What was once an isolated neighborhood northwest of Madrid, Hortaleza now welcomes travellers who would like an authentic taste of the capital. With improved transport links and a direct metro line to the airport (the journey takes less than 15 minutes!), Hortaleza is highly accessible and has much to offer. From some of the finest golf courses in the region and gastronomic delights to local “barrio” bars and a thriving community scene, the neighborhood has something to offer everyone.
Our recommendations on which areas to stay
- The most suitable area for families is around the Hortaleza subway station. Ideally located, it is close to some of the area’s main attractions, including the Centro Deportivo Municipal Hortaleza, a sports complex with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and other facilities, and Parque Forestal de Valdebebas-Felipe VI, a city park on 840 acres with artificial lagoons, a river, playgrounds, cycling, and walking trails.
- If food is on your travel menu, then a stay close to Parque Juan Pablo II is highly recommended.
- Keeping it as cheap as possible / on a tight budget? Not to worry, you won’t have to look very hard as there are many affordable options in Hortaleza.
Our recommendations on Accommodations in Hortaleza are shown in 4 categories:
Luxury interior
Family sized
Low budget
Hotels
Neighborhoods – what to know before visiting
A mix of old and new, Hortaleza has developed into an area that maintains its traditional charm while offering visitors a taste of different cultures and modern-day festivities. Mar de Cristal subway station is a perfect place to start your exploration of the area. Centrally located on the airport metro line, you can visit many of the neighborhood’s best sights and take advantage of some of its seasonal activities.
Travel west from Mar de Cristal, and you will come across Gran Vía de Hortaleza. Here you will find bustling local cafes and delightful international restaurants (Annapurna Tandoori is a must for anyone who likes Indian food!), and just as you reach the border of the neighborhood, you will arrive at Parque Pinar del Rey, home to an open-air auditorium and the annual Fiestas de Hortaleza. The Fiestas de Hortaleza take place each year at the end of May and, for 10 days, transform the neighborhood into a lively “fiesta” with live music performances ranging from rock to classical, as well as activities for kids such as skating and composting workshops. Check out the Madrid Government’s web page (information in Spanish) for a complete list of Hortlaeza’s cultural events during your stay.
If, instead, you travel east from Mar de Cristal, you will quickly come across IFEMA Madrid, a sprawling complex where you can enjoy concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and leisure activities. Events occur here almost every day of the year and cater to people of all different ages and interests.
Activities for all the family
Hortaleza is home to some of the best outdoor activities in Madrid. Its location outside the city center means it is covered in parks and open spaces, and traffic is considerably less of an issue. Similar to Mar de Cristal, staying close to the Hortaleza subway station will give you lots of options as a family. The Parque Felipe-VI is a little bit isolated from the rest of the neighborhood but undoubtedly worth a visit. The park is designed for recreation, with 32 km of walking trails, 5 km of cycling lanes, picnic tables, resting areas, and playgrounds. It also includes an artificial river, two lagoons, a natural spring, and a wetland. For those who enjoy being outdoors, days alone could be spent in Parque Felipe VI.
Fancy something a bit more relaxing? Head to the Centro Deportivo Municipal Hortaleza or Centro Deportivo Municipal Luis Aragonés; both have communal pools open in the summer where you can enjoy the sun while the kids spend hours of fun in the pool or taking advantage of some of the summer sports activities they offer. To see the best rising talent of the most extensive football team in the world, take the family to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano to watch Castilla, Real Madrid’s B team.
Lastly, and again due to its position on the outskirts of the city, in Hortaleza, you can find some of the best golf courses in the Madrid region. Close to Parque Felipe VI is Golf La Moraleja, an 18-hole course, the biggest in the region and designed by non-other than Jack Nicklaus. Closer to the airport and right next to IFEMA Madrid, you will find the Club de Golf Olivar de la Hinojosa. This public golf course also includes a driving range and a relaxing terrace to enjoy a few refreshments afterward.
Hortaleza – A rising star in Madrid’s food scene
Little known outside of the neighborhood, Hortaleza has a thriving food scene. Throughout the neighborhood, local establishments cook traditional Spanish fare, side by side with new and exciting restaurants specializing in quality gastronomy. Close to Parque Juan Pablo II is a perfect place to stay if you want to try some of the best restaurants Hortaleza offers. On the Av. de Los Andes, you will find many contemporary restaurants cooking food to die for! Moemia Taberna, Orgaz, and Umami Gastobar are three with special mention, but there are many more to explore. For something more traditional, head instead to the north of the park along the Av. de Machupichu. The first restaurant you will visit is La Gran Pulperia, an exquisite Galician restaurant cooking regional specialties and fantastic seafood. Or, if you want to try some of the best tapas in the area, head over to La Pochola Tavern, which has a beautiful terrace and some fantastic wines to quench your thirst!
Where to stay on a budget
Hortaleza has many cheap options to enjoy the city without hurting your wallet. Rents are still very affordable compared to other parts of Madrid, which means that prices for accommodation, food, and recreational activities are relatively low. We recommend staying somewhere close to the main subway stations, a couple of which have been mentioned above. This will give you an affordable option when exploring the neighborhood and traveling to and from the airport.
