If you’re visiting Madrid and looking for that perfect mix of lively tapas bars, historic sites, and local charm, look no further than the oldest neighborhood in Madrid – La Latina. Just a quick walk away from the tourist center, La Latina, Madrid is where locals go to relax, eat, and enjoy a drink on a sunny terrace.
Unlike some of Madrid’s busier barrios, La Latina keeps a laid-back, neighborly vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without an agenda, pop into a wine bar, and feel like you’ve found your own undiscovered corner of the city.
Not only is this a great neighborhood to visit on your next trip, but it’s also a great place to live for expats looking to move abroad to Spain.
Here are all of the local favorites you need to know before visiting.
Table of Contents
Getting to the La Latina Neighborhood
La Latina is located just south of Madrid’s historic center, about a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, or Puerta del Sol.
- Metro: Take Line 5 (green line) to La Latina station.
- Walkable from: Sol, Opera, and Tirso de Molina.
It’s one of the most accessible neighborhoods in Madrid, making it an ideal area to stay or spend an afternoon exploring.
Main Streets of La Latina Neighborhood
When exploring La Latina, Madrid, a few streets truly capture the spirit of the neighborhood and are the center of activity:
- Calle de Cava Baja: Famous for tapas bars and buzzing nightlife. Slightly more touristy, but still full of charm.
- Calle Toledo: The main road that connects La Latina to Plaza Mayor and the rest of Madrid.
- Carrera de San Francisco: Home to local shops, restaurants and coffee spots. Picturesque views of Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande at the end of the street – great for a photo op.
- Calle de Calatrava: Quieter but full of small bars, restaurants, pottery studios, and book stores.
La Latina Neighborhood Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots in La Latina
Start your day the right way with great coffee and pastries at these local favorites:
SLOW
Aesthetic café known for great coffee and tostadas. It gets busy on the weekends, so come early!
Trava
Another cozy neighborhood coffee shop with natural wines by night. Perfect for enjoying a cafe con leche while catching up on work.
Alchemy
Specialty coffee with a modern vibe. One of the few coffee shops that has flavored lattes/syrups if that’s your thing!
Coffee Bar Calatrava
A cozy neighborhood hangout with excellent breakfast. Try their molletes with tomato, egg and bacon, and get a chocolate muffin to go!
Pastora
Picture-perfect cafe, perfect for grab-and-go coffee while you stroll the neighborhood.
Cafe del Art
Relaxed café with calming, plant-focused decor. Try their pastel de nata for a sweet treat!
It’s also great for remote work, but you have to get there early to secure a spot.
Watts Cantina
Excellent breakfast with American classics, including the best breakfast burrito I’ve had in Spain! They’re famous for their pancakes, which are a solid 10/10.
El Gordito
Tasty breakfast spot with amazing pancakes and coffee. They also have a dedicated coworking table, perfect for meeting up with other digital nomads.
Lunch & Dinner: The Best La Latina Restaurants
Whether you’re after a long tapas crawl or a sit-down meal, La Latina restaurants offer something for every taste:
Bipolar
Slightly upscale with a rotating Spanish-fusion menu, perfect for date night. I always get their crispy shrimp wontons and torreznos!
Oficina 22
High-quality, authentic, and budget-friendly pizza. To round out your meal, they also have the best tiramisu!
Mezcaloteca
Our favorite upscale Mexican restaurant in the city with delicious food and excellent cocktails. Try their flautas de pollo and thank me later!
Bombín de Sabina
Tapas, vermouth, and the best spicy patatas bravas in a charming historic spot. Great for Sunday lunch with family.
Taberna Peñalver
Really nice spot known for its paella. A bit touristy, but worth it for a high-quality paella!
Chispera
Casual spot for modern twist on a Spanish taberna. They have the best tortilla española in the city – try the one with caramelized onion and goat cheese (my favorite)!
La Cabra en el Tejado
Mediterranean-inspired dishes and casual bites. This is great for a quick bite before you explore El Rastro flea market!
