Malasaña Dreaming
A staple for the city itself, Malasaña with its bohemia has become ever so popular in this decade. With a plethora of bars, shops, restaurants, clubs and cultural events, the barrio attracts a large young population of both locals and tourists alike.
Although “hipster” is a label that most often characterizes Malasaña, it is fair to say that the barrio is not exclusive to the acquired taste. Here, there really is something for everyone. During daytime, one will find second-hand vintage stores side by side with progressive design stores selling niche products. During nighttime, one can hear hip-hop, Latin, 80’s rock, metal, and house music from different venues all blend together to create the vibrant, lively and diverse atmosphere that Malasaña is known for. In other words, the variety of options is something that few other barrios in Madrid can compete with.
Even for those who live in Malasaña, there is something new to be discovered every day, as the many small backstreets of the neighborhood feature distinct and personal spots that are easily overlooked at first glance.
However, with all this popularity that Malasaña has gained over the last decade, there is something to be said for the increased commercialization which is slowly but surely affecting the alternative and hip atmosphere of the barrio. On our journey towards Madridifaction, we set out to see for ourselves what this famous barrio had to offer.
Food for days:
If you thought that Malasaña only offered tapas and bocadillos, think again. What is evident is Malasaña is diverse on all fronts and especially when it comes to food. Here are some of the must-see places in the area.
Mercado de San Ildefonso
A classic example of this is the famous food market of San Ildefonso. Facing the busy street of Fuencarral, it is a place packed with stands run by cooks making authentic street food from their respective countries. Despite being located in such a dense neighborhood, it has three stories, a two-story outdoor area and a parking garage. If you want to take a quick gastronomical journey around the world and don’t mind the crowdy atmosphere, this is definitely an experience worth your time.
Ojalá
Another staple of Malasaña, Ojalá is widely familiar amongst the people visiting the barrio. What has made this restaurant stand out is its fresh and natural interior. While the ground floor is filled with flowers and open spaces, the basement floor replicates a beach with sand covering the floor and low beach seats. This makes for a calm and relaxing ambience that attracts many visitors, especially for breakfast and lunch. Their food is mainly focused on being fresh and organic. However, if you are not feeling the hunger, Ojalá also provides some of the best cocktails in the area!
For the thirsty ones:
Although Malasaña is busy all day round, it is no hiding that it is the nightlife which the neighborhood is mostly known for. Downing some drinks after a midterm or just having a nice coffee with a friend is something you will never grow tired of in this stimulating neighborhood.
Los Grifos
Since Mahou can quickly get boring when living in Madrid, Los Grifos offers a wide selection of different beers and a very friendly staff. As it is run by French people, it serves charcuteries and other aperos as well, and has thus become a popular hotspot for francophone students and tourists alike.
Where it finds its niche is in the self-serving system they provide. How it works is that they give you a card that you fill up with credit and swipe it over one of the many taps located around in the bar to activate them. Having the possibility to freely choose which tap to fill your glass with makes the concept both entertaining and practical as you can avoid having to wait in long lines.
La Bicicleta Café
If the normal café experience doesn’t satisfy you any more or you’re just looking for a new and unique place to get your daily caffeine dose, while being surrounded by an enticing atmosphere for the senses, then La Bicicleta should be right up there on your list. As one of the favorite spots of many people in our interview section, we just had to include this special place in our recommendations for Malasaña. It could be called a crossover between bike workshop, gallery, workplace, restaurant and café.
Also, don’t worry if your data should ever run out - La Bicicleta not only provides you with enough space and power outlets to always stay charged up, but also offers free wifi. It’s the perfect spot to bang out that essay that’s due at midnight!
So what about shopping?
Now that we’re stocked up on food and some drinks it’s time to go stroll around the neighborhood and check out some of the countless little shops. It’s not a secret that Malasaña has a lot to offer when it comes to those one-of-a-kind stores and shopping experiences.
