Chueca & Malasaña
The barrios of Chueca and Malasaña, lie north of the garish Gran Vía avenue and are a must for any visitor.
Once at the heart of the Movida (the explosion of creativity and hedonism that followed Franco's death), these two neighbourhoods are now home to some of the hippest places in town.
Trendy eateries, independent fashion outlets, craft breweries and wine bars are dotted along the streets of both barrios, while Chueca is also the heart of the city's gay scene.