The Coolest Coffee Shops in Madrid's Malasaña Neighbourhood

This Chinese-owned coffee shop is a staple in Madrid. It first started in Usera, the Chinese neighborhood, and more recently opened a location in the hip Malasaña area. The minimalist shop offers not only the typical espresso and latte variants but delves into a quirkier type of coffee, with matcha lattes, ristrettos and flat whites. With large windows and a variety of seating, hanging out at HanSo Café to work or chat with friends is the perfect way to spend time.

One of Malasaña’s most beloved cafés, this coffee shop is inspired by bikes, and the design and decor, which features desks and tables, retro couches and of course, plenty of bike-related items is super cool. The menu is ample and offers all sorts of coffee and tea options, sandwiches, pastries and snacks, as well as cocktails. Coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night, La Bicicleta is a versatile café/restaurant/coffee shop/bar serving loyal clientele of all types.

This coffee shop/bookstore, popular with the expat crowd, is a little different to your average cafe. Opening at 4.00pm most days, this is more of a hangout spot you go to with friends to browse books and have an afternoon coffee or tea, perhaps not however when you get your morning cup of Joe. J and J Books and Coffee will accept your old English-language books that are paperback, in good condition and published within the last four years. You can also buy books in English there too. The coffee shop runs language exchanges and reading groups, and is also known for having some of the best bagels in Madrid.

Toma Café is a cosy, hipster spot in the heart of Malasaña. The tiny tables and benches are best suited for meeting up with friends and savoring a coffee and a slice of one of their homemade cakes. While this coffee shop is tiny, it doesn’t feel cramped, thanks to the high ceilings and expansive windows, allowing the sun to stream in. Of course, a bit of latte art never hurt anyone either.

Although Cripeka considers themselves a take-away deli, the warm and comfortable vibe this kitschy spot gives off makes us feel like it’s a coffee shop we could pass the time in forever. Brewed fresh and with a variety of milk offerings, they consider coffee to be one of their most popular offerings. You can also get freshly-squeezed juices here, as well as healthy salads and sandwiches, homemade cakes and tarts and even pure hot chocolate. Plus, the intricate floor tiles and brightly colored fixtures will instantly improve your mood.

Named after a small village in Northern New South Wales, Australia, Federal Café is the ideal workspace, especially if you plan to bring your laptop and spend the day clicking away. Located on the very edge of Malasaña, the industrial, chic vibes of the cafe are great for those who need to focus. Their hours extend long into the evening if you need a post-workday cocktail or coffee. Besides coffee and homemade pastries, you can also enjoy healthy snacks and brunch here. It’s especially busy on the weekends, as the café’s chill vibes attract people throughout the day and into the night.

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