Where to while away the night in Madrid. Madrid. Discos and night clubs in Madrid. Madrid that never sleeps
Rarely is a tour to Madrid complete without walking through the cozy night streets of the Spanish capital. Life here is in full swing, without ceasing, which also affects entertainment venues. Not only tourists, but also the Spaniards themselves are frequent guests of clubs, restaurants and music cafes, which are open exclusively in the afternoon.
Madrid by night
If we talk about the nightlife of Madrid in general, then the entertainment profiles can be divided into two large parts: the actual nightclubs (they are also music) clubs and restaurants and cafes with summer terraces.
Nightclubs in Madrid
The number of nightclubs in the center of Madrid alone amounts to dozens. Currently, these are multi-functional entertainment areas, although some clubs continue to maintain a narrow party format, attracting a certain category of guests.
Gabana 1800
The Gabana 1800 club is housed in a former flamenco hall, and is still a stunning success both in Madrid and throughout Spain. The popularity of the club was not least due to the star character of the audience: everyone, from members of the royal family to local television stars, relax here.
The interior of the establishment is made using exclusively noble types of wood, and luxurious furniture is placed throughout. Music for the most part represented by the Spanish pop scene, and towards night the predominance shifts towards house.
Buddha Del Mar
The Budda del Mar club is not a Buddhist temple at all; this nightclub gained fame thanks to the frequent visits of Real Madrid football players. He captivates the audience with his unique style, unique atmosphere and special music. Mostly people over 30 relax here, and summer evenings are brightened up by increasing the area of the club with the help of a terrace.
Buddha statues are not uncommon in the room, and time does not have to be entirely devoted to the dance floor - you can go to the chill-out area, where club visitors can take a breather in a comfortable chair or on a couch in the company of soft drinks and Asian cuisine.
Pacha Madrid
The Pacha club, which has become a legend in Madrid, has three floors of entertainment for every taste. The club is located in the former Barcelo theater, converted in the 1980s.
The value of the club is that it meets the tastes of a wide variety of audiences - until midnight there are youth parties with fashionable DJs and representatives of the electronic scene, and late at night lovers of more serious music come here - flamenco, mambo and progressive pop.
Important: Getting into the Pacha club is sometimes not so easy. Some organizers periodically buy out halls for private presentations and VIP parties.
Studio 42
The democratic 42nd Club of Madrid is a meeting place for students and tourists who prefer inexpensive holiday and current European music. Now Studio 42 is a launching pad for aspiring DJs working in the genre of house or neurofunk.
The ticket price for most Studio 42 parties does not exceed 12 euros, which determined the main core of the local audience
Joy Madrid
The glamorous club Joy Madrid is a place where lovers of a wide variety of music gather. The specificity of the format is the maximum variety of performers. There are three scenes that can run simultaneously without interfering with each other.
The baroque interior of the club is especially colorful at noisy electronic discos, when several hundred spectators dance in the beams of lasers. In addition, Spanish soft rock bands like to perform here.
Sala Arena
The Madrid "arena" is analogous to the largest concert halls Europe and proudly bears its name, justifying it with good capacity. Today, the Sala Arena is a place where large-scale rock festivals and concerts of touring bands are held.
In addition to live concerts, this club hosts performances by top DJs from Spain and Portugal. Also, the “arena” was chosen by the organizers of themed parties in honor of Christmas, New Year and other holidays.
Charada
Recognized as the "most grown-up club" in Madrid, Charada is an art-house venue for those bored with the typical party scene. The main music format is jazz with electronic elements. The site itself, according to the owners, is the one and only example of Spanish retro-futurism.
Terraces of Madrid
The first terraces appeared in Spanish taverns in the late Middle Ages, when good weather guests were offered to eat under open air. Now the night terraces of Madrid cafes and restaurants are a good tradition, without which it is impossible to imagine the modern appearance of the city.
Terrace in Madrid
Ananda
One of the few Madrid restaurants in oriental style having a night terrace. In this case, the format of the establishment is made in Indian aesthetics with indispensable attributes - facade painting, carved tables and, of course, recognizable music.
The establishment is located near the Atocha station - the largest railway junction in Spain.
Casa Mingo
Perhaps the most democratic of the night cafes in Madrid. On its terrace you can find inexpensive chicken dishes and numerous salads. The establishment became famous throughout the country thanks to the supply of cider - it is brought here directly from Asturias, the northern principality of Spain, famous for its elite vineyards.
La Buga del Lobo
The longest night terrace in Madrid. The restaurant is located on Argumosa Street - a kind of Madrid version of Arbat. The wide avenue attracts young people, representatives of creative professions, as well as those who want to join the modern cosmopolitan society of the Spanish capital.
