The nightclubs and bars of Madrid


There are a large number of places that one can visit at night to let out all of that daytime stress. But be warned you will need a fair bit of stamina! The madrileños have a reputation for living it up well into the madrugada, or early hours of the morning. It is not uncommon for the club or bar scene to commence after midnight so expect to get little sleep that night.

Drinking is a central feature of this scene. You will find that many places you visit will not charge an entrance fee but instead impose an extra charge on the first or every drink you purchase in the establishment.

Friday and Saturday are the two main nights when the nightclubs and bars of Madrid come to life. It is important that before you do plan your visit find out where the main centre is for that night. The club and bar scene, as is the case in most cities of the world, is constantly changing. The popularity of a new venue or session tends to spread by word of mouth. The magazine, Guia del Ocio, carries popular listings of what’s happening. The locals of Madrid rarely stay in a place if it is not packed to capacity, so don’t be surprised if you find that what was popular last week is not drawing many people this week. It will mean more trips to other places until you feel comfortable with one of them. Perhaps you may prefer a bar that is less crowded and noisy.

One of Madrid’s most lively areas is the Paseo de la Castellana. Here you will find such favourites as Boccaccio at number 21, Boltero at number 33 and Boulevard at number 37. All of these are the main haunts of terraza-goers and stay open until three or so.

Joy Eslava, at calle Arenal 11, is one of Madrid’s best known discos. This is usually the place where most people that don’t know where to go end up. If you wish to mingle with a more sophisticated international crowd then Archy at calle Marques de Riscal 11 is the place you are looking for. Kapital at calle Atocha 125 was once a prestigious theatre. Now it is a stylish club of massive proportions. All-in-all, it has seven floors including a wondrous bar open to the night sky.

If you do not like disco then there are other places you can enjoy. Café Central at Plaza del Angel 10 is one of Madrid’s foremost jazz venues. Its fine reputation attracts many international visitors. The Café Populart at calle Huertas 22 hosts evenings of salsa, reggae and world music.

The copyright of the article The nightclubs and bars of Madrid in Spain & Portugal is owned by Emilio Carrion . Permission to republish The nightclubs and bars of Madrid in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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