Ozo (Mercado La Cebada)
Market food stall with a rotating menu of Italian classics. The owner, Pepe, is extremely kind, and makes the best tiramisu.
Pajaritos Mojados
Unique and delicious spot for amazing artisanal burgers and cocktails. They specialize in steakburgers, and use really high-quality meat for the perfect burger.
Rasif
Nice restaurant with elevated takes on Lebanese street food like shwarma and kebabs. Their hummus and shawarma are to die for, and perfect for dine in or grab-and-go.
Drinks & Nightlife in La Latina Neighborhood
While La Latina is perfect for exploring during the day, it really shines after dark. Whether you’re into natural wine or classic vermouth, here are my top picks:
Céntrico
A neighborhood favorite bar known for it’s warm, welcoming vibe. The owners make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in, and they make the best espresso martinis and chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had. Need I say more?
La Gildería
Perfect for sitting outside enjoying gildas (olive and sardine skewers) and vermouth in a lively setting. This place is always packed, so plan ahead!
Trava
The best natural wine and vermouth in the neighborhood. Perfect for a quiet drink and tapa before exploring the neighborhood.
Fun Fun
Small but super vibey natural wine bar near Vistillas. It has a cool and funky feel, as if you stepped into a different time and space!
El Viajero
The neighborhood’s iconic rooftop bar & restaurant with unbeatable sunsets.
Tatemado
A local Mexican restaurant with amazing margaritas. They also have a great happy hour deal on Friday’s!
Taberna La Patosa
Classic Madrid taberna with a great vibe. It is always packed with locals in here, and is truly off the tourist path!
Sweet Treats
Anddd the best part! End your day with something sweet from these local favorites:
Mama Elba
Artisanal ice cream spot with a huge selection of delicious flavors.
Mistura
Spanish gelato chain with a local branch in La Latina. You select your flavors and toppings, and they mix them together in front of you! Similar to Cold Stone in the U.S.
Salt in Cake
Instagram-worthy cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and sweet treats. It’s impossible to walk by their window and not be tempted.
Obrador San Francisco
Fresh breads and pastries, perfect for a morning treat. Their pain au chocolat and pan quemao are both to die for!
Not sure what foods to try on your visit to Madrid? Check out my guide on the 8 dishes you must try on your trip!
Things to Do in La Latina
Beyond the bars and restaurants, La Latina has plenty to explore:
- Visit the stunning churches and cathedrals – Iglesia de la Paloma, Catedral de San Francisco el Grande, and Parroquia San Andrés Apostól are all loved by locals and tourists alike.
- Vistillas Park – Quiet park with stunning sunset views over the city.
- Teatro La Latina – Classic theater hosting comedy and cultural shows.
- El Rastro – Madrid’s famous Sunday flea market (you can’t miss it!).
- Mercado la Cebada – Local market for produce, food, and art events.
- Puerta de Toledo – Have a drink by the historic city gate at the edge of the neighborhood.
- Pottery or art class – Do a guided sip and paint class or take a pottery class in La Latina!
- La Latina tapas tour – Join a guided tapas crawl down Cava Baja.
Where to Stay in La Latina
- L&H Apartment Suites – Great option if you need a kitchen or want a more homey feel. Located on a quiet street full of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and more
- Hotel Ganivet – While it’s not necessarily anything fancy, it has great reviews, nice accommodations, and is centrally located with about a 10 minute walk to Plaza Mayor.
- Posada Leon de Oro – Historic inn with comfortable rooms located in the heart of the La Latina neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
The La Latina neighborhood in Madrid is the perfect place to experience authentic life — full of tapas, charm, and local character. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or looking for where to live in Madrid, La Latina is walkable, easy to access, and ideal for anyone who wants to go beyond the tourist center.
Ready to explore more of Madrid like a local? Check out my local guide to Madrid for the lesser known restaurants and attractions you can’t find anywhere else!
Have you been to La Latina? Drop your recommendations in the comments!
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