Keen to get to know Madrid? Well, We’d like to fill you in on the neighborhood of Chamberí, because it is one of the least known areas of the capital among tourists. Located to the west of Madrid’s city center between Calle de Isaac Peral and Paseo de la Castellana, it is an area through which very few visitors pass during their stay. It’s very popular with expats and it is also one of the most beautiful neighborhoods to live in.
The Chamberí neighborhood
Chamberí is a residential area that has preserved much of its traditional commerce. You don’t need to bring your car to do your shopping or walk around to look at the windows. To add to the many covered markets, you can find all kinds of shops: small shops that are sometimes centuries old alongside large clothing stores, such as El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Mercadona, and more.
This year, Chamberí entered the highly selective list Time Out Index by Time Out Madrid of the 49 best neighborhoods in the world. Thousands of people around the world have participated in this ranking that brings together the best neighborhoods to live in according to their shops, restaurants, cultural offerings, services and social facilities. This area of Madrid is not only absolutely magnificent in terms of architecture, its wide range of things to do and places to see, each one more impressive than the last. This is how Chamberí climbed to 31st place.
Location: Chamberí
Chamberí is what we call a Castizo (traditional Spanish influence) neighborhood, populated by many old Madrilenians very attached to the district. It is close to the center but neither too close nor too far from Sol which you can get to in 10 minutes by metro or in 25 minutes on foot. It is a cozy but central area, crossed by wide avenues and charming alleys, which is also home to countless museums, concert halls and excellent sports facilities. In short, it’s a neighborhood that stands out for its compendium of the eclectic spirit of Madrid.
Calle de Ponzano
First of all, if you still don’t know the famous Calle de Ponzano, we recommend that you take an evening to visit it. This street is literally full of bars and restaurants of all kinds -and there is something for all tastes. And it’s not only about this absolutely incredible street, there are many restaurants to try throughout the neighborhood’s other streets and avenues, including Calle de Santa Engracia, Calle de Ríos Rosas, Calle de Fuencarral – well basically every street! During a sunny weekend, there is nothing like a drink on the terrace of Plaza Olavide to enjoy the blue Madrid sky.
You will not find a single tourist here and you will be able to enjoy the Madrid atmosphere and discover some great places to taste the best that is available in the capital. It is also an area that we recommend for expats living in Madrid, where you will find intimate and original venues. Elegant and modern, you will be surprised by the number of tapas bars there are.
Locations:
Museo Sorrolla & Ghost Station
If you like art, we recommend that you pay a visit to the Sorolla Museum, which is very close to Paseo de la Castellana. You will discover a unique museum that traces the life of the famous Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla. You can also visit Chamberí metro station, which is a subway station converted into a museum. This station was part of line 1 in 1966 that connected Sol with Cuatro Caminos. Trains continue to pass through this station but without stopping at it, which is why it is often called called a “ghost station”.
Website: Museo Sorolla
The Chamberí neighborhood will definitely win you over during your stay. Make sure to plan this experience alongside our Retiro Park & Museums Segway Tour. This way you will combine some of Madrid’s most famous sites, with one of the city’s hidden gems.
