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Madrid is a compact city divided in districts. Each district has his own atmosphere. The Medieval centre (Centro) is good to explore by foot.

> Madrid - Salamanca
> Madrid - Centro
> Madrid - Chueca
> Madrid - La Latina
> Madrid - Lavapiés
> Madrid - Malasaña

Madrid - Salamanca
Salamanca is a area of Madrid known as the rich district of Madrid. Here you will find chique restaurants, luxury boutiques and shops of some great designers (as Gucci, Prada, Chanel). Around the Calles Serrano, Velázquez, Ortega, Gasset and Calle Goya it is possible to spot some of the rich and famous of Madrid.

On the Plaza de Colón the monument of Colombus (Christobal Colón in Spanish) and around the squares are some beautiful buildings like the Bibliotheca Nacional, the Museo Arqueológico Nacional and the Centro Cultural Villa de Madrid.

In Salamanca there are also more art galleries who are worth a visit and where you can walk the Paseo de la Castellana. You will have a great view to the football stadium of Real Madrid (Santiago Bernabéu).

Madrid - Centro
In the medieval centre of Madrid is a maze of streets with the most popular districts Sol and Huertas. Here everybody who loves shopping can eat his heart out. Especially in the neighborhood between Plaza Sol and the Gran Via. In every street in the centre are shops situated, warehouses, bars, restaurants and discotheques. So, in the centre you will find everything you need.

Architected highlights in traditional Huertas
In the traditional district Huertas are historic and architected highlights to find, like the famous Museo Thyssen-Bornemusza and the Museo del Prado. Huertas is a nice district with many cosy cafes, restaurants and authentic tapas bars. The Plaza de Santa Ana is the most lively part of Huertas with many good cafes and bars which are open till late. The bars in this neighborhood are famous about their great live music, sangria and tapas.

Historic highlights in Sol
In the Westside is the heart of Madrid situated, Sol, with many historic highlights. Here lays for example the Royalty Palace which is used at important ceremonies. In Sol you will also find the famous Plaza Mayor. On the Plaza della Villa is the city hall situated. The Teatro Real, is one of the biggest stages for opera in the world. The Plaza de Oriente, with various statues is from Spanish kings, also situated in the centre of Madrid. Sol does have many bars, restaurants and terraces.

Madrid - Chueca
The district Chueca lays in the northeast of the centre of Madrid. It is as well as one of the most authentic as cosmologic district in the city. The neighborhood Chueca is also the place to be for going out. There are restaurants and clubs to find which are known as the hotspots for going out in Madrid. To the Calle Almirante and Calle Prim you go for shopping. There are many fashion stores, shoe stores and art galleries.

In Chueca you can find also the modern 'Sociedad de Autores' and the 'Museo Municipal'. At the Plaza del Rey is situated the Ministerie of Culture.

Madrid - La Latina
One of the oldest and nicest districts of the city. Especially on Sundays an absolute hotspot for the madrilènes. Young and old is sitting here on the terraces, stand in front of the cafes or is eating tapas. For example Plaza de la Paja and Plaza San Andrés.

Besides that, the district is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Madrid for taking a walk. The streets are very small and bendy here and that makes it fun for walking around. You will discover beautiful squares and churches from the Hapsburg period of Madrid of 1500-1700. There are great tapas bars to find and on the Plaza de la Paja there is the San Andrés, a church with beautiful gothic and renaissance elements.

At the Plaza the San Andrés is also one of the newest museums of Madrid situated: The Museo de San Isidro. In the beautiful 16th century mansion you can admire the architected collection of the first settlement of the city. Here nearby is the Capilla the San Isidro situated with a richly decorated interior and a beautiful dome.

In the west of La Latina stands one of the most fascinating churches of Madrid: the San Francisco el Grande. The church derives from the 18th century and is known for his collection of beautiful paintings, fresco's and leaded light windows.

Limiting to this quarter, there is a big flea market every Sunday: El Rastro. This unique market begins at the plaza Coscorro, via the Calle Ribera de Curtidores till the Ronda de Toledo.

Madrid - Lavapiés
This multicultural district is the urban neighborhood of Madrid. You will find here the traditional tapas bars but also the Indian, middle-east and Chinese kitchen. It is a lively neighborhood with much diligence.

The square, Plaza de Lavapiés, was in the medieval the centre of the Jewish community. The square is recently renovated but hasn't handed in any authenticity. The many old houses have balcony's which are often filled with flowers. Furthermore you will find here many good cafes, restaurants and the theatre Valle-Inclán.

The local drink is 'Cidrerías', a real cider-sangría. The street Calle Olivar is the place for Flamencos, about which Spain is also known about.

Madrid - Malasaña
One of the going out districts of the city for the biggest discotheques. Known for the younger people (in the age of 16-25) who are drinking outside on the streets. Apart from that, Madrilenians always love to drink on the streets, something which is forbidden nowadays.

The main square is the Plaza Dos de Mayo. When the weather is good , the square changes into one big terrace. Also in the small streets around the square are unbelievable many bars. A part of the public in Malasaña is younger than in other parts of the city (many people around the age of 20).

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