Nightlife in Madrid: Your Guide to Going Out

Spain is famous the world over for its nightlife and party culture.

With trendy bars, happening nightclubs and so much more, Madrid is the place to be for the ultimate night on the town. And of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that nights go late here. Madrileños will often head out to the clubs around the same time that people in other countries would be calling it a night and heading home! If you can keep up, nightlife in Madrid can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. Here are our favorite late-night hotspots.

Ready to experience the iconic nightlife in Madrid? Here's where to go and what to do!

Teatro Kapital

Going to Teatro Kapital is practically a rite of passage when it comes to nightlife in Madrid. With seven floors spanning all kinds of musical styles from Latin to funk to R&B and so many more, the mythical nightclub has made a name for itself as one of the most iconic nighttime hotspots in the city. As the largest club in Madrid and one of the largest in Europe, it draws eager visitors from all corners of the globe. It features dozens of bars (including one on the roof), a cozy area for couples complete with a movie screen, a karaoke stage and so much more. It’s a one-stop wonder for the most complete nightlife experience in the city!

AddressCalle de Atocha, 125

Joy Eslava

Another legendary destination in the heart of Madrid, Joy Eslava stands out due to the fact that it’s open 365 days a year (unlike many clubs which only open on the weekends). The four-story venue opened 150 years ago as a theater, and details of its old-world past can still be seen. It was renovated and inaugurated as a nightclub in the 1980s and the party hasn’t stopped since. Partygoers can enjoy a different theme each night of the week, which keeps things fresh. The club enjoys international renown as a reference point for some of the best nightlife in Madrid.

AddressCalle del Arenal, 11

Joy Eslava is a must when it comes to nightlife in Madrid!
Joy Eslava’s recognizable exterior gives a glimpse into the venue’s past life as a theater. Photo credit: Tnarik Innael

Marula Cafe

If you’re looking for a nightclub with a more intimate, authentic vibe, head to Marula Cafe. This veteran nighttime hotspot in La Latina has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for years. Their playlist of the hottest international hits provides a pleasantly surprising musical variety. It’s also home to one of Madrid’s best outdoor terraces, making it a particularly excellent option on those warm summer nights. The entrance fee is quite reasonable compared to other clubs in the city and allows you access to a more laid-back atmosphere.

AddressCalle de Caños Viejos, 3

Nightlife in Madrid can be incredibly varied. For great music and an international vibe, check out Marula Cafe!
Good vibes and even better music set the tone at Marula Cafe. Photo credit: Marula Cafe

Cafe Central

For more than 35 years, Cafe Central has been a reference for excellent jazz music in Madrid. If you’re looking to spend a more relaxed evening enjoying smooth sounds in good company, this is the place for you. The building which houses the club dates back to 1908 and has continually been used as a live music venue. Today, Cafe Central enjoys a status as one of the world’s top jazz clubs according to respected jazz publication Down Beat. Despite its renown, it stays true to its humble roots as a place where people from all walks of life can come and enjoy a fantastic show.

AddressPlaza del Ángel, 10

Museo Chicote

Vintage Hollywood glamour meets fun, modern vibes at Museo Chicote, one of the most legendary spots for nightlife in Madrid. Dating back to 1931, its claim to fame is its status as Spain’s first American-style bar. It became such a success that cultural icons such as Ernest Hemingway, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra were known to have made appearances here. Today, it retains much of the original art deco design and classic cocktails that made it famous, while adapting to the vibrant modern pace of the city.

AddressCalle Gran Vía, 12

A legendary place to experience nightlife in Madrid: Museo Chicote, home to fabulous cocktails and a long list of famous clientele.
The expertly mixed cocktails at Museo Chicote have kept customers coming back for decades! Photo credit: Emilia Brandão for Museo Chicote

Wurlitzer Ballroom

Calling all rock fans! When it comes to nightlife in Madrid, you can’t get much better than the legendary Wurlitzer Ballroom. With reasonable prices, an unbeatable location near Gran Vía and carefully controlled crowd sizes (get there early to grab a spot!), it includes all the makings of a perfect night out. The industrial space plays host to national and international rock bands of all stylings, including punk, metal, garage and more. This mainstay on Madrid’s live music scene is synonymous with an unforgettable night out.

AddressCalle de las Tres Cruces, 12

0 Comment

  1. Nigel says
    May 1, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    Nightlife in Madrid is awesome.
    Unfortunately it’s not as late and vibrant as it once was.

    1. Devour Tours says
      May 4, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Thanks for reading, Nigel! It’s definitely interesting to consider how nightlife in Madrid has changed over the years.

  2. Migi says
    February 15, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    If you want to experience the famous late late night of Madrid forget the tourists spots like plaza de Santa Ana and plaza Mayor.
    Head towards Malasaña and Argüelles.
    That’s where the locals party harder and louder than any where else on earth.

    1. Devour Tours says
      February 22, 2021 at 8:59 am

      Two of the most happening neighborhoods in town for sure!

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