Rughara
This store has particularly caught our attention due to its compelling concept. Rughara can be described as a crossover experience between clothes and accessories, furniture and vinyl discs, art and music, and basically all the little things that make life worth living and exploring. Most of the fashion that is up for sale is produced by new designers and limited to small collections.
Nevertheless, the prices are far from being “exclusive” and picking up some new pieces here won’t make you depend on pasta with ketchup for the rest of the month. The store has two floors and when we visited there was a little DJ session going on downstairs with free beers and a large variety of vinyl being offered for sale. Definitely not your everyday shopping experience - Well, then again, maybe it is in Malasaña.
Rughara, front side
Thomas checking out some of the records, lower floor of Rughara
Curiosite
This odd-ball of a store is located in Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo and couldn’t fit better in any other neighborhood but Malasaña. Describing this place with words is difficult as you should rather experience and discover it on your own. But be sure to be surprised by a wide array of extraordinary and sometimes perplexing artifacts. You can find almost anything there ranging from a bag with the label “Gilipollas” and the dictionary explanation of it, Star Wars mats for your apartment, to spy cameras and much more. Even if you leave without buying anything, it’s definitely worth a visit and you will for sure be astonished, or maybe a little bit confused, by all the curiosities they have to offer.
A little glimpse inside Curiosite
Some other notable places:
Lolina Vintage Café: A tiny café that offers especially good teas and cakes. As it also closes later than many of the bars in the area, it is a relaxing place to end the night with some detox.
Tipos Infames: For those seeking for something a little more sophisticated, this place offers a two in one experiences being both a winery and a bookstore offering an ideal space for avid readers.
Red Flack Comics: A classic comic book store for those who need to blow off some of their nerdy impulses. Selling a wide array of comics, this place fails to disappoint those seeking some classic reads.
Espit Chupitos: Although the incredible amount of different shots they offer here can be daunting to the indecisive, it is surely an exciting experience for those who like to be served shots in the most alternative way possible, as bartenders will light up colorful shots and, if you manage to choose the right one, even grill marshmallows for you.
Bao Bar: Serving classic Baos (Chinese dish consisting of steamed bread with different fillings), this place is ideal for those who seek a quick and tasty lunch or a late night snack.
Retro City: One of the many classic second hand vintage stores that can be found in Malasaña. Amidst the selections of ruffy clothes you will find a couple of golden nuggets for your wardrobe.
Welcome Skateboarding Shop: The latest skatewear can be found here at Welcome. For avid skaters and those interested in urban wear, it has become a popular destination.
Catching up with Malasaña-Lovers:
Even the pouring rain did not discourage people from flowing out into the streets. We took the time to stop some of them and to see what they had to say about the neighborhood.
Alex & Tom:
Nationality: Australians
Age: Both 21
Living in: Sol
The Stork: “Describe Malasaña in one word.”
Alex: “Hipster - but the cool one, not the fake one.”
Tom: “Vibrant.”
The Stork: “Name your favourite 3 spots in Malasaña.”
Alex: “Two of my absolute favourites are Ojalá and Goiko.”
Tom: “Kikekeller is also a great spot! It’s kind of a furniture workshop but with a gallery, shop and bar included as well. There is always something to discover.”
The Stork: “What are your thoughts and feelings about Malasaña?”
Alex & Tom: “Every step you take you can discover something new. It’s just about the good vibes in this neighborhood. You can do everything from drinking, eating, studying and partying here.”
The Stork: “What’s your plan for today in Malasaña?”
Alex & Tom: “We’re about to go to La Bicicleta to study.”
Jamika & Sarah:
Nationality: Australian & British
Age: 21 & 20
Living in: Sol
The Stork: “Describe Malasaña in one word.”
Jamika: “Creative.”
Sarah: “Aesthetic.”
The Stork: “Name your favourite 3 spots in Malasaña.”
Jamika & Sarah: “That would definitely be La Bicicleta, La Musa, and the Welcome Skateboarding Shop.”
The Stork: “What are your thoughts and feelings about Malasaña?”
Jamika: “I love the young atmosphere around here.”
Sarah: “The wide range of people you can meet is amazing and just as diverse as the shops and places you can find around every corner.”
