From the centre of La Movida Madrileña to the coolest district in town, Malasaña has experienced lots of changes during the last decades. Today modern cafés and second-hand shops live alongside traditional bars and markets where people have been going to for ages.
Located west of Chueca and north of Gran Vía, Malasaña is hailed as the heart of Madrid’s counterculture scene. When Franco’s dictatorship ended in Spain, Malasaña became an area full of freedom, drugs and underground culture. Today, Malasaña is known for its young vives as well as for its many hip restaurants and cafés. It’s also Madrid’s most popular nightlife area.
A fashion area
Corredera de San Pablo is an area full of trends and stylish people where both, cool brands and emerging designers are gathered. Rughara is something like a talent warehouse dedicated to homeware, decoration, fashion, and art. If you are looking for new outfits or want to discover colorful clothing, your shops are Biscuit and Retro City
Rughara concept store, Malasaña
An historic place
The most iconic spot in Malasaña is Plaza del Dos de Mayo, a lively square that represents the rebellion by the people of Madrid against the occupation of the city by Napoleon’s troops. It’s also a popular meeting point for locals at the weekends with lots of terraces
Plaza del Dos de Mayo, Malasaña
A place for eating
Lamucca de Pez has an attractive menu featuring a medley of world flavours. Some very Spanish dishes, but they also integrate Mediterranean, South American and Asian flavours. Especially enjoyable if you can grab a table in the sun on the terrace
Lamucca de Pez, Malasaña
A museum
ABC Museum of Drawing and Illustration is a small and free entry place with beautifully displayed exhibitions. The inner courtyard has a striking design that worth a look.
ABC museum’s courtyard
A coffeeshop
Juanse Kafe is an old restored pharmacy turned coffeeshop which offers a great variety of pastries and delicatessen products. The facade is considered as historical heritage due to the original tiles from the XIX century
Juanse Kafe, Malasaña
A nightclub
Ocho y Medio is the stop for those in search of a cave nightclub with an edgy attitude. DJ Smart makes it all sound very ’80s and ’90s, thrashing out an eclectic mix of indie, new wave, electro-clash and New York rock. Ocho y Medio brings together a sea of flannel shirts and horn-rimmed glasses since this is Madrid’s most alternative and hipster haven.
Ocho y Medio nightclub, Malasaña, Madrid
Check out the hotspots of this guide to Malasaña in the map below or follow the link to discover the guide to Kreuzberg in Berlin.
Ocho y Medio is sooo fun!