Have you ever visited Madrid before for the first time? As a city, Madrid enjoys a rich culture, history as well as some of the best cuisines in the world. Choosing the right place to stay especially in a new city might be quite stressful, but never mind! In this guide, we’ll show you around the city and help you decide on the best area to book your accommodation in Madrid.
For its part, the best neighbourhoods to consider may include
Madrid is subdivided into different districts with the different characteristic of its own. Here are some of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors:
1. Sol
Sol is the central part of Madrid and it is perfect to start an exploration of the city. It apparently has got crowded markets, vibrant markets and is closely located to districts such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Should you choose to stay in Sol, you’ll find yourself close to many of Madrid’s key attractions, stores and eateries.
2. Gran Via
Gran Via is Madrid’s main avenue that hosts numerous shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, and clubs. If you want to be right in the thick of things then this area is ideal. Named after the great boulevards of Europe, Gran Via boasts fabulous architecture; there are several theaters, and numerous shops, restaurants and bars.
3. Retiro
If you are looking for a quiet area then Retiro is a good place to stay. This is the location for the city’s Retiro park that is always a welcome respite when taken from the often impersonal city concrete and asphalt jungles. Retiro is also very accessible by public transport and is therefore a good place from which to explore Madrid.
4. Malasaña
As the nightlife, street art, and modern and vintage fashion enthusiasts’ hub, Malasaña stands out. This creative quarter has become synonymous with anarchy and subculture, bohemian shops and cool pubs. Malasaña is perfect for artistic streets and winding side alleys if you are looking for the art scene of the city.
5. La Latina
La Latina is one of the oldest districts of Madrid and is closely associated with a number of traditional tapas bars and with El Rastro, a Sunday market. That is why when you plan on staying in La Latina you will be able to enjoy real Spanish food and enjoy the Spanish culture.
Selecting the Appropriate Kind of Accommodation
It’s time to decide what type of housing would be best for your needs and your wallet, once the neighborhood has been chosen. Accommodation in Madrid is as diverse on price and style and can include hostels, hotels, and apartments for rent and in between.
1. Hotels
Accommodation: The first biggest concern of a first-time traveler is often the hotel since they provide a comfortable,, convenient and fully equipped environment. This has made Madrid to have a big variety of hotels for every class of travelers in the world. When selecting a hotel there are some issues that one needs to remember including; location, facilities provided, and the reputation of a hotel.
2. Hostels
If you plan on going on a budget trip or want to get acquainted with people interested in traveling then hostels would be ideal for you. Madrid’s got several good quality hostels many of which are cheap and provide a very social environment which is perfect for making new friends with people from different parts of the world.
3. Vacation Rentals
To get a more close and natural environment you can book an apartment or a room through the companies of short term rental services like Airbnb. This option let you to live like a local and is often cheaper, especially when you choose apartment with more than one room.
4. Budget-Friendly Options
As for accommodation, if you are not planning to spend hours partying, and looking for something cheap you should consider guest house or pension. Such forms of businesses usually provide budget services that may include simple requirements to meet in a place.
Helpful advice for selecting the right place to stay
- Here are a few additional tips to help you find the perfect place to stay in Madrid:
- Think about the price and decide what is important for you – the place, comfort or services.
- It is important because while booking, people should look into the reviews left by other customers in order to know how good the hotel is.
- Print a map in order to know how far the accommodation is from the main attractions or the public transports.
- Make sure that breakfast is included in the price because it is sometimes possible to get a better deal with a package that includes the price of breakfast.
If you have any special requirements or additional question, get in touch with the accommodation.
Conclusion
Picking the right place and hotel makes a lot of difference in ones stay in Madrid. Regardless if you’re packing the most enthusiastic lists for sol, the artsy cool of Malasaña, the peaceful serenity of Retiro, Madrid has a district for you. To make a final decision use your selection criteria or perhaps the guidelines outlined in this article for the ideal accommodation if you are new to Madrid. Happy travels!