MALASAñA-CONDE DUQUE

Bordering Fuencarral’s hipster set, Malasaña is packed with alternative bars, cafes and restaurants full of character and as far from the homogenised big brands as they come. Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo sells everything from wool to customised trainers, as well as playing home to the famous vintage emporium Corachan y Delgado. A stalwart of the late-night scene, the area has recently undergone a refresh and is centred around the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, with residents self-annointing themselves ‘malasañeros’.

Hidden in amongst the hubbub you’ll find Calle Conde Duque, a historic and picturesque little street which provides a quiet oasis for independent boutiques and pavement cafes to set up shop away from the noise. Largely inhabited by members of the Grupo Sportivo collection of stores, you’ll find men’s sportswear at Sportivo, suits and more sober styles at Mini, high-end sneakers at Duke and cool labels like A.P.C at Clean. Make sure to check out Radio City for records (even if you have nothing to play them on) and Blanca Berlin Galería for inspiring photographic work from an international stable of artists.

If culture is your thing, you can’t miss the vast former military barracks, Cuartel del Conde Duque, which have been converted into a multi-functional arts center housing free museums, an auditorium and libraries.