Madrid · Royal and Habsburg Madrid
La Latina
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, known for the tapas bars along Cava Baja and Cava Alta. On Sundays the El Rastro flea market runs nearby, and the bars fill when it ends in the afternoon.
- 2 h 30
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Royal and Habsburg Madrid
Data checked on October 4, 2026
La Latina is the old heart of medieval Madrid, a tangle of narrow streets south of Plaza Mayor. The Cava Baja and Cava Alta follow the line of the old city wall and are lined with tapas bars. On Sundays and public holidays the El Rastro flea market fills the streets nearby, and the bars fill up when it ends. Plaza de la Paja and the dome of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande are close by.
What to look for
- The tapas bars on Cava Baja
- El Rastro on Sunday morning
- Plaza de la Paja
- The dome of the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande
Opening hours
Always open.
Source: esMadrid, checked October 4, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
La Latina (Metro line 5) is in the middle of the district, and Tirso de Molina (Metro line 1) is about 7 minutes on foot on the east side.
Tip
Go on a Sunday for El Rastro and lunch, or on any evening for a tapas crawl.