Do you remember last year, when I wrote that post about the various neighborhoods I might live in?  I took my 10-pass ticket and went from neighborhood to neighborhood, checking it out before searching for flat at random.  I didn’t want to waste my time seeing a flat when I didn’t even like the neighborhood (haha, that was me acting like I would have a choice of flats.  Oh, how naive.)  Anyway, if you don’t remember, and you don’t want to open that link, let me remind you!  I LOVED lavapies.  I liked the liveliness, and the balconies (<3) and the random African men sitting on the corners.  I thought it was funky and fun and then I went home and read…..that it’s dangerous and don’t walk around at night alone here.  (Really, don’t).  But I was still determined to find a place here or close to here and with some random luck through my host mom, I did!!

I have never had any problems in Lavapies and while I still wouldn’t go out frolicking on my own late at night, I think it’s a great place to live.  It’s fun, it’s vibrant, it’s full of new restaurants and bars and stores and everything you could want.  It’s close to the center and close to the metro line I take to get to work.  So with all of that being said, here are five MORE reasons why I think Lavapies is extra special. (In no particular order)

1 //  The murals

There are murals all over central Madrid, but the ones in Lavapies are so colorful and interesting.  They change constantly and I think they add so much to this area.  

2 // The terraces 

Spain is terrace heaven in general, but the streets in Lavapies are lined with bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.  Walk down any street on a Sunday and it is absolutely packed with people out and about, enjoying life.

3 // The diversity

From the abundance of Indian restaurants to the African and Middle Eastern guys hanging out on every corner, Lavapies sure is a mix.  Lavapies is also lined with delicious Indian restaurants!  Where else can you find that in Madrid?

4 // The pop-up stores

I swear, every couple weeks there is a new store somewhere in Lavapies.  They hang around for a few weeks or months and then something else comes in.  I spent just 6 weeks in the U.S and when I came back, I noticed new cafes and new clothing stores.  I don’t know if this means business is bad, or it means it’s more accessible for normal people to open a store.

5 // The winding streets and beautiful balconies

This is what made me fall in love with Lavapies from the beginning!  Still love it.