Madrid, Spain is a city known for its vibrant nightlife. Both locals and tourists alike love to party and stay out late, with most venues opening around 1 a.m. and getting busy around 3 a.m. Here are some of the best nightclubs in Madrid.
Joy Eslava
This concert venue and nightclub often has live music acts earlier on in the evening and DJ sets late into the night. Joy Eslava also has “light nights” so that teens under 18 can dance and party early with an alcohol-free experience. The cover isn’t cheap, but it is less expensive for early arrivals and usually includes at least two drinks.
One of Madrid’s largest nightclubs, Kapital is a famous party spot in Madrid’s city center and popular among the younger set. Those traveling, studying, or living in Madrid should make sure to have a crazy night out at this nightclub at least once. Kapital has many floors, each featuring a different style of music. Expect house, techno, and pop on the main floor and hip hop, salsa, and rock on the others. After working up a sweat from dancing, a giant cold blast of air offers relief when least expected.
A higher-end nightlife venue located on the fancy Calle Serrano, Serrano 41 typically hosts an older crowd. It’s not uncommon to hear salsa, bachata, pop, or techno here all in one evening. Hip-hop fans should head over on Sundays, when rap, soul, funk, and RnB music are exclusively played. The club also has an outdoor terrace.
Located in the student area of Moncloa, Penélope often hosts concerts with popular acts such as Kesha, Train, and Calle 13 having graced its stage. When Penélope isn’t hosting musicians, expect to dance to techno, house, and EDM late into the night.
A restaurant that later turns into a discoteca, Opium features a different music style each night and often has free entry before 1:30 am. Definitely dress to impress here—the trendy, upscale crowd usually goes all out for the occasion. Resident DJs Jesús Llanos and Michael K spin EDM on the weekends. Arrive early to avoid waiting in long lines.
A bar, nightclub, and concert hall rolled into one, La Riviera hosts both smaller concerts and shows as well as large DJ sets. Spanish bands often make appearances on the lineups alongside international artists like Jamie Cullum and Tame Impala. The venue also hosts many parties and special events, and is known for its palm tree in the middle of the dance floor.
Located on the outskirts of Madrid, Fabrik is an enormous nightclub that hosts famous DJs like David Guetta. With water parties, foam parties, and plenty of other theme parties, this nightclub is one of the largest and most famous in all of Spain. Frequent attendees can become members and receive discounts and special perks like free entry.