The Stork: “What’s your plan for today in Malasaña?”
Jamika & Sarah: “We’re just shopping a little bit.”
From left to right: Jamika, Tom, Alex, Sarah
Emily, Laura, Laura, & Josephine:
Nationality: Danish
Age: 23/24
Living in: La Latina
The Stork: “Describe Malasaña in one word.”
Emily: “Rainy.”
Laura & Laura: “Colorful and Cosy.”
Josephine: “Vivid.”
The Stork: “Name your favourite 3 spots in Malasaña.”
Laura: “Mercado de San Ildefonso is my go to spot when it comes to food.”
Emily: “I’m a big fan of all the second hand stores. Retro City is a great example as they have a lot of unique and interesting styles.”
Josephine: “I just love all the food places here in Malasaña! Bao Bar is for sure among my favorites - I love Chinese food!”
Entrance of Retro City
The Stork: “What are your thoughts and feelings about Malasaña?”
Laura: “As soon as the weather gets better it’s just great to spend cosy summer evenings here and everytime I come I have this hope to discover something new. It’s like a little adventure interrupting the daily routine.”
The Stork: “What’s your plan for today in Malasaña?”
Emily: “Just strolling around a bit and trying to avoid the rain.”
Maribel:
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 22
Living in: Pacífico
The Stork: “Describe Malasaña in one word.”
Maribel: “Traditional.”
The Stork: “Name your favourite 3 spots in Malasaña.”
Maribel: “La Bodega de la Ardosa, Curiosite, and there is this cupcake store but I can’t remember its name.”
The Stork: “What are your thoughts and feelings about Malasaña?”
Maribel: “I grew up here so I naturally have a strong connection to the area. It’s a great place for young people and going out here is so much fun, as long as it doesn’t rain.”
The Stork: “What’s your plan for today in Malasaña?”
Maribel: “I’m meeting up with some friends now.”
The Stork: “What do you think about the way Malasaña has been evolving as a neighborhood?”
Maribel: “I think it has been very positive especially for young people. Older people might not be that happy with all the parties and nightlife going on around here but I don’t know. In general, Malasaña is just such an open place and got safer during the last couple of decades.”
Sonya:
Nationality: Spanish
Age: 33
Living in: Aluche
The Stork: “Describe Malasaña in one word.”
Sonya: “There are no words to describe Malasaña.”
The Stork: “Name your favourite 3 spots in Malasaña.”
Sonya: “Mercado de San Ildefonso, any of the many Tapas Bars you can find around the area, and Xylvester which is a great place if you need some stylish new sunglasses.”
The Stork: “What are your thoughts and feelings about Malasaña?”
Sonya: “I spend a lot of time here ever since I was very young so it’s very familiar to me. I just feel very connected to this neighborhood and I love working and spending time here.”
The Stork: “What’s your plan for today in Malasaña?”
Sonya: “After work I’m going to have some drinks with friends.”
The Stork: “What do you think about the way Malasaña has been evolving as a neighborhood?”
Sonya: “The neighborhood has changed a lot. Before there were a lot of drugs, junkies and alcoholics on the streets. That was back in the 80’s. Since then it got much better. It’s an area that is open to everybody and nobody has to be afraid of coming here anymore. It’s a very commercial place now that is “à la mode”. It’s good to see how this place flourishes and everybody with it.”
Madridifaction
In this new segment, the Stork writers Thomas Stenger and Jasper Bates will explore Madrid in a more extensive journey through all it has to offer. We believe that although there are many exciting places to travel in both Spain and Europe, within Madrid itself there are more than enough places to explore. Will it be possible for a German and a Norwegian to become Madridified? Join us on our journey as we go from place to place to see what is up, what to do and how the people are. Whether you are a local, curious to what impressions two foreigners, such as ourselves, have or an exchange student looking for some recommendations, these are the articles you want to read. If you have any suggestions to where we should visit next, feel free to contact us.
Next time, we will dive deep into the chinese culture in Usera!
Comments