Located in Malasaña, Madrid's youngest and most diverse neighbourhood, this design-focused apartment is not only close to countless cafes, vintage shops, bars and restaurants but also puts you in an ideal position to make the most out of the city’s historic and cultural sights. Housed in a building dating back to 1864, the home retains much of its 19th-century elegance with tall ceilings, wood floors and beautiful French windows that give way to Juliet balconies. The decor, however, is dazzlingly modern, curated beautifully with contemporary furnishings, large colourful paintings and a plethora of ornaments that make the whole space sparkle. We love the sleek kitchen and its adjacent dining nook, crowned with an elaborate chandelier for sophisticated soirées when you’re not out sampling the local tapas scene. And the main bedroom’s striped wallpaper offers a fashionable setting for catching up on work at the desk space or enjoying a blissful night’s sleep in the comfortable bed. The second bedroom is a more pared-back affair but equally inviting, while the pair of rainfall showers are sure to get any day off on the right foot. When it comes to exploring nearby, you’re spoilt for choice. Admire the striking architecture along Gran Vía (a six-minute walk), visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (a fifteen-minute walk) and explore Plaza Mayor (an eighteen-minute walk). You’re also a fifteen-minute walk from the Temple of Debod, while the Cerralbo Museum is ten minutes away on foot. Home truths: This home is on the first floor of a building with no lift, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility *A cot and a high chair are available on request *As you're in a central location, you may hear some street noise *Your host offers a choice of pillows here *There isn't much room to unpack in the second bedroom *Out of respect for the neighbours, please keep noise levels to a minimum after 11 pm *The building's entrance is shared with the other residents *Your host offers luggage storage *Self-check-in is available *There's no parking here, but we recommend skipping the car and making use of Madrid's public transport – Noviciado station is a two-minute walk away