Nightlife

Nightlife or ‘la marcha', as the Spanish affectionately refer to it, reaches legendary heights in Madrid. It has believed that Madrilenos hardly ever sleep, and that is mostly because they spend a lot of time in tapas bars, not drunk, but partying in the easy, stylish way that is unique to this city. Spending the evening traveling from bar to bar and eating tapas is so popular, that the Spanish describe this act as tapear.

A. Favorite Spots

Cafe Gijon

Paseo de Recoletos 21, Chamberi, Madrid, Spain

Phone No.: 91/521-5425

This café is one of the most famous cafe-bars in Madrid. It plays host to the city's tertulias, which refers to discussion groups that meet and talk about issues of the day.

Champagneria Gala

Moratin 22, Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/429-2562

Champagneria Gala is a well-known champagne bar in Madrid that is famous for its Catalan cavas, which are a kind of sparkling white wines.

El Clandestino

Barquillo 34, Centro, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/521-5563

A French couple that actually seems to be Spaniards at heart runs this place. The local community that visits this place is extremely fond of the jam sessions. There are two floors alternating with mellow or jazz music. Moreover this bar-café is a hidden, low-key hot spot and you will notice that the people who hang out here are pretty cool and chilled out.

Hard Rock Cafe

Paseo Castellana 2, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/435-0200

As the name suggests this Hard Rock Cafe is wildly popular with the youth of this city. The usual drinks, burgers, and salads are served alongside a background of really loud music.

La Dolores

Plaza de Jesus 4, Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/429-2243

This place is sort of crowded, noisy, yet a wonderful place that serves the best draft beer in Madrid.

Oliver

Almirante 12, Centro, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/521-7379

This place has a combination of two bars in one. If you visit Oliver in the afternoon and evening you can relax while a live piano music recital can be heard in the upstairs lounge. If you are in a mood to dance, then visit this place after midnight where the downstairs area becomes a full-fledged Chueca disco.

Palacio de Gaviria

Arenal 9, Sol, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/526-8089

The palace turned hotel has recently started serving drinks in a sophisticated setting, with live jazz which is on till late at night.

Tapas bars

Bocaito

Libertad 6, Centro, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/532-1219

Bocaito is the place that serves some of the best tapas in Madrid. The Performances here generally start at midnight.

Taberna de Antonio Sanchez

Meson de Paredes 13, Lavapies, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/539-7826

Taberna de Antonio Sanchez is very well known and is one of the oldest bars in Madrid. If you ever happen to visit this place, order for wine and tapas at the old zinc bar in front and then head to the back for a full meal.

Dance clubs

Archy's

Marques de Riscal 11, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/310-5008

You can visit this club if you are looking to have a nice time dancing. The crowd that visits this place is hip and trendy.

Azucar

Paseo Reina Cristina 7, Atocha, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/501-6107

You will get to see a lot of people enjoying salsa dance to matching tunes.

E l Sol

Calle Jardines 3, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/532-6490

This is known to be Madrid's best club for wild, all-night dancing to international music.

Fortuny

Fortuny 34, Chamberi, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/319-0588

Fortuny draws a celebrity crowd especially in summer.

Pacha

Barcelo 11, Centro, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/447-0128

Pacha, one of Spain's well-known chain discos, is always energetic and full of lively people.

Music clubs

Amadis

Covarrubias 42, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/446-0036

The scene is sophisticated and you have to be more then 25 years of age in order to enter this place.

Cafe Central

Plaza de Angel 10, Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/369-4143

One of the most well known chic jazz venues and is well run. The musicians who perform here are extremely good and the show mostly starts at 10 PM.

Cafe del Foro

San Andres 38, Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/445-3752

A funky and friendly place where you can visit and have a good time.

Cafe Jazz Populart

Huertas 22, Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain

Phone: 91/429-8407

This place is very popular and features blues, Brazilian music, reggae, and salsa. This place gets rolling after 11 pm.