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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
- Spanish
Lavapiés is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Madrid, and often known as the most multicultural in Europe. It is located inside the downtown area, an industrial part of the city since the XVIII century, when royal factories were created. Bullfighters, Caleseros (carriages drivers), and Manolos (Jewish descendants) inhabited here traditionally.
The tiny and old apartments made for the low-class workers were chip enough for the immigrants from the '80s on, generating a new cultural landscape.
For the past 10 years, there have been great projects to rehabilitate the old buildings and promote Lavapiés’ economy through culture. Theatres, Exhibition centres, cultural foundations, and a circus have raised up. It has also dozens of bars, cafes, and restaurants from every possible country.
The British magazine “Times Out” named it the coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2018. You will be able to deeply discover all of it with an expert in a private Tour
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pick-up doesn´t include any transportation. On the way, the guide will provide some general information about the city and the tour itself.
In front of the main entrance of Reina Sofia Museum
In the middle of Lavapiés, close to many bars and restaurants. And also close to the metro station.
Itinerary
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1Lavapies
Lavapiés is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Madrid, and often known as the most multicultural in Europe. It is located inside the downtown area, an industrial part of the city since the XVIII century, when royal factories were created. Bullfighters, Caleseros (carriages drivers), and Manolos (Jewish descendants) inhabited here traditionally. The tiny and old apartments made for the low-class workers were chip enough for the immigrants from the '80s on, generating a new cultural landscape.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Outside Lavapiés, we can appreciate a great contrast: Royal Monasteries, Aristocratic Palaces, and wonderful Buildings, like Reina Sofía Museum (Built as the General Hospital). We will not enter.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Wrongly known as the old Sinagoga, San Lorenzo church was the heart of Lavapiés social life and traditions.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
For the past 10 years, there have been great projects to rehabilitate the old buildings and promote Lavapiés’ economy through culture. Theatres, Exhibition centers, cultural foundations, and a circus have raised up. It has also dozens of bars, cafes, and restaurants from every possible country. We will see some of them during the tour, starting from Valle Inclan Theater.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
During the industrial revolution, many factories were raised here. Still today we can see some of the facades of that old industrial architecture, mixed with contemporary buildings. The working-class movements within those factories are one of the important seeds for the identity of the Lavapiés neighborhood.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
From 1780, this is the oldest factory building we preserve of the long tradition of Lavapiés. Famous - among other things - for the up to 6000 women who worked here and their fighter spirit. Nowadays, a part of this huge building is a social center, administrated by the neighbors, with non-profit aims; a part of it is a great contemporary art exhibition center, and part of it is still abandoned. One of the bests examples of the great mixture that characterizes Lavapiés.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
The old school and church where the many orphans of Lavapiés use to study were destroyed during the civil war. Kept in ruins for decades, today has become probably the most beautiful library of Madrid, and a witness of history.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
One example of the popular architecture of the industrial revolution for the workers, known as Corralas. Often a 10 m2 room for the entire family, without light nor water. Still today some of them are in use, often used by immigrants with little resources that inhabit the neighborhood.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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