Madrid Nightlife – If you are a night owl, then you will find Madrid a paradise. Many of the city’s restaurants don’t open until eight or nine o’clock in the evening. Some other nighttime establishments don’t open until the early hours of the morning.
If you are looking for things to do and places to go then you need look no further than the Plaza de Santa Bárbara, the Glorieta de Bilbao and Alonso Martínez. These areas house a large number of popular bars, pubs, fast food restaurants and ice cream parlours for tourists to enjoy at their leisure.
However, if you are looking for a younger, student atmosphere, then you would be wise to try out the bars in the districts of Arguelles and Moncloa.
Those who travel to Malasaña, in the vicinity of the Plaza de Dos de Mayo, will find countless cafés and bars with live music, in addition to moderately priced restaurants.
Many other quality restaurants and popular night spots can be found in Paseo de la Castellana, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado. If you travel to Madrid in the summer months, you will also find many open-air terraces in the areas of the Paseo de la Castellana and the Parque del Oeste.
The Garamond
Calle de Claudio Coello 10
This bar has a castle-like interior and suits a smart, older crowd, and is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxing but entertaining night out.
Chicote
Grand Vía 12
This is Madrid’s most famous cocktail bar and has preserved its 1930s interior – it is easy to imagine American novelist Ernest Hemingway liked relaxing here during the Civil War.
Calle Echegaray 17
This is a respectable bar for a young, chic clientele, but was once a brothel run by gypsies. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and it is a great place to spend a night out.
Pachá
Calle Barceló 11. Gabana 1800, Calle de Velázquez 6,
This highly popular nightclub is a venue aimed at the uber-stylish 20 and 30-somethings – if the bouncer allows admission. Entry to this club is hard, but the energetic dance and techno music is worth it if you get in.
Moby Dick
Avenida de Brasil 5, Castellana district
This venue plays live pop and rock on weekdays and hosts DJs (reggae and rap) at weekends. It has a good, mixed crowd, where everyone is made to feel welcome.
The Irish Rover Pub
Avenida de Brasil 7
This quirky and homely pub imports Irish, folk and country music, and is ideal for those who are looking for a casual and entertaining night out.
