Malasaña is the hip and trendy neighborhood of Madrid. Where rent has gone skyrocket, and cute bakeries are popping up around each corner.

Since I have lived in Malasaña, I have decided to go with the flow and get completely in love with Malasaña, the neighborhood that brings you a piece of everything in Madrid.

That is why I have created the famous list of 7 Great Things to do in Malasaña, I’m not sure if it will stay the same, but this is my highest recommendation in Malasaña.

If you want to check out what my best girls and I did one weekend in Malasana and Madrid, read this blog post: 36 Hours with the Girls in Madrid.

Me Mola Malasaña – I like Malasaña in Madrileno Language

1. Café Federal from Australia to Spain

Since I have spent a great amount of my time at Café Federal, I will need to get it on the top of the list. Cafe Federal is an Australian concept merged with Spanish cuisine and its late brunches. If you are going on the weekend, go early or line up for the best breakfast in Malasaña.

My personal favorite is their coffee, finally great coffee, and most importantly, amazing pancakes. Of course, if you want to go for the avocado toast and scrambled eggs, I will not judge you. Federal is one of the cool hipster’s spots but still has Madrileños. I can also recommend La Bicicleta Café and Café de la Luz for breakfast or was it for lunch.

Great spot for working on the computer during the weekdays, but it is not allowed on the weekend, only two hours free wifi.

2. Plaza del Dos de Mayo

Plaza del Dos de Mayo is the heart of Malasaña and the start point if you search for some nighttime fun. In Malasaña, you can find a lined variety of places to discover with all sorts of music drawing in diverse crowds. I don’t remember many names because most of the time, we walk by and take a look inside, and decided if this is the place for tonight’s action!

If you are not sure if you are ready to start the bar hopping, then the riskier option is to get a cold beer at a shop and drink it on the Plaza but be aware it is not legal, and you can face a fine. Whatever you decide to do, Malasaña is to give you a good time! My dear friend Nelson and I totally recommend La Vía Láctea in Malasaña, a psychedelic place with great rock music from the 80; this is a place to get the wild mood on!

3. Treasure Hunt with Vintage Shopping

Malasaña collects everything from cool cafés to local bookshops and rare shops. This includes a significant amount of Vintage Shops. If you want to get that unique dress, then Malasaña is the place to discover. I would recommend walking past Magpie Vintage Clothes, for starting your tour of treasure hunting.

4.  The Cool Kids Are at La Musa

I can’t quite say what it is about La Musa, but we are always returning at some point or another. It has an amusing playlist, perfect silky lightning and half-decent service, and a considerable amount of fried tapas. It is never wrong when it is fried, just not that healthy, and that’s all.

We love eating the fried shrimps with wasabi cream and the fried avocado with spicy chipotle mayo. Then chug down a dark Amstel for dessert. Why not? I love entering this place around 16:00 for a mid-day snack on a Saturday. If you are going to come during eating-hours, remember the reservation!

5. Eating difficulties but Insta Worthy

If you fancy cool Instagram pictures from your days in Malasaña, then get in line at La Pecera and get a Japanese fish-shaped cookie cone and perfect ice cream with all the toppings you want! I went for salty caramel ice cream and dulce de leche chocolate sauce! Eat fast! If not, it will melt in your hand.

6. Craft Beer is Everywhere & is Everything

Suddenly the world was hugging the marvelous tradition of craft beer, and since Malasaña is a cool place to be. They don’t neglect the love people have for craft beer, and by this, you can find several places where they are serving the different selection of craft beer in Malasaña. The first stop is Kitchen 154, and I discovered this place on a Sunday evening. Little did I know that I discovered a craft beer bar with tacos in Korean style, Spicy Curry with real flavors from Thailand, and then a cold beer in perfect balance with all the spicy food. Kitchen 154 in Calle La Ruiz 20 is a perfect stop if you need a snack and a beer before starting a long night.

Moving over to the American Rollo, where you can select IPA, Porter, Botellines, and more! This is the perfect spot for day drinking on a Saturday. Perfect atmosphere and great beer. You can even get a punch card. If you drink 9 beer, the number 10 is for free. Of course, you do not need to do that in one day!

If you want to read more about the Beer State of Mind in Madrid

7.  Stop at Jack Percoca for a Family Meal

I have a weak spot for Italian food! If you ever get tired of tapas, then go to this lovely family from Napoli! What is great about the Jack Percoca is that they serve big heart food, the portion is generous, just as it would be with your grandmother. That’s why we love it. Antipasto for the starter with creamy Italian burrata cheese indulged with mango, rocket salad, and great ham and sausages to share. For the main course, we went for pizza! Either you share or eat it all by yourself. Remember, room for the tiramisu! Or an Espresso Martini!

Tips For the Local in Malasaña

If you want delicious bread in Madrid, I recommend stopping by Panic, the best bread bakery in Madrid. Everything from Sourdough to Cinnamon bolls. If you don’t get the bread the first time, reserve your bread for the next day. I know, the first place in the world where you have to make a reservation for your bread. That’s how good they are.

Tips for the Traveler in Malasaña

Suppose you want to buy something more than a t-shirt that says Madrid. What about checking out these beautiful leather goods from Lacambra that are handmade in Spain. Lacambra has a shop in Malasaña at Divino Pastor 16.

Any Cool Spots for Malasaña in Madrid?