Lavapiés has traditionally been one of the least wealthy districts of Madrid. But in recent years, the cheaper rent in this part of the city has drawn a younger, more modern crowd that has complemented the existing immigrant community, creating one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Madrid.
If you’re looking for budget accommodations for your stay, check out a list of great hotels in the heart of Lavapiés. And while walking around the city, here’s a massive list of 100 things to do in Madrid , so you never miss out on fun activities.
01
of 09
See Picasso’s masterpiece in Reina Sofía
Direction
2, 13, CALLE JUAN RAMON JIMENEZ, B, 28036 Madrid, SpainGet directions
The Reina Sofía Art Center is Madrid’s premier modern art gallery and home to La Guernica , Picasso’s most famous work.
The Reina Sofía is a few meters from the other two museums that make up Madrid’s Golden Triangle: the Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you want to make the most of your visit to Reina Sofía, you can sign up for a private tour of the museum here.
02
of 09
Try coffee in a historic café
Direction
Calle del Ave María, 45, 28012 Madrid, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34915 27 36 58
Web
Visit the website
The Barbieri Cafe is a century-old bar, where classical music accompanies an excellent drink menu, including an excellent selection of teas (and, of course, plenty of coffee). If you are not sure how to order coffee in Spain, or what kind of coffee is offered, here is a practical guide.
03
of 09
Get comfortable in a Moroccan tea shop
Unless you’re planning to take a detour through North Africa on this trip, you probably didn’t have your sights set on tasting Moroccan tea. However, if spicy tea blends are your thing, Madrid has you covered. Take a look at one of the many Moroccan tea shops in Lavapiés famous for their mint tea, or if you’re feeling adventurous, how about a shisha (hookah pipe)?
Other than these Moroccan shops, Spain doesn’t have many options for regular tea drinkers. You can read more about tea consumption in Madrid here .
04
of 09
Have a drink on Ave Maria street
Direction
Calle de Argumosa, 28012 Madrid, SpainGet directions
The bars on Calle Ave María are small but cozy. Whether it’s the Taberna El Aguja music bar, the intriguing old-fashioned hair salon La Peluqueria, or the sophistication of the laid-back Inquilina, there is bound to be something for you.
If you run out of bars and want something more, check out nearby Calle Argumosa for more bohemian spots.
05
of 09
See a show at El Juglar
Direction
Calle de Lavapiés, 37, 28012 Madrid, SpainGet directions
Web
Visit the website
El Juglar is an intimate performance venue popular with Madrid’s bohemian types. You will find it with flamenco, DJ and other shows throughout the week.
To soak up a bit more of the culture, you can also take a walking tour of Lavapiés and discover local places like this (not to mention the amazing tapas).
06
of 09
Do you fancy a curry?
Most Spaniards have an aversion to spicy food, which is why all authentic Indian restaurants have been relegated to a corner of town that most can avoid. Your loss, because the food is genuine and top-notch (although the restaurants themselves are basic beyond belief, just a few plastic tables out of a hole in the wall).
You will find these discreet restaurants on c / Lavapies and c / Ave Maria.
07
of 09
La Gatoteca is the perfect purr for cat lovers
Direction
Calle de Argumosa, 28, 28012 Madrid, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34916 22 58 31
Web
Visit the website
Cat cafes, where customers can accommodate fuzzy felines while enjoying their drinks, started in (where else?) Japan, but are now a global phenomenon. Madrid has not been left out of the trend, and the first cafeteria for cats in the city, La Gatoteca , opened a few years ago. Bonus, all the cats in the cafe are up for adoption!
08
of 09
Try a Squid Sandwich at El Brillante
Direction
Plaza del Emperador Carlos V, 8, 28012 Madrid, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34915 28 69 66
Web
Visit the website
If you’ve never eaten ocadillo b calamari or fried squid sandwich, what you really are missing out . It is revered in Madrid, and the supreme temple of this dish is El Brillante. The place may not look like much, but nowhere will you get a fresher snack.
As you do so, find out more about Madrid’s incredibly vibrant food culture .
09
of 09
Take a train at Atocha station
Direction
Calle del Gral. Lacy, 9, 28045 Madrid, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34918 68 30 74
Web
Visit the website
Granted, train stations may not be packed with action, but this one has a bit more than most. The station has a tropical garden in the center, complete with turtles!
There is also a moving tribute to those killed in the March 2004 terrorist attacks. Be sure to stop for a moment and absorb it.
