Is anyone familiar with this area in Madrid? I found a really great apartment here and want to know a little more about the area before we book. Does it have lots of charm? Is it relatively safe? Are there restaurants and cafes nearby? Thanks so much!!

Its Latina, metro stop Latina , and its goood. great place, safe as n any city.very old neighborhood from the 15C nearby on the left corner is Palacio Vargas a palace building from that period.
Also check the bishops chapel, La Capilla del Obispo,from the 16C.try the Taberna Bilbao just around the plaza western side at costanilla de San Andrés 8 (street)

you will have a good time.

Thank you Pedmar! Would you pick the Plaza de la Paja as a home base over the busier Calle Mayor? Will we find restaurants and cafes close by the Plaza de la Paja?

I stumbled across a podcast on the web describing the Plaza de la Paja area that you may find useful.


http://cdn.libsyn.com/audioinmadrid/im_14MAR06_mibarriolalatina.MP3

Calle Mayor is great too, well I am biased I am from Spain and live for many years in Madrid.

I think Calle Mayor tends to be more touristic, than Plaza de la Paja area: but both have plenty of restos,bars,sights close by. Its a personal choice.

Robt, that was an excellent link for me. I found out that what I thought was a deli on the 1st floor of our building is actually Delic, a cafe/bar that stays open late with music. I will have to ask a few questions before we reserve! That was good to know.

Pedmar, thank you! You always come through.