Huertas is a vibrant neighbourhood in Madrid's Literary Quarter offering paving stones etched with famed literary quotes and a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs and dinner theaters. This neighbourhood is marked by a wide diversity of attractions, from quaint cafe-style cocktail bars to vibrant nightclubs and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. You can find something to do here any day of the week and just about any style of entertainment or music you want. The avenue has a pedestrian area, so you're safe wandering around.
This is an area that's popular with students visiting from other countries as well as celebrities from stage and screen. You can rub elbows with famous people, sit in darkened cafes and have deep discussions about philosophy, politics and life with intellectuals from all walks of life, have a romantic dinner at a flamenco dinner theater, or just enjoy a great craft beer with good friends.
Huertas in Madrid - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighborhoods in Madrid (Read all about Madrid here)
What are the highlights of Huertas in Madrid?
The highlights of Huertas in Madrid begin with the many bars and cafes lining the streets, such as Viva Madrid, one of the oldest bars in the city, and Magister, a craft brewery with free tapas. Then head for Plaza Santa Ana for a vibrant scene and plenty of ambience with beer houses that were favorite stops of Ernest Hemingway. You can head to Cardamomo, where nightly flamenco performances by world-renowned dancers are on display. You can also visit the house where Miguel de Cervantes, author of 'Don Quixote', spent much of his adult life and passed away in 1616.
You can also visit the 16th-century home of Lope de Vega, the Spanish Golden Age writer, which is a national monument and a heritage site of cultural interest. If theater is your game, head for the Teatro Español for an amazing stage show.
photo by Edgardo W. Olivera (CC BY 2.0) modified
Where to eat and drink in Huertas in Madrid?
Huertas in Madrid is the home of some of the most exciting and vibrant nightlife in the city. Whether you're looking for the heart of the LGBTQ scene, an upscale tapas bar, a rowdy beer house or a nightclub where you can dance the night away into the wee hours of the morning, you're sure to find it here. Some of the highlights include Café Central and the Jazz Bar, where you can enjoy coffee, cocktails, and local and international jazz acts.
For beer gardens, the ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel is a standout, and the Cardamomo flamenco house is the place for catching nightly performances. Carbones 13 is a classic disco nightclub with retro decoration and great tunes. LGBTQ+ bars include Lakama, Hot, Black & White, La 80 and Tal Fulanita.
What else is good to know about Huertas in Madrid?
Huertas in Madrid offers plenty of places to stay if you want to set up shop in this neighbourhood. It hosts some of the most luxurious hotels in the city, including the Gran Hotel Inglés, the oldest in the city that maintains a classic 1920s style. You can also find a host of newer upscale boutique hotels that provide personalized service with funky and unique designs. You'll also find plenty of dining and shopping opportunities here, making Huertas a prime location for your entire vacation.
Like in most neighbourhoods in Madrid, the streets here are level and pedestrian-friendly, which makes it easy to navigate for people with disabilities. Many bars, clubs, restaurants and attractions are also disability accessible, but call ahead for any accommodations you will need. The neighbourhood is easy to access and is serviced by bus, Metro and train.
photo by Luis García (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Huertas in Madrid
Location: Madrid, Spain