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Where do I begin, a Spanish night out lasts a long…long time. Forget about pre-drinks, I need 1 or 2 cafe con leches before I have a night out in Madrid. In comparison to the British night out, it's much more chilled. By that I mean, the Spaniards drink at a pace, slowly and over a long time frame. I wouldn’t be surprised if they drink just as much as the English, if not more. They’re just not getting absolutely wasted until they can no longer walk. They’re still enjoying themselves but just ensuring they can last until the early hours of the morning without falling over like a mess. I take my hats off to the Spanish for teaching me that I don’t have to ‘keep up with the guys’ to have a good time.
I also appreciate that I don’t have to get dolled up to the nines here to impress people. When I went to my first nightclub here, I entered wearing Nike socks and white ( or once white) converse and I somehow got into the VIP Lounge. Don’t ask how, I’m English, therefore, don’t remember but I must have put on a pretty boss face.
I’ll be honest; the clubs aren’t particularly exclusive or eccentric, however, there is such a huge choice of clubs and bars with a variety of music. Some expensive, some less expensive but many with great lights, DJ’s and dancing.
Where to begin?!
Teatro Barcelo
I’m starting with this as this is the first night club I visited in Madrid..you know… the one I mentioned when I got into the VIP area and till this day only God knows how. Its got to be one of the most iconic clubs of Madrid Centre; although you have to look quite elegant to get in, or at least possess a professional boss face like me. But for safety measures, I recommend the elegant look.
Their music tends to be dance and hits, although you can hear more indie, rock and electronic music when events are happening.
Locate - Calle Barcelo, 11
Medias Puri
Medias Puri’s secretive club is in Tirso de Molina close to my lovely neighbourhood La Latina. It's right next to the Apolo Theatre and on the outside looks like more like a haberdashery. It's honestly packed every weekend because it's a thriving nightclub with three floors! It's like being back at Blackpool Tower Circus but with alcohol. Acrobats perform shows in flashy costumes and stunning make-up which obviously I love and the music is wild.
Locate - Plaza de Tirso de Molina, 1
Space Monkeys
Okay, so here the waitresses dance on tables here… I mean what’s not to love. Space Monkey provides indie and alternative music like The Beatles, The Killers and more. in Alonso Martínez. You can feel like a true Glastonbury kid in this bar and feel comfortable partying in your trainers and a t-shirt if you like!
Locate - Calle de Campoamor, 3,
Thundercat
The ThunderCat Club specialises mostly in rock music and having live music each weekend. It's a little small, but a great place to listen to live British rock and pop music. From Thursday through to Sunday you can enjoy live music with well-known songs. On Thursdays you can also get involved singing with a live band on stage, however, I think I will stick to just enjoying the music and leave the singing to the professionals.
Locate - Calle de Campoamor, 11
Fortuny
I would say Fortuny is probably one of the swankiest nightclubs here in Madrid, thanks to its interior design by Agustin Granel. It's super elegant and luxurious with its three-storey building providing a garden, restaurant and terrace which always gets full.
I would recommend wearing something a little fancy because I’ve worn a denim jacket and trainers and felt very much out of place, but I guess if you feel comfortable, then who cares ?!
Locate - Calle de Fortuny, 34
Barco
Barco is one of my most favourite nightclubs to listen to live music and their Friday and Saturday DJ and jam sessions always create long queues but its definitely worth the wait. They have different styles of music making it the best place to end your night enjoying your favourite music genre if you're in the Malasana area.
Locate - Calle del Barco, 34
Lady Pepa
As far as I know, 20 years ago this underground Italian Bistro was still the same as it is today. When I first came to this place I was in shock. For a start it's open 2.30 am-7.30 am which is crazy. You can eat pasta and listen to the piano man before heading back home. My honest opinion is to not bother with the food, because they microwave it on the bar table which wouldn’t happen in the UK. But you really have to go for a drink and a sing-a-long and blast to the past in this speak-easy style cave and early morning treasure.
Locate - Calle de San Lorenzo, 5
Liberty
This club is super fashionable in Madrid’s fancy neighbourhood Salamanca. There are two floors; one that’s Reggaeton and the other House music with hits from the past and present. It's also a nice place for an Instagramable photo with its neon signs and bright lights.
Locate - Calle de Juan Bravo, 31
Gunilla
This is a very art deco style club which has a huge dance floor with many privates spots surrounding the DJ. It's one of the newest clubs here in Madrid and is incredibly impressive with its baroque style lamps and high ceilings. Its music always has the best hits of the time which is perfect if you're into pop chart songs.
Locate - Paseo de Recoletos, 16
Bling Bling
Bling Bling is very glamorous and trendy not only because of the flash decor, but also the fancy dressed people from all over the world who visit this nightclub. The reggaeton and commercial music there makes it the best place to let your hair down and dance the night away until the only thing you’ll regret is you hangover the next morning.
Locate - Calle de Genova, 28
Unas Chung Lee
Okay, this is the one place I haven’t been to because you have to be 25 to enter, but gosh when I hit 25 I will be there! I have friends who’ve shown me videos and the shows seem to be influenced by the Far East. You can also get your nails and face paint done for free which sounds amazing. The acrobatics, dancers and actors performances look incredible. This crazy psychedelic, Asian themed, futuristic, neon, paper lantern decorated nightclub looks like the place to go!
Locate - Calle de Hilarión Eslava, 38
Graf
This place is in the famous Salamanca neighbourhood and it has the best shows in Madrid. The Graf has two big terraces and a lounge area which is ideal for groups wanting to enjoy a great atmosphere in one of the most fashionable nightclubs of Madrid. Each weekend you can enjoy House, Commercial and even Reggaeton music of the moment from the DJ. This is the place to be!
Locate - Calle de María de Molina, 50
Cafe Berlin
This is a spectacular place if you want an after-party and great live music. Their performances include concerts and gigs with flamenco, pop and jazz music. Its also got a very cool 70’s style dance floor where you can feel drunk and free to bust out your best Saturday Night Fever moves!
Locate - C, Costanilla de los Ángeles, 20
You will have to let me know how long you can last on a night out in Spain. Mine is 10pm - 8.30am! Can you beat me?! I challenge you!
“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”
― Ron White
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