La Buga del Lobo
In addition to this restaurant, there are about a dozen similar establishments on both sides of the street. Due to the abundance of cafes, at night the street is called Argumos Terrace.
Thyssen-Bornemisza
A unique object not only for Madrid, but also for the whole of Spain. This terrace is an integral part of the Thyssen art gallery, or rather its restaurant. When darkness falls, the museum closes, but the night terrace gives this place a special charm.
Those who want to be here during the day should visit the museum itself. Its halls house a unique collection of original works by Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch masters of painting. Among them all are Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt and Rubens.
El Espejo
A beautiful restaurant located near important cultural sites in Madrid. The terrace is open 24 hours a day, and is not only an important entertainment, but also an important architectural object. Made in Art Nouveau style, this terrace can easily claim the title of the brightest restaurant in Europe.
By the way, the prices here are very reasonable by Spanish standards, so even in quiet daytime hours there are many visitors. The only negative is that the staff is reluctant to speak any language other than Spanish.
Circulo de Bellas Artes
Restaurant with night terrace, part of a huge cultural center- this is the place where any tourist interested in Spanish architecture strives to get. It is customary to relax here in a special atmosphere, reading books or discussing the presentation of the exhibition of a fashionable Spanish artist that you just visited.
Urban Carrera de San Jerónimo
One of the most expensive restaurants in Madrid offers several terraces with panoramic views of the city. Only gourmet dishes are served here, but many residents of the capital come to the terrace for the signature cocktails, which are considered some of the best in the city.
Urban Carrera de San Jerónimo
Cafe de Oriente
Despite the fact that this is a cafe, sitting on its terrace at night you can admire one of the central attractions - the Madrid Opera and the Royal Palace. The prices here correspond to the location of the place, but a late dinner on such a terrace will give you the chance to be at the next table with some Spanish celebrity.
In addition, the cafe often serves as a venue for presentation parties for writers, musicians and artists in Spain. Getting to such events is not easy, but it is quite possible.
Staying in beautiful city Madrid, the local clubs are definitely worth a visit. Fortunately, there are enough of them out there, and many are, so to speak, world-class. In addition to the designated Pacha, Teatro Kapital and Joy, there are a couple of other notable clubs.
"Space of Sound"
Anyone who still doubts that Spanish parties are ready to compete with clubs in other countries should definitely visit this club. The former huge industrial warehouse, now a club, is equipped with modern technology and is ready to invite world famous DJs. Here and light show, and go-go dancers, and crowds of people. The main contingent in the club is local residents and Europeans 20-25 years old. Music - techno and house. Entry costs around €8–€10 and includes one drink. We dress stylishly, but not pretentiously, for the club. This place is definitely worth a visit, even if you've been in other clubs all week and have no energy left.
Working hours: Sunday 16:00–00:00
Address: Plaza Estación de Chamartín
"Barco"
Located in the building of an old abandoned cabaret, it is one of the most popular clubs in the city. The interior is interesting - on the walls there are posters of scantily clad dancers and singers who once graced the local stage. The stage is still in use, but today for concerts and shows. Small musical groups and famous DJs perform here. The main hall offers plenty of space for dancing. Who will you meet here! From office workers who didn’t even have time to change their shirt after work to cheerful tourists 25-35 years old. On the ground floor is a well-insulated cueva (cave), a long, narrow stone "dungeon" filled with the sounds of 80s disco and old-school hip-hop - a pleasant place. While most other bars in the area close at 3am, patrons of this club can expect to party all night long. Entrance fee: €8 (Sun-Thu) and €10 (Fri-Sat). Beer – from € 4, cocktails – 7-8 €. We dress here in casual style.
Working hours: Mon-Thu and Sun 22:00-5:30, Fri and Sat - 22:00-06:00
Address: Calle del Barco, 34 (nearest metro - Tribunal)
"Café del Soul"
Energetic and fun bar. It is a narrow visit, consisting of a bar counter and several tables where you can have a drink and a snack. People come here not for a “hellish party”, but for quiet, pleasant gatherings and delicious cocktails. And, of course, you can pop in for a light dinner - they serve tapas, salads, pasta, natural fruit juices and ice cream. The coral-colored walls and electronic music in the background create a rather friendly atmosphere. It’s especially good here on weekends after 11 pm, when DJs take over the turntables. One of the most interesting features The thing about the bar is that there are doors at both ends of the bar, and so the bar is sort of divided into two areas. Appetizers here cost only 2-3 €, first courses 5-7 €, desserts € 2-3. Beer 2-3 €, wine - € 1.50-3, cocktails - 6-8 €.
