Madrid is a fascinating city to live in and today we are talking about: El barrio de Malasaña, is a charming neighbourhood in the heart of Madrid that embodies the vibrant and bohemian spirit of the Spanish capital.

Centrally located, Malasaña is known for its alternative atmosphere, lively cafés, vintage shops and lively nightlife. The district exudes a unique blend of history and modernity, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.

This fascinating neighbourhood was the beating heart of the 'La Movida' movement in the 1980s, a period of great cultural and artistic effervescence in the city. Even today, Malasaña maintains an aura of creativity and rebellion, offering a vital space for emerging artists, independent musicians and innovative designers. Its streets are enlivened by lively murals, spontaneous concerts and a soul-awakening atmosphere of freedom.

Madrid's Malasaña district is also renowned for its eclectic gastronomic scene. Here you will find a wide selection of restaurants and bars serving traditional Spanish culinary delights and revisited international cuisines. Whether you are a connoisseur of tapas or a fan of fusion cuisine, Malasaña will satisfy your gastronomic desires with its varied and high-quality offer.

Besides culinary experiences, Malasaña offers a rich selection of trendy boutiques, vintage shops and flea markets.

At night, Malasaña comes alive with its trendy bars, alternative nightclubs and live concerts. Check out the famous Teatro Lara or immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the music bars that resonate with a variety of musical genres, from rock to jazz, reggae to electronic music.

Madrid's Malasaña district is a must for those seeking authenticity, creativity and an escape from routine. With its infectious energy and indomitable spirit, Malasaña is ready to welcome and surprise you at every turn.

A little history on the Malasaña district

Malasaña, originally called 'Barrio de las Maravillas', was named after the young seamstress Manuela Malasaña. Located in the heart of the city, at the University, it has witnessed many events that have shaped the social and cultural texture of Madrid over the centuries.

During the 19th century, Malasaña was inhabited mainly by the working class and artisans. The district was known for its fervent political activity and strong republican beliefs. During the Spanish War of Independence against the French occupation in 1808, Malasaña was one of the neighbourhoods that actively rebelled against the invading troops. The young Manuela Malasaña became a symbol of courage and resistance, being killed at only 15 years old during the French repression.

In the 1980s, the district was at the centre of the artistic and cultural movement known as 'La Movida madrileña'. This period of cultural renaissance was characterised by a push towards openness and artistic expression with Malasaña becoming a vibrant epicentre of music, art and experimentation. Musicians, writers, artists and rebels of all sorts gathered in its streets and nightclubs, creating a unique underground scene, much like what happened with Camden Town in London.

Today, Madrid's Malasaña district is constantly evolving and still preserves its spirit of rebellion and creativity. The streets are crowded with young people, artists, musicians and designers who give the neighbourhood a bohemian atmosphere. It has become a landmark for urban art, with colourful murals adorning the facades of buildings and bringing life to the streets.

Things to do in Malasaña

What to do in Malasaña? Are you attracted by the bohemian style of Madrid's Malasaña district and have decided to take up residence here, know that you can fill your days and especially evenings with numerous activities.

Here are the main things to do in Malasaña Madrid:

• See the Plaza del Dos de Mayo: this is the heart of the neighbourhood and a popular meeting place for residents and visitors alike; it is surrounded by bars, cafés and fashionable shops;
• Visit the Mercado de San Ildefonso: a covered market offering a variety of delicious food and drink, you can enjoy tapas, paella, cheese, wine and much more in an informal way;
• Explore the streets full of urban art: take a stroll and admire the murals and artistic interventions that decorate the facades of buildings;
• Shop in independent boutiques: you'll find shops selling vintage clothing, accessories and art objects;
• Experience its nightlife: Malasaña is famous for its trendy nightclubs and its music scene; there are numerous bars, pubs and clubs where you can listen to live music, dance and enjoy Madrid's nightlife;
• Visit the Museum of Romanticism: located close to Malasaña, this museum offers an insight into the life and culture of the Romantic period in Spain; here you can admire period furniture, paintings, ceramics and decorative objects;
• Admiring the Espacio Fundación Telefónica: it was one of the first skyscrapers to be built in Europe and was the headquarters of the Spanish telephone company, you can still visit an exhibition inside that tells you the history of the building;
• Enjoy traditional cuisine: Malasaña is full of restaurants serving traditional Spanish dishes.

In Malasaña, the best thing you can do is explore its streets, discover hidden corners and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this unique neighbourhood.

Where to eat in Malasaña

Apart from the aforementioned Mercado de San Ildefonso, an absolute must for a meal or snack, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants in Madrid's Malasaña district.

Let's start with where to eat in Malasaña:

• La Bicicleta: this restaurant has a very cosy atmosphere and serves contemporary Spanish cuisine with international influences;
• El Tigre: a classic Madrid tapas bar, famous for its large portions of tapas that are offered free with every drink;
• Ojalá: this original venue has a sandy area where you can sit for drinks and food, making it a unique experience in the centre of a city. The menu offers Mediterranean fusion dishes with a great choice of cocktails;
• Punto MX: a Mexican restaurant offering both more traditional dishes and innovative recipes;
• Sakale: a combination of Mexican and Japanese cuisine with specialities such as sushi burritos and spicy ramen;
• Zenith Brunch & Cocktails: ideal for breakfasts and brunches, with vegan and gluten-free options;
• Curry Masala: offers a variety of spicy and aromatic dishes typical of Indian cuisine, such as chicken curry and chapati bread;
• La Carbonera: a bistro serving Mediterranean and European cuisine, with creative tapas and selected wines.

As we were saying, this district can really satisfy all tastes, especially the most particular ones.

Where to listen to music in Malasaña

For music in Malasaña Madrid there are several options of places offering live concerts or DJs of various genres.

Some of the most popular venues are:

• Tupperware: a bar where you can listen to alternative rock, remaining in the 1960s as decoration, it is also famous for the large mural by Mauro Entrialgo on the wall facing the street;
• Café La Palma: here you can enjoy different musical shows depending on the night, ranging from rock to jazz, indie to electronic;
• BarCo: lovers of rock and funky music will find plenty to do here until the morning;
• Club Malasaña: here you'll find unconventional music like cumbia, also electronic, and Italo disco;
• El perro de la parte de atrás del coche: you can stop here to kick off the evening dancing.

Strolling through the streets you will find plenty of clubs that will catch your attention, the advice is always to let your instincts guide you. Living here is a music and nightlife lover's dream, but if you want to get there from nearby neighbourhoods you can take the Tribunal or Noviciado metro.