Malasana Hotels
in Madrid
Malasana
Manuela Malasaa, this areas namesake, was a rebellious young maiden manhandled by Napoleons troops during the invasion in 1808. She pulled out her dressmakers scissors in self-defense, which of course led to her untimely death by execution.
The name reflects the area well, the rebellious adolescent of 80s Spain. It was the focal point of the Movida madrilena, the freedom of post Franco Spain allowed youth culture to explode here in the form of a non stop party and art scene. Think film director Pedro Almodovar clubbing until the early hours to Adam and the ants. The vestiges of this excessive and creative era are still visible in the graffiti lined streets and the popularity of this neighbourhoods self-run squatted social centre El Patio de Maravillas. With everything alternative from talks on squatting to DIY photo and printing labs this building still breathes the spirit of the movida.
These underground activities cohabit alongside boutique stores and vintage fashion, not to mention gingham curtained bakeries and pretty squares where you can have a beer under the starry sky like the locals. The bars still attract the young and beautiful, wearing the latest trends in quirky chic. Its not all cafe and cupcakes however, when the sun goes down it becomes clear these hipsters still know how to party
See
Old Madrid offers you the palace, La Latina boasts the Rastro, but this neighbourhoods main monument is to fashion. People watching in Malasana is better than any old crumbling church (which by the way you can also check out, Iglesia San Andres). Oversized spectacles, 50s hairdos, bright red lips, highwaisted short shorts, whatever is so out its in is what you can expect to ogle at. The best part of this must see is it is free, and all day. Park yourself in one of the squares, we recommend 2 de Mayo for an amphitheatre-like effect, buy a beer or a milkshake (age depending) and spend hours wondering at the effortful looks put together by the cool kids.
Eat and Drink
If you are vegetarian, on a tight budget and enjoy a good chant before dinner this is the place for you. Hare Krishna offer incredible curry dishes, salads and fresh home made bread all for 6euro, and you can go back as many times as your inner veggie allows.
Culture
Espacio Menos 1 is a multidisciplinary, multiuse, multimedia magic box. For its size this gallery-workshop-cinema is incredibly dynamic. From mini concerts and exhibitions to fabric making workshops, you will find something for everyone. But get there quick before it disappears into smoke.
Nightlife
Despite being a mythic regular on the Malasana scene since Almodover was in nappies, the barmen of the Palentino dont take advantage of their privileged position as staples in the nightlife scene. By charging 1euro for wine and beer they have managed to stay popular for donkeys years. However, only the very brave try the sandwiches, since they have probable been there since the bars opening. Another favourite on the nightlife scene is La Via Lactea, or the Milky Way an old-school rock 'n' roll bar that never seems to go out of fashion. It first opened in 1979 at the height of the Movida, burst of liberal expression that came after Francos death. The regulars may have changed, but the atmosphere is the same.
Shop
For vintage fashion there are loads of great shops in this area but dont miss Retro on Barco street. For those with a magpie eye you will pick up some fantastic gems, 80s shoes, ballroom dresses, roller-skates and everything in between. For more vintage fashion there is Templo de Susu on Espiritu Santo street, TheThe on Velarde street and La Pezera on Pez street.
Transport
Malasana is centrally located and easily accessible by metro on the southern end of the neighbourhood you will find Gran Via and Callao metro stops and to the east Tribunal, to the west metro Noviciado and Plaza de Espana. Bus routes can also be found nearby
Manuela Malasaa, this areas namesake, was a rebellious young maiden manhandled by Napoleons troops during the invasion in 1808. She pulled out her dressmakers scissors in self-defense, which of course led to her untimely death by execution.
The name reflects the area well, the rebellious adolescent of 80s Spain. It was the focal point of the Movida madrilena, the freedom of post Franco Spain allowed youth culture to explode here in the form of a non stop party and art scene. Think film director Pedro Almodovar clubbing until the early hours to Adam and the ants. The vestiges of this excessive and creative era are still visible in the graffiti lined streets and the popularity of this neighbourhoods self-run squatted social centre El Patio de Maravillas. With everything alternative from talks on squatting to DIY photo and printing labs this building still breathes the spirit of the movida.
These underground activities cohabit alongside boutique stores and vintage fashion, not to mention gingham curtained bakeries and pretty squares where you can have a beer under the starry sky like the locals. The bars still attract the young and beautiful, wearing the latest trends in quirky chic. Its not all cafe and cupcakes however, when the sun goes down it becomes clear these hipsters still know how to party
See
Old Madrid offers you the palace, La Latina boasts the Rastro, but this neighbourhoods main monument is to fashion. People watching in Malasana is better than any old crumbling church (which by the way you can also check out, Iglesia San Andres). Oversized spectacles, 50s hairdos, bright red lips, highwaisted short shorts, whatever is so out its in is what you can expect to ogle at. The best part of this must see is it is free, and all day. Park yourself in one of the squares, we recommend 2 de Mayo for an amphitheatre-like effect, buy a beer or a milkshake (age depending) and spend hours wondering at the effortful looks put together by the cool kids.
Eat and Drink
If you are vegetarian, on a tight budget and enjoy a good chant before dinner this is the place for you. Hare Krishna offer incredible curry dishes, salads and fresh home made bread all for 6euro, and you can go back as many times as your inner veggie allows.
Culture
Espacio Menos 1 is a multidisciplinary, multiuse, multimedia magic box. For its size this gallery-workshop-cinema is incredibly dynamic. From mini concerts and exhibitions to fabric making workshops, you will find something for everyone. But get there quick before it disappears into smoke.
Nightlife
Despite being a mythic regular on the Malasana scene since Almodover was in nappies, the barmen of the Palentino dont take advantage of their privileged position as staples in the nightlife scene. By charging 1euro for wine and beer they have managed to stay popular for donkeys years. However, only the very brave try the sandwiches, since they have probable been there since the bars opening. Another favourite on the nightlife scene is La Via Lactea, or the Milky Way an old-school rock 'n' roll bar that never seems to go out of fashion. It first opened in 1979 at the height of the Movida, burst of liberal expression that came after Francos death. The regulars may have changed, but the atmosphere is the same.
Shop
For vintage fashion there are loads of great shops in this area but dont miss Retro on Barco street. For those with a magpie eye you will pick up some fantastic gems, 80s shoes, ballroom dresses, roller-skates and everything in between. For more vintage fashion there is Templo de Susu on Espiritu Santo street, TheThe on Velarde street and La Pezera on Pez street.
Transport
Malasana is centrally located and easily accessible by metro on the southern end of the neighbourhood you will find Gran Via and Callao metro stops and to the east Tribunal, to the west metro Noviciado and Plaza de Espana. Bus routes can also be found nearby