Malasaña

Madrid
Malasaña
Loved by hipsters and students for its coffeehouses and nightlife scene, this creative neighborhood also has excellent art museums, theaters 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

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
3 out of 5
Avenida de Aragón 402, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM289 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM289
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy breakfast, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (652 reviews)
"This hotel is simply perfect for layovers"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Zleep Hotel Madrid Airport
Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
4 out of 5
Calle de Serrano Jover 1, Madrid, Madrid
The price is RM653 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM653
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (645 reviews)
Would stay again
"Clean and comfortable, in a good location."

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2024

Hotel Princesa Plaza Madrid
Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center
Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center
3 out of 5
Calle de Alberto Aguilera 18, Madrid, Madrid
The price is RM494 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM494
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (899 reviews)
"Super nice Staff"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center
Flat55madrid
Flat55madrid
2 out of 5
Calle de San Bernardo 55, Madrid
The price is RM382 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM382
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and 3 bathrooms. Popular attractions Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are located nearby. Discover ...
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"I enjoyed this rental ver much, except for the shared bathroom which had a small shower which allowed water to spray all over the floor. I then had to clean it up so that the next person didn’t step in it. But the person before me didn’t do that, so I was stepping in water."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Flat55madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Riu Plaza España
4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is RM743 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM743
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,945 reviews)
"Best place in spain"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza España
Hotel Emperador
Hotel Emperador
4 out of 5
Gran Via 53, Madrid, Madrid
The price is RM818 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM818
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,063 reviews)
Madrid trip spectacular
"We loved this hotel. Large room #727 was perfect. Hotel staff very helpful and location is superb!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Emperador
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

Chueca featuring a city and signage

Justicia

While you're in Justicia, take in top sights like Gran Via or Plaza de Chueca, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chueca Station or Banco de Espana Station.

Justicia
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 featuring café lifestyle and a city 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
Default Image

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 showing markets, interior views and food

Palacio

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

Palacio

Malasaña