Madrid Nightlife Guide


Whatever you are looking for you can find in Madrid. If you stroll around Madrid it’s like crossing different worlds. Each quarter has its special characteristic.
If you prefer alternative music you may prefer to go out in Malasana or in Lavapiés. Around Sol and the city centre you can find any type of music. The areas around Moncloa are especially renowned for being favoured by students.
  •      ALONSO MARTINEZ: the area around the Plaza de Santa Bárbara, the Glorieta de Bilbao and Alonso Martínez is occupied by a large number of tapas bars, pubs and restaurants.
  •      ARGÜELLES/MONCLOA: As you would expect from a University area, these districts are frequented by students and a younger crowd and contain mostly bars and pubs.
  •      CASTELLANA: the slightly more up-market area around the Paseo de Castellana, Paseo de Recoletos and the Paseo del Prado includes quality restaurants, "terrazas" (see above) during the summer months and several popular night spots.
  •      CAVA BAJA: within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor, this street and the ones nearby include some traditional Castilian restaurants such as Casa Lucio and Botin, many new, modern wine bars and several tapas establishments. The area is very popular on Sunday mornings before lunch.
  •      HUERTAS: more popular at night, with several pubs and disco-pubs (see above) open until the early hours much to the chagrin of local residents. Many cafeterias, wine-bars and restaurants make this lively area a favourite with all ages as it caters for all tastes.
  •      MALASAÑA: is the name given to the streets surrounding the Plaza de Dos de Mayo, home to a myriad of bars, cafeterias, pubs and restaurants. Many establishments have live music and in the summer months the cafés have tables and chairs outside, especially in the Plaza, where you can also purchase some interesting gifts from the local dealers. Mostly a young crowd and perhaps not the best choice for more "mature" night-dwellers.
  •      SANTA ANA: The Plaza de Santa Ana and surrounding area has many tapas bars, "cervecerías" (although the name may suggest only beer is served, wines and spirits are also available), restaurants and pubs and is a lively area at night and also for lunch at the weekends.

Discos / Clubs


Discotheques charge an entrance fee and often are difficult to get in if you don't look cool or trendy enough. A dress code exists at many discos, although it is perhaps wisest to ask somebody who's been there before getting out the top-hat and tails. Certainly men will often wear a shirt and even suits. Women will usually wear lighter clothing. The best or at least most famous discos are probably Joy Eslava and Palacio Gaviria on Arenal Street, Empire in the Paseo de Recoletos, Kapital in Calle Atocha (7 floors and 3 different musical environments) and Pachá in Barceló street. The Palacio Gaviria has special nights for foreigners (usually Thursday, but ask first), where all nationalities come together to practice their Spanish and strut their stuff. Many gay discos and pubs can be found in the Chueca area of Madrid.

Tip: Tupperware Bar/Club – in Malasana, plays alternative music and has a great ambience, Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 26, Metro Tribunal.