We enjoyed our stay in the antique shop district of Madrid. Sunday they were all open and flowing in to the street and near by square. The location was a little rough at street level but interesting. This is typical everywhere in big cities. Our host said there was a problem with the AC I think, in the apartment we had rented, so we got upgraded to a top floor with a open air terrace. There are good restaurants and public transportation close by, and a fantastic coffee /bakery just steps from the front door. We walked every where. To all the museums and attraction in central Madrid. That is what we do. but there are busses and a metro system if you are in a hurry.