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A former dodgy area just north of Madrid’s Gran Vía is transforming into one of the city’s coolest districts for local designer shops, great restaurants and hip bars. Triball is not one of Madrid’s longstanding neighbourhoods (barrios) but was actually an initiative thought up by local business owners to give the area a regeneration and marketing boost. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Triball, Madrid.

Micro theatre

Microteatro por Dinero is an unusual theatre experience, centred around miniature plays, each one 15 minutes long, in a 15 square metre space for a maximum audience of 15. The intimate setting brings viewers right into the drama and the surroundings – the building is a former brothel – just add to the atmosphere.
Calle Loreto y Chicote, 9

Tickets

Rooftop pool

The stylish rooftop of Gymage, a gym, restaurant and bar, is the place to watch the sunset over Madrid’s newest district, Triball. Its rooftop pool, unlike many others in Madrid, is free to enter and is a great place to cool off in the summer. There’s a rooftop bar, the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Calle de la Luna, 2

Old taverns

TriBall might be a hip new district but it is still home to some of Madrid’s most beloved old bars. Bodega de la Ardosa is a neighbourhood institution, known for its delicious tortilla de patatas and its decor, which has hardly changed since it opened in 1892.

Bodega de la Ardosa

Local shops

From the vintage, colourful designs of Spanish brand Kling to the lovely gift ideas and greetings cards at Nest, TriBall has its fair share of cool Spanish chains and independent boutique shops. Another great local haunt is Kikekeller, a furniture shop by day, bar by night. There aren’t many other bars where you can get such great interior design inspiration while you sip on a cocktail.

Microbrewery

TriBall is home to the only craft beer bar in Madrid, Fábrica Maravllas, which has its own microbrewery on show just behind the bar area. There is always a range of home-brewed beers on tap; try the delicious Malasaña, a light and fruity blend.
Calle de Valverde, 29

Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes

In among the narrow streets of Triball is the Church of St Anthony of the Germans, which seems to just appear suddenly in all its grandeur. It was commissioned in the 17th century by Philip III and construction began in 1624. It is famous for its walls, entirely covered in frescoes and for its round shape.
Calle de la Puebla, 22

Church of San Antonio de los Alemanes

Hotel 7 Islas

This hotel, modelled after the seven Canary Islands, is a dreamy oasis in the heart of Madrid. Interiors are seaside chic, with light wooden floors and cosy textiles. Go for the penthouse room with a terrace for panoramic views over the city’s rooftops. The hotel also has a ground floor bar and art gallery.
Calle de Valverde, 14

Indoor market

Mercado de San Ildefonso, on Fuencarral street, is a cool new addition to Madrid’s market scene, with 20 food stalls, two terraces and three bars over its three floors. Stalls include traditional Spanish, tacos, Japanese, charcoal BBQ and Venezuelan.
Calle de Fuencarral, 57

Mercado de San Ildefonso

Ice-skating

In December, Triball’s Plaza de la Luna transforms with the construction of an open-air ice rink. The ideal winter activity, it attracts everyone from children to couples and older residents keen to test out their skating prowess.

Theatre

Teatro Lara, on the edge of Triball, is a great venue for theatre and music and attracts some great Spanish and international acts. Founded in 1880, the 460-seater main auditorium is an intimate and ornate space.
Calle Corredera Baja de San Pablo, 15

Teatro Lara
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