Malasaña

Madrid

Malasaña
Malasaña
Malasaña
Malasaña
Malasaña

Loved by hipsters and students for its coffeehouses and nightlife scene, this creative neighbourhood also has excellent art museums, theatres and shopping. 

Set out on foot to discover the energetic vibe that permeates the streets and plazas of Malasaña. This is Madrid’s student district, an area packed with bars, fashion outlets, galleries and museums. The Movida Madrileña counterculture movement began here in the 1970s and an underground scene continues today. Malasaña takes its name from Manuela Malasaña, a heroine of the 1808 uprising against French troops.

Fashion conscious visitors relish in the diverse retail options, which range from bookshops to vintage stores and upscale fashion outlets. Once part of the city’s poorer area, Calle Fuencarral is now home to popular clothing brands such as Mango and Levi’s. Visit the 400-year-old Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes. It’s notable for its Baroque interior, painted by acclaimed artists including Francisco Ricci.

Enjoy people-watching at Plaza del Dos de Mayo, named after the date of the 1808 uprising. Bars surround the square and the Saturday Malamarket sees artists and designers selling unique wares. Find brewpubs, concert halls, international restaurants and tapas joints along cobblestone streets that lead from the square. Local musicians entertain punters at the three-floor Mercado de San Ildefonso street food market.

Appreciate the enormity of the neoclassical Palacio de Liria, which is among the largest private residences in Madrid. Guided tours of the palace’s impressive art collection take place on Fridays by prior appointment. Close to here, the Museum of Contemporary Art features works from the mid-1800s onwards. Graphic arts and illustrations are the focus of the free Museum ABC.

Another major attraction in the area is the Conde Duque Cultural Center, housed within a huge former royal barracks. It has auditoriums, exhibition spaces, libraries and theaters. Catch shows by independent theater groups at Teatro Maravillas and productions of Broadway musicals at Teatro Coliseum.

Malasaña occupies much of the northern section of central Madrid. It’s easy to get here by taking the metro to any of the Gran Vía, Noviciado, Plaza de España and Tribunal stations. Several public bus lines also stop in and around the neighborhood.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Malasaña

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid

4 out of 5
Calle Serrano Jover 3, Madrid, Madrid
The price is RM672 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM672
RM739 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,361 reviews)
"If you’re debating about getting the breakfast, just do it! So good and so many options. The area of the hotel is close to everything. Staff is super helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52

B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52

2.5 out of 5
Calle de Fuencarral 52, Madrid
The price is RM459 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
RM459
RM505 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (307 reviews)
"Center place !! Super clean!! Professional service!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52
New Dream Madrid

New Dream Madrid

2 out of 5
Calle de San Bernardo 55, Madrid
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"Nice clean space staff friendly and caring"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

New Dream Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid

Barceló Torre de Madrid

5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
The price is RM723 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM723
RM795 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,920 reviews)
One of the best hotels in Madrid
"Awesome hotel with great service and the best location!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Barceló Torre de Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is RM853 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
RM853
RM938 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,214 reviews)
"The property and staff were outstanding. The only disappointment was that we ate at the rooftop restaurant the the service was horrrible. The server never came by and when we asked another server for something, they would radio our server, who would eventually come by and then the same cycle over ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport

3 out of 5
Avenida de Aragón 402, Madrid
The price is RM246 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM246
RM271 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,144 reviews)
"All great"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Malasaña

Sorolla Museum

Chamberí

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Chamberí. If sightseeing is on the list, Calle de la Princesa is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station to see more of the area.

Chamberí
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
Chueca showing a city and cafe scenes as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(65 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(745 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
Mercado de San Miguel featuring interior views, food and markets

Palacio

While you're in Palacio, take in top sights like Gran Via or Almudena Cathedral, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Opera Station or Santo Domingo Station.

Palacio
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Huertas

4.5/5(85 area reviews)

Congress of Deputies and Plaza de Santa Ana are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Huertas. Travellers also love the fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and popular shops.

Huertas

Malasaña