Welcome to your worldwide guide to nightlife in Madrid. For those that are more local than visitor, or even just a tourist, Madrid has a great night scene which is vibrant yet diverse. To help make your nights in Madrid unforgettable, in this guide, we’re sharing insider tips, the most popular venues and all the essential information you need to know.

1. Exploring Madrid After Dark

After dark, Madrid really comes alive, thanks to many different neighborhoods with some very different things to experience. Here are a few areas you should explore:

a) Gran Via

But Gran Via, as the main thoroughfare of Madrid, is one long street full of theaters, shops and restaurants. This is a good start to get to know the city’s energy. Live bars, or shows at one of the famous theaters.

b) Malasaña

Malasaña is known as the indie and alternative scene capital, and for the bohemian atmosphere of it own bars and clubs. The perfect neighborhood for those who want a more alternative and laid back night out.

c) Chueca

For those looking for LGBTQ+ friendly venues Chueca is the place to be. It’s a very diverse neighborhood, and has a lot of bars, clubs, drag shows and more, that are kid free and gay friendly.

2. Tapas Bars and Traditional Spanish Cuisine

Visiting the Medina Ronería offers no Madrid nightlife experience without trying the sweet and delicious tapas and traditional Spanish cuisine. Many bars will give you free tapas to go with the drinks to get you tasting some different flavours and dishes, whilst no doubt sticking to the nightlife.

Go to the old areas of La Latina and Huertas and you’ll find many traditional taverns serving absolutely delicious tapas. At your table, a sangria or a local beer and small plates filled with basic Spanish food like patatas bravas, croquetas and jamón ibérico — that just sounds delightful.

3. Clubbing in Madrid

Madrid has a great clubbing scene which caters for everything. There is a club for everyone from electronic music to Latin rhythms. Here are a few renowned venues:

a) Joy Eslava

Joy Eslava is located in a beautiful 19th century palace, one of Madrid’s oldest and most famous nightclubs. In addition to hosting various musical events like live performance of local and international artistes, it provides online booking of venues for upcoming programmes in the country. Get ready to Dance and to enjoy live entertainment.

b) Kapital

Enter Kapital: a legendary club, and must see for anybody who’s into partying with seven floors and different music styles for every one. House, reggaeton, mainstream hits or whatever you like the beat to, enjoy the dances and stunning views from the roof top terrace.

c) Teatro Barceló

It has a reputation for its eclectic music choice: commercial hits and plastic pop, filled with electronic beats. Teatro Barceló is a show place of the town, where diverse crowds watch impressive light shows and are awed by a busy atmosphere.

4. Evening Entertainment

If dancing until dawn isn’t your thing, Madrid offers plenty of alternative evening entertainment options:

a) Flamenco Shows

Find out the real thrill of traditional Spanish flamenco live show. Madrid is full of many venues where nightly performances of this mesmerizing art form are performed up close.

b) Rooftop Bars

Make the most of the city skyline while enjoying cocktails from one of Madrid’s rooftop bars. The atmosphere is bright, a stunning view and the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some time with friends.

c) Live Music Venues

Madrid has a live music scene that’s thriving in every venue for every sort of music. You will find a wide variety of performances at intimate jazz clubs, larger concert halls or anywhere in between. El Sol or Clamores is venues to check out if you are looking for a perfect live music experience.

5. Staying Safe and Practical Tips

When having fun in the Madrid nightlife, you want to look out for safety and make the best of it. Here are some practical tips:

• Use of public transportation or use of a taxi either way you’re always going to make sure you have a plan to get home safely.
• Be careful with picking your pocket especially in crowded places.
• Get a head start with a few basic Spanish phrases to help you get by in conversations and ask for directions.
• Drink a lot of water and take regular pauses if you make it past 12 hours of reading.

And of course, remember: alcohol only tastes good with moderation!

Conclusion

Madrid’s nightlife is a round of different types of music, flavors and various cultural experiences. Although the neighbourhoods of Madrid are diverse, as is the tapas here and the clubs, the alternative entertainment is too. Madrid’s nightlife is something that you will struggle to ever forget whether you are a night owl, or just want to explore the city at night. Armed with some tapas and your dancing shoes, Madrid at it’s night is magic, so just put them on and enjoy!