Barrio de las Letras

Madrid
Barrio de las Letras
Once home to some of Spain’s most revered literati, this bohemian quarter today has streets lined with boutiques and theaters, atmospheric bars and restaurants.

Literature and the performing arts abound on the cobblestone streets of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. This is where luminaries of Spanish literature lived, socialized and worked during the Golden Age of the 16th and 17th century. Find reminders and memorials to Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Quevedo, among others, in the Barrio de las Letras. Enjoy the neighborhood’s captivating ambiance while walking along pedestrian-only streets and musing at varied drinking and dining options.

The quarter’s narrow lanes, framed by elegant residences, are perfect to explore on foot. Antique dealers, bookstores, fashion boutiques and luthier workshops offer superb opportunities for window shopping. Pay attention to street names that celebrate literary giants and spot pavement inscriptions from the works of writers such as Miguel Cervantes and José Echegaray.

Calle de las Huertas is the busy heart of the area, where beerhalls, cafés and restaurants spill onto the pavements. Pull up a seat, order a cold beer or glass of wine and snack on delectable tapas and Basque and Mediterranean dishes. More restaurants surround Plaza de Santa Ana, a paved square with statues of dramatist Calderón de la Barca and poet Federico García Lorca.

Glimpse into the life of Lope de Vega at the Casa Museo Lope de Vega, which preserves the original layout and furniture of the writer's former home. Reserve your guided tour in advance to guarantee access.

First built in the 1500s, the Church of San Sebastian is another landmark with literary connections. It was the venue for the baptism of Ramón de la Cruz and the funerals of Cervantes and Lope de Vega.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the notable theaters. Teatro Español is one of Europe’s oldest performance venues and has several intimate auditoriums. Watch Broadway musicals and concerts at Teatro Calderón. Ateneo de Madrid is a place for art exhibitions, live music and poetry readings.

Barrio de las Letras sits in the eastern section of Madrid’s Centro neighborhood. It’s served by the Antón Martín, Atocha and Puerta del Sol subway stations.


Popular places to visit


Barrio de las Letras Hotel Deals

Far Home Atocha
Far Home Atocha
2 out of 5
Calle Atocha, 45, Madrid
The price is ₩89,741 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
₩89,741
₩98,715 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this hostal in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (418 reviews)
"I spent two weeks in Spain at the very best hotels. Let me tell you that the interactions I had in this hotel were by far worth more than the thousands of dollars I spent at the other hotels. The very best memories of my Spain trip were made in this humble hotels and meeting the people I did and ..."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024

Far Home Atocha
The Westin Palace, Madrid
The Westin Palace, Madrid
5 out of 5
Plaza de las Cortes, 7, Madrid, Madrid
The price is ₩476,326 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩476,326
₩523,958 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful room!"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

The Westin Palace, Madrid
I Host You
I Host You
2 out of 5
Plaza de las Cortes 4, Madrid
The price is ₩149,997 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩149,997
₩164,997 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (231 reviews)
"The staff was awesome Very clean and tidy Close to everything in the center Easy to get to the metro Balcony was a window you could open and look out"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

I Host You
Sonder Santa Ana
Sonder Santa Ana
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Principe 11, Madrid
The price is ₩205,638 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩205,638
₩205,638 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Madrid. Enjoy concierge services, premium bedding, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (518 reviews)
"Perfect location, easy access, great communication. The studio was exceptional in every way except odd design flaw in the bathroom. The wash basin was partially over the WC. Otherwise. Quite superior to other stays in Madrid and Europe in general.I would definetly return."

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2024

Sonder Santa Ana
Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Atocha 49, Madrid
The price is ₩171,931 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
₩171,931
₩189,125 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"Axel is a nice little hotel with a fun vibe to it."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only
Arc House Madrid
Arc House Madrid
1 out of 5
CALLE DE LA VICTORIA 2, Madrid, Madrid
The price is ₩145,137 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
₩145,137
₩159,651 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Popular attractions Puerta del Sol and Gran Via are located ...
7/10 Good! (60 reviews)
"Muy buena ubicación, solo deberían tener opciones de habitaciones privadas con baño."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2024

Arc House Madrid
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Barrio de las Letras