The lively Plaza del Dos de Mayo is undoubtedly the heart of the Malasaña neighborhood. Its name refers to the uprisings of May 2nd 1808, when the town of Madrid rebelled against Napoleon's invading troops. The central monument of Daoiz and Velarde is a tribute to two of the heroes of this historic event.

Filled with bars and cafés with outdoor terraces, it is filled with young people and families at midday, lunch time and dinner time (there are swings for the little ones), especially at the weekend when it also tends to hold craftwork and design markets. Many streets converge here with a marked alternative environment, with different fashion stores including the work of young designers and vintage clothes, as well as pop-rock bars and varied restaurants.