Malasaña has always been the neighborhood chosen to wake up in after endless nights of encounters fueled by ambrosia. However, Malasaña has another side, less known but just as appealing.

Malasaña has a thousand faces and never runs out of charm. It is resilient, fun, wild, eco-conscious, local and cosmopolitan. All of that in a single neighborhood makes it a unique place that no visitor should miss.

The streets are constantly changing canvases, drawing in real time the story of what is happening in the very heart of the neighborhood. Walking calmly through its streets means smelling tea, freshly baked croissants from tiny shops that take great care with everything they make. It means breathing in peace and silence.

The neighborhood offers you the chance to try authentic Vietnamese and Chinese food, to find real vintage clothing treasures sold by weight in places where you can spend hours browsing and trying things on; you can visit museums, food markets, enjoy brunch, go to exhibitions, and even treat yourself to hot chocolate with churros.

Malasaña is pure personality: photos of its streets have already traveled around the world. The mix of bookstores, cafés and unique shops is unmatched. The bollards are the most hidden artistic and urban treasure in its streets, streets that have served as the setting for more than 30 very famous films. There is only one rule you must follow: enjoy the neighborhood, but keep our secret so it can remain a special place.

Author: Madrid-based writer Manuela Manzana for Madrid Guide Tours