WHAT TO SEE IN THE BARRIO DE LAS LETRAS IN MADRID
Madrid's Barrio de las Letras won over Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Lorca and Quevedo, and if you visit it, you too will be captivated by its famous corners. Right in the centre of Madrid, this neighbourhood of literati and muses takes us back to the Golden Age of Spanish literature.
If that wasn't enough, this offer is complemented by terraces that invite us to relax and enjoy Madrid's gastronomy, such as the ones you can find on Calle Huertas. It even gives us the opportunity to combine culture and enjoyment, with a visit to the same brewery that Hemingway frequented in the Plaza de Santa Ana.
The Barrio de las Letras is, without a doubt, an essential part of Madrid's history and culture. If you are looking for a 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid, the Gran Hotel Inglés is your best option. From here you can lose yourself in the streets of this Madrid neighbourhood and let yourself be conquered by the same muses that inspired some of the famous pens of universal literature. Let's delve into the history of this mythical neighbourhood and highlight the must-see places you can't miss.
Where is the Barrio de las Letras?
It should be clarified that the Barrio de las Letras is not an official name but a tourist and sentimental one. This name is a tribute to the great literary atmosphere that was breathed in the area and that is still present thanks to the famous Teatro Español, the literary fragments that adorn with golden letters the floor of some of its streets, the Casa Museo de Lope de Vega or the house of Cervantes.
According to the Madrid City Council's map of tourist areas, the neighbourhood is delimited by Carrera de San Jerónimo, Paseo del Prado, Calle de Atocha and Calle Cruz. Although many also include the area from Cruz to Calle Carretas, the small shopping street that ends at Puerta del Sol. Look carefully at this map with the points of interest in the Barrio de las Letras indicated. These are the ones we will talk about in this content.
This creates a very special neighbourhood, different from others in the capital. The flavour of its streets is combined with a centuries-old history that is unique in the world, waiting to be enjoyed by all those who are lucky enough to visit it.
Frog Market
On the first Saturday of every month there is an open-air market organised by the Association of Traders of the Barrio de las Letras known as the Mercado de las Ranas. It owes its name to the old Calle de Cantarranas, located in the current Calle de Lope de Vega. It is a place with a wide range of cultural, commercial and artistic offerings.
If you are a lover of shopping, this is a must during your tour of the popular neighbourhood. The shops in the area open their doors and bring their most amazing products to the street. An activity that resembles the format of markets such as those in Candem Town or Portobello Road.
Huertas Street and Santa Ana Square
Calle Huertas is the main artery of Madrid's literary quarter, a wide pedestrian street lined with cafés that make it the heart of the neighbourhood. All along the route there are phrases engraved on the ground with quotes from famous authors, an excellent initiative to raise awareness of great writers.
The name of this street comes from the fact that, centuries ago, it led to the orchards on the outskirts of Madrid. Enjoy this area from start to finish with its food establishments, in an atmosphere brimming with culture and history.
Next to Calle Huertas is Plaza de Santa Ana, an emblematic square known for its lively atmosphere at all hours and for housing some of the best bars for a drink in the neighbourhood. There is an abundance of beer bars that combine the most traditional Madrid with the bohemian and modern.
On arrival, you will be welcomed by the statue of García Lorca, a tribute to the poet who belonged to the Generation of '27. It is also surrounded by buildings of great importance, such as the Hotel de los Toreros and the Teatro Español. Some of Madrid's most legendary bullrings, such as the Pacheca and Príncipe, were located here.
Strolling along the Paseo del Prado
Enjoy a pleasant stroll along one of Madrid's most important historic boulevards. Its name comes from the fact that it is located in the place where the fields of the monastery of San Jerónimo Real used to be.
The walk is a journey through the culture and art of the area, essential places to get to know the most authentic Madrid. From the Royal Botanical Garden, the CaixaForum Madrid, the Prado Museum, the Church of San Jerónimo, the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo with the Fountain of Neptune, the Naval Museum and the Plaza de Cibeles, among many others.
Prado Museum
It's impossible to talk about the Barrio de las Letras without mentioning the Prado Museum, one of the most emblematic museums in Spain, with international prestige. Considered the best art gallery in the world, it has the best collection of Spanish painting, as well as a wide representation of Flemish and Italian painting.
The visit to the museum can last as long as you wish, as its exhibitions house more than 1,000 works of art. If you prefer, there is the possibility of a two-hour visit to the Prado Museum, a tour of its most important works. A paradise for lovers of culture, art and history. The Museum is included in our route of Madrid in 2 days.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Located in the heart of the Paseo del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the most prestigious private art collections in the world. It spans seven centuries of painting history, from the late 13th century to the 1980s.
During the tour you can enjoy works by El Greco, Titian or Tintoretto, Venetian painting, painters such as Rubens and Rembrandt, works of the Dutch school or 19th century American painting.
There are also works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Toulouse Lautrec, with paintings you will recognise instantly. There are also works by Spanish painters such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden enchants all visitors. Located right in the centre of Madrid, it is surprising to find this haven of nature surrounded by the skyscrapers and buildings of the city.
It houses more than 5000 species of plants, a library and archive with up to 10,000 drawings of the local vegetation. Beautiful at any time of the year, but especially in the spring months. Admission costs 6 euros to visit the garden and the exhibitions, except on Tuesdays from 14:00h which is free.
