Malasaña

Madrid

Malasaña
Malasaña
Malasaña
Malasaña
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

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 P5,957 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,957
P6,553 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (346 reviews)
Great location, very quiet
"Very quiet hotel in a very noisy neighborhood. But the staff is quite nice, the room is quiet, and everything was clean and up-to-date. Nice rooftop deck."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

B&B HOTEL Madrid Centro F52
Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza

4 out of 5
Calle Serrano Jover 5, Madrid, Madrid
The price is P8,077 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P8,077
P8,885 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
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! (1,399 reviews)
"Excellent experience! Beautiful hotel, good location and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Madrid Marriott Hotel Princesa Plaza
Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center

Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center

3 out of 5
Calle de Alberto Aguilera 18, Madrid, Madrid
The price is P3,918 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P3,918
P4,310 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice hotel, easy parking, friendly parking. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Leonardo Hotel Madrid City Center
New Dream Madrid

New Dream Madrid

2 out of 5
Calle de San Bernardo 55, Madrid
The price is P7,617 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,617
P8,379 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (29 reviews)
"Nice clean space staff friendly and caring"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

New Dream Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España

Hotel Riu Plaza España

4 out of 5
C/ Gran Via, 84, Madrid
The price is P10,326 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P10,326
P11,359 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (4,281 reviews)
"I loved this hotel! Loved the room! Loved the morning breakfast! Loved the staff; very patient and accommodating. Loved the atmosphere. My room was always immaculate and well stocked with necessities. The only one thing I was unhappy with was the pool; great look but too small. Couldn't swim. But ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P3,738 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P3,738
P4,112 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (2,219 reviews)
"Bed was comfy and the room was quiet!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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

Consider a visit to Calle de la Princesa and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Chamberí. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Islas Filipinas Station or Quevedo Station.

Chamberí
Default Image

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 the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
Chueca featuring cafe lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(2 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 neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
Default Image

Madrid Centro

5/5(1 area review)

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 markets, interior views and food

Palacio

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

Palacio
Default Image

Huertas

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

Huertas

Malasaña