After Dark in the Spanish Capital: Madrid's Nightlife

Madrid’s Flamenco shows

Whilst in Madrid, experience Spain's famed Flamenco dance at one of the many shows that happen across town each night. Las Tablas Nuevo Espacio Escenico, located close to the Royal Palace on Plaza de España, is a popular choice with shows at 20:00 p.m. and 22:00 p.m each evening and a full menu of appetising dishes available. Other notable shows include the Cardamomo on Calle de Echegaray with three shows a day and a glass of sangria included in the price of the ticket and the highly acclaimed Corral de la Moreria on Calle de la Moreria. As with the others, there is the option to combine the show with a meal, making for a memorable evening spent enjoying great Spanish dance and cuisine.

Musicals and Theatres in Madrid

Theatre lovers will not be disappointed by Madrid's offerings when it comes to the stage. The city is especially good for musicals, with the likes of The Lion King, Les Miserables, Anastasia and Ghost all finding a home in the theatres of Gran Via, Madrid's answer to Broadway. Ticket prices can vary, so booking online is recommended.

For opera, the Teatro Real is a fantastic choice, with the ornate decor being worth the visit alone, whilst the Teatro de la Zarzuela hosts numerous operas, classical concerts and dance performances.
To catch a gritty and powerful production, try the Theatre for the People on Plaza de Carlos Cambronero. Focusing on stripped-back storytelling and effective acting, the theatre company stages exciting contemporary works in intimate surroundings.

Eating Out in Madrid

Feasting on tapas in one of Madrid's excellent tapas bars not only gives you a real taste of the local cuisine but it is also where much of the nightlife in Madrid happens.
Vinoteca Barbechera, on Plaza de Santa Ana serves delicious dishes alongside a great selection of wines and is a good choice if travelling with the family. For a classical tapas bar experience with excellently made dishes, head to La Castela, located just east of Retiro Park, on Calle Doctor Castelo. Larger dishes such as bull tail stew and clams in cherry sauce are available whilst generously proportioned free tapa come with each drink. The prices are reasonable, service snappy and atmosphere lively.
Another brilliant way to pass an evening and sample some of the best cuisine Madrid has to offer is at the Market of San Miguel, just beside Plaza Mayor. As well as gorging on gourmet tapas and fine wines, you can pick up a wide variety of Spanish delicacies here, to enjoy later or to take back home. Since the market is open until midnight Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, and until 2.00 a.m. Thursday to Saturday, you really can take your time, watching the whirl of activity as you savour the culinary delights.

Madrid's Nightclubs

When many of the Madrid's bars have pulled down their shutters for the night, the clubs are just getting going. Most open at midnight and stay open until 6:00 a.m., although the peak of the party rarely comes before 3.00 a.m. It is worth bearing in mind that things pick up a little later here, so unless you do not mind being the sole person in the nightclub, do not bother arriving before 1:30 a.m.
Joy Eslava is somewhat of a Madrid institution, opening every night of the week and attracting throngs of people looking to party. The music policy changes each evening, ranging from house music (Tuesdays) to hip hop and R&B (Wednesdays), but expect a lively atmosphere and diverse crowd whatever the night.
To rub shoulders with the Madrid in-crowd, check out Gabana 1800 which draws a glamorous and often famous crowd whilst, Palacio Fortuny, a XIX palace, includes a nightclub, terrace, garden and restaurant.

Getting around at night

Getting around Madrid at night is fairly easy, with the metro running until 1:30 a.m. and a night bus service which runs from 23:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Taxis are cheap and can be hailed easily, whilst walking in the centre is also an option as Central Madrid is quite compact and full of people, no matter what time of night. 

Get more for less when exploring Madrid. Discover Madrid on a budget with our affordable hotels in Madrid.

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• Madrid flamenco shows
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Author: Juan José González Sánchez

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa

I have extensive experience as Guest Relations, I have been working in the company for almost 14 years, I was one of the first Guest Relations at NH, before I worked in luxury hotels of the Meliá and Hesperia chains in Madrid and previously in London.
About my job I like that every day we live a new adventure to create unique experiences that make stays in Madrid unforgettable.
I like everything about Madrid, they have an unbeatable social and cultural variety every day you can find new things to do, see or eat.