Malasaña Walking Tour (Self Guided), Madrid

Malasaña has been a bohemian hub for decades and was at the center of Madrid's counterculture movement in the 1970s and ‘80s. Today, the heart of this historic neighborhood still beats to an alternative vibe with its hip residents and visitors, although some gentrification of the area is starting to take place. The neighborhood has been compared to London's Camden Town and New York City’s Lower East Side and it is easy to see why with the jumble of alternative and fashionable shops. The main attractions of Malasaña are its beautiful squares. These are popular hangouts around which are old buildings, cafés and shops.

Plaza Dos de Mayo is the central meeting place for locals. Come here to sit on the terrace of a café, sipping a refreshing drink. On the weekend, bring your shopping bags for the flea market that is held here. In fact Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest times in the neighborhood, crowded with a diverse mix of people, including bohemian types, hard rock devotees and the trendiest followers of fashion. Take some time out of your schedule to stop and admire the many fine and imaginative street art creations that adorn walls and buildings. When it is time to eat, you will discover lots of choices in Malasaña, including Spanish and international cuisines.