There are a number of cities that are described as 'cities that never sleep' and Madrid is one of them. Going out on the town in Madrid is not a preserve of the young, but you need to know which part of the city is best for you.
Whichever district you choose from this page, remember to arrive late (you might need a siesta to keep up). In Spain you shouldn't dream of going out for dinner before 9pm or drinks before 11pm. Read more about 24 Hours in Spain to make sure you get on Spanish time for your trip.
More: Madrid Guide | Madrid Tapas Tour (book direct).
1. Malasaña and Chueca
Image: Tnarik (Creative Commons)
The area north of Gran Via is where the best of Madrid's nightlife can be found. Walking up Calle Fuencarral from Gran Via, Malasaña is on your left and Chueca is on your right. Malasaña is where you will find the alternative music - indie, rock, pop and punk; Chueca is nominally the 'gay' district, but all sexual persuasions can be found dancing to straight-up (no pun intended) dance music.
Though technically illegal, large numbers of young people drink in Plaza de Dos de Mayo. (called botellón).
Read more about my favorite of the Malasaña Madrid Nightlife
- Metro: Tribunal, Chueca
- Where are the bars?: For Malasaña, around Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, Calle la Palma and Calle de Velarde. For Cheuca, the area around Plaza de Chueca.
2. La Latina
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The La Latina nightlife is generally aimed at the 30 to 40 age bracket. Lots of wine bars centered around the Cava Baja street. Make sure you pop into La Solea for the nightly flamenco performances.
- Metro: La Latina.
- Where are the bars?: Cava Baja street.
Read more about Flamenco in Madrid
3. Huertas
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The Huertas district, now officially a part of the Barrio de las Letras, is a diverse mix of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. All ages rub shoulders here. There are low-key bars for the older generations and bars offering free shots to the younger crowd. The closer you get to Puerta del Sol the more touristy it gets, with a number of large Irish pubs around there.
- Metro: Anton Martin, Sol.
- Where are the bars?: Around Calle Huertas.
4. Bajos de Argüelles
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If old heavy metal is your thing, venture to where few tourists are seen. These bars are cheap and cheerful but the crowd is enthusiastic. Drink calimocho while you're here, the drink of choice for Spanish metallers since Jimmy Plant first started riffing.
- Metro: Argüelles.
- Where are the bars?: Calle de Andrés Mellado.
5. Callao
Image: Epidemia (Creative Commons)
Littered around Gran Via there are a number of Goth superclubs. The crowd here is dressed to the nines - big black boots, ashen faces and dark eyeliner. And that's just the men! But everyone is welcome here regardless of your attire. Don't be afraid. Actually, do be afraid, I think that's the point.
- Metro: Callao.
- Where are the bars?: Club 666 is at The Moon on C/Aduana 21 (Friday and Saturday). Dark Hole is at Flamingo Club on Mesonero Romanos, 13 (Saturdays).