Working hours: Mon-Thu 16:00-02:00, Fri 16:00-03:00, Sat 13:00-03:00, Sun 13:00-02:00
Address: Calle de Espoz y Mina, 14 (Sol metro station)
Cafe La Palma
At the end of Calle de La Palma, where residential buildings and tranquility already begin, nightlife suddenly picks up again in the form of this club-bar.
It's a kitschy club: shiny gold trim, ornate seating, modern artwork. On weekends, crowds come here to dance and drink. The music in the club ranges from hip-hop and rock to jazz and Brazilian samba. Although the club is quite small, there is something for every taste - intimate tables for meeting friends or a loud bar for meeting new people and, of course, a lively dance floor. And you can always relax and lie on comfortable pillows and Turkish carpets in the chill-out. There is a large selection of drinks, including coffee, a huge list of teas, milkshakes, and more than 20 alcoholic cocktails. There are also pastries and cakes. Entrance fee - € 7 - € 10. Drinks cost € 5 - € 7. We come here to enjoy the tranquility from Monday to Wednesday and to dance from Thursday to Saturday.
Working hours: every day 16:00-03:0
Address: Calle de la Palma, 62 (metro Noviciado)
"Fabrik"
The club was opened in 2003 and has been one of the most popular in Madrid for more than 10 years. It has been called the "global clubbing mecca" and is often compared to the world famous clubs in Ibiza.
The club is located in a former aircraft hangar, accommodates up to 10,000 at a time, has four zones and a cozy terrace. Events at this club include the biggest techno and house parties in Madrid. Legendary DJs such as Tiesto, Carl Cox, Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Martin Solveig, David Guetta, Chemical Brothers and Sven Vath have performed here.
Address: Avenida de la Industria 82
"Fortuny"
Located on a small street in one of Madrid's business districts, this bar also houses an elegant Mediterranean restaurant and an upscale club. The first floor of the building is dedicated to a bar and dance area. On the second floor there is a kind of VIP space, with another bar and several tables - here you can relax and drink cocktails. And yes, going to this bar is not cheap. The club is visited by wealthy locals and foreigners aged 25 to 40. The average bill in a restaurant is € 35 - € 50. Drinks - € 6 - € 12. We dress elegantly at this bar and come here on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. By the way, the doormen may charge different prices at the door based on how well you dress or who you come with. So, if you don't want to pay more, just wear your best outfit and come with your girlfriends. And the entrance costs 15-20 euros.
Working hours:Restaurant: Mon-Fri 13:30-3:30 and Sat 21:00-00:00,
Club: daily 21:00-05:00
Address: Calle de Fortuny, 34 (metro station Rubén Darío)
"Ojala"
The name of the club translates as “I want.” There is a small bar upstairs and a restaurant downstairs with a rich variety of fusion cuisine and a fun atmosphere. There are projections on the walls of the bar sea waves and sparkling reflections of light on the water - a very unusual, truly original bar. That is, everything here is like on the beach - low tables and pillows - you just want to take off your shoes, order a cocktail and forget about everything in the world. Dishes here cost around €5–€15. Beer - €4, cocktails - €8.50.
Working hours: Mon-Wed - from 9 am to midnight, Thu from 9 am to 1:30 am, Fri - from 9 am to 2 am, Sat - from 1 pm to 2 am, Sun - 13:00 - 00:00
Address: Calle de San Andrés, 1 (Metro Tribunal)
These are not all clubs where you can sit or dance, of course.
Night clubs
Incendiary temperament of DJs, local (and not only) dancers and dancers, hold the palm among similar establishments in Europe and the world. Without exaggeration, I note that the nightclubs in Madrid are the best in Europe. « Break away", "hang out", "hang out" - this is the most soft characteristic of the atmosphere that reigns in Madrid at night. Our guide in Madrid will accompany you to the most glamorous and luxurious establishments night capital where are you "by chance" you'll meet famous football players, models and artists. I'm afraid that one night will not be enough to “check in” in the main clubs and discos of the city. Dancing is a second wind for Spain. Real Spaniard says: "If I dance, I live"
Night club THE PENTHOUSE in Madrid
Address: Plaza Santa Ana, 14
Phone: +34 91 701 60 00
Metro: Sol
One of the prestigious night clubs in Madrid, located in Hotel Reina Victoria (old name) new ME Madrid belongs to the Melia group. Open from 21:00 to 2:30 am. Located in the center of Madrid, in Santa Anna Square, the terrace overlooks beautiful view on Madrid. Nightclub Penthouse in Madrid, let's say more for socializing, not for dancing, but if you just want dance, then it’s better to choose nightclubs and discos, which are listed below.
