Lavapiés
Madrid, Spain, 28012
A vibrant, multicultural barrio (neighborhood) in the heart of Madrid, Lavapiés can trace its history to the 16th century, when it emerged outside the walled city. Cultural attractions include the Reina Sofia Museum, home to artworks by Dalí and Miro, the Teatro Circo Price circus theater, and La Casa Encendida cultural center.
The basics
Lavapiés’ warren of maze-like streets briefly expands into the Plaza de Lavapiés, which houses the modern Teatro Valle Inclan theater—a great starting point for exploration. Lavapiés is an atmospheric district perfect for wandering, with a wealth of multicultural shops and restaurants, indie cafés and galleries, and markets including the Mercado San Fernando. Tour options range from architecture deep dives to street photography masterclasses that can help you capture the neighborhood’s colorful characters.
Things to know before you go
Lavapiés is a great choice for art lovers, foodies, people watchers, and street photographers.
Art buffs should consider the Art Walk (Paseo del Arte) Pass, which bundles tickets for the Reina Sofia Museum, the Prado Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum at a heavy discount.
Madrid is generally a wheelchair-friendly city, and major galleries and theaters are accessible. Lavapiés streets can be steep.
How to get there
Lavapiés sits southeast of central Madrid, a 15-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. Lavapiés (Line 3) metro station brings you out onto Plaza de Lavapiés, or you can take a metered taxi or rideshare (local hero Cabify and Uber are the most popular platforms). As with other major European cities, a car is more trouble than it’s worth.
When to get there
Unless you’re visiting specific sights such as the Reina Sofia Museum, Lavapiés comes into its own in the evening, with indie music venues, great tapas, a multicultural restaurant scene, and a range of bars. The Fiesta of San Lorenzo, on August 10, brings the area to life with music, dance, delicious eats, and rituals in the 17th-century San Lorenzo church.
On the art trail in Lavapiés
The Reina Sofia Museum, one of Madrid’s big three art museums, is the star of Lavapiés’ art scene. But La Casa Encendida hosts a range of alternative exhibitions, the Helga de Alvear Gallery and Moisés Pérez de Albéniz Gallery show (and sell) a dynamic range of contemporary artists, and La Panartería offers street art, customized clothing, and more.
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