10 Things to Do in Madrid by Night

Whether it's summer or winter, dusk or dawn, Madrid never sleeps. It's a city famous for its lively nightlife, where you can start with a leisurely stroll, enjoy the wide range of cuisine on offer, and finish by dancing until you drop.

If you're looking for things to do in Madrid, read on. It's common for people to go out during the week for an "afterwork" to unwind from the day and meet up in pubs, terraces, or bars for a few drinks and snacks before dinner. But those are just a few of the many nightlife options available.

If dancing isn't your thing, Madrid also offers a range of alternative experiences to suit all tastes. And, of course, flamenco shows are a must. Singers, tapas, good wine... it's a show that can be enjoyed at any time of year.

One of the classic customs you can experience in the heart of Madrid is the flamenco tablaos that abound in the city. When you book your ticket to a flamenco show, you'll be immersed in the heart of Spain, steeped in its Arab and Gypsy heritage. Here are some options:

• Flamenco show at Torres Bermejas in Madrid, from $33
• Flamenco show at Corral de la Morería in Madrid, from $67
• Flamenco show at Essential Madrid, from $45
• Flamenco show at Teatro Flamenco in Madrid, from $34
• Flamenco show and private tapas tour in Madrid, from $250

While Madrid's best museums take you on a journey through art and history, its neighborhoods invite you to connect with urban stories and breathe in a more bohemian and relaxed atmosphere. Here's the essential information about some of the city's most classic neighborhoods that you can include in your nighttime plans and that are usually included when you book a historical tour of Madrid with tapas.

• La Latina neighborhood: a perfect neighborhood to stay and enjoy Madrid's nightlife. It is famous for having been the setting for numerous films, and in fact, it is not uncommon to run into movie stars, singers, or television personalities in its theaters or bars. As a curious fact, La Latina owes its name to Beatriz Galindo, who was responsible