When the sun goes down, Madrid wakes up. The Madrileños meet outside, eat late and party into the night - relaxed, warm and typically Spanish.
In Madrid's trendy district Malasaña, the night takes place on the street, as a collective, never-ending procession. You are constantly changing locations, stumbling from one encounter to the next as if you were part of a dynamic organism.
In narrow alleyways with facades full of colorful murals, time-honored tabernas line up next to cool cocktail bars, tiny punk bars next to craft beer bars. People drink at "La Vía Láctea" and "El Penta" or in the "Bodega de la Ardosa" - and dance, for example, in the "Perro" ("Dog"), short for "El Perro de la Parte de Atrás del Coche". The Movida Madrileña was born in Madrid's alternative district in the 1980s: students, artists and creatives discussed the future after Franco in cafés and bars. The spirit of optimism from back then is still palpable; in Malasaña, people tried things out and tasted freedom - it's no different today.
Madrid is the city of late nights - only when the heat of the day gives way do the Madrileños gather outside in the city center. Food is not eaten before ten, celebrations not before midnight; relaxed, sociable, warm-hearted, typical of Spain. The late rhythm and the naturalness with which the night is savored until the morning represent a culture that measures time in encounters. Dancing often takes place when a working day awaits. Farewells are often delayed. Another cerveza? Another vermouth? Sure! The nights are in flux, but often end in the same place: in the "Chocolatería San Ginés" near the Puerta del Sol. With a final refreshment: churros dipped in chocolate.
In addition to Malasaña, one of the most famous nightlife districts is Chueca, a hotspot for the LGBTQ community, with many bars, clubs and rooftop spots. In La Latina, Madrileños like to start the night with tapas, especially at Cava Baja. The Barrio de las Letras (Huertas) is famous for pubs and live music. A special tip is the multi-award-winning cocktail bar Salmon Guru, in a stylish retro look. One of the most renowned flamenco tablaos and most important institutions in the city is the "Corral de la Morería". If you're more into electronic music, head to the mega-club "Fabrik" in the south of the city. Madrid's upper class meets in Salamanca, in lounges, fine gourmet restaurants and upscale bars such as "The Shaker".
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