Madrid Nightlife: Bars & Clubs
Read on to discover the vibrant nightlife of Madrid...
At any time of the day, Madrid is a lively, fun-loving, and bustling city. But it’s when the sun goes down that the city truly starts to come to life! The nightlife in this area is internationally famous, with everything from hipster pubs hidden in historic nooks, to enormous superclubs that are on par with anything else on the continent. It is one of the (many!) reasons why tourists decide to come on their holidays to Madrid.
Everyone – from huge groups looking for a big night, to students searching for cheap thrills, to more sophisticated partygoers trying to add a little refinement to their evening out – may find what they are looking for here. After reading our guide to Madrid nightlife, you will understand why it’s known as a city that never sleeps. Take a look at our tips on where to find some of the best nightclubs and bars in Madrid.
Puerta del Sol and Huertas
The Puerta del Sol, which is located right in the middle of Madrid, is both one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods and a major tourist attraction. Because of its ease of access, it is by far the most popular area among visitors from other countries – especially when it comes to the nightlife.
There is a famous jazz establishment called Café Central located on the street that leads back down into Huertas. The live performances and groovy house dance nights at Café Berlin have earned it a strong reputation among music fans. In Calle de Echegaray, you will find the flamenco venue known as Cardamomo, which is well worth checking out.
Gran Via-Sol has developed into a well-liked spot for stag and hen do's. The Independance Club throws parties and themed evenings, while the Costello Club plays indie, rock and funk music. Many local artists also perform at Costello - who knows, you might see the next Ed Sheeran perform there!
Fans of techno owe it to themselves to peruse the extensive lineup that Mondo Disko has put together and give it a shot; they will not be let down.
Chueca
One of the most desirable areas to live in all of Madrid, Chueca is renowned for its upscale stores and dining establishments, hip clubs, and exciting nightlife. What was once a dangerous neighbourhood has been turned into Madrid's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) district over the course of the last ten to fifteen years. This LGBT district is a varied and welcoming barrio where anybody is welcome to have a good time. Chueca is home to a more intimate variety of nightlife alternatives, ranging from live jazz clubs to vibrant gay bars, in contrast to the majority of Madrid's mega-clubs, which are located more near the centre of the city.
Make sure you pay a visit to Kubrick, which attracts a diverse clientele and has regular sets from some of Madrid's most talented DJs. It is one of the more recent additions to the neighbourhood's LGBT culture.
Malasaña
Beginning at the top of Gran Via, the bohemian and hipster district of Malasana is where you will find yourself. This neighbourhood's ambience is mainly influenced by the alternative music rockero (rocker) scene of the 1980s and 1990s. TupperWare and La Vá Láctea, located on Calle de La Palma and Calle Velarde respectively, as well as the Madrid Me Mata, are among the most popular places to hang out. You’ll also find that one of the most common places for the younger generation to congregate and mingle is near the Tribunal metro station.
On Calle del Pez, you will find some of the city's best cafés, cocktail bars, and tapas restaurants, such as Cafeina. Locals and tourists alike go to Plaza del Dos de Mayo because it is an ideal location for enjoying a refreshing beverage while basking in the warmth of the sun. On the weekends, the GyMage Lounge Resort's rooftop terrace is open until 2AM, with breathtaking views of the city all year round.
Those who are interested in electronic music should pay a visit to Sala Republik, which also hosts evenings including metal and reggae music.
Princesa
Many people consider this neighbourhood to be the cultural epicentre of Madrid's student population. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of Madrid's educational institutions, as well as its dormitories, are situated in this neighbourhood. As a direct consequence of this, it is not difficult at all to discover a large selection of nightlife options that are geared at the younger generation.
Here you’ll find pubs and clubs with a laid-back atmosphere, playing music from a wide range of genres, including Latino and EDM, and even pop and heavy metal. There really is something for everyone. Our top picks include Rincón de La Habana, a cosy little cocktail bar, and Sambhad Cocktail Bar for a tasty snack with your cocktail.
Honourable Mentions: Other Madrid Hotspots
First up we have Toni 2, a piano-themed bar near to Calle Amador de los Ríos. Do a bit of digging and you’ll find that it has mysterious reviews online, with many people saying ‘just go there’ – which you absolutely should! Grand pianos, English and Spanish singalongs, and a great range of drinks make for a unique place to drink and relax on your trip to Madrid.
If you want big, the popular Teatro Kapital in Calle de Atocha is the place to go, with not one, not two, but SEVEN floors of dance music, one being a superb hookah lounge.
Book Your Trip to Madrid with Brightsun Travel
With this exciting and diverse collection of Madrid nightlife, you’ll want to book your trip to Madrid as soon as possible! You can arrange your holiday easily with Brightsun Travel, where we can find flights, suggest package deals, and even more. Get in touch to see how we can help you arrange your dream holidays to Madrid and many other incredible locations now.
