Barrio de las Letras in Madrid, or the Literary Quarter, was once home to great writers of the 17th century and offers museums, live theatre, art installations and culture. Here you can enjoy theatrical performances of new and classic plays, catch a flamenco dance show at dinner theatres, head for beer halls, cafes or chic bistros, and shop at boutiques. You'll walk along cobblestone lanes lined with indie shops and a vibrant local cultural scene, period artwork and courtyard gardens.
If you're looking to discover the upscale bohemian art and culture scene of Madrid, this is the neighbourhood to visit. The crowd here is youthful and hip, and the culture ranges from old-world 17th century to postmodern art galleries and live shows. This is a vibrant and exciting place that forms a historic and modern cultural hub connecting yesterday to today and the future.
Barrio de las Letras in Madrid - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Madrid (Read all about Madrid here)
What are the highlights of Barrio de las Letras in Madrid?
Highlights of Barrio de las Letras in Madrid begin with walking the streets and looking at the famed quotes from literary giants paved into the streets. As you browse the avenues, check out the plazas and streets named for people like Lope de Vega, who also has a museum named after him with free guided tours in the late writer's former home. Head for Plaza Santa Ana, which is something of a neighbourhood hangout featuring lots of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the ambience with a glass of wine.
In fact, this entire neighbourhood is something of a foodie destination with many great restaurants. Many of these are dinner theatres with live flamenco dance performances nightly. You'll also find a range of outstanding tapas bars here with cultivated beer and wine lists. Finally, take in live entertainment in the form of plays at Teatro Español.
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Where to eat and drink in Barrio de las Letras in Madrid?
Barrio de las Letras in Madrid offers restaurants, bars and cafes galore including everything from upscale bistros to fine dining tapas bars and dinner theatres. At Cervecería Cervantes, you'll discover where the locals dine in a traditional Spanish restaurant decorated with colourful tiles and offering a casual, laid-back vibe. It's a tapas bar that's famed for its seafood, which you can order in small portions.
At El Lacón on Calle de Manuel Fernández y González, you can grab a drink and tapas and dine all day. Casa Alberto has a bright red exterior, making it hard to miss. This restaurant draws local crowds and is famed for its seafood and desserts. Finally, you can walk the perimeter of Plaza Santa Ana to enjoy a wide range of great restaurants with sidewalk dining that run the range from upscale fine dining to casual light fare and coffee.
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What else is good to know about Barrio de las Letras in Madrid?
Barrio de las Letras in Madrid is a walkable neighbourhood, and many of the attractions here are to be seen while you stroll the cobblestone lanes and pedestrian-friendly plazas and squares. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because you'll spend all day exploring this area. Because so much of it is outdoors and the streets are generally level, it is mostly friendly for people with disabilities who may need mobility assistance. If you do need accommodation, call ahead wherever you might be visiting. Some attractions that date to the 17th century may have areas that are not easily accessible.
The neighbourhood is accessible by Metro, train or bus. Bicycle-share docking stations are available across the area, so if you're a cyclist, this is a good place to explore.
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Barrio de las Letras in Madrid
Ubicación: Madrid, Spain
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