Also known as Barrio de las Letras, Huertas was once
home to prominent literary figures, Miguel de
Cervantes and Lope de Vega among them. The
neighborhood is committed to celebrating its rich
heritage: Calle Huertas itself is inlaid with quotes
from celebrated authors, street names pay homage to
them, and second-hand bookshops pervade. Huertas
receives a fair amount of spillover from the center —
...More
side streets around Plaza Santa Ana take on a foreign
party atmosphere at night, and you always see young
backpackers navigating the streets — but as you
descend into the neighborhood, everything becomes a
little more cramped and slightly less refined, and
takes on more of an underground feel. Live music is at
the heart of Huertas: by night, its subdued bars are
ideal for meeting friends, sipping cocktails, and
chatting quietly while enjoying jazz or
singer-songwriter performances.
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