The geography of places in Madrid where you can have a great rest, have a good time and enjoy excellent Spanish cuisine is very extensive and varied. One of these places is the Madrid Casino. While visiting Madrid, you have a great opportunity to try your luck and dine at the La Terraza de Casino restaurant. This Madrid casino is located in the center of the capital on Calle Alcala 15.
Its story begins in 1836, when a group tired of political life wealthy Madrid residents, decided to unite and spend their leisure time regardless of political leanings. At first they gathered in a cafe, playing cards. Later, this cafe was transformed into a kind of club, whose members were prosperous Madrid residents. At the beginning of the 20th century, they commissioned the construction of a magnificent building on Alcalá Street, which today we know as the Casino de Madrid. The casino consists of 12 large halls and is perhaps one of the few places in the world where gambling and unprecedented luxury are combined. The casino houses many pieces of art that are considered national treasures. The collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiques is impressive. The building also contains a sauna, sports club, swimming pool, reading room, bars, 2 restaurants. Only members of the casino club can visit this casino. And this pleasure is not cheap. Only the first payment is 7,500 euros. But a person from the street can visit this casino by prior arrangement.
Even if you don’t manage to spin the roulette wheel in this casino, don’t despair! Lunch or dinner at the casino restaurant will leave you with the most favorable memories. La Terraza de Casino is a restaurant that has been awarded a star by the prestigious Michelin restaurant guide. The best chef in Spain, Ferran Adri, is the advisor and culinary director. As befits signature cuisine, the menu at Casino Terrace is completely innovative, from unusual sandwiches with smoked meats to melon caviar and electric oranges. The restaurant has several rooms and a beautiful summer veranda. In some cases, a dress code is specified for restaurant visitors (tuxedos, evening dresses). Restaurant visitors are offered a tasting menu (100 euros + VAT + wine) - a choice of several appetizers: a wide variety of original tapas, walnuts with saffron, trout caviar, meat or a fish dish melt-in-your-mouth desserts. The restaurant's wine list undoubtedly features wines from the best Spanish bodegas.
Nightclub KAPITAL in Madrid
Address: C/ Atocha, 15
Phone: +34 60 610 36 21
Metro: Atocha
Disco Theater Capital Teatro Kapital (Madrid) is considered one of the best and largest discos in Spain. The disco is open from Thursday to Sunday from 12 am to 6 am. The disco has 7 floors and 3 dance floors, there is a karaoke room, a cocktail room, a cinema, and a large terrace. The best DJs in Spain work at the disco, Armando Vazquez, Santy B. y Javier Coello.
Tiffany's nightclub in Madrid
Address: Avenida del Doctor Arce, 10
Phone: +34 67 993 60 89
Metro: Republica Argentina
Disco Tiffanys has 2 independent dance floors and 3 large bars, good prices for example, there are offers for alcoholic beverages input ticket 65? and free booze all night. Hours are 12-6am.
The Spaniards are strict with lunch. No snacking at work. Everyone has lunch in restaurants, cafes or at home from 13.30 to 15.00, then siesta until 20.00. This means that restaurants are closing or their kitchens are no longer open. At siesta, it’s worth going to popular establishments with a salad buffet. Fashionable, cheap and tasty.
Madrid is a city of restaurants. Posada de la villa is ideal for your first lunch. Village inn on the street. Cava Baja, 9. There are few tourists here, everything is real, including the interior of the 17th century. Wooden beams, copper utensils, antique oak tables. The meal begins with aniseed port. The bottle is brought in a piece of ice. The best wine to go with meat is dry red Marques de Riscal Rioja.
You can have an excellent and inexpensive dinner at the La Vaca Veronica restaurant. Veronica the Cow on Calle de Moratin. Among fashionable establishments, it ranks one of the first places. Dinner with wine for two for 30 euros. El Botin on the street. Cuchilleros (Cuchilleros), 17; The oldest in the world (1725). They serve roasted Cochinillos pigs and Castilian-style Corderos lambs. Hemingway's favorite restaurant. The classic, however, said that you should go to the museum hungry for a better perception of art.
Nearby El Botin is a restaurant named after the legendary nineteenth-century Madrid bandit Luis Candelas (“Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas”). Candelas was very popular among the people of Madrid, especially among the ladies. He was sentenced to death for robbery. They say that before his death he exclaimed: “Be happy, my country!” Was he really that much of a robber? Maybe he only robbed the rich?
The Spaniards themselves love Basque cuisine, so the restaurant is very popular
Gure-Etxea (Etzea) at Plaza de la Paja (Plaza de la Paja), 12.
Nightclub PACHA in Madrid
Address: Barcelo, 11
Phone: +34 91 447 01 28
Metro: Tribunal
Disco PACHA PACHA, one one of the most famous discos in Spain and Europe, the disco and club belongs to the media group "PACHA", which owns radio, shops, discos, magazines, television channels, PACHA clubs are in 25 cities around the world, in London, Munich, New-York, Buinos Aires, in Moscow. The disco is open from 12 midnight to 6.30 am. Entrance ticket price 12 euros.
