Apart from the namesake railway station that Atocha is famous for, this area of Madrid is a cool, eclectic, and somewhat underrated neighbourhood in the city. This Spanish barrio is buzzing with fascinating museums, trendy sidewalk cafes, and plenty of traditional Spanish restaurants. Plus, it's just a short walk from some of Madrid's most popular attractions. Whether you're a history buff, a passionate foodie, or want to experience the best nightlife in the city, you won't be stuck for things to do with Bob's insider recommendations.

See this guide's recommendations on our Google Map.

Where Atocha is in Madrid

Located southeast of the city centre, the Atocha district is home to Madrid's central railway station, which was inaugurated in 1851. This century-and-a-half-year-old station is an architectural icon of the city, featuring art-nouveau details and a lush, indoor tropical garden. 

The terminal is a major transit hub serving commuter, regional, and intercity trains from around the country, but don't let that trick you into thinking it's just for passing through. Atocha is jam-packed with museums, famous outdoor markets and drool-worthy tapas places that we can't wait to share with you in this guide.

Culture

Madrid is one of the most culturally rich cities in Europe. There are dozens of museums to explore, ranging from world-famous institutions like the Prado to smaller, more specialised galleries scattered throughout the capital. Atocha, in particular, is especially well-known for the Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza but is also home to many theatres, concert halls, and other cultural venues.

Reina Sofía Museum

One of the most popular attractions in Atocha, the Reina Sofía Museum is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of authentic Spanish art. Step inside the premier repository to discover an expansive collection of 20th-century masterpieces. Highlights of the museum include the works of Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Picasso's legendary Guernica – a mural-sized masterpiece considered to be one of the most powerful anti-war paintings in history.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Madrid's Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a top choice for any art lover. It has over 1,000 pieces of art on display and is undoubtedly one of the world's most impressive private depositories. Highlights include works by masters such as Botticelli, Titian, and Rembrandt and a stunning collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.

Museo Nacional del Prado

Housed in a grand, 18th-century neoclassical building, the Prado is easily one of the top museums in the world - we're talking the same league as the MET and Louvre. With over 20,000 masterpieces, it's easy to spend the entire day at Prado getting lost in a sea of impressive Renaissance paintings. Plan to reserve at least two hours to get through the whole museum, and remember to buy your tickets online as it tends to get crowded. Want to catch the Prado for free? Visit any day after 6:00 PM.

CaixaForum

Situated in what was once a former power station, the CaixaForum in Madrid is now an important cultural institution in the Atocha neighbourhood. A magnet for lovers of art and architecture, the centre now features a series of galleries, museums, and exhibits. The structure itself is a work of art, giving off the illusion of a floating brick building.

La Casa Encendida

Just down the road from the Reina Sofía Museum, La Casa Encendida is your go-to place for art, entertainment, coffee, and fast WiFi. Bring your laptop and head to the cafe or study room for a creative work session before ending the day at one of the centre's exciting cultural events. La Casa Encedida regularly hosts art exhibits, movie screenings, musical performances, and workshops – all free of charge.

Restaurants

Breakfast

When in Spain, you won't be short on options for delicious food. Start your morning with a traditional breakfast at El Roble, a cosy Spanish tavern and Bob W breakfast partner. Here you can expect all of your typical breakfast varieties, from savoury omelettes to sweet and flaky croissants, available all day long. Complete your first course of the day with a café con leche – the creamy white coffee you'll see the locals sipping on. It should also be noted that they don't skimp on servings here either, so make sure you come hungry!

Cafes

Need a quick bite? Sweep by PanArte, a Portuguese-Venezuelan pastry shop, and choose from their mouthwatering selection of freshly baked goods. Other options include eggs benedict with salmon, refreshing fruit smoothies, and irresistible desserts, including the famous pastel of Belém de Portugal.

For an afternoon pick-me-up, make your way to La Cafetería de La Casa Encendida. This minimalist urban coffee shop is a haven for students and digital nomads looking for a cool, quiet place to get some work done. Menu highlights include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Along those lines, you may prefer to get your coffee fix at one of Bob’s favourite local cafes – Hola Coffee Fourquet. Order a flat white or a cold brew – trust us, you won't be disappointed. 

Tapas

After something a bit more traditional? Satisfy your tastebuds with some Spanish tapas! Places like this can be found all throughout the city and are an essential part of Spanish culture.

Head to El Brillante, a humble diner near the Reina Sofía Museum that is pretty much a staple among visitors and Madrid natives. Be sure to try their famous bocadillo de calamares – a fresh bread roll filled with lightly fried squid rings topped with a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of alioli. If cocktails are your thing, pay a visit to La Pequena Grana. The vibe here is super local, the servers are friendly, and you can choose one free tapa with each drink you order.

