, making it a great option for culture lovers. It has classic décor and a cozy courtyard.

• Hotel Atocha: A stylish option for the modern travelers. It’s opposite Retiro Park, and a great example of how Madrid blends historic architecture with modern amenities.

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La Latina: For the best local feel

If you’re a cultural traveler, you probably prefer more authentic experiences and the chance to interact with the locals outside of the tourist areas. La Latina fits this perfectly, as one of Madrid’s oldest neighborhoods. Just take a walk through the narrow medieval streets and bustling plazas. Enter a tapas bar and taste the traditional hearty food, the warm atmosphere, and the joviality of the Spanish people.

For the best tapas, go to Cava Baja, where you can spend the whole afternoon from one bar to the next, tasting both traditional and creative tapas. For another authentic experience, you can head to El Rastro Flea Market on a Sunday. You’ll see many Madrileños there, enjoying the street performances and perusing the stalls.

Where to stay in La Latina

• Posada del Leon de Oro: It’s a charming boutique in a historic building. Perfect for relaxing in a cozy room after a long day of exploring.

• Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid: If you’re looking for a more stylish option, this is the right place for you. It’s near Plaza Mayor, and it has modern amenities and incredible views.

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Salamanca: For safety and upscale vibes

For the upscale travelers, Salamanca is their best option to stay in Madrid. It’s the most luxurious and elegant district, known for the incredible boutiques, wide avenues, and refined atmosphere. It’s also one of the safest neighborhoods, if that’s a concern for you, although Madrid in general is a safe city.

This is a great place for shopping, especially if you like luxurious stores, as you can explore high-end boutiques and flagship stores in Milla de Oro, or along Calle Serrano and Calle Jose Ortega y Gasset. And for culture travelers, you have to stop by the beautiful Lazaro Galdiano Museum, and discover the impressive private art collection that it houses.

Where to stay in Salamanca

• Hotel Villa Magna: For the luxurious travelers, this 5-star luxury hotel combines the classic elegance of old Madrid with modern comfort.

• Barcelo Emperatriz: It’s chic and contemporary, with excellent amenities. It also has a rooftop terrace and a spa, perfect for relaxing after a long day.

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Lavapies: For budget travelers

But not all travelers are looking for the most luxurious options, and some prefer a more down-to-earth experience and save a bit of their budget for future travels. The best neighborhood for that is Lavapies, not only is it cheap, but it has a multicultural atmosphere and artsy spirit.

You can head to Mercado de San Fernando to try authentic flavors from all around the world. You can enjoy Indian, Spanish, Latin, Italian, and many more cuisines, for a better price than in center Madrid. Or just wander through the streets, and admire the colorful murals and visit La Tabacalera, a former tobacco factory that was transformed into a cultural center.

Where to stay in Lavapies

• The Hat Madrid: It’s a popular hostel with a rooftop bar where you can meet many travelers with similar interests. You can even share a dorm with them!

• Hotel Mediodia: If you want a more comfortable experience, without overspending, this budget-friendly hotel is an excellent option. It’s also has great access to the public transport and the city center.

Chueca: For all kinds of couples

Let’s say you want to have a romantic getaway in Madrid, and you’re looking for a friendly and lively neighborhood, Chueca is one of your best options. It’s an open minded area, so you’ll see all kinds of couples around, enjoying the buzzing nightlife and beautiful streets.

A beautiful moment you can share with your significant other is visiting Terraza de Oscar for a sunset cocktail. Take a moment to just take in the panoramic views of the sun setting over Madrid’s skyline, it’s a memory you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. Another great activity is wandering the Plaza de Chueca, and visit local boutiques.

Where to stay in Chueca

• Room Mate Oscar: A trendy boutique hotel with beautiful and colorful interiors. It also has a great terrace bar to sit in during the evening with your partner.

• Hotel Liabeny: It’s a classic and comfortable hotel, which offers good value, and it has easy access to both Chueca and central Madrid.

Final Words

Madrid is a beautiful city that’s a must-visit if you want to visit Spain. It’s its center, both culturally and socially, and you will find plenty of activities to do and places to see. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll find a neighborhood that perfectly matches your vibe to make your experience even greater. What are you waiting for? Book your trip now!