IN Spain discos Pacha Pacha is on Ibiza,Valencia, Torrevieja, in the province of Barcelona in Sitges Sitchez and Pineda Pineda for more information, see their website in English.
Nightclub GABANA in Madrid
Address: Velazquez, 6
Phone: +34 91 576 06 86
Metro: Retiro
Disco GABANA located in a prestigious Salamanca area,next to the Retiro Park on Velazquez Street, in the center of Madrid. It has 3 floors and three independent areas, the average ticket price is 45 euros, the price includes drinks 2 copas (2 glasses)
Nightclub JOY in Madrid
Address: Arenal, 11
Phone: +34 91 366 37 33
Metro: Sol
Disco JOY Very popular in Madrid, it hosts various theatrical performances every day, the entrance ticket price is 7 euros for one glass of alcohol for free, 12 euros for 2 glasses, the disco is open seven days a week from 23.30 to 5.30 am, located in the very center of Puerta del Sol
Strip clubs in Madrid
Nightclubs with striptease and striptease bars sufficient number in the center of Madrid, especially in the area of Gran Via Gran Via, the most popular and famous of them are:
Strip club Chelsea Cabaret in Madrid
Address: Calle de Silva, 6
Metro: Callao, Santo Domingo Callao-Gran Via
Night club with striptease Chelsea Cabaret from 21 to 5:30 in the very center of Madrid, open seven days a week. More than 20 girls and different concert programs on the site have an English version.
Strip club New girls cabaret
Address: Gran Via, 59
Phone: +34 91 542 51 95
Metro: Callao, Santo Domingo Callao-Gran Via
Nightclub Girl Cabaret is in the center Madrid, on the main street of the city, Gran Via. Open from 18:00 until 5:00. There is a version on the website English language.
Strip club Art boys
Address: Londres, 12
Phone: +34 91 473 52 68
Metro: Ventas
Night club Art Boyce is located near center Madrid. At the Art Boys club there is striptease for both women and men.
Jazz night clubs in Madrid
Night Jazz Club Central
Address: Plaza del Angel, 10
Phone: +34 91 369 41 43
Metro: Callao, Santo Domingo Callao-Gran Via
Central Central very popular night Jazz club in Madrid, founded 20 years ago, located in the center of Madrid inexpensive dinner from 10 euros, pleasant atmosphere, every day live music.
Night Jazz Club Clamores
Address: c/Islas Filipinas
Phone: +34 91 534 34 83
Metro: Islas Filipinas
Clamores CLAMORES popular club with 25 summer history, always live music, different styles and trends Jazz, Jazz Rock, Funk, Pop, bard's original song. Concerts usually start at 21.30 or 1.30 input tickets from 6 to 25 euros, there is a restaurant and bar.
This page contains a list of popular nightclubs in Madrid. There are also directions to nightclubs that will save you time searching for them, we also described the musical trends and dress code in each club.
Madrid that never sleeps
It is important to remember that nightclubs in Madrid do not open until midnight, and most of them close at 06:00 or 07:00. People don't leave home before 10:00 p.m., and they'll probably go eat tapas first. It is this slow start to the evening that helps people stay on their feet all night and spend time in nightclubs.
Prices in nightclubs
Large and well-known clubs usually charge €15.00 for entry. This amount usually includes a drink, it can be anything. If you want to save on entry, you'll generally want to arrive before midnight, but be prepared for the club to be relatively empty. In small clubs, entry may generally be free, or you will be charged around €5.00.
Pay attention to flyers where you can get a discount on entry to clubs. These flyers can usually be found in clothing stores, bars and sometimes tourist information offices and hotels. There are a lot of flyers in the shops and bars of the Chueca area.
List of popular nightclubs
Below is a list of popular nightclubs in Madrid. If the club does not have a regular opening schedule, a telephone number will be indicated where you can check its opening hours.
Maxime
Ronda de Toledo, 1
28005 Madrid, Spain.
Metro: Puerta de Toledo (Green Line, L5)
The stylish decor of this nightclub was created by a famous Spanish interior designer. Inside there are lamps and vases, as well as old-fashioned columns, which give Maxime a unique look. From Thursday to Saturday, the club plays a mixture of music styles such as house and techno. Sometimes on Sundays the club has special parties when they play music with live drums. The most mainstream music is played on Fridays, while more specialized house music is played on Saturdays.
