CHAMBERÍ district
Chamberí is one of the most traditional, elegant and stately districts in Madrid, and at the same time a captivating and vibrant one.
Built in the late 1800s, Chamberí has a fantastic central location and magnificent quality of life. Its main area has a quieter, peaceful residential atmosphere free from the capital’s bustling touristy downtown.
Originally a hunting ground, it became in the 19th and 20th centuries the district of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie who lived in this area of beautifully manicured tree-lined streets, boulevards, and majestic, noble buildings. Chamberí stands out for the stunning architecture of its old mansions and palaces, today occupied by embassies and important institutions.
This district boasts all kinds of services, good transportation, an array of restaurants and tapas bars, local markets, independent boutiques, charming museums, varied cultural attractions and picturesque public spaces. It is also a few minutes’ walk from other fashionable parts of the capital. One of the prettiest spaces to visit is the lovely and circular shaped Plaza de Olavide, Plaza de Chamberí, at the heart of the neighborhood, is another popular meeting-place, as is Plaza de Alonso Martínez.
The district is divided into six neighbourhoods—Gaztambide, Arapiles, Trafalgar, Almagro, Ríos Rosas and Vallehermoso.
Chamberí is known as the quintessentially Madrilean castizo neighborhood where one can really enjoy typical and authentic Madrid. Some parts are chic and stylish -as is Almagro neighborhood superbly located bordering the famous Paseo de la Castellana– while the rest has a more of a “village-like” feeling, being more popular with young people and more affordable. What one finds interesting about this district is that there seems to be a perfect balance between the old and the new, the low-key with the chic which you can hardly find in other areas of Madrid. Chamberí amalgamates the traditional Madrilean way of life with a contemporary buzz and an international atmosphere.
The most exclusive and sought-after neighborhood in Chamberí is Almagro, with a distinctive Parisian flair, gorgeous architecture and beautiful streets like Zurbano, Fortuny, Monte Esquinza, or Fernando el Santo, where one could stroll along with much pleasure. This upper-end neighborhood boasts some of the most beautiful turn-of-the-century and Belle-epoque style buildings in Madrid. For those who want to stay in an elegant neighborhood in the city center, Almagro is the place for you.
In recent years Chamberí has become a hotspot for trendy restaurants, fine dining and traditional tapas bars where locals gather. If you are a food lover, you will enjoy the district’s gastronomic offerings, being Ponzano street the epicentre of this experience with an enticing array of places to drink and dine. For grocery shopping and a quick lunch, visit Mercado de Chamberí, one of Madrid’s traditional neighborhood markets where you can find a wide variety of high-quality products.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL VENUES
Sorolla Museum
Located in the house where painter lived and which features an idyllic garden.
Geomineral Museum
Teatros del Canal
A modern theatre complex.
Andén Cero
Chamberí’s old station of 1919, closed in 1969, which has been turned into an interpretation centre.
Teatro La Abadía, Teatro Galileo, and the Teatro Quevedo.
MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS
The Chamberí district boasts eight Michelin-starred restaurants:
El Invernadero, Smoked Room, Gastro, Coque, Saddle, Quimbaya, Lúa y Clos