Centro around Sol is the first-visit base: walkable, but noisy

Barrio de las Letras puts the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen close

Malasaña has the best food per step; louder at weekends

La Latina is the tapas heartland; the Rastro fills Sunday mornings

Salamanca is the quiet choice, about 20 minutes on foot from Sol

Avoid a street-facing room on Gran Vía: traffic runs all night

Madrid has no tourist tax; all nine areas compared in the guide