Church of San Sebastián
Wedged between Calle Huertas and Atocha is one of Madrid's most hidden architectural gems, with great historical value. It is home to a large number of emblematic figures who were baptised, married or buried inside it.
It was almost completely destroyed in the war, but all its documents were saved, including those of the poet Lope de Vega. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, it is advisable to take a guided tour to discover the curiosities of the building, the works of art inside and its extensive history.
Lope de Vega House Museum
The Lope de Vega House Museum is a museum unknown to many, but essential to delve into the history of the Spanish Golden Age. Located on Calle Cervantes, it is a nod to the eternal rivalry between the two writers.
The museum's garden is free to enter, but it is well worth going inside the museum to discover the full literary culture. You must book in advance to take the free guided tour, and access is limited to groups only.
This is a 17th century house where Lope lived until his death in 1635, decorated with objects from the period, although they did not belong to the family, they reflect how the poet lived. It is a place where time seems to have stood still.
Plaza Jacinto Benavente
This central square, a short distance from Puerta del Sol, takes its name from the playwright Jacinto Benavente y Martínez, winner of the Nobel Prize in 1922. An almost obligatory visit, full of atmosphere and a constant flow of people thanks to its strategic position. A perfect example of the great architectural culture of the neighbourhood.
Around the square is the Calderón Theatre, the popular sculpture of the street sweeper by Félix Hernando García and a wide variety of restaurants and shops. Special mention should be made of the Cine Ideal, one of the oldest in the city and with a façade that stands out for its striking stained glass windows.
Gastronomy, flamenco and shopping
Located halfway between the Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés, another of Madrid's most famous neighbourhoods, you'll find the Antón Martín market. Here you can enjoy a fusion of the most traditional and traditional Madrid and innovative proposals to suit all tastes.
The contrasts give the Antón Martín market a special charm. You can sample more traditional culinary proposals, complemented by international options of Japanese, Venezuelan or Mexican food.
There is also room for shopping at this market, where you can buy traditional souvenirs and gourmet gifts such as craft beers, special preserves for gifts or delicious wines.
A neighbourhood with a history of its own
This famous area of Madrid was home to some of the most famous literary figures of the Spanish Golden Age. The likes of Miguel de Cervantes and Lope de Vega, whose houses are still preserved in the neighbourhood, the latter's being an essential museum for literature lovers, took up residence in the area. Góngora and his eternal antagonist Quevedo, who, as a curiosity, lived in the same house, were not the only ones to do so. Not to forget Lope de Vega and his idolised Marta de Nevares.
This confluence of literary geniuses created the perfect environment for the emergence of Madrid's first comedy theatres, such as La Cruz, El Príncipe and La Pacheca. Heir to the latter is the famous Teatro Español, which continues to offer unmissable plays to the people of Madrid to this day.
In the Barrio de las Letras was also the printing house of Juan de la Cuesta, at number 87, Calle de Atocha, where the first edition of the first part of Don Quixote of La Mancha, the greatest work of 17th century Spanish literature, was printed.
The Casa Museo de Lope de Vega, where the writer lived between 1610 and 1635, the convent of San Idelfonso de las Trinitarias Descalzas, where Miguel de Cervantes was buried, and the church of San Sebastián have survived from this Golden Age of Spanish literature.
Indispensable places to visit in the Barrio de las Letras
Undoubtedly, when you visit this neighbourhood you should not miss the historical points mentioned above. However, this area not only lives from the past but also has a very lively present. In fact, you can have the best Vermouth in Madrid in this neighbourhood.
An example of this is the Mercado de las Ranas, a very special street market held on the first Saturday of the month, in which restaurants and shops take part. Calle Huertas and Plaza de Santa Ana are other must-see places on your visit, so take the opportunity to stop off at any of the bars and enjoy a good Madrid tapa.
It is also a must to walk along the Paseo del Prado, where, in addition to the Prado Museum, you will find the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Be sure to visit this neighbourhood if you are in Madrid and let yourself be conquered by a charm with history. Here is a post about the best luxury plans for a weekend in Madrid.
Where to eat in the Barrio de las Letras?
Tasting the best gastronomy of Barrio de las Letras is an essential plan in your tour around Madrid. If you are wondering about the best places to eat, here is a list of the restaurants you are sure to want to mark on your itinerary.
Delight yourself with the authentic traditional flavour in Casa Lobo, exquisite dishes, good wine, tasty desserts and an ideal place for afterwork or drinks. Elegant ambience, creative menu and friendly staff.
If you prefer a different option, you can go to Taberna Maceira, located in Calle Huertas, a Galician tavern very popular for its "octopus stew". Plentiful dishes and excellent value for money. The decoration is peculiar and they have funny details when serving the food.
To enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Plaza de Santa Ana, the best option is the Cervecería Alemana, a very old and traditional establishment. It opened its doors in 1904 and has served celebrities such as Ava Gardner and Hemingway. Perfect for going out for beers and tapas, but not for eating.
Taberna La Dolores, a legendary tavern in Madrid, a classic in the city and a must on a tapas route. Always crowded, but with a wide variety of good quality pintxos.
