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Malasaña neighbourhood, Madrid

Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid

Description

Malasaña is one of Madrid's hip neighbourhoods, located just north of Gran Vía, between the Chueca and Argüelles neighbourhoods. It is known for its nightlife and its counterculture with many clubs, musical venues, second-hand bookstores and independent designer stores although it is slowly gentrifying. The name of Malasaña comes from a 15-year-old girl (Manuela Malasaña) who was executed by the French following the uprising in 1808. Architecturally it is rather uniform with a few highlights including the Palacio de Liria, the Convento de las Comendadoras de Santiago with the Plaza in front of it, and the Plaza del Dos de Mayo.

Access & Transport

There are 7 metro stations serving the area: Noviciado (2) in the center and then clockwise from the southeast corner: Gran Via (1, 5), Plaza de España (3, 10), Ventura Rodríguez (3), Ventura Rodríguez (3, 4, 6), San Bernardo (2, 4) and Bilbao (1, 4).

Instructions & Recommendations

Given this is one of the best places for alternative nightlife, if that is of interest, we would recommend a visit of the neighbourhood during the day and a separate experience at or after dinner time. This activity is best combined with a visit of Plaza de España & Gran Vía and Western Park & Temple of Debod.

Meta review

Malasaña is often ranked near the top of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Madrid and a majority of reviewers do confirm that this is indeed one of their favourite parts of the city. The highlights for them include the narrow streets filled with restaurants, cafes and small shops. This is not unanimous though and there is a significant percentage of visitors who did not feel any particular vibe and didn't find many interesting indie stores.

Environmental & Social

Very urban environment with a few green spaces. Not overly commercial, with many independent stores, and culturally diverse.

Conclusion

The Malasaña neighbourhood provides visitors with a distinct experience to the wealthier or historical parts of town although that is slowly eroding as gentrification takes hold. We would recommend the area mostly to urban explorers who enjoy the more countercultural parts of large cities and to those looking for good nightlife options.

Key positive

Independent boutiques and street art

Some trendy bars and night clubs

Key negative

Few noteworthy buildings or monuments

Some people may feel uncomfortable in some of the neighbourhoods at night

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but best for adults and teenagers. Accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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