Malasaña

What to expect

Malasaña is named after Manuela Malasaña, a teenager from Calle de San Andrés who was executed by French troops after the Dos de Mayo uprising of 1808, the revolt that began the Spanish War of Independence. The heart of the district, Plaza del Dos de Mayo, commemorates that day. In the late 1970s and 1980s Malasaña was the centre of La Movida Madrileña, the creative scene that followed the end of the dictatorship.

Today it is a compact, bohemian district of narrow streets, vintage shops, cafés, small bars and street art. The best way to see it is to wander without a plan, starting at Plaza del Dos de Mayo, where there is a crafts market on weekends. The area is lively from late morning to night. Allow an hour or two, longer if you shop or stop for a drink.

Don't miss

• Plaza del Dos de Mayo
• The arch and monument to Daoíz and Velarde
• Vintage shops and record stores
• Street art on side streets
• Bars where La Movida began

Tips for your visit

• Come in the late afternoon and stay into the evening when the bars fill up.
• Weekends have a crafts market on the main square.
• Walk to Gran Vía or Plaza de España afterwards, both a short distance away.
• Streets are noisy on weekend nights, so avoid it if you want a quiet evening.