Source: Adam Jones
Madrid, capital city of Spain and home to thousands of great bars, from the intimate and traditional to the modern. It is undeniable that some of the most exciting and varied bars and clubs in Europe are to be found in this throbbing city. The night starts late here and goes on til the morning, prepare for nightlife Spanish style and the unrivaled all night fiesta.
1. Cafe Central
This place has been hosting live music concerts for over 30 years with an emphasis on jazz of the highest standards. Throughout the day the cafe is open with a great atmosphere. It’s a nice place for a morning coffee, but the evenings are when things really liven up. Sip on rioja and enjoy a cheese and ham platter while you soak in the musical atmosphere in a cozy setting.
Information
- Name: Cafe Central
- Address: Plaza del Ángel 10, 28012 Madrid
- Telephone: 91 369 41 43
- Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 2.30 am/ Fri and Sat open til 3.30 am
- Website:http://www.cafecentralmadrid.com/
2. El Viajero
Located in La Latina, El Viajero is a roof top bar where you can gaze out at as the sun sets over some of the oldest and most beautiful rooftops in Madrid, including the domes of churches San Francisco and San Andres. This is the place to go for possibly the most enviable view in the city. Choose the mojito and relax with friends among the plant-lined bar.
Information
- Name: El Viajero
- Address: Plaza de la Cebada , 11
- Opening hour: Every day except Mondays
- Website: http://www.elviajeromadrid.com/en/#roof-garden
3. Antigua Casa Angel Sierra
Serving popular beer and vermouth on tap since 1917, this old tavern style bar is a popular spot in the Chueca district. Weekends get busy as the crowds spills out onto the square close by. A nice place to enjoy a drink if you prefer a more traditional setting.
Information
- Name: Antigua Casa Angel Sierra
- Address: Calle de Gravina 11, Madrid
- Telephone: +34 91 531 01 26
- Opening hour: Noon – 1 am
4. Teatro Joy Eslava
Located in an old 19th century theatre, this is an old Madrid staple, a dance club with a lot of history. There is different music and a variety of scenes on different days of the week from Hip Hop and RnB to International House. There are even the occasional live cabaret acts and performances on stage. This place should not disappoint anyone!
Information
- Name: Teatro Joy Eslava
- Address: Calle del Arenal 11, Madrid
- Opening hour: 11.30pm-6am
- Website: www.joy-eslava.com
5. Fatigas de Querer
If you want to feel like a real Madrileno (native from Madrid) head down to Fatigas de Querer. You’ll find a vast wine list and great food too, from tapas and larger meals to small snacks to accompany your nice glass of rioja. Loud and popular.
Information:
- Name: Fatigas de Querer
- Address: Calle de la Cruz, 17
28012 Madrid- Telephone: 915 23 21 31
- Opening Hours: 11am – 1.30 am
6. Sol y Sombra
If you want contemporary music in a stylish setting with a cool, hip crowd then come here. You need to look a little sophisticated but once inside it’s a great venue live jazz, soul, R&B and flamenco as well as all the music you might expect young Madrilenos to want dance to until 5 am.
Information:
- Name: Sol y Sombra
- Address: Calle de Echegaray 18
28005 Madrid- Telephone: 91.521.57.38 / 632.43.51.66
- Opening Hours: 10 pm – 3.30 am / Closed Sundays.
- Website: http://www.solysombra.name
7. Clamores
If it’s good quality live music you are after, look no further then Clamores. Originally a classic jazz venue it’s now home to some incredibly varied live world music, pop, flamenco, jazz and more. Some shows start a bit earlier at around 9 pm, for a really late night dancing away come on the weekends when it’s open til late.
Information
- Name: Clamores
- Address: Calle de Alburquerque 14
- Price: Varies.
- Opening Hours: 8pm – 1 am
- Website: http://www.salaclamores.es/
8. La Venencia
Right on the old cobbled street of Calle de Echegaray this famous bar was one of Ernest Hemingway’s regular haunts and a must-visit when in Madrid. They only serve sherry (Jerez) and water, and the Jerez is served (all five types of it) with green olives alongside. The bar has not changed since the days of Hemingway, and is steeped in history and atmosphere with old barrels and tobacco stained walls.
Information
- Name: La Venencia
- Address: Calle de Echegaray,7 28014 Madrid
- Opening Hours: 12.30pm – 1 am (closes between 4pm and 7.30 pm)
- Telephone:914 29 73 13
9. Mercado de San Miguel
This market was reopened in 2009 but dates back to 1916. It’s the kind of place you could spend a long time and still not get bored. Food is clearly a draw here with 33 stalls all specialising in Spanish delicacies, but there are also several bars located within the market where you can get a glass of Sherry, wine, beer or vermouth (red, white and pink and all on tap). Go for the atmosphere.
Information
- Name: Mercado de San Miguel
- Address: Plaza de San Miguel 28005, Madrid
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 12 am
- Website: http://www.mercadodesanmiguel.es/
10. Le Cabrera
‘An oasis in the capital” and it’s true. This gastro bar is gaining popularity for its food and cocktails not to mention the ambience. A great place to kick back after a busy and bustling day in the city in a cool and modern setting. Try the mini burgers topped with foi gras before you order another cocktail.
Information
- Name: Le Cabrera
- Address: Calle Doña Bárbara de Braganza, 2, 28004, Madrid
- Opening Hours: 7pm – 2 am
- Website: http://www.cienllaves.com/terraza/
A perfect trip to Madrid must include sampling the famous nightlife. Vermouth on tap is a Madrid tradition, as is going out very late and staying up until the small hours. Make sure you investigate and explore all the different kinds of bars available in this incredible city.
Have a good trip and travel!
