The Spanish capital is broadly considered one of the best cities for expats. Discover the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid and choose your next home abroad!

Madrid is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, boasting both modern venues and historical sights. It’s home to more than 3 million people. Here, Spanish folks and expats colive together and make this city a perfect destination to visit and to settle in, rich in cultures, languages, colors and history.

Here you can find so many opportunities: Madrid has great universities and business schools, but also the most important companies to kick off your international career. And the Madrilean entertainment counts with amusing attractions, gastronomy and the best nightlife.  Check out our top 10 favorite restaurants in Madrid.

You really don’t know what this city has in store for you!

The choice of the neighbourhood where to live in Madrid mostly depends on 3 key factors: your budget, the proximity to your university/workplace and, last but not least, the atmosphere you are looking for. 

All and each one of the areas in the Spanish capital city have their own charm and uniqueness and we are sure you will find the perfect place to settle in. Let’s discover together the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid!

Living in Sol and Gran Vía neighbourhood

Sol and Gran Vía are the basics for who visits Madrid for the first time: the beating heart of Madrid, located in the geographic centre of the city.

Sol, a place of great historical importance, today is the epicenter of Madrid. Most of the city tours start here, since it is a crucial public transport hub (for metro and Renfe trains) and home to many bars, restaurants and clubs.

Just a few steps away from Puerta del Sol square, you will find the most famous avenue of the city: the Gran Vía of Madrid. 
Built in the early years of the 20th century, Gran Vía represents the transition of the Spanish capital to become a modern European metropolis. It connects different areas of the city centre and today it’s the most popular shopping hub in Madrid.
Moreover, Gran Vía hosts uncountable restaurants, bars and elegant buildings with enchanting rooftop terraces.
As it’s the heart of Madrid, you will find it very easy to move around and reach other parts of the city, as well as the university area. 

Sol and Gran Vía areas are perfect housing options for young internationals in Madrid; there’s everything they need: services, transportation, entertainment and thrilling vibes.

Malasaña, one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid

Named after Manuela Malasaña,  a young woman killed by Napoleon's troops in 1808, this neighborhood boasts an incredible and rich history. Also the "Movida Madrileña", an innovative artistic and social movement, had an important role in the evolution of this area. .

Malasaña is today one of the trendiest, most hipster and alternative areas in Madrid, full of nice restaurant-bars, vintage shops and unique cafes. You can find it a few metres away from Gran Vía and bordering the famous Chueca area. 

The bohemian and hipster atmosphere make Malasaña one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid. That’s why thousands of young expats every semester decide to settle here!

Living in La Latina district

La Latina is an iconic and historic neighborhood in Madrid. It owes its name to Beatriz Galindo, one of the most cultivated women of the 16th century, whose nickname was “La Latina”.

This area is today such a lively place, packed with charming cafes, narrow streets, open-air markets and the most popular bars.
La Latina is popular among young internationals for its vibrant atmosphere. But here you will also find crowds of locals madrileños gathering and having a great time eating their typical tapas dishes!
Because of its central location, services and vibes, La Latina is considered one of the best neighborhoods to live in Madrid.

 Living in Chueca neighborhood

Bordering Gran Vía on the south and neighbouring with Malasaña, Chueca established itself as the most coloured and cheerful neighborhood in Madrid. It’s home to the LGBT community of the Spanish capital: a unique area, with a happy, respectful, multicultural and cheerful atmosphere where everyone is truly welcome!

Chueca boasts amazing bars and restaurants, art galleries and it’s strategically located (thanks to the great transportation network): it’s definitely one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid.

Living in Salamanca, nearby Parque del Retiro

If you are seeking elegant buildings, a peaceful atmosphere and an aristocratic essence, Salamanca is the right place for you.
The construction of this neighbourhood was managed by the Marquis of Salamanca: he wanted to create an exclusive area where to live in Madrid, with brand new houses, large windows and wide balconies, higher roofs and a modern atmosphere. 
Today, it represents a residential and elegant area, where actually a lot of famous people decide to settle in. 

Salamanca is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Madrid for those who are looking for a central location but far from the touristic crowds. This is the right place where to enjoy fancy venues and a chill atmosphere.
Moreover, by living here you will be able to reach in a few minutes the worldwide famous Retiro Park, one of the main attractions of the city.

Living in Argüelles and Moncloa 

As a result of the urban expansion plan of Madrid (back to the 19th century), Argüelles and Moncloa/Princesa areas are today very beautiful residential neighborhoods. 
Uncountable restaurants, elegant bars, shopping avenues, parks and other amenities make these places among the best neighborhoods to live in Madrid. 

Due to their strategic location and the great public transportation service, Argüelles and Moncloa are the perfect area for students. Moreover they’re located right next to Ciudad Universitaria, one of the biggest campuses in Madrid.

Living in Lavapiés

With the title of oldest neighbourhood in Madrid, Lavapiés was once inhabited only by the Jewish community. Today it has become a colorful and multicultural area, where the most diverse ethnicities coexist and gather, making Lavapiés a unique hub.
It is located in the Embajadores district, the biggest one in the centre of Madrid and home to many interesting spots of the city. 

Living in Madrid Río and Arganzuela areas

Rising alongside the Manzanares river, Madrid Río is one of the latest and most modern neighbourhoods in the city. It’s the outcome of the environmental renovation and improvement carried out in the last years. Nowadays, Madrid Río is one of the most rated areas, where locals come to live: services, museums, huge green areas, shops and dining spots.

The beautiful architecture in Arganzuela district, where Madrid Río is located, has three main different inspirations: Neomudéjar (a type of Moorish Revival architecture), Rationalism and Cast-iron. 
As it is still a little undiscovered, prices for housing still are very affordable here! This area truly has many perks!

Living in Chamberí

If you want to live like a local and fully dive into the young madrilean lifestyle, you have to go to the northern part of the city, to the beautiful Chamberí. This neighborhood, rich in charm and history (back to the French invasion of Napoleon), it’s considered as one of the the calmest yet trendy places in the Spanish capital. 
You certainly won’t find the typical touristy places here, but you can enjoy the greatest leisure activities, nightlife and find all kinds of facilities. Moreover, Chamberí it’s located not far from Salamanca and Ciudad Universitaria.

Have you enjoyed this brief tour among the best neighbourhoods to live in Madrid? Now it’s time to pick one and choose your next Madrilean home!