Whether you like to party or prefer to use the night time in a city to explore even more of the culture, there’s no denying that Madrid is a great destination regardless of your preference. And, residents of Madrid love to party and enjoy night-time entertainment so there’s plenty to see and do in the city after the sun goes down. If you’re visiting the Spanish capital, here are just some of the best things to do at night, from clubs and bars to entertainment, food, and late-night shopping.
Stroll Along the Gran Via:
Gran Via is the main street in Madrid, so you can be sure that there’s something for everybody to do here. If you’re stuck on what to do for your first night out in Madrid, head to Gran Via where you’ll be able to explore the masses of traditional restaurants, vibrant bars and busy clubs until you find something that takes your fancy. And, it’s a great place to hang out if you are visiting Madrid as a solo traveller; there are always plenty of people flying solo here, making it one of the best places in the capital to find new friends.
Relax at Discoteca Velvet:
If you want to go to a club in Madrid but don’t fancy the idea of bouncing house music and busy crowds, Discoteca Velvet offers the perfect solution. With comfortable sofas, unobtrusive music, and dark purple lighting, this relaxing lounge club is a great place to start off your night with your favourite drinks. Having been recently renovated, it’s definitely worth a visit simply to be amazed by the 16 million-point LED colour changing lights!
Image via TripAdvisor
Have a Retro Cocktail Party:
If you enjoy cocktails, El Cock Bar is the perfect destination for your night out in Madrid. Since its opening in 1921, the interior design of this unique cocktail bar hasn’t changed one bit, making it one of the most interesting nights out in the capital, too. And, it’s a favourite spot for many celebrities, with big names such as the Coen Brothers and Antonio Resines having been spotted here. They serve a wide range of traditional and modern cocktails, with some of the most popular items on the menu including Manhattan, Dry Martini, and Mochito.
Visit a Glamourous Club:
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the glamour and glitz side of Madrid’s nightlife, then there’s no better place to visit at night than Club Gabana 800. Located in the ex-hall of flamenco, it’s got a reputation in the city for a chic interior. And when it comes to famous faces, you’ve got a high chance of spotting them inside this club as its frequented by everyone from members of the royal family to famous Spanish talk show hosts. And when it comes to music, the latest hits are always played here with a selection of the top Spanish and international songs to dance to.
See a Flamenco Show:
Authentic, traditional flamenco shows are real symbols of Spain’s capital, and every professional flamenco dancer is both emotional and artistic, making every show an event to remember. You can find daily flamenco Madrid at Cardamomo, the flamenco tablao, which is located just a couple of minutes away from the Plaza de Santa Ana Square. And, the selection of delectable set menus means that you can accompany the show with some of the tastiest dishes in the city, with a wide selection of high-quality wines also available, to accompany whichever dish you choose.
Take a Night City Tour:
If you’d rather spend your night further immersing yourself in the culture of the city than partying, a night city tour is one of the best ways to do this. Even if you’ve already visited most of the main attractions in Madrid during the day, the night-time can bring a whole new life to them and provide you with a uniquely different experience. You can take both evening and night tours around the centre of Madrid, with both walking and bus tour options available.
Visit Legendary Bars:
There are several bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from in Madrid, but some are more legendary than others. One such bar is the Del Diego Bar, which has been serving happy customers since 1990. The owner, Ferdinando del Diego, worked in the Museo Chicote for thirty years, before opening the bar to showcase his knowledge and skills; today he is still working in the bar with his sons, who guarantee the continuation of the traditions and quality. Some of the most popular drinks that they offer include Black Russian, Tom Collins, and cognac Alexander.
Catch a Show at the Theatre:
If you enjoy theatre shows, then no night in Madrid would be complete without a visit to the Teatro de la Zarzula. It’s one of the major theatres in the capital and is often compared to shows in Vienna and other European capitals. The theatre always puts on bright, explicit performances, perfect for anybody who is an expressive, emotional person who loves drama and creativity. However, keep in mind that some performances start late into the evening, so expect to be out all night!
Enjoy Chocolate With Churros:
The locals in Madrid love the idea of finishing off a pleasant evening with a steaming cup of hot chocolate paired with churros, and it’s one of the most delicious treats that you could imagine. Churros are delicious, stick-shaped doughnuts which are dunked into the cup of hot chocolate. Visit Chocolateria San Gines for the best chocolate with churros; it’s famous for its sweet delights all over the city.
Enjoy Dinner on the Museum Terrace:
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a popular spot for tourists during the day, and once you’ve finished exploring all of the amazing exhibits, you can combine your visit with a delicious dinner and high-quality drinks. You can enjoy your meal on the terrace just next to this fabulous museum, for a unique and unforgettable experience that combines art and gastronomy perfectly.
Kyle Magnuson from Los Angeles, United States [CC BY 2.0]
See a Concert:
If you like classical music, then Madrid’s National Auditorium is the place to be. There are amazing classical music concerts held here almost every night of the year. Or, if you prefer to see something more casual and modern, the Circo Price or the Canal Theatre are great choices – often putting on contemporary dance and circus shows performed by both Spanish and international artists.
Watch the Sunset:
Last but not least, there are many spots in Madrid where you can watch the sun go down. There are several fantastic rooftop bars which make the perfect observation point for sunsets whilst enjoying a drink. One amazing bar is highly recommended by tourists and locals alike; Sunset Lockers, located at the top of the Mercury Hotel Santo Domingo, provides a stunning oasis right in the middle of the city centre. Alternatively, the restaurant at the Hotel Dear provides some of the best views of the city paired with delicious food and cocktails.
Madrid is one of the best cities to be if you want something fun and exciting to do at night. Whether you want to party or further explore the culture and heritage of Madrid, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
