Madrid hipster district: Malasaña

Aug 15, 2017Europe, Travel2 comments

If you’re here reading this blog, you probably like artsy, bohemian, hype areas just like me when you travel!

In case you’re going to Madrid this summer, make sure to not miss Malasaña district. If you can stay there it’s even better, the boutique hotels in the neighbourhood are simply a real life Pinterest show. The main transportation vehicles here are bikes, and it’s probably the neighbourhood I would live in if we ever consider Madrid.

Malasaña district

Malasaña is one of the major districts of the Spanish capital. High in color and in discoveries, the district is made up of a maze of small streets and squares, while multiplying cool cafes, quirky restaurants, sun terraces and original shops. A fairly young, popular and trendy neighborhood, preaching urban art and free expression, Malasaña inevitably hosts a concentration of taggers and other street painters, who leave their mark, often ephemeral, over walls and abandoned doors. In an alternative atmosphere, sometimes underground, where staggering boutiques, vintage thrift shops, vegetarian restaurants, colorful pastries, contemporary art galleries, trendy bars and original cafés, the district attracts a rather young, creative and trendy population. All the places we’ve been to in Malasaña, have a savvy mix between modern and vintage decor.

Where to stay?

Malasana has an abundance of cool places and boutique hotels to discover during your stay. Here are the best rated ones in the travel blogger’s community:

Splurge into design

AB design suites

7 islas

Dear Hotel Madrid

The budget options

Hostal Noviciado



Booking.com

History

In the eighties, Malasaña saw the introduction of the movida madrileña, the underground development movement molded by writers, artists and craftsmen whose impressions are still there.

Malasaña and Plaza Dos De Mayos, the most vibrant square of the district, owe their names to the historical events that took place on 2 May 1808. The square in the heart of the neighbourhood commemorates the rebellion against Napoleon’s occupation. Manuela Malasaña was a heroine and a one of the victims of the uprising.

Nightlife

Very active by day, the district is far from losing animation at night. An incredible number of locals go there for bar hopping, street art or just a night stroll. Malasaña hosts a vibrant nightlife scene, especially on weekends thanks to its variety of hip pubs, coffee houses and bars.

What we did

The day we discovered Malasaña, we had lunch at Slow Mex: Industrial decor and Mexican food! I wandered around vintage clothing shops, I bought sunglasses and a blouse from La Mona Checa, I love their gypsy circus decor! The other stores were great but a bit pricey. Then we had drinks at a the beautiful terrace in front of Toma Café, for a moment of people watching, and let me tell you it’s a heaven for street style photography. Also, I bet the best Sunday brunches happen in the area.

Edit: Check out my Madrid thrift shopping guide:Here

Malasaña has all the ingredients to have a laid back, fresh, resting afternoon at the end of your trip. Far from the touristy and crowded plazas. You know… when your feet are swollen from all the walking and sight seeing 🙂

Before unwinding around a cup of latte art, make sure you visit Madrid’s staples

How to spend a Sunday in Madrid like a local

Food tour with Devour Spain in Madrid

Segway fun in Madrid

 

Don’t miss this amazing destination!

xo xo Dalal
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2 Comments

  1. Shannon

    Loving these pictures! The colors are absolutely gorgeous!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

    • JustDalal

      Thank you Shannon <3

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