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More Top 10s
- Romantic Things to Do
- Places to Shop
- Things to Do Near Airport
- Things to Do Near Atocha Station
- Things to Do Near Bank of Spain
- Things to Do Near Casa de Campo
- Things to Do Near Plaza Mayor
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- Locals have answered 67 questions about Madrid.
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1. Plaza del Dos de Mayo
- Historic events and popular bars
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- Landmarks
- Alonso Martínez & Bilbao
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2. Plaza de Chueca
- Madrid's Gay Hot Spot
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
- Chueca & Malasaña
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3. Mercado de San Miguel (San Miguel Market)
- Historic ironwork on the outside, gourmet food stalls on the inside
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- Shopping
- Plaza Mayor, Ópera & Sol/Gran Via
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4. Barrio de Salamanca
- Madrid's most elegant neighbourhood
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- Attractions
- Salamanca
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5. Plaza de Santa Ana
- A pleasant square with literary associations
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- Huertas & Santa Ana
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6. Plaza de la Cebada
- Trendy bars and restaurants
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- Landmarks
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7. Casa Encendida (La)
- Art Lover's Haven
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- Retiro & Paseo del Prado/Atocha
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8. Medina Mayrit
- Ultra relaxing spa experience
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- Spas
- Alonso Martínez & Bilbao
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9. Plaza de Lavapiés
- Multicultural area
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- Attractions
- La Latina & Lavapiés
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10. Palacio de Gaviria
- Historical palace turned stylish nightclub
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- Plaza Mayor, Ópera & Sol/Gran Via
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The Best of NileGuide
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Madrid isn't a major trendsetter like New York or London, but the city is rightly famous for its social atmosphere and simply knowing how to have a good time. So when it comes to the coolest things to do in Madrid, just follow the city's urban trail or join the crowds in the city's plazas and squares.
Our top pick, the Plaza del Dos de Mayo is a popular gathering place for the surrounding neighborhood's young and old. There you can scope out the laid-back local vibe and engage in some time-honored people watching. The square is ringed by restaurant and café tables in good weather and children come to play at the playground. Small groups of people often gather to sit and talk or drink near the statue in the middle of the historic square.
Follow the party people to our number two pick, the Plaza de Chueca. It's the hip place to see, be seen and meet friends before dispersing to nearby trendy shops, restaurants, and bars in Madrid's fashionable gay neighborhood.
Our number three pick, San Miguel market, is an uber-cool place for refreshing yourself with some Spanish tapas and drinks, while the posh Salamanca neighborhood, filled with designer shops and upscale restaurants, captured our attention for the number four spot.
- Best Of Madrid
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