Barrio de las Letras

Madrid

Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras
Barrio de las Letras
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

Things to do


Top hotels in Barrio de las Letras

Far Home Atocha
Far Home Atocha
2 out of 5
Calle Atocha, 45, Madrid
Fully refundable
The price is P3,610 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
P3,610
P3,971 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostal in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (573 reviews)
"Great place, clean and with good staff and in a busy area"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Far Home Atocha
Radisson RED Madrid
Radisson RED Madrid
4 out of 5
Atocha 123, Madrid, Madrid
The price is P7,623 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P7,623
P8,385 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (573 reviews)
Comfy rooms and great location
"I had a very nice stay at Radisson Red. Check in was easy and the staff were helpful. I traveled solo on this trip and enjoyed the free WiFi and the air conditioning during the heat wave. The lobby and décor were nice. The corridors in the room level were a little dark, but the rooms were very clean, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Radisson RED Madrid
Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
4 out of 5
Atocha 83, Atocha, Madrid, Madrid
The price is P12,545 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P12,545
P13,800 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Prado Museum and Puerta del Sol are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
"This hotel is absolutely beautiful. The rooms are clean, have good accomodations and products. They leave water for you every day, one bottle per person. The AC is perfect, which really matters in the hot humid June July Madrid weather. They have a nice coffee machine and tea kettle, plus snacks/drinks ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Casa de Las Artes, member of Meliá Collection
Hostal Alonso No Limit Madrid
Hostal Alonso No Limit Madrid
2 out of 5
Espoz y MIna 17 3ero, Madrid
The price is P3,006 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P3,006
P3,307 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"La atencion del personal excelente.nuy cordiales.lindo ambiente."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Hostal Alonso No Limit Madrid
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Santa Ana Apartments Las Letras
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Santa Ana Apartments Las Letras
3.5 out of 5
Calle del Principe 11, Madrid
The price is P6,633 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P6,633
P7,296 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
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! (617 reviews)
"This location was excellent and easy to get around Madrid from this location"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Santa Ana Apartments Las Letras
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Barceló Torre de Madrid
5 out of 5
Plaza de España, 18, Madrid
The price is P10,042 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P10,042
P11,046 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Madrid. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,921 reviews)
One of the best hotels in Madrid
"Awesome hotel with great service and the best location!"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Barceló Torre de 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Barrio de las Letras

Barrio de las Letras showing outdoor art

Huertas

Congress of Deputies and Plaza de Santa Ana are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Huertas. Travelers also love the fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums, and popular shops.

Huertas
Puerta del Sol showing street scenes, a sunset and a city

Madrid Centro

5/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Madrid Centro. Check out top attractions like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, and jump on the metro at Sol Station or Gran Via Station to see more of the city.

Madrid Centro
Spain featuring swimming, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Sol

If you're spending time in Sol, check out sights like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor and hop on the metro to see more the city at Sol Station or Callao Station.

Sol
CaixaForum Madrid showing outdoor art

Golden Triangle of Art

Golden Triangle of Art is popular for its fascinating museums. Explore top sights like Prado Museum and Paseo del Prado, and you can get around town on the metro at Estación del Arte.

Golden Triangle of Art
El Rastro showing markets and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Embajadores

Travelers love Embajadores for its fascinating museums, and you can see more of Madrid by jumping on the metro at Lavapies Station or Tirso de Molina Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like El Rastro and Puerta de Toledo.

Embajadores
Lavapies featuring a fountain

Lavapiés

Enjoy the fascinating museums in Lavapiés. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Lavapies Station or Embajadores Station to see more of Madrid.

Lavapiés

Barrio de las Letras