Barrio de las Letras

The Barrio de las Letras, long favored by tourists for its charming buildings and mix of historic and trendy bars and restaurants, is named for the many writers and playwrights from the Spanish Golden Age (16th and 17th centuries) who lived within a few blocks of Plaza de Santa Ana. Once a shelter to los madrileños castizos—the word castizo roughly translates to "authentic"—it is now the favored living area of Spanish and international yuppies. Calle de las Huertas (full of bars and clubs) is pedestrian-only, making the neighborhood even more attractive for walking around and hobnobbing with locals.