You’ll also have the chance to sample the typical gastronomy from each of the regions in Spain, as well as cuisine from all the five continents. You won't need to go far to find all the best-known dishes from any of the world’s countries, as there are numerous international and regional restaurants to choose from. Many of these are located in the Huertas area, near the squares of Jacinto Benavente and Tirso de Molina, and in the streets around Fuencarral and the Plaza de España.

Haute cuisine: you'll be able to indulge yourself in some of Madrid's greatest restaurants, where meticulous attention to every last detail guarantees diners an exquisite and sublime experience. The original presentation of the dishes is only the start; the best part comes later, when you discover a whole new world of exceptional and surprising tastes. This is all thanks to top chefs and cooks such as Santi Santamaría, Sergi Arola, Ferrán Adriá and Paco Roncero, among others.

Early drinks: you can spend relaxing evenings in Madrid enjoying delicious cocktails in designer venues while you indulge in a little quiet conversation, without the need to raise your voice. You'll find places serving a wide range of cocktails, both with and without alcohol, to enjoy in good company while music plays in the background. We recommend the streets of Gran Vía and Reina, home to bars and cocktail lounges with years of tradition and glamour which have been frequented by numerous celebrities over the years.

On days when the weather is at its most pleasant, you’ll find a whole host of terraces throughout the city. These are generally located in the historic centre and near squares such as the Plaza de Oriente, las Descalzas, del Ángel and Santa Ana. There are all kinds of places, ranging from the most typical where you can have a “caña” (small glass of beer), to exotic tea rooms or live music venues –special highlights include the jazz clubs in streets like Jacometrezo, Alburquerque or the Plaza del Ángel square; and live flamenco shows accompanied by dinner.

The "Movida" in Spain (between about midnight and 4 am)

Madrid’s lively nightlife is famous all over the world. If there is one city where you know you’ll be able to dance all night long to whatever music you like, where you’ll come across people from hundreds of different nationalities and discover venues in every possible style, that city must be Madrid.

You’ll see how the atmosphere changes depending on the area. If you’re looking for an evening with a little refinement, take a stroll around the Salamanca district. If you prefer something more underground with rock and alternative pop, head for the Malasaña neighbourhood. And to find the latest hip discos and clubs with sessions by the best DJs, as well as the chance to spot a few famous faces, the best place to go is the centre, in the area around the Gran Vía and Sol.

Although any time in Madrid is a good time for dancing and meeting people, you’ll find the best atmosphere on Thursdays to Saturdays, starting around midnight.

Gay scene: there’s a different way to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife. Just head for the Chueca area, where all inhibitions have been cast aside to make way for fun and tolerance, and where you’ll be find a whole host of wicked venues, techno discos and designer clubs. In fact this neighbourhood has always been a beacon of modernity, and was the birthplace of the famous "movida madrileña" (a countercultural movement of the 70s and 80s). And as well as being the favourite hangout of the gay and transsexual community, the streets in this area are becoming more and more popular with anyone looking for first-rate nightlife.

In summer, it’s well worth visiting the outdoor terraces in the surroundings of the Plaza de Chueca square, where you’re always guaranteed to find a great atmosphere. And of course if you want to see for yourself everything that’s on offer in this most openly tolerant of cities, why not visit Madrid during Gay Pride Week (last week of June)? The event features open air concerts and shows, as well as a parade of floats and fancy dress, while the whole area is awash with rainbow flags.

Partying all night long (after about 4.00 am)

In Madrid, you can always head for an after-hours club to carry on partying. What’s more, if you're somebody who feels a little peckish after a night out on the town, why not try the Spanish custom of enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate with “churros” (hot fritters) sprinkled with sugar while you watch the sun come up? You'll love it!

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You’ll also have the chance to sample the typical gastronomy from each of the regions in Spain, as well as cuisine from all the five continents. You won't need to go far to find all the best-known dishes from any of the world’s countries, as there are numerous international and regional restaurants to choose from. Many of these are located in the Huertas area, near the squares of Jacinto Benavente and Tirso de Molina, and in the streets around Fuencarral and the Plaza de España.

Haute cuisine: you'll be able to indulge yourself in some of Madrid's greatest restaurants, where meticulous attention to every last detail guarantees diners an exquisite and sublime experience. The original presentation of the dishes is only the start; the best part comes later, when you discover a whole new world of exceptional and surprising tastes. This is all thanks to top chefs and cooks such as Santi Santamaría, Sergi Arola, Ferrán Adriá and Paco Roncero, among others.

Early drinks: you can spend relaxing evenings in Madrid enjoying delicious cocktails in designer venues while you indulge in a little quiet conversation, without the need to raise your voice. You'll find places serving a wide range of cocktails, both with and without alcohol, to enjoy in good company while music plays in the background. We recommend the streets of Gran Vía and Reina, home to bars and cocktail lounges with years of tradition and glamour which have been frequented by numerous celebrities over the years.

On days when the weather is at its most pleasant, you’ll find a whole host of terraces throughout the city. These are generally located in the historic centre and near squares such as the Plaza de Oriente, las Descalzas, del Ángel and Santa Ana. There are all kinds of places, ranging from the most typical where you can have a “caña” (small glass of beer), to exotic tea rooms or live music venues –special highlights include the jazz clubs in streets like Jacometrezo, Alburquerque or the Plaza del Ángel square; and live flamenco shows accompanied by dinner.

The "Movida" in Spain (between about midnight and 4 am)

Madrid’s lively nightlife is famous all over the world. If there is one city where you know you’ll be able to dance all night long to whatever music you like, where you’ll come across people from hundreds of different nationalities and discover venues in every possible style, that city must be Madrid.

You’ll see how the atmosphere changes depending on the area. If you’re looking for an evening with a little refinement, take a stroll around the Salamanca district. If you prefer something more underground with rock and alternative pop, head for the Malasaña neighbourhood. And to find the latest hip discos and clubs with sessions by the best DJs, as well as the chance to spot a few famous faces, the best place to go is the centre, in the area around the Gran Vía and Sol.

Although any time in Madrid is a good time for dancing and meeting people, you’ll find the best atmosphere on Thursdays to Saturdays, starting around midnight.

Gay scene: there’s a different way to enjoy Madrid’s nightlife. Just head for the Chueca area, where all inhibitions have been cast aside to make way for fun and tolerance, and where you’ll be find a whole host of wicked venues, techno discos and designer clubs. In fact this neighbourhood has always been a beacon of modernity, and was the birthplace of the famous "movida madrileña" (a countercultural movement of the 70s and 80s). And as well as being the favourite hangout of the gay and transsexual community, the streets in this area are becoming more and more popular with anyone looking for first-rate nightlife.

In summer, it’s well worth visiting the outdoor terraces in the surroundings of the Plaza de Chueca square, where you’re always guaranteed to find a great atmosphere. And of course if you want to see for yourself everything that’s on offer in this most openly tolerant of cities, why not visit Madrid during Gay Pride Week (last week of June)? The event features open air concerts and shows, as well as a parade of floats and fancy dress, while the whole area is awash with rainbow flags.

Partying all night long (after about 4.00 am)

In Madrid, you can always head for an after-hours club to carry on partying. What’s more, if you're somebody who feels a little peckish after a night out on the town, why not try the Spanish custom of enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate with “churros” (hot fritters) sprinkled with sugar while you watch the sun come up? You'll love it!

Close