MadridNeighbourhoodLavapiés​

Lavapiés​

During the day: Lavapiés is known as the “ethnic” and hippie neighborhood in Madrid. This neighborhood has been occupied by African and Middle Eastern immigrants for many years. Today, it is known and loved as a melting pot of cultures and traditions with an underground and rugged feel. The "Curry Row” a street lined with amazing Indian restaurants is the best example how this has also influenced the cuisine in Lavapies. The streets are steep, narrow and maze-like, which reminds us that the area emerged in the Middle Ages as a quarter outside the walled town soon after Madrid became the capital of the kingdom in 1561. These streets - such as Calle Argumosa - today are lined with more hipster bars with tempting terrazza’s. Right around the corner is Jean Nouvel’s Museo Nacional Reina Sofia. Despite all the stereotypes, Lavapies is a wonderful community full of laidback, open people and a great arts disctrict with cutting-edge galleries and specialist bookshops. At night: At night these narrow streets turn into a buzzing maze of welcoming bars where all the regulars know each other by name and hang out together every night until the crack of dawn. The nightlife is influenced by the multicultural character of this neighborhood. Upon walking around you will hear a variety of African, Arabic, Latino and Flamenco rhythms.