Barrio de Las Letras: literature and fine dining in Madrid

The main street of this district is Calle Huertas. It’s worth walking its entire length to enjoy the bohemian atmosphere, stopping for a coffee or to take a photo next to a literary quote… The area is fully of pretty streets like Calle de León, Calle Lope de Vega and Calle Príncipe, and iconic places. For example, you can visit the Lope de Vega House-Museum, where the writer spent the last 25 years of his life. The inner courtyard is wonderful. Another unique spot is the church and convent of Las Trinitarias Descalzas, the burial place of no less a figure than Cervantes, author of the celebrated Don Quixote de la Mancha (to visit this site, book ahead by phone: +34 914295671).Several companies offer guided tours of this neighbourhood, once frequented by writers, painters, musicians and scientists. You can find more information in the section of useful links.

Las Letras is very close to the Paseo del Prado and the Art Walk, home to some of Madrid’s most famous museums like the Prado and the Thyssen. You can complement a visit to one of these by wandering into any of the private art galleries in the district, and then discovering its charming décor and antique shops, bookshop-cafés and vintage boutiques.Two highly recommended events are held in the district. The first is the Mercado de las Ranas, a street market held on the first Saturday of every month, when the shops set their goods out on the pavement and there are activities like street theatre and workshops.The second is DecorAcción, usually held in June, when for a few days the antique dealers and gallerists take over the streets, people decorate the balconies, dramatised tours are organised, and the neighbourhood becomes prettier, livelier and more magical than ever.