Barrio de Las Letras/Lavapiés

These two central Madrid neighborhoods, bordering Calle Atocha, are easily visited together. Letras, opposite the Prado Museum, was home to Golden Age figures including Miguel de Cervantes, the author of “Don Quixote,” and features vintage shops, cafes, designers and artisans. Lavapies is known as Madrid’s most multicultural area, reflected in its diverse restaurants, bars and galleries.

Best for: Students, style mavens, gastronomes
Where to stay: Cool Rooms Atocha ($$)
Things to do: Museo Reina Sofía, Casa Encendida (free), CaixaForum ($), Rastro flea market, Filmoteca ($)
Where to eat and drink: Los Chuchis ($), Mercado de Antón Martín ($), El Boquerón ($), Cafe Barbieri ($), Llardy ($$)