BarCo
Fodor's choice
One of Malasaña's most popular nightclubs, for both its live shows (funk, jazz, and more) and late-night DJ sets, BarCo is a guaranteed good time. Acoustics here are a rung above the competition's.
12 Best Nightlife in Madrid, Spain
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Nightlife, or la marcha, is often drawn out past 6 am in Madrid, and visitors always wonder how locals can get by on (what appears to be) so little shut-eye. Unlike in other European cities, where partying is a pastime geared only toward the young, there are plenty of bars and discotecas with mixed-age crowds, and it's not uncommon for children to play on the sidewalks past midnight while multigenerational families and friends convene over coffee or cocktails at an outdoor café. For those in their thirties, forties, and up who don't plan on staying out until sunrise, the best options are the bars along the Cava Alta and Cava Baja, Calle Huertas near Plaza de Santa Ana, and Calle Moratín near Antón Martín. Those who want to stay out till the wee hours have more options: Calle Príncipe and Calle De la Cruz, lined with sardine-can bars lined with locals, and the scruffier streets that snake down toward Plaza de Lavapiés. But the neighborhood most synonymous with la vida nocturna is Malasaña, which has plenty of trendy hangouts along Calle San Vicente Ferrer, Calle La Palma, and all around Plaza de Dos de Mayo. Another major nightlife contender is is Chueca, where tattoo parlors and street-chic boutiques sit between LGBT+ (yet hetero-friendly) bars bars, dance clubs, and after-hours clubs.
In general, cafés in Madrid can be classified into two groups: those that have been around for many years (La Pecera del Círculo, Café de Oriente), where writers, singers, poets, and discussion groups still meet and where conversations are usually more important than the coffee itself, and Nordic-style third-wave venues (Hanso, Toma Café, Hola Coffee, Federal Café) tailored to hip and hurried urbanites that tend to have a wider product selection, modern interiors, and Wi-Fi.
Bling Bling
This glitzy ever-crowded nightclub attracts a well-heeled local crowd with house, reggaeton, and remixed pop tracks. Dress to impress: this isn't an easy door.
Cadavra Club
Opened in 2022, Cadavra is a bumping underground nightclub with something for every type of reveler, from live music lovers (Wednesday jam sessions and concerts Thursday–Saturday) to techno-heads (Thursday–Saturday starting around midnight).
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Discoteca Azúcar
Salsa dancing is a fixture of Madrid nightlife. Even if you don't have the guts to twirl and shake with the pros on the dance floor, you'll be almost as entertained sipping a mojito on the sidelines. Entry with two cocktail vouchers costs €12.
El Amante
With two winding floors filled with nooks hosting the city’s best-heeled crowds, this might be the closest thing you'll find in Madrid to a posh private New York club. Music is usually bass-heavy electronic or house. The door is tough, so be sure to dress to impress (no sneakers allowed). Get here before 1:30 am or be ready to wait in line.
Independance Club
Your favorite underground European artist has likely played at this perennially packed venue with a large subterranean dance floor and good sound and lights.
Ocho y Medio
Not for the faint of heart, the booze-fueled pop and techno parties here are a favorite of the younger set and peak at 4 am. Arrive before 1 am to avoid slow, snaking lines.
Oh My Club
At this hopping venue, you'll find plenty of space to dance (under the gaze of go-go girls) to hip-hop and reggaeton but also quieter nooks where you can chat.
Opium
Sure, you can have a fancy Spanish fusion dinner in this upscale modern nightclub, but most patrons come late, when the dance floor heats up with bumping electronic and reggaeton music.
Sala El Sol
Madrid's oldest discoteca continues to win over patrons with all-night dancing to live music (starting around midnight Thursday–Saturday) and DJ sets. Check the website to see what's on the docket, and prepurchase tickets for parties like Trueno, popular among techno-heads.
Tupper Ware
Throw on a graphic tee and a pair of ripped jeans and fist-pump the night away at this alternative rock and indie bar that blasts throwback cult classics till 3 am daily.
Velvet
Trippy and chameleonlike, thanks to colorful LED lights and the undulating shapes of the columns and walls, this is the place to go if you want a late-night drink without the thunder of a full-blown DJ.
