Behind Gran Vía, between the streets of Fuencarral and San Bernardo, hides the well-known neighborhood of Malasaña. At
Malasaña, a neighborhood with charm
Nowadays, this neighborhood is fashionable among young people. Its hipster cafés, trendy bars and vintage fashion stores make it very attractive. But this has not always been the case.
A corner with history
Originally, this area was known as the Barrio de las Maravillas. The name came from the image of Our Lady of the Wonders of the Convent of the Carmelites, located in the current Plaza del Dos de Mayo.
The renewal took place with the movida in Madrid during the Franco regime. In its bars and pubs, important music groups of the time began to be born and began to take away Barcelona’s prominence in terms of the avant-garde movement. The youth breathed freedom and that atmosphere has remained imprinted in its streets until today.
Why is it called that?
Manuela Malasaña was a young seamstress admired for her courage. She witnessed the uprising of May 2nd. Although there are several versions of her death, the two most accepted are:
- She was executed in the plaza when she defended herself from soldiers who wanted to attack her.
- He died while supplying ammunition to his father who was fighting against the French.
Be that as it may, this heroine left her mark on the neighborhood to the point of making it heir to her name.
Discover the most original places in Malasaña with LOCK & enjoy!
We know that, if you come to Madrid, you will love to know this enclave of the central district, from LOCK & enjoy! we offer you some lockers in the area of Malasaña so you only have to worry about enjoying. Here are some of our favorite places.
Delish Vegan Doughnuts
It started as a small family business pioneering vegan doughnuts in Madrid. Today, they have two locations with a cozy atmosphere and different options, sweet and savory. Whether you are vegan or not, it is a must visit to try their handmade products every day. The menu is renewed every month. It always has surprising and different flavors: passion fruit and ube, banana and peanut, cherry tart, etc.
Pantha Rei
The name of this bookstore has its origin in an expression of Heraclitus of Hephaestus that means “everything flows”. It is located at 7 Hernán Cortez Street and specializes in illustration, design, drawing, photography and graphic novels, among others. If you are interested in these artistic disciplines, you should visit it because they always have a small exhibition. They also offer storytelling workshops, embroidery, etc., and you can bring your dog.
Oh my mother!
Since 2009, near Dos de Mayo square, this small restaurant business has been feeding young people in the area with its pizza and empanadillas . They came from Argentina and have maintained their premise of offering quality food at affordable prices for everyone. Although it is true that the place is small, it is worth the wait to taste their
Café Libertad 8
Once a cowshed and later a wine store, this café still maintains its original structure from 1976. Its history is linked to the PCE and the CNT, although since 1994 it has been a place of worship for singer-songwriters and poets. Amaral, Carlos Chaouen, Marwan and Pedro Pastor have sung in the intimate atmosphere of this small place. You can go for a drink or look for an interesting concert or recital to soak up the current cultural scene.
Elektra Comic
If you like comics, you’ve come to paradise! You will find this specialized bookstore on the corner of San Bernardo street number 20. In its extensive catalog there is room for national, European, North American and Asian works. You can find any comic or manga you are looking for. You will also find merchandising related to these themes and the famous Funko Pop.
Madrid Kills Me
If you are nostalgic for the 80’s, you will love this bar-museum of the movida madrileña. It consists of three adjoining rooms with different atmospheres and a first floor. In them, you will discover bars and premium cocktail service. In the rooms you will be surprised by objects, instruments, photographs and posters donated by artists such as Pedro Almodóvar and El Hortelano. In addition, this place takes great care of the musical style. Above all, you will be able to listen to Spanish pop from the 80s and pop and rock classics such as The Beatles, David Bowie and Los Ronaldos.
As you can see, in Malasaña there is always something to do or somewhere new to discover. So do not forget to book our Lockers in Madrid to store your suitcase in LOCK & enjoy! and enjoy without carrying luggage.