Just across from the botanical gardens is Tinto y Tapas, an intimate neighbourhood bar serving up some of the best tapas in the city. Guests rave about the empanadas and open-faced sandwiches, so try one (or both)!

Dinner

Feeling a bit fancy? Dine in style at El Jardín de Arzábal, a romantic courtyard restaurant decorated with delicate plants and flowers. It's attached to the Reina Sofía Museum, making it the perfect spot to wind down after a day of wandering through art exhibitions. NuBel, a fabulous restaurant where stunning architecture meets delectable cuisine, can be found on the other side of the museum. 

Small plates of classic Spanish flavours await at La Burlona Bar, a cosy watering hole featuring an arched red brick bar and an extensive wine list. As with most places in Madrid, you'll need to make a reservation ahead of time to secure a spot for dinner.

For something more lavish, try Quintoelemento, a modern rooftop restaurant that fuses flavours from Latin America, Asia, and the Mediterranean to produce truly one-of-a-kind dishes. A short 15-minute walk down Calle de Atocha will bring you to one of the area's most unique venues, Ferreteria Restaurante, a charming old hardware store transformed into a hip and high-end eatery.

Down the street, the vibrant Anton Martin Market offers two floors of casual dining options and specialty shops selling cheeses, fruits, and all kinds of jamón. Another highly rated informal dining experience can be found at Bardero Restaurant where simple, homemade grub dominates the menu. Think sandwiches, local seafood dishes, and uncomplicated desserts.

Shopping

Unveil the not-so-obvious shopping scene in Atocha by seeking out stores only the locals know about (and Bob, of course). Browse the shelves of Delia Records, a musical paradise with a fantastic collection of vinyls on offer. Not only will you find some incredible records here, but the shop also sells second-hand vintage clothing, books, and art. If you're lucky enough to visit at the right time, you might even catch a live concert in their basement venue!

Adjacent to the Real Jardín Botánico is the small pedestrian street, the Cuesta de Claudio Moyano. This quaint avenue is lined with no less than thirty book stalls resembling the original wooden huts that were set up along the same road nearly a century ago! This area is also a popular spot for strolling and people-watching. On any given day, you'll find madrileños chatting and enjoying the sun, which makes it the perfect setting to experience the local way of life.

Nightlife and bars

Madrid is a city that knows how to party. When the sun goes down, its streets come alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. While there are countless bars and clubs to choose from, the most famous nighttime destination remains Teatro Kapital – one of the largest international disco clubs in the world. The venue sprawls across a total of seven floors, each with its own exclusive style of music. From pop and electronic beats on the ground floor to hip-hop and R&B on the top floor, Kapital is the place to be for the ultimate night out.

Prefer a more laid-back atmosphere? Try Independance Club, located near the Estación Del Arte train station. Always packed with a lively crowd, Independance is a casual pub best known for indie and rock music. If you're in town at the right time, you might even catch one of their themed parties featuring the best hits from the 80s and 90s.

Sports and wellness

Stay active at the nearby Viva Gym, where you can enjoy one complimentary gym pass per day during your stay with Bob. Rather clock your daily steps outside? The nearby Retiro Park offers 125 hectares of green space where you can jog down tree-lined avenues and enjoy beautiful views of the lake and gardens.

Just across from Retiro Park is Madrid’s Real Jardín Botánico, offering a serene escape from the bustling capital. It's easy to spend a few hours strolling through the perfectly maintained flowerbeds and admiring over 5,000 species of plants on display. The best time of year to visit? Come in the spring if you want to witness the flowers in full bloom, or visit in winter to see the gardens decked out in holiday lights. No matter when you choose to visit, be sure you take advantage of the beautiful Bonsai terrace!

Freshen up at Carlos Conde Madrid Lavapiés, one of the best barbershops in town! The staff here is super talented and friendly. Plus, they speak excellent English, ensuring the perfect cut even if your Spanish is a little rusty.

Accommodation

Whether you're coming to Madrid for a night or a month, stay like a local in one of Bob W's locally designed apartments in Atocha between the railway station and the Reina Sofía art museum. Get complimentary access to Viva Gym and fixed-price Breakfast Passes to El Roble, so there's no excuse for missing the most important meal of the day. For the best rates and perks you won't get elsewhere, book directly on bobw.co.

Interested in exploring more of Madrid? Check out our neighbourhood guide to Chueca!