Just as in the rest of Spain, people here in Madrid go out
very late. Most begin the evening at around 10 PM at a tapas
bar. The nightclubs open up at around 1 AM but people head
for these at around 3 AM, when the bars close up. Then they
party and dance until around 7 AM, which is closing time for
most nightclubs. It is pretty common to stop over for some
breakfast on the way home at one of the city’s many
cafes.
For many, the weekend already starts on a Thursday
night as Fridays usually imply shorter workdays. Madrid’s
nightlife is so varied that everyone is sure to find something
to their liking. Spaniards in general are friendly and sociable
people so you should have no trouble meeting new people at
the places you go to.
Attire
Spaniards like to dress up when they go out. Even at ‚alternative’
bars people are seldomly wearing jeans or tennis shoes. Women
in Spain like to dress sensually, especially when going to
nightclubs and are always careful to ensure that they are
elegantly, fashionably and femininely dressed.
There are of course, those that dress with a somewhat freakish
fashion sense to stand out in the crowd.
Theatre, Movies and
Other Cultural Activities
If dancing all night long is not your cup of tea, there are
other quieter options to choose from when it comes to ways
to spend the night.
In Madrid there are over 100 movie theatres. Some are very
modern, with the latest movies out at the box office while
others are smaller and less frequented. These usually carry
foreign or independent films. Make sure to look out for the
Dia del Espectador – on these days movie tickets are
sold at a reduced price, sometimes even at 50% off.
Usually these days fall on Monday and Wednesdays.
Madrid also has many theatres to offer those
seeking cultural entertainment. Some of these put on classical
plays in huge halls and other theatres, usually smaller ones
put on more experimental and avant garde performances.
Other cultural activities on offer aside from the theatre
include orchestral performances, operas and many other artistic
productions. The Circulo de Bellas Artes is made up of a theatre,
a movie theatre, a cafe, and many other rooms in which new
events and exhibitions are constantly being organized and
displayed. Thanks to the Juan March Foundation, most activities
here are free.
For updated information regarding activities,
events and their current dates check the entertainment guide
Guia de Ocio.
Cafes, Tapas Bars and
Nightclubs
Madrid has cafes, tapas bars and nightclubs on almost every
block and therefore only the most well-known are mentioned.
The area most favoured by those who enjoy going out to these
places is probably Plaza Santa Ana. This
is where tourists usually flock to, however you will also
come across a considerable number of locals as well. Tapas
bars line the streets here so the selection is endless.
Along Castellana you will find mostly upscale
bars and nightclubs with the kind of crowd such places attract.
It is unlikely to find students here and the general age group
ranges from 25 years upwards. The same goes for Retiro
and Salamanca areas. This is where the "pijos"
hang out, Spanish for yuppies.
Running parallel to Castellana are many salsatecas
or salsa nightclubs, owned and run by Latin American immigrants.
In the Malasaña district
you’ll mostly come across simpler bars that can come
off as rather untidy or unclean. Prices here are very affordable
and the crowd is generally very young, mostly made up of students
who like to spend their evenings here. Plaza Dos de
Mayo is a square that is always buzzing with activity
– the clubs there are relatively stylish and therefore
quite expensive. When the bars in this area close down for
the night, the streets empty fairly quickly and it is not
a good idea to stay around for to long as in this part of
town street crime at that hour is very high.
The Chueca district is one of the favourite
areas of Madrid at the moment. It may be helpful to know that
this is the city’s gay area, that way you’ll know
what to expect before wandering into the nightclubs there.
If you’re a jazz or salsa fan, in Huerta
you’ll be sure to find a music bar to your liking. On
weekends these places usually have live music to enjoy along
with your drink.
The La Latina district is ideal for enjoying
a relaxing glass of red wine with your tapas in quiet inner
patios and courtyards.