Cool
Isabel la Católica, 6
28013 Madrid, Spain.
Metro: Santo Domingo (Red Line, L2)
Tel.: +34 65 230 5899
This club has a self-explanatory name - Cool. The interior of the club looks like you are in the 70s. These are flashy colors, posters and shiny mirrors. Cool is open from Thursday to Sunday and plays house music. Sometimes this club hosts gay parties. It is located in the city center, so it is easy to get to.
Everything you need to know about Madrid nightlife
The city has a large selection of nightclubs. The most popular trends there are dance and house music, but you can find clubs that profess a wide variety of musical styles. Entrance prices can reach €15.00, so it is recommended to pay attention to advertising flyers that allow you to receive a discount on entry.
To find out more about nightlife, check out our Related Pages section.
Madrid from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Madrid.
- Last minute tours to Spain
Madrid, one of the most beautiful cities world capital, with a colossal cultural and artistic heritage. Modern business centers and medieval architecture, the best nightclubs in Europe, the largest outlet stores, beautiful parks and, of course, many museums are so organically combined here.
The culture and appearance of Madrid reflect its history as a royal city, the center of the Spanish Empire. The Royal Palace, wide squares and monumental buildings that were built by monarchs, abnormally huge cathedrals and churches - Madrid has all this in abundance. Just like medieval buildings. Although today the city is as cosmopolitan as Berlin or London, and just as full of energy.
The people of Madrid ("madrilenos") in former times called themselves "gatos" - "cats". The daily routine in this city was slow and sluggish due to the heat; to this day in summer schedule Many Madrid offices have a long day break. But in the evening... Madrid has an overwhelming number of bars per capita compared to other European cities and a hyperactive nightlife. “Madrillenos” are definitely not morning people and are used to buzzing until 5-7 in the morning. So don't hesitate to go for a night stroll along Gran Via on your day off. But make sure that your hotel is not near any center of club life.
Search flights to Madrid
Areas of Madrid
Conventionally, Madrid can be divided into two main tourist areas. The first is the old traditional center, where the heart of the city is located - the ancient Puerta del Sol and Gran Via, as well as the surrounding 17th century districts - Austrian (built during the reign of the Habsburgs), Argüelles, Chueca, Malasaña and Chamberi.
The second zone is the new quarters of Madrid: the cosmopolitan Castellana with its business offices and upscale hotels, the strictly planned and filled with barrio-style mansions of the Salamanca district - the patrimony of the best shops and restaurants in the city, the northern district of Chamartin with the enchanting atmosphere of life of bohemians and the powerful.
It will be difficult for tourists to decide which area to choose for living. They can be briefly described as follows: old Madrid - old hotels: either with a century-old history and high prices, or budget apartments and boarding houses with a very, very reasonable price tag. New Madrid is usually expensive and elegant hotels; Thrifty tourists rarely settle here - there is simply nowhere.
Madrid city center
The Austrian region is named after the kings of Spain who ruled the country in the 17th century. Its main difference is the graceful alleys, tiny squares, and the most memorable churches of Madrid. Located in its center, Plaza Mayor boasts some of the city's most vibrant nightlife, filled with cafes, bars and shops selling everything from souvenir hats from the early 20th century to rare coins. There are plenty of hotels around, both expensive and economical, but trying to live in the very center, many forget about the noise that is in the square around the clock.
To the west of the Plaza Mayor, in the narrow arch of Cuchilleros, are the most authentic places in Madrid - tabernas and mesones, where you can leisurely sip coffee for hours. And on Cava Baja Street, which begins here, highest concentration fashionable wine bars, cozy taverns and restaurants in the Spanish capital.
Puerta del Sol ("gate of the sun") - a starting point all road distances in Spain. Its main attractions are shops and large department stores, as well as countless bars and nightclubs. And, of course, the statue of a bear and a strawberry tree - favorite place dating and symbol of Madrid.
Gran Via is the main artery of the city, where all the headquarters of banks and corporations, department stores and a lot of cafes are located. The street starts from Plaza de España, where the proud Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza sit, and ends at Plaza Cibeles, famous among all fans of Spanish painting. After all, it is on it that the tip of the famous “Golden Triangle of Arts” of Madrid is located.
Hotels on Gran Via are not a bad idea; there are three metro stations along the street and the infrastructure is well developed. But there are also disadvantages - noise and eternal car exhaust.
To the north of Gran Via lies the Chueca district - very atmospheric, bohemian, fun and popular among the gay community of Madrid. Malasaña will appeal to fans of hard rock and grunge; its music bars have become famous throughout Spain, although the area itself looks quite decent and cozy - all mansions from the 19th century. Stylish, elegant and traditional, Chamberi is ideal for tourists with children. His appearance a little boring, but calm - these are wide streets with historical mansions, many of which are occupied by foreign embassies.
