Walking Madrid’s City Center

In the city center, this once-gritty passage is becoming a nexus of Spain’s new urban style.

By Andrew Ferren

La Fille

In her compact shop, German expat Marie Jennings offers bold and breezy Margit Brandt silk dresses and vintage classics like 1980’s Givenchy, sourced from stylists across Europe.

Zombie

Counting DJ’s and bartenders among its owners, this casual corner bar is open all day, helping Madrileños ease the transition from coffee to caipirinha.

Non Stop Sneakers

With the no-fuss charm of a warehouse sale, Non Stop is where locals come for an unparalleled selection of limited-edition sneakers by Adidas, Onitsuka Tiger, and Nike, among others.

La Mucca

Standouts at the bustling restaurant and pizzeria include the classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil, as well as the “perico” (pear and jamón ibérico). In warm weather, tables spill out onto the shaded plaza. Dinner for two $60.

La Pezera

Owners Cecilia Rius and Chavela Herrero lead a design team specializing in one-of-a-kind hats, tiaras, and other accent pieces, such as floral fabric brooches, all arrayed in colorful displays along the walls.