The best clubs and nightlife in Madrid
Many refer to Madrile?os as gatos (cats) for their tendency to enjoy late nights, and so, unsurprisingly, Madrid is a city with an exceptional nightlife offering. Our resident expert believes there is something for everyone, from cool rooftop bars and funky jazz venues to sophisticated opera houses and pounding nightclubs.
For further inspiration, see our guide to Madrid and the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars, tapas, shops, things to do and things to do for free.
Find nightlife by area
Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía
Azotea del Círculo
Zoom up to the vast roof terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes cultural centre near Plaza de Cibeles for jawdropping 360-degreee views across the city – it's particularly spectacular at sunset. With lots of low-slung seating for lounging on and a huge range of beer, wines, champagne, mixed drinks and cocktails, this is a great place to get in the swing of Madrid if you arrive on a warm night. Order a glass of cava or try an Azotea cocktail (whisky, lemon, cranberry juice and ginger ale). You can also have tapas or dinner up here in the restaurant.
Contact: azoteadelcirculo.com
Getting in: Smart casual dress; busy after 12am at weekends in summer
Discoteca El Son
Even people who claim not to be into clubbing cannot resist the lure of the dance floor at El Son; it's one of the most popular places for salsa, Latin and Caribbean music in Madrid. With live performances as well as DJs, this is a great place to end up with a group of friends. The club is on two levels, with an area where you can have a rest with a mojito. Things start warming up after 1am and it really gets going around 3am.
Contact​: facebook.com/discotecaelson
Prices:​ ​￡
Getting in:​ ​No dress code but expect to queue at weekends after 2am
Teatro de la Zarzuela
Madrid’s own version of light opera, known as zarzuela, is performed in this pretty theatre with a horseshoe shape, which is modelled on La Scala in Milan. Although it dates back to 1856, it was largely rebuilt in the early 20th century. Zarzuela emerged in the 17th century and is a cross between a play and a musical, usually with a lot of humour as well. The best-known zarzuela composers include Francisco Asenjo Barbieri, Federico de Chueca, Ruperto Chapí and Joaquín Gaztambide and the operettas are often set in the most traditional areas of the city.
Contact: teatrodelazarzuela.mcu.es
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Smart casual dress; booking usually required in advance
Plaza Mayor, Opera, and La Latina
Teatro Real
One of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe; it hosts an impressive programme of both its own and international productions and is also a leading venue for classical and occasionally contemporary music concerts and dance performances. Although the building dates back to the mid-19th century, it was extensively remodelled in the late 20th century to create a spectacular auditorium with superb acoustics that seats around 1,740 people in front of one of the largest stages in the world. There are some reasonably priced tickets available, but be warned that these are sold out months ahead.
Contact: teatroreal.es
Prices: ￡￡￡
Getting in: Smart dress required; booking usually required well in advance
Las Carboneras
On a lovely square in the heart of Madrid, this basement venue is run by flamenco artists. Although it is popular with tourists, the performances are always authentic, featuring top dancers, singers and musicians. There are usually two shows every evening and you can either book just for the performance and a drink (one hour) or for tapas beforehand as well (two hours). Children are welcome and are usually enthralled by the experience. If you get into the flamenco groove and want to keep the vibe going afterwards, head to the no-frills bar San Román Al Vicente Copas (Puerta Cerrada 7) for a drink.
Contact: tablaolascarboneras.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: No dress code; book ahead
Barrio de las Letras and Lavapiés
Café Central
This traditional café just off Plaza de Santa Ana is a much-loved institution in Madrid. You can spot it from its maroon wooden fa?ade, and the inside is decked out with iron columns, marble tables and red velvet banquettes. While you can have coffee, drinks or snacks at any time, it gets packed for the jazz and blues concerts that happen every night at 8pm and 10pm. It is popular with people of all ages and nationalities, and there is always a lively, friendly atmosphere. Order a beer or a vermouth and perhaps some ibérico ham croquettes to get started.
Contact: cafecentralmadrid.com
Prices: ￡
Getting in: It is worth booking to bag a table with a good view of the stage
Marula
You can groove the night away at Marula, just off Plaza de la Paja in the heart of medieval Madrid, then walk through the atmospheric lanes of the Austrias neighbourhood at dawn. It's found just off Plaza de la Paja in the heart of medieval Madrid, and has sleek interiors. Different DJs play every night – expect a lively mix of funk, soul, R&B, hip hop and Latin jazz. There are often live performances and jam sessions too, which start around 11.30pm. Things tend to hot up sometime after 2am and the place is jammed at weekends. Order a tequila sour or a pomada, made with Menorcan gin, lavender, ginger and lime.
Contact: sales.premiumguest.com/marula-club
Prices: ￡
Getting in: Go dressed as you are; you might have to queue on Fridays and Saturdays
Paseo del Prado and The Retiro Park
Teatro Kapital
This huge and wildly popular club is set in a former theatre and sprawls over seven galleried floors with a different vibe on each level. Start on the main dance floor, but venture upwards for karaoke on the second floor or a giant gin and tonic in the Kissing Room cocktail bar on level four. If you are more into mojitos and Latin grooves, hit floor six, and if you need a breath of fresh air, go up to the roof terrace. You can usually get in free before 1am on Thursdays, and it is cheaper before 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact: teatrokapital.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Clubbing attire
Chamberí
Clamores
Musicians from Spain and all over the world perform at this basement club in the Chamberí neighbourhood. Although Clamores is renowned for its jazz and blues concerts, the programme often features flamenco, folk, tango, latin and rock music too. Be prepared for a bit of a scrum around the marble tables without much room for manoeuvre, particularly at weekends. Fortunately the waiting staff are super efficient at wiggling between the gaps to keep everyone topped up with beers, gin and tonics and cocktails. Opt for Una Ranchera Jamaicana, for a mix of rum, mezcal and cocoa liqueur.
Contact: salaclamores.es
Prices: ￡
Getting in: Advisable to buy tickets online in advance
Madrid Río and Casa de Campo
Sala La Riviera
Down by the Manzanares river, La Riviera is a landmark venue with a large stage, a huge circular dance floor, nine bars and an outdoor space too – which is where everyone hangs out on hot summer nights when the breeze from the river means it is a few degrees cooler than in the centre. As well as club nights with DJs, it has an interesting programme of concerts by both major artists and up-and-coming bands.
Contact: salariviera.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Smart casual
How we choose
Every bar, venue or experience in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from casual pubs to exquisite cocktail bars – to best suit every type of traveller – and consider the service, drinks, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.