New Madrid
New does not mean modern; the concept of “new Madrid” here includes everything that went beyond the city walls of the 17th century. Castellana is the longest and most elegant avenue, stretching from Plaza Castilla to Plaza Columbus. In summer there are a lot of open terraces where locals like to spend their evenings. The main attractions of this area are the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, best hotels and expensive shops. Cozy Recoletos is home to antique and bookstores, as well as the building of the famous National Library and the oldest cafe in Madrid, Gijon.
Paseo del Prado, which leads down from Plaza Cibeles to Atocha Station, is familiar to every tourist without exception. After all, here are the Prado Museum, the Ritz Hotel, as well as the statue of Neptune and the Retiro Park with its walking paths, cafes with terraces, fountains, statues, musicians and artists.
Salamanca and Calle Serrano - stylish and expensive areas east of the center. Main local entertainment for tourists it's shopping. In the Chamartín quarter there is the Northern Train Station Madrid is also one of the most fashionable areas of the city.
To avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets, you need to be especially careful in crowded areas (for example, in the areas around Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor), as well as in public transport and large stores.
Where to go for information
If you get lost in Madrid, don’t know how to get to this or that attraction, or want to know about the cultural events that are currently taking place in the city, you can contact one of the many points for comprehensive information on these issues tourist information, you can also get it there free card cities. Address: Plaza Mayor, 27 (Column Hall of the Casa de la Panaderia); Plaza de Colon (underpass Paseo de la Castellana, between Goya and Genova streets); beginning of Paseo del Prado; Plaza de Callao, on the corner of Calle de Preciados and others.
Transport in Madrid
The public transport system is very well developed and is truly the pride of Madrid. In the Spanish capital it is represented by metro and buses.
Metro
Communications and Wi-Fi
Most hotels, hostels and apartments in Madrid are equipped wireless access in Internet. In addition, almost every cafe and restaurant in the center also gives free wifi to your guests. To be sure, you can use this map.
Madrid Card
The Madrid Guest Card gives its holders a lot of benefits - and entry into best museums the Spanish capital without a queue, and discounts up to 30% in cafes and shops, and free use public transport, and even guided tours. The cost of the Madrid Card for 1 day is 47 EUR, for children 6-12 years old - 34 EUR, for 3 days - 67 and 44 EUR, respectively. You can buy the card online on the official website or at one of the information offices in Madrid.
Considering that the average cost of visiting Madrid museums is 8-10 EUR, such a card will be an extremely profitable investment for an inquisitive tourist.
Madrid Hotels
Madrid can offer its guests many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget: from cheap and affordable hostels to very expensive and luxurious hotels (such as the Ritz. In last years More and more mid-price hotels began to appear in the capital.
Officially, hotels are classified by “star rating” - from one to five, but this rating can only be a rough guide and speak only about the range of amenities offered in hotels. Unfortunately, accommodation prices do not always correspond to the number of stars on the hotel façade.
Most cheap option accommodation - “hostales”. They are classified from one to three "stars" and are modest small hotels, which are usually located on the upper floors of residential buildings. In such hotels there is often no bathroom in the room.
When choosing a hotel in Madrid, the main thing you should pay attention to is its location. Being able to walk to the main attractions is a big advantage.
The mains voltage is 220 V. Euro sockets are used for plugs with two round pins. For English electrical appliances you will need an adapter, for American (110 V) - an adapter and a transformer.
Shopping
Madrid has long been following the heels of its famous Italian neighbor Milan in terms of shopping. Even though Spanish designers are not yet as popular as their European counterparts, and even though luxury brands are still produced in Paris, Madrid is the home of unusual cuts, bright colors and outlandish designs. And fans of rare outfits have long understood this. Today, not only lovers of jamon, olives or wine flock to shopping in Madrid, but also in search of colorful rags. Where to look for them? The most fashionable area for shopping is Salamanca. All the most expensive and exclusive brands are here, as well as jewelry stores and many antique shops.
Shopping on Gran Via is for those with thick wallets, or exclusively for buying souvenirs.
What to try
Madrid cuisine combines the best that Spain has to offer - from Andalusian gazpacho (cold tomato soup) to Valencian paella (rice with seafood). Here you can also find the famous (and this is not a joke!) octopus from Galicia, dried bacalao cod from the Basque Country and pork steak from Asturias. But the capital also has its own culinary peculiarities. For example, “cocido” - a dish of lamb with vegetables, fried pork ear, you heard right, ear, and also “calos” - beef tripe. And despite its relatively remote location from the sea, fish is held in high esteem in Madrid - tuna and seafood are found almost everywhere.
