Madrid Nightlife

For whatever complaint Madrid receives about its weather, distance from a decent beach or architecture, "la marcha" (the nightlife) is a well-deserved source of great pride. There was recently a call to run the Metro 24 hours on weekends, so that partiers would be able to to head home before the current 6AM reopening of the Metro. This was turned down, but the local government has responded by increasing the fleet of "buhos" -- night buses. Riding one of these is often an extension of the night, as most riders are of a similar state. Take advantage of public transportation if you can make it until 5:30 -- you notice that many of the clubs begin to empty at this hour to take advantage of the metro to go home or moving on to the after dawn clubs and parties.

Again, don't worry about being bored -- you'll be presented with every sort of nightlife venue you may be in the mood for. We've listed dozens of our favorites and are sure to update these listings every week, for good reason; a city with a nightlife this important also has its share of casualties. Check back here often to make sure that where you're planning to go is still around when you decide to visit Madrid.

To approach the night like a Madrileño, you must be aware of a Madrileño's goal: to see and be seen. Start the night with friends (or go to make new friends) by visiting a bar, cervecería or whatever from around 10PM up until 1AM (the madrugada - midnight to dawn). The best idea is to leave this kind of bar to visit a discobar - a bar with all varying musical and sexual preferences that feature dancing for those that like to and music: pop, dance, house, rock, etc. Arrive no earlier that 11 or 12PM and stay until closing, generally 2 or 3AM, but it's best to beat the crowds to the next venue: the discotecas!

Unless you like paying 10€ for a drink and dancing alone, don't head to a disco until well after 1AM. Dress to impress -- no tennis shoes, sandals or the famed "chandals" athletic or track pants that you will see most Madrileño boys wearing all day. This is your time to enjoy not being a local -- if the doorman is selective, you stand a better chance if you are a well-dressed foreigner (never thought it would pay off in Spain, right?)

If you're not paying an entry charge (entrada) of 5€ - 30€, you're either absolutely beautiful, famous or in the wrong place. Here's the good news -- as the doorman gives you your "entrada" -- be sure to keep it and use that as you buy your drink. You're not being cheap -- you're being Madrileño! Reduced entries are handed out on corners by "flyer boys", but don't trust their advice on what's hot -- they are being paid commission and have reason to push their location.

Check back here often to make sure that where you're planning to go is still around when you decide to visit Madrid.

Bar Prices in Madrid

Sol, Plaza Mayor and Ópera

Around Santa Ana and Huertas

Gran Vía and Plaza de España

La Latina and Lavapiés: the Rastro area

Chueca and Santa Bárbara

Malasaña and north to Bilbao

Paseo del Prado, Recoletos and Retiro

Salamanca

The west

Madrid's Flamenco Bars

Café life