The Northern Districts at a Glance: Chamartín, Tetuán and Fuencarral-El Pardo
Three districts cover most of what people mean by north Madrid, with a ring of separate towns beyond them. Each has a different feel.
Chamartín
Chamartín is residential and business-oriented, built around the upper stretch of the Paseo de la Castellana. Its skyline is the Cuatro Torres Business Area, home to the four tallest skyscrapers in Spain, which stand on the site of Real Madrid's former training ground.
Tetuán
Tetuán lies to the west of the Castellana. It is denser and more mixed, with older low-rise streets alongside newer blocks, and a long commercial street running north to south.
Fuencarral-El Pardo
Fuencarral-El Pardo is by far the largest district by area, because it includes the forest of El Pardo as well as newer residential developments in the north. See Monte de El Pardo.
Beyond the city limits
Alcobendas and neighbouring San Sebastián de los Reyes are separate municipalities directly north of the city. Many people live there and commute in; see getting around the north.
Choosing where to live
- Walk the area at the times you would actually be there: weekday morning, weekend night.
- Time the commute door to door, not station to station.
- Ask what the building's community fees cover before you sign.
Reviewed 2026-10-13. Details change; confirm with the bodies named.