Modern Madrid Walking Tour: Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina & Lavapiés
Contemporary Madrid and barrio life. We explore Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina, and Lavapiés, tracing La Movida and today’s vibrant street culture. Along the way we stop at Plaza Dos de Mayo, Plaza de Chueca, Cava Baja, Mercado de la Cebada, and Mercado San Fernando, with tapas stops and a taste of madroño liqueur — a journey into the rhythm of local life.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 30m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Tribunal Metro Station Nearest public transport: Tribunal metro station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Madrid guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run no matter the weather. High or low temperatures, rain or snow is not a reason for us to cancel our tours. We are always here for you. The only reason for cancellations are extreme weather conditions (like heavy storms…), guide's sudden sickness or no minimum number of people (5) to run the tour, but we will always let you know using the data you provided during registration for the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 15 people on them. If you travel in a party of 16 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Madrid is a city of energy, creativity, and endless social life. From the rebellious streets of Malasaña to the stylish vibe of Chueca, the historic charm of La Latina, and the multicultural energy of Lavapiés, each neighbourhood has its own unique character. This tour is all about experiencing Madrid like a local—eating, drinking, and exploring the city’s most vibrant barrios while making new friends along the way.
The Spirit of Madrid’s Barrios
Madrid has always been a city of transformation, creativity, and expression. In the 1980s, La Movida Madrileña ignited a cultural revolution, bringing music, art, and nightlife to the forefront, making Madrid a symbol of cultural freedom. That creative energy still thrives today, from Malasaña’s underground scene to Lavapiés’ street art and multicultural influences.
But Madrid isn’t just about its past—it’s about the people who keep its traditions alive while embracing new ones. This tour takes you through four iconic neighbourhoods, each with its own history, flavors, and local spirit.
What Will We See?
We meet at Tribunal Metro Station, right next to the stunning History Museum of Madrid, and begin our adventure in Malasaña. This neighbourhood was the heart of La Movida Madrileña and remains one of Madrid’s most exciting districts. We’ll visit Plaza Dos de Mayo, a lively square full of history, before stopping for a drink and tapa in one of Malasaña’s classic bars. From there, we continue to Plaza de San Ildefonso, a hotspot for both history and nightlife and a favourite gathering place for locals.
Next, we explore Chueca, Madrid’s most inclusive and stylish neighbourhood. Known for its LGBTQ+ scene and modernist charm, this area is full of independent boutiques, lively bars, and beautiful architecture. We’ll stop at Plaza de Chueca, the heart of the district, to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy another tapas stop.
A short metro ride takes us to La Latina, home to Madrid’s oldest streets and some of its best tapas bars. We’ll walk through Mercado de la Cebada and down Cava Baja, a street famous for its traditional taverns. Here, we’ll taste the famous Madroño liquor—a true local specialty.
Our final stop is Lavapiés, the most multicultural area of Madrid. Known for its street art, diverse food scene, and alternative culture, this neighbourhood offers a glimpse into Madrid’s artistic underground. We’ll visit Calle de Embajadores and end at Mercado San Fernando, a unique space where tradition meets modern creativity.
Experience Madrid Like a Local
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a chance to live and breathe Madrid. Walk through its most authentic neighbourhoods, taste its food and drinks, and discover the places where locals gather. Join us for an unforgettable evening of culture, history, and great company—let us show you the real heart of Madrid!
Highlights
- 1
Malasaña District
The heart of Madrid’s 1980s counterculture movement, known for its rebellious, creative spirit.
- 2
Chueca District
Madrid's most inclusive and stylish neighbourhood, famous for its LGBTQ+ scene and modernist charm.
- 3
La Latina District
One of Madrid’s oldest areas, known for its historic streets and traditional tapas taverns.
- 4
Lavapiés District
A vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood famous for its street art and diverse global food scene.
- 5
La Movida Madrileña
The cultural revolution that transformed Madrid into a hub of art, music, and freedom.
- 6
Local Tapas Experience
Visiting authentic local bars to enjoy small snacks and drinks, a key part of Madrid’s social life.
7Madroño Liquor Tasting
Tasting a sweet liqueur made from the fruit of the Madroño, Madrid’s symbolic tree.
Map
Tribunal Metro Station Nearest public transport: Tribunal metro station
Our customers said about us
Madrid
5.0Marko Berložnik
20th century
Really great presentation of 20th cetury.
Madrid
5.0Monica
Exciting tour
First of all our tour guide Duarte was fantastic , he is very knowledgeable and his stories are very interesting. We strongly recommend this tour for those we are looking to see Madrid outside the standard tourist tour.
