Places

Every time I walk past the corner of Calle Fernando VI and Calle Pelayo, I see people stop in their tracks. They look up, tilt their heads, and usually say the same thing: "I didn't know Madrid had buildings like this."Meet the Palacio de Longoria.

If you’ve ever walked down Calle Fuencarral, you’ve probably stopped for a second to stare at that massive, swirling stone entrance at number 78. It looks like a giant, carved wedding cake. That’s the Museo de Historia de Madrid, and since the restoration was completed late last year, it is looking absolutely spectacular.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day Madrid and step directly into a time machine, there is no better place than the Museo del Romanticismo. Located in the heart of the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, this museum is housed in a stunning 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Marquis of Matallana.

If you’re visiting Madrid and want to see where the locals actually shop, look no further than Calle Fuencarral. Stretching from the iconic Gran Vía all the way up to the Glorieta de Bilbao, this largely pedestrianized street is the heart of Madrid's urban fashion scene.But the real magic isn’t just on the main street—it’s in the colorful side alleys of Malasaña, where the best second-hand and vintage treasures in Spain are hidden.

Forget the historical grandeur of the Royal Palace for a moment. If you want to dive into the vibrant, beating heart of modern, alternative Madrid, you need to head straight to Malasaña.

Madrid’s nightlife is legendary, a dazzling, non-stop cultural phenomenon where dinner often starts at 10 PM and the clubs don't truly get going until 3 AM. If you’re a traveler looking for the most relevant, stylish, and in places to see and be seen, this guide ensures you land in the crowd that’s right for you.