Malasaña

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Malasaña is an area of Madrid famous for its trendy alternative scene. Centred around Plaza Dos De Mayo, it is reminiscent of Camden Town in London, the East Village in New York City, or Bairro Alto in Lisbon, although the layout is quite different and the emphasis is less on shops and more on bars.

Malasaña is to the west of Chueca and to the east of Argüelles. It was the center of the movida movement in late 1970s and 1980s Madrid.

Malasaña is a vibrant neighborhood full of lively bars and clubs overflowing with young people. Its streets are currently being renovated, making it a much more attractive quarter (the streetworks are almost finished). It's one of the classic areas for partying the night away. The area's center is the Plaza del Dos de Mayo (in commemoration of a popular uprising on May 2, 1808, brutally repressed by the French troops and which started the Spanish Independence War). Although popularly known as barrio Malasaña, it is known by residents as Maravillas (Wonders), although its official name is Universidad (University). Malasaña is named after a 15-year old girl Manuela Malasaña who once lived on San Andrés street. She was executed by the French following the uprising in 1808. Today there is a street named in her honour very close to the roundabout Glorieta de Bilbao.

One of the most famous venues in the area is La Vía Láctea (The Milky Way). Other classic clubs are Penta, Nueva Visión and La Vaca Austera.