Residents of Madrid are big gourmets, and this is no joke. A dozen chefs, whose names are now known throughout the gastronomic world, started here and returned to work here after searching for inspiration either in Asia or in the outbacks of Papua. They are constantly opening and closing new restaurants, coming up with trendy concepts that are picked up by the New World. In a word, madrileños are quite strict when it comes to satisfying their bellies, which is good for undemanding tourists: they will surprise you and feed you delicious food.
Cafes and restaurants in Madrid
Among the world's gourmets, Madrid has long been famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs and eateries of all stripes. It is almost impossible to have a bad meal here. The average check for lunch will depend on the level of the establishment: very expensive - from 50 EUR and above, just good restaurant- 25-40 EUR per person, standard cafe - 15-25 EUR, a light snack or fast food lunch fits within the budget of 5-15 EUR. The most economical but satisfying lunch, if you don’t take a hamburger, of course, can be done using the “menu del dia” or “menu turistico” - two or three dishes without a choice and a “compote”.
The largest selection of restaurants is around Puerta del Sol and on Gran Via. When choosing a table to your liking, pay attention to whether the locals are sitting next door. The Spaniards are big fans of long and noisy feasts, and if they chose the same establishment, it means it’s really tasty here.
The best photos of Madrid
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Guides in Madrid
Entertainment and attractions in Madrid
The center of Madrid and all of Spain is considered to be Puerta del Sol with three statues and the ancient Post Office. The very fact that the “Gate of the Sun” (as the name of the square is translated from Spain) is considered the “navel” of the entire Iberian Peninsula is already a sufficient reason to visit. However, here, in addition to the zero kilometer, there is also the symbol of Madrid - a bear, which has been staring sadly at the strawberry tree for more than 40 years.
Framed by colonnades central square The Plaza Mayor served in the Middle Ages as a market place, a venue for bullfights and burnings at the stake. Now the most notable buildings on it are the Baker's House, the facade of which is decorated with frescoes, and the Butcher's House, where municipal services are currently located. In the center of the square stands an equestrian statue of Philip III. WITH east side Plaza Mayor is home to the Plaza de la Provincia, where the Santa Cruz Palace, which now houses the Spanish Foreign Ministry, is located. Lies nearby picturesque square Villa s beautiful building municipality, where the Consistory met and the La Villa prison was located.
However, the main palace of Madrid is, of course, the Royal, vaguely reminiscent of Versailles. Built in the classical Baroque style, with adjacent columns and a combination of granite and white stone in the architecture, it is considered perhaps the main or famous Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These three collections are considered the “Golden Triangle of Arts” of Madrid, which you simply cannot miss.
Another “trick” of the museums of the capital of Spain is their narrow subject matter. There is the Aeronautics Museum, the Fire Museum, and, for example, the Railway Museum. Standing apart from this background is the new cultural symbol of Madrid - the Caixa Forum. Located in the building of a former electrical substation, it again and again brings together ultra-fashionable exhibitions, which all of Spain comes to see.
10 things to do in Madrid
- Stop by the Estacion de Atocha train station - sit for a while in the tropical waiting room there and admire the turtles (even if you don’t have to go anywhere).
- Treat yourself to “churros” - delicious donuts.
- Take a ride on the cable car in the Casa de Campo park.
- Drink a cup of coffee to the fiery rhythms of flamenco at the Chinitas cafe.
- Disappear for the whole day National Museum Prado, inspired by the paintings of Goya, Rubens, Botticelli.
- Buy a souvenir flamenco scarf for 4 times less than the usual price in the park next to the museum.
- Visit the park of the Warner Brothers film company with children (of any age).
- Admire the “silk” and “porcelain” rooms in the Royal Palace.
- Have lunch at the Jamon Museum.
- And finally, take a look at one of the banks in Madrid for an exhibition that is regularly held by the city's largest financial institutions.
Madrid for children
The Spaniards generally love children, but in Madrid this love has been elevated to a cult. There are hotels with children's reception desks, a record number of children's cafes with game rooms(they are called ludoteca), as well as mandatory high chairs in almost every establishment that has food. Yes, even at gas stations. Needless to say, most museums are also equipped with rooms for mothers, where you can feed children from 0 months and older? (Including Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza).
Having exhausted their children with an art program, parents simply have to give them a chance to have a blast in their own way. For example, Retiro Park offers boating, children's playgrounds, and turtle and bird watching at the famous Crystal Palace. You can relax a little more actively in huge park“Casa de Campo”, where kids can frolic on the rides, and a little later, together with their parents, ride the “telefrico” - cable car.
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The climate in the region is continental. Madrid is characterized by short and very hot summers and long and cool winters with frequent rains. Spring and autumn are short and are the most favorable seasons for visiting the Spanish capital.