Barrio de las Letras Travel Guide

Madrid
Barrio de las Letras
Once home to some of Spain’s most revered literati, this bohemian quarter today has streets lined with boutiques and theaters, atmospheric bars and restaurants.

Literature and the performing arts abound on the cobblestone streets of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. This is where luminaries of Spanish literature lived, socialized and worked during the Golden Age of the 16th and 17th century. Find reminders and memorials to Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo, among others, in the Barrio de las Letras. Enjoy the neighborhood’s captivating ambiance while walking along pedestrian-only streets and musing at varied drinking and dining options.

The quarter’s narrow lanes, framed by elegant residences, are perfect to explore on foot. Antique dealers, bookstores, fashion boutiques and luthier workshops offer superb opportunities for window shopping. Pay attention to street names that celebrate literary giants and spot pavement inscriptions from the works of writers such as Miguel Cervantes and José Echegaray.

Calle de las Huertas is the busy heart of the area, where beerhalls, cafés and restaurants spill onto the pavements. Pull up a seat, order a cold beer or glass of wine and snack on delectable tapas and Basque and Mediterranean dishes. More restaurants surround Plaza de Santa Ana, a paved square with statues of dramatist Calderón de la Barca and poet Federico García Lorca.

Glimpse into the life of Lope de Vega at the Casa Museo Lope de Vega, which preserves the original layout and furniture of the writer's former home. Reserve your guided tour in advance to guarantee access.

First built in the 1500s, the Church of San Sebastian is another landmark with literary connections. It was the venue for the baptism of Ramón de la Cruz and the funerals of Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the notable theaters. Teatro Español is one of Europe’s oldest performance venues and has several intimate auditoriums. Watch Broadway musicals and concerts at Teatro Calderón. Ateneo de Madrid is a place for art exhibitions, live music and poetry readings.

Barrio de las Letras sits in the eastern section of Madrid’s Centro neighborhood. It’s served by the Antón Martín, Atocha and Puerta del Sol subway stations.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Barrio de las Letras

Arc House Madrid
Arc House Madrid
1 out of 5
CALLE DE LA VICTORIA 2, Madrid, Madrid
The price is ₹5,094 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹5,094
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Popular attractions Puerta del Sol and Gran Via are located nearby. ...
6.8/10 (37 reviews)
"I had to check in late but the staff made it super easy for me and were very friendly and welcoming"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2023

Arc House Madrid
Far Home Atocha
Far Home Atocha
2 out of 5
Calle Atocha, 45, Madrid
The price is ₹22,684 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
₹22,684
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this hostal in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Puerta del Sol and Gran Via are located nearby. Discover ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (260 reviews)
"I loved everything!"

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024

Far Home Atocha
The Westin Palace, Madrid
The Westin Palace, Madrid
5 out of 5
Plaza de las Cortes, 7, Madrid, Madrid
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹33,899 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹33,899
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Beautiful and recently renovated historical property with outstanding service"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

The Westin Palace, Madrid
Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Atocha 49, Madrid
The price is ₹9,343 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹9,343
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Fun hotel too
"They accommodated all my requests--quiet room away from elevator. Free drink ticket which I didn't use, I forgot!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
I Host You
I Host You
2 out of 5
Plaza de las Cortes 4, Madrid
The price is ₹8,121 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
₹8,121
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are located nearby. Discover ...
9/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
Great localisation
"Nice stay thé bed was so confortable…. Great localisation ++++++….."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

I Host You
Sonder Santa Ana
Sonder Santa Ana
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Principe 11, Madrid
The price is ₹14,550 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
₹14,550
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy concierge services, a Smart TV and digital TV. Popular attractions Puerta del Sol and Gran Via are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (454 reviews)
"An excellent service by both person who took of us"

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2024

Sonder Santa Ana
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 Barrio de las Letras

Madrid showing a square or plaza, a fountain and night scenes

Cortes

While you're in Cortes, take in top sights like Gran Via and jump on the metro at Sevilla Station to see more of the city.

Cortes
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Madrid Centro

4.5/5(745 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
Spain showing heritage architecture, night scenes and building ruins

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
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Embajadores

Teatro Nuevo Apolo and El Rastro are top sights in Embajadores, and you should be sure to explore the fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Lavapies Station or Tirso de Molina Station to see more sights in the area.

Embajadores
Chueca featuring café lifestyle and a city as well as a large group of people

Chueca

4.5/5(65 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Chueca, you might enjoy attractions like Gran Via and Plaza de Chueca. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Chueca Station to see more of the city.

Chueca
Chueca featuring a city and signage

Justicia

While you're in Justicia, take in top sights like Gran Via or Plaza de Chueca, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Chueca Station or Banco de Espana Station.

Justicia

Barrio de las Letras Travel Guide