Expansive plazas, local and foreign crowds, street performers, colorful lights, window shopping, restaurant signs promising the best paella, ham, and churros con chocolate- this is downtown Madrid, a collection of plazas interconnected by a network of side streets. Some of these side streets are wide pedestrian shopping routes, and some are hidden, so it's possible to duck in and out of the bustle as desired. The iconic Puerta del Sol is the giant crossroads of the city and a must-see attraction at any time of the day. The nearby Plaza Mayor, completely enclosed by historic red buildings, is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat outside, amidst scores of tables and people out for a stroll. Plaza Isabel II (also known as “Opera”) is smaller and a good meeting spot, and the stately Plaza del Oriente is the front yard of the Royal Palace. Centro can be touristy (pickpockets are unfortuately not unheard-of here), crowded, and sometimes gimmicky, but it is also the place to experience classic Madrid.

Madrid's Gran Via neighborhood is a treasure trove of cultural attractions and gastronomic delights. Known as the "Broadway of Madrid," it boasts a theatrical atmosphere with grand architecture, iconic landmarks such as the Telefónica Building, and an array of theaters showcasing the best of Spanish performing arts. Gourmet restaurants and local tapas bars line the streets, offering a taste of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Navigating through this sophisticated neighborhood is a breeze with the numerous Metro stations and bus stops. Gran Via is a true gem for those who appreciate cultural immersion and culinary exploration.

Steeped in culture and history, Madrid's Literary Quarter pays homage to some of Spain's greatest writers. Infused with the muses of Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo, the neighborhood is adorned with plaques bearing their famous quotes, making every cobblestone street feel like a step into a literary masterpiece. The neighborhood is also renowned for its antique bookshops and art galleries, providing a haven for bookworms and art enthusiasts. The eclectic mix of tapas bars and restaurants offer a culinary journey from traditional Spanish cuisine to international flavors. Transportation is a breeze with the nearby Anton Martin metro station and Atocha train station, making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Madrid.

Multi-story residential buildings decorated with ornate balconies line the traditional, quiet, and pretty streets of Chamberí. Humble storefronts and neighborhood taverns are scattered across the lower levels down every block, and here and there, there's a cluster of tables on the sidewalk. It isn't ever crowded, but people are always out, poking into the tiny bakeries, hardware stores, and tobacco shops, or ducking into a bright, unadorned cerveceria to have a coffee or beer by the bar, flip through the paper, and check the sports score. The round Plaza Olavide, where the fairly regular network of streets breaks form, is among the most green and lively spots. Restaurants line its circumference and sought-after outdoor tables fill the center of the plaza, where people relax to the sounds of kids playing and street musicians' tunes.

Hip bars and galleries, independent theaters and music venues, young people with tattoos and funky hair, narrow winding streets — this is Malasaña. Near the center, Plaza Dos de Mayo is a gathering of friends outside bars, dog owners, artists under craft tents, and creative types with notebooks and sketchpads on the plaza’s benches. It may not be as neat and tidy as many other parts of the city, but this only adds to the Malasaña edge. Shops and bars here range from hippie-crunchy to upscale trendy, and on weekends, the streets are bustling around the clock as the nightlife progresses from dinner to bar to disco to late-night food. On the west side of the neighborhood is the subdistrict called Conde Duque, named after a large pink fort in its center that has been converted into a cultural center for exhibitions and performances. Prettier yet just as edgy, this intimate corner of Malasaña is home to a young international community.