Barrio de las Letras (Huertas)

What to expect

The Barrio de las Letras, also called Huertas, is the old literary quarter of Madrid. In the Spanish Golden Age writers such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega lived and worked here, and some of their words are set into the pavement of its streets. The area sits between Paseo del Prado and Puerta del Sol and is easy to cover on foot.

Today it is a mix of narrow streets, small squares and bars. Calle de las Huertas is its social centre, lined with taverns and tapas places, and the museums of the Paseo del Arte are only a few minutes away. You walk with your head down for the lines in the paving and up for the old facades. A stroll takes about an hour, more with a meal or a drink.

Don't miss

• Quotes from writers set into the pavement
• Calle de las Huertas and its cobbles
• San Ildefonso church, where Cervantes is buried
• Lope de Vega's house
• Plaza de Santa Ana and its terrace cafés

Tips for your visit

• Follow the literary lines in the pavement; you will pass many of the quarter's best corners.
• Come in the evening if you want the lively side, when bars along Huertas fill up.
• Combine it with the Prado or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, both only a few minutes away.
• Prices on the main squares are higher than on the quieter side streets.