Barrio Salamanca can be a bit upscale. They say its the most exclusive quarter, which can absolutely be true as you stroll past ultra high end shop after shop on Calle Serrano but in truth Barrio Salamanca has quite a bit of diversity to offer, for all budgets.

I live on Francisco Silvela just above the Diego de Leon metro which has lines 4, 5, 6 (the circle line). I basically can get anywhere in the city by direct line. And to get to the airport I simply take line 4 to Mar de Cristal and switch for the airport which is just a few stops further.

There is a large police station here at Calle General Pardiñas 90.  Also, you might find it helpful to know that you can call 091 in an emergency if you have been victimized in a crime. Or report a crime at the number 902 102 112.

There is a gigantic hospital, Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, just on Diego de Leon. I heard somewhere once that its one of the largest in Spain.

I have found an area with great easy going bars, some of which have tapas. They are primarily congregated on General Pardiñas at the corner of Ayala, accessible from both the Lista and Goya metro stops. Try La Negra Flor or Lounge Coffee.

If shopping is for you, to go the Lista metro and once you’ve exited head south on Calle Conde de Peñalvar. You’ll find shops and major chains for all tastes along this road and throughout the surrounding streets. Once you hit Acala and the Goya area the shopping extends in all directions.

There is great boutique shopping throughout the streets as well. Take time to meander a bit. Find shops like this great Oleoteca.

There are a couple of great food markets in the area where you can get fresh produce and meats and cheeses. Check out Mercado de la Paz on Calle Ayala 28, 28001 for quality items (some a bit pricey), there is a large selection of goods here. There is another market for your basic food needs on the south side of the street on Diego de Leon just west of Calle Principe de Vergara.

As for food stores there are all the basics at normal prices such as Eroski and Carrefour. But there are a couple to mention which might entice. For yummy cupcakes try Cupcake Madrid on C/Velazquez 126. Or for all your wine and spirits needs visit Lavinia on C/José Ortega y Gasset 16.

One of the best things about Salamanca is its proximity to Buen Parque Retiro. You might say I live on the edge of Salamanca however its only a mile jog to Retiro which on most days in Madrid is very pleasant. Another smaller park very worth the time to sit and relax is Jardines de Maria Eva Duarte de Perón.

Basically, I find that I have everything I need in Salamanca which can all be reached by foot. I admit there are times when the population seems to be a bit ‘older’ but once I begin venturing to the places which interest me, the demographic [thankfully] drops in age and the common interests come through a bit more.

If you have any specific questions on Salamanca, I am more than happy to answer the best I can.