Lavapiés Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lavapiés
Lavapiés
Lavapiés
Lavapiés
Lavapiés

Superb art galleries, culinary influences from all corners of the globe and a busy nightlife scene create one of the most vibrant districts of central Madrid. 

Famous for the mix of nationalities that reside on its maze-like medieval streets, Lavapiés is regarded as Madrid’s most diverse neighborhood. Once a village outside the city’s defensive walls, Lavapiés later became the Jewish quarter and today is home to the communities of around 90 nationalities. Join them at the characterful bars set along the steep and winding lanes. Enjoy cultural experiences at theaters, museums and festivals.

Start at Corrala del Sombrerete, on the corner of Tribulete and Mesón de Paredes streets. This is a prime example of a corrala, a tenement house set around an inner courtyard where some of Lavapiés’s earliest residents lived. Walk the streets and imagine a time when composer Francisco Asenjo Barbieri was inspired to write his zarzuela (musical comedy) El Barberillo de Lavapiés. See artist’s studios lined up next to boutiques, cobblers and vintage barbershops.

Aromas of delicacies from around the world fill the air of the neighborhood. Find authentic tapas bars on Calle Argumosa and Indian restaurants on Calle Lavapiés. Tapapiés is a 10-day gastronomical event and food walk of the best tapas bars held in October. Discover everything from books and craft beer to sushi and tacos at San Fernando Market.

Admire masterpieces by Dalí, Miró and Picasso at the Reina Sofia Museum, one of the museums that form the Golden Triangle of Art. The museum’s collection is an interesting contrast to the avant-garde exhibitions at La Casa Encendida and Tabacalera. Teatro Circo Price and Teatro Valle-Inclán are important hubs for performing arts.

Come to Lavapiés in August when the Fiesta of San Lorenzo festival brings color and entertainment to the streets. This celebration of the feast day of St. Lawrence features free concerts, outdoor parties and a Spanish omelette competition.

Lavapiés is in the center of Madrid and to the east of the La Latina neighborhood. Ride the metro to the Lavapiés station and start your discovery from there. CaixaForum Madrid and the Royal Botanical Garden are some other nearby attractions.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Lavapiés Hotel Deals

Radisson RED Madrid
Radisson RED Madrid
4 out of 5
Atocha 123, Madrid, Madrid
The price is NZ$248 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$248
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (563 reviews)
Comfy rooms and great location
"I had a very nice stay at Radisson Red. Check in was easy and the staff were helpful. I traveled solo on this trip and enjoyed the free WiFi and the air conditioning during the heat wave. The lobby and décor were nice. The corridors in the room level were a little dark, but the rooms were very clean, ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Radisson RED Madrid
Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
4 out of 5
Atocha 83, Atocha, Madrid, Madrid
The price is NZ$401 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$401
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Prado Museum and Puerta del Sol are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
"This hotel is absolutely beautiful. The rooms are clean, have good accomodations and products. They leave water for you every day, one bottle per person. The AC is perfect, which really matters in the hot humid June July Madrid weather. They have a nice coffee machine and tea kettle, plus snacks/drinks ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
Hotel Porcel Ganivet
Hotel Porcel Ganivet
3 out of 5
Calle de Toledo, 111, Madrid, Madrid
The price is NZ$190 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$190
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Exceptionally pleasant and helpful staff and exceptionally clean. Optional buffet breakfast is outstanding. Walkable and convenient"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Hotel Porcel Ganivet
SLEEP’N Atocha – B Corp Certified
SLEEP’N Atocha – B Corp Certified
2 out of 5
Calle Doctor Drumen, 4, Madrid, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$203 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$203
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hostal in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,461 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and the room was comfortable. I enjoyed the breakfast served daily and the hotel was located close to the plaza mayor."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

SLEEP’N Atocha – B Corp Certified
Arc House Pop Art
Arc House Pop Art
2 out of 5
C. de la Sombrerería 27, Madrid, Madrid
Stay at this hostel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Prado Museum and Puerta del Sol are located nearby.
6.8/10 (59 reviews)
"Bit of a dodgy area but super convenient."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Arc House Pop Art
2060 The Newton Hostel & Market
2060 The Newton Hostel & Market
2 out of 5
11 Calle de la Cabeza, Madrid
Stay at this hostel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Plaza ...
9/10 Wonderful! (302 reviews)
"My only negative was that there was that the lock was broken on the under bed bag storage, the team helped me to store my bags at reception. Bit of a stuff around but honestly I would book again. Staff were nice, elevators worked, in a good location."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

2060 The Newton Hostel & Market
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lavapiés

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Golden Triangle of Art

Golden Triangle of Art is popular for its fascinating museums. Explore top sights like Prado Museum and Paseo del Prado, and you can get around town on the metro at Estación del Arte.

Golden Triangle of Art
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Huertas

5/5(23 area reviews)

Congress of Deputies and Plaza de Santa Ana are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Huertas. Travellers also love the fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and popular shops.

Huertas
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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
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Barrio de La Latina

While you're in Barrio de La Latina, take in top sights like Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande and jump on the metro at La Latina Station to see more of the city.

Barrio de La Latina
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Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
Mercado de San Miguel showing markets, interior views and food

Palacio

While you're in Palacio, take in top sights like Gran Via or Almudena Cathedral, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Opera Station or Santo Domingo Station.

Palacio

Lavapiés Travel Guide

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