An Alternative Guide to the La Latina Neighborhood in Madrid
La Latina is one of the most traditional neighborhoods in Madrid. The streets are lined with tapas restaurants and bars, plazas and old churches, making it a great place to walk around and simply take it all in. It’s the site of the famous weekly market El Rastro which occurs every Sunday, but there’s also some cool alternative things to do in the area, so check out this list below.
See the city from up above
Bar
See the city from up above
La Latina is all about bar-hopping, but what many don’t know is that there’s a cool rooftop space on the third floor of the popular tapas joint El Viajero. While the views aren’t necessarily panoramic, seeing the rooftops of Madrid is picturesque, and some truly epic sunsets can also be seen from the bar’s roof. Heat lamps will warm you up during chilly weather, and there’s a great selection of drinks and snacks for you to enjoy while up above.
El Viajero, Plaza de la Cebada, 11, Madrid, Spain, +34 620 63 81 59
Shop the quirky areas of the Rastro market
Market, Spanish, Street Food
Check out the Cebada Market
Market, Spanish
See some theater
Theatre, Theater
La Latina’s main theater, Teatro La Latina, always has something exciting to offer. Practice your Spanish by seeing Un Chico de Revista or Prefiero Que Seamos Amigos, which are both Spanish plays. This particular theater is also known for offering cabaret shows, so see what’s playing during your trip and head over for a little culture.
Do a street art tour
For five euros, Madrid Street Art Project conducts tours called Safaris Urbanos that focus on street art in one specific area of town, such as La Latina, for example. For 15 euros, Cooltourspain will give you a guided tour of Madrid’s best street art, including a visit to La Neomudejar, a contemporary arts center, along with walks through areas such as Lavapiés, La Latina and Malasaña.
Check out a festival
La Latina has its very own set of festivals each August in Madrid, celebrating La Verbena de la Paloma. You can find outdoor concerts, parades and plenty of action at the neighborhood bars and restaurants during this festive season. As the weather is hot, many spots have outdoor tents and terraces set up as well. If you happen to be in Madrid in August, make sure to head down to the area to join in all the fun.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
