Didn't even know this place existed. A friend and I were traveling in Madrid and it was Sunday…read morewhich was a perfect time to visit this area because of 'Las Ramblas'. We sort of got lost and took a different way back... I was glad we did because we ran into this gem. We just sat on a makeshift chair and looked around at people playing soccer, building, studying, planting or just lounging. Its unlike any park I have ever seen. It doesn't feel like a public part as as much of a community project. Its is out of this world and just strait cool. Spent an hour just lounging and eating breakfast while a few people jammed on acoustic guitar.

This place took me completely by surprise. A construction site that has been turned from an ignored…read morederelict site into a community space, this is a great example of how people have responded to the recession. There is a cafe, a stage for concerts, a basketball/football court and regular film screenings. All provided by people who saw a failed property development and decided to use it for something better. An excellent example of community spirit.

When I traveled to Madrid, I stayed in this neighborhood, and loved it! It is very centrally…read morelocated, close to Plaza Mayor, the Palacio de Real and much more, and has a lot of colorful local flavor. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and winding tiny streets branching out from the main roads. There always seems to be something going on, but it still feels very quiet in many areas. As a female solo traveler, I am always very concerned with the safety of the neighborhoods that I stay in. I always felt safe here. I walked around at night every evening that I was in the city, and never had any problems of felt unsafe - that being said, of course you must take precautions and always use common sense. But in general, I felt quite safe. Great area!

this is a vibrant, colourful neighborhood in the southwestern part of madrid's city centre. as…read moresoon as i stepped out of the underground station, i immediately saw many colourful murals, painted on the sides of various buildings. there are plenty of plazas here to relax, play, stroll, jog, or play ball. just be careful in the evenings, as there are some questionable streets and alleys that aren't very well lit. personally, my favourite thing to do here was to eat! the street called "calle cava baja" is well known for their restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars, and you could actually go "tapas bar" hopping by having the "house tapas" and a drink at one bar, and moving on to a second, and a third, so on and so forth until your belly is full! most of the tapas bars are very reasonably priced and open quite late. accessible via the la latina and tirso de molina underground stations.

Nice pass though walk. Stop by and see the cool shops and…read moresculptures. Lots to see along this walk

While all roads don't lead to Madrid's busiest plaza, apparently all of Spain's radial roads start…read morefrom here much like they do around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. They call it Kilometre Zero, but as a constant pedestrian, I didn't appreciate its navigational importance. I mostly know this world famous gathering place as the crowded, convivial spot where Jamie W and I rang in the New Year 16 years ago during our first trip to Madrid. We popped a dozen seedless grapes in our mouths just like traditional Madrilenos do. I remember the classic Tio Pepe sign with the sherry bottle dressed as a flamenco dancer (Photo 4) and the statue of the bear sniffing the strawberry tree (Photo 6). They're both still here, and there's usually some political demonstration near the handsome clock tower to maneuver around (Photo 9). You can't visit Madrid without walking through it multiple times on your holiday. RELATED - Exploring Madrid? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/6IBTGBl-kv

An unknown treasure, even by Madrid inhabitants, in the middle of the historical center of Madrid…read more This small garden, which is part of the Anglona Prince Palace, was was built around 1530 as the residence of one counselor of the Catholic Monarchs and Carlos I, although its present aspect corresponds to a reform in 1802. It is a very quiet, although it has lost a lot of charm and the abandonment of the city council has seriously deteriorated, but still a lovely place to escape the noise and bustle.

Due to political changes in Madrid the grandmother of rock now have her typical heavy fingers back…read more Everybody should come and pay their respects...

Lavapies is my neighborhood. The Plaza de Lavapies is a hot mess of immigrants and locals, and…read morelocal immigrants. One thing is for sure: Lavapies is the most ALIVE place in the center of Madrid. There is more sheer weight in LIFE in Lavapies than most of the other central neighborhoods combined. This is the place where you can find exotic spices, eat well, have a nice bar night on Calle Argumosa, or simply sit on a bench and watch the people pass by. If you are coming to Madrid, let Lavapies color your experience.

The multiethnic and multicultural Barrio de Lavapies is located south of the Puerta del Sol. The…read morehistory tells it was the old Jewish quarter once they were expelled outside the city walls here. Its streets are narrow and steep, but, however, is a neighborhood full of life both day and night. In recent years it has been filled with restaurants of many nationalities: Indian, Senegalese and Lebanese in particular. It is also a neighborhood where you breathe counterculture in its many neighborhood and cultural centers and theaters where many have also opened. However, it is not a very safe neighborhood, so keep an eye out.