Each city has its main attractions, squares, cathedrals, central areas, but there are more and more neighborhood neighborhoods and corners that are worth visiting, because they offer a glimpse of the most real capital.
Madrid is not only Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol or Prado. The Spanish capital has much more to offer beyond its fascinating historic center, with emerging neighborhoods that are attracting the attention of travelers in search of authentic experiences and outside the conventional itineraries. Among these stand out Carabanchel and Useratwo districts south of the Manzannas river representing the new creative and multicultural face of the city.
Carabanchel: the “SOHO Madrilena” where art is at home
Located in the south area of Madrid, Carabantel has turned from a former worker district to vibrant creative pole, so much so that he has earned the nickname “Soho Madrilena”. With its 270,000 inhabitants, it is today the most populous district of the Spanish capital and a true paradise for lovers of contemporary art.
There urban regeneration He gave new life to the abandoned industrial spaces, converted into atelier, galleries and workshops where over 130 artists work. Overall, the neighborhood hosts 170 cultural containers, including the Veta Galería, the largest contemporary art gallery in Madrid, and multidisciplinary spaces such as the Ophorically ship, the corner Gallery & Studio and Hyper House, the latter dedicated to emerging digital art.
A festival that celebrates creativity
In May, Carabanchel becomes the stage of Art/Banchel, an unmissable event for art enthusiasts: an entire week of exhibitions, performances, workshops and theatrical performances that testify to the extraordinary artistic vitality of the neighborhood. A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere that you breathe on its streets and discover emerging talents.
An open -air museum
Carabanchel is not only contemporary art but also a open -air museum of historical and innovative architecture. Walking through the neighborhood, you can admire jewelry such as the Finca de Vista Alegre, the ancient summer residence of Queen Maria Cristina of Bourbon, the hermitage of Santa María la Antigua, the most ancient Mudjar temple in the region, and the colony of La Prenasa, a fascinating art déco area designed for writers and journalists.
The past dialogues with the present through contemporary buildings such as the colorful Carabanchel 17 Palazzo 17 and the Casa de Bammú, brilliant examples of sustainable and experimental architecture. Street art also plays an important role: the masonry of the grape on the tower of the ancient water tank and the colorful work of Abraham Lacalele on the facade of the Aes Emperatriz María de Austria have become identity symbols of the neighborhood.
The centrality of food
The kitchen is another strength of Carabanchel, with an offer that ranges from the most traditional dishes to the most innovative proposals. Do not miss the original tapas tapas in the shape of a sandwich of the house of los minutejos, the classic hens of the Enriqueta house, the Callos in La Madrileña of El Secreto de Dora and the Potatas Bravas of the Cervecería Gonmar. For vegans, Vegania Veggie Bar offers a completely high quality foot-based menu.
Green spaces and nightlife
Lovers of nature will find their corner of paradise in the San Isidro Park, which every May 15 hosts the celebrations of the patron saint of the city. For music and theater enthusiasts, rooms such as Gruta 77 and the Live room !! They offer concerts and cultural events, while the Tarambana theater and the Teatrolab offer alternative and experimental shows.
Use: Madrid’s “Chinatown” with a multicultural soul
Always south of the city, Usra represents another surprising face of Madrid. Known as the Madrid “Chinatown”, it hosts the largest Chinese community in Spain, but has developed a unique and cosmopolitan personality.
Symbol of this encounter between cultures is the great sculpture of a marble panda, donated by the Chinese community, which welcomes visitors. The most spectacular event is certainly the Chinese New Year, celebrated with great participation from all over the city through colors, music and shows that attract an increasingly large audience every year.
As Carabanchel, Usra also attracted the interest of artists and creatives, giving life to innovative spaces dedicated to art and experimentation. Among these stands out the Factory of Dreams project by the artist Okuda San Miguel, a contemporary art center that hosts exhibitions, training activities and workshops. Other places not to be missed are Espacio Oculto Madrid, a coworking and multidisciplinary art center, and El Arco Azul-Studio, former industrial structure transformed into a creative studio.
Green oasis in the urban heart
Usra also boasts splendid green spaces, such as the Parque de Pradolongo, an area of almost 60 hectares with a large lake, a central pavilion and a botanical garden rich in native species. Not far away is the Parque Lineal of Manzannas, with Plaza Verde, the suggestive Paseo de los sentidos and areas dedicated to sport and children.
On the artificial hill the Atalaya stands the monumental sculpture “La Dama del Manzares” by the artist Manolo Valdés: an imposing head of a woman who looks towards the heart of Madrid, a tribute to the river that crosses the city and perfect symbol of these neighborhoods who, while remaining faithful to their roots, look with confidence in the future.
How to get and move
Reaching these neighborhoods from the Madrid center is simple thanks to an efficient transport network. Carabanchel is served by line 5 of the subway and numerous urban and interurban buses. Once you arrive, you can explore these fascinating districts on foot, immersing yourself in their authentic atmosphere and discovering unexpected corners of a Madrid other than that of tourist postcards.
