The creative neighborhood
Malasaña forms a square surrounded by Calle Gran Vía, Fuencarral, San Bernardo and Carranza. It owes its name to Manuela Malasaña, a Madrid-born heroine from the 2nd of May uprisings against the French troops. In fact, its central point is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo. It is also a neighborhood closely linked to "la movida", the cultural and social revolution that took place in the 1980s. Any of its squares is nice to have a beer in the sun. We advise you to walk through its streets before you sit down and enjoy the variety and originality of its shops and bars. Malasaña hides secrets that will surprise you!

In this neighborhood there are two IED Madrid spaces, in the Palacio de Altamira Palace and on Calle Larra.

Average housing price: ****

The diverse neighborhood
Calle Fuencarral separates this neighborhood from Malasaña. Chueca is well known for being the epicenter of the Pride Festival that is held during the first week of July. In recent years it has become something more than a neighborhood, turning into a reference point for the LGBT movement around the world. And no wonder: here began a trend towards the visibility of this group, which is now unstoppable.

Its streets house designer shops and fashion brands, bars, restaurants and a very cosmopolitan environment, which stands out for its active life, both day and night.

Average housing price: ****

The literary district
Located in the center of the city, it is known by this name because here resided some of the most distinguished writers of the Golden Age of the Spanish Letters (in the 17th century). Cervantes, Quevedo and Lope de Vega are some of those who chose this neighborhood for their stays in Madrid and who gave their name to many of its streets.

The main one is Huertas, whose cobbles display verses by José Zorrilla and Luis de Góngora, among others. After the literary walk, you can enjoy a drink or tapas in the lively Plaza de Santa Ana, next to the Teatro Español, which has a range of restaurants, all of which share their pleasant atmosphere.

Average housing price: ***

The historic neighborhood
This neighborhood is also part of the downtown area. Its streets are of medieval origin, and many were considered the outskirts of Madrid and served as lodging for merchants who were visiting to sell their products. This commercial tradition is what has given their name to many of its well-known spaces, such as the Plaza de la Cebada, the Plaza de los Carros, the Plaza de la Paja or El Rastro, the most famous open-air market in the city. We recommend visiting this neighborhood on Sundays. It is the liveliest way to enjoy the city; walk through its streets in the morning, take a tour of its outdoor bars and cafes to have a taste of the most traditional tapas at lunchtime and end up dancing to the music of the bars in the afternoon.

Average housing price: ****

The multicultural neighborhood
Like its neighboring neighborhood La Latina, it is characterized by its narrow streets and irregular layout. In the past it was inhabited mainly by the working classes. This has led to buildings of a peculiar physiognomy: dwellings of various heights built around a central courtyard, called corralas, whose best example can be found at the intersection of Calle Tribulete and Calle Mesón de Paredes.

Today it boasts a bohemian atmosphere, with theaters and venues, and the most cosmopolitan population of the capital. It is the perfect mix between the traditional and multicultural Madrid.

Average housing price: ***

The elegant neighborhood
Luxury shops and restaurants with Michelin stars. The Salamanca district is undoubtedly the most fashionable in Madrid. It owes its name to the Malaga-born José de Salamanca y Mayol, Marqués de Salamanca, who conceived this area to house the aristocratic and bourgeois classes of the capital. The neighborhood is characterized by its regular distribution in the shape of a checkerboard with perpendicular streets.

Average housing price: ****

The gastronomic district
It is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Madrid and, in recent years, one of the most attractive gastronomic areas of the city. Either for tapas, to enjoy traditional food or to experiment with the most avant-garde and international cuisine, Chamberí is the ideal place. Ponzano, in the heart of Chamberí, is one of its best-known streets and is home to modern and attractive bars and restaurants that we recommend you to try any day of the week.

Average housing price: ****

The Retiro neighborhood is a beautiful area to live due to its location next to the famous Retiro Park. In this district there are streets with neighborhood bars and shops that coexist with comercial center such as the Corte Inglés. It is a quiet, safe neighborhood and quite central.

Average housing price: ***

The innovation neighborhood
Carabanchel is an industrial district in the process of change. Old industrial printers and textile workshops have been transformed into recording and painting studios, incubators of innovation projects and, above all, workshops and work spaces where creativity flows through manufacturing and production.

Just 20 minutes from the Gran Vía metro stop, this neighborhood is becoming the epicenter of the alternative culture that emerges in all big cities: street art, design and architecture studios, art galleries, spaces for skateboarders, cultural centres, etc.

It is home to the third IED Madrid space, the IED Innovation Lab, which opened in 2015 and is inspired by this creative and maker spirit.

Average housing price: **