A brief on the Barrios of Madrid

Sol

Sol and Huertas are located close to each other. Sol is the area around Puerta de Sol while Huertas is well-known for Plaza Santa Ana and Calle Huertas; the barrio starts out from Puerta del Sol along Calle Atocha and down to Paseo del Prado. Popular amongst tourists and the young people because of its nightlife and trendy bars and cafes. 
In the area around Sol, you will find many typically Spanish bars and many tourist attractions. Being the heart of the city, the area around Sol is enjoyed by both Madrileños and tourists alike.
It has a lot of charm but can be a little run down in places. Beware of pickpockets and undesirables who linger on the streets.


La Latina

La Latina is south-west of Sol and what characterizes this neighbourhood is the tiny streets and beautiful old buildings and plazas. On Sundays, the Rastro is open in La Latina. This is a big flea market where you can buy virtually anything. La Latina is also a zone typical of tapas and cañas y the afternoon and evening.


Lavapiés

Originally the Jewish quarter of Madrid, Lavapiés is probably the most multicultural barrio of Madrid, heavily influenced by African, Arabic and gypsy cultures. The plaza of Lavapiés marks the centre of this barrio. If you walk to the south you will find more interesting places, street artists and vendors.
The bars here tend to have an artistic and bohemian ambience. Cuisine from all over the world, especially Arabic and Indian, can be found in the restaurants in Lavapiés. Lavapies hosts the annual Chinese New Year celebrations and also the Ramadan.


Goya / Serrano / Velázquez (SALAMANCA)

This “barrio” has the major thoroughfare of Velázquez and Serrano running from North to South and Goya from East to West. It is primarily a wealthy residential area mostly occupied by madrileños. It has many expensive designer stores flanking the wide streets. This area is made up of more elderly people but the younger population is steadily growing. 


Malasaña / Tribunal

Calle Fuencarral, which leads from Gran Via to the area of Malasaña, is a lively area with hip and funky shops and frequented by the young. There are lots of bars, restaurants, nightlife spotted at this part of the town. If you are looking for gothic, hippy or grunge, you won't be disappointed. 


Chueca

Chueca is Madrid’s gay and lesbian district. It’s a very lively and interesting area during the day and the night. It is located next to Malasaña.


Argüelles / Moncloa / Chamberí

Just next to the Ciudad Universitaria the districts of Moncloa, Argüelles and Chamberí hosts a lot of students, but also offers something for everyone. Argüelles is especially known for the Bajos de Argüelles (the Basements of Argüelles) where you can find mostly heavy and rock discos, bars and clubs located in the basements of local buildings. You can also find alternative venues as well as mainstream discos and clubs. It’s a pretty part of Madrid and depending on what part you are looking at, it can be a little pricey.

It is a perfect area to live if you study in Complutense University because it is close to its facilities. Nevertheless is close to all the city.


Madrid de los Austrias – Opera

This is the picturesque old town area, around the Plaza Mayor, opera house and royal palace. Madrid de los Austrias refers to the period when the Hapsburgs were in Spain and many of the buildings with their beautiful architecture reflect this period of history. It’s a very stylish district which houses many of the city’s major sights.


Retiro

As Salamanca district, is a residential area of both young and old families. Houses in this area are fairly priced and have a good balance of shops and tranquillity. It is also well-connected to most parts of Madrid. Living herea you will have the main park of Madrid close to your place.