Malasaña

Plaza dos de Mayo in Malasaña
Calle Pez Malasaña

Malasaña is known for its counter culture scene. This all started during the Movida movement that was sparked by Franco’s death in 1975. It is unpretentious offering all types of music from rock, punk, reggae to house.

The area centers around Dos de Mayo square where on summer nights you will often find “botellons” which is an illegal meeting of people drinking carry outs on the street. A great way to beat the economic crisis! You can get your drinks either at a local shop or from the many people selling them directly on the square. Don’t worry they’ll be ice cold. Other notable streets for drinking include: Espíritu Santo, Palma and Pez.

All bars in this zone

Outside bar Casa de Julio in Malasaña, Calle de la Madera, 37, Madrid

Casa de Julio is a bar that's been around forever. It's hidden on a back street so it doesn't attract the same young crowd as on calle Pez or Espirito Santo but that’s not to say it doesn't get busy. Casa de Julio is very small and can fill up in no time.

Bar guide La Catrina, Malasaña Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 13, Madrid

La Catrina is a little Mexican dive bar in Malasaña. The outside gives you a taste of what you’ll expect inside. The door is adorned with a large art motif of a Mexican skull and the sign to the bar is a human heart. I've heard talk about this place being a restaurant but don’t be fooled.