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The School - AIL Madrid
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Madrid is divided into different “barrios” (districts) which have their own distinct and unique features.
The natural starting point is the “Puerta del Sol” with its famous km cero – the curious thing about the km cero is the fact that all roads in Spain lead to this point. Madrid’s km cero is a busy square with street vendors, some tourist shops, the central shopping area which stretches out between Sol and Gran Via. Km cero is the popular meeting point of the “madrilenos”.
The most appealing “barrios” of Madrid are all situated around Puerta de Sol: Sol, Huertas, La Latina, Chueca, Malasaña, a little more to the south the colourful Lavapiés and to the north the students´ quarter Moncloa / Argüelles.
The two barrios Sol and Huertas are situated quite close to each other. Sol is the area just around Puerta de Sol, Huertas describes the area which stretches out to the south of Sol. In the area around Sol you will find many typical Spanish bars and many of the tourist attractions. It being the heart of the city the area around Sol is enjoyed by both Madrileños and tourists alike.
La Latina is south-west of Sol and the main characteristics of this quarter are its tiny streets and beautiful old buildings and plazas. On Sundays the Rastro is open in La Latina. This is a big flea market where you can buy virtually anything.
Lavapiés is quite probably the most multicultural “barrio” of Madrid heavily influenced by African, Arabic and gypsy cultures. The plaza of Lavapiés marks the centre of this “barrio”. If you walk to the south you will find more interesting places, street artists and vendors. The bars here tend to have something of an artistic ambience. All tastes in food are catered for and this area has many Arabic and Indian restaurants.
This “barrio” has the major thoroughfare of Velázquez and Serrano running from North to South and Goya from East to West. It is primarily a wealthy residential area for madrilenos with many of the expensive designer stores flanking the wide streets.
Calle Fuencarral which leads from Gran Via to the area of Malasana has somewhat of a London-like appearance. Hip clothes and a variety of funky shops give an introduction to this somewhat alternative quarter of Madrid. The range of bars, restaurants and places you find here are very diverse. You can find yourself in a Mexican style environment or in totally post-modern places.
Chueca is probably best known for being Madrid’s gay and lesbian district. During the day lots of the many good bars and restaurants are open. The centre of the barrio is the Plaza de Chueca. At night the quarter converts into a lively area frequented by all types of people partying and dancing in the streets.
Just next to the “Ciudad Universitaria” the district of Moncloa and Argüelles hosts a lot of students at night, but also offers something for everyone. Argüelles is especially known for the “Bajos de Argüelles” (the Basements of Argüelles) where you can find many discos, bars and clubs located in the basements of local buildings. You can also find alternative venues as well as mainstream discos and clubs.
Near to this area is the “Parque del Oeste” as well as the “Museo de America”.
The name “Madrid de las Austrias” refers to the period when the Hapsburgs were
in Spain and many of the buildings with their beautiful architecture reflect this period of history. It’s a very stylish district which houses many of the city’s major sights.
Madrid’s most important big avenues which go from the North to the South and divide the city into two parts are the Paseo del Prado which starts in the South in  Atocha (Madrid’s famous railway station) and converts into el Paseo de la Castellana which goes far up to the North to Plaza de Castilla.
Heading North from Atocha on this route you will first pass the famous Reina Sofia and the Thysszen Borneszima, the Jardín Botánico and right next to it the Museo del Prado and at its side the Retiro parque. At Plaza Colón the Avenue changes its name to the Paseo de la Castellana which leads you to the “Nuevos Ministerios”, further north you will get to Real Madrid’s stadium the “Santiago Bernabeu”.
Starting in Moncloa in La Calle Princesa leads you through Argüelles to the Plaza de Espana, here the streets turns into “Gran Via” and leads you up to “Callao”, “Gran Via” and to the Cibeles fountain and the very elegant central correos (Post Office). There the street turns into La Calle de Alcalá and passes the Puerta de Alcalá and one of the main entrances into the Retiro Parque. Following the street up you will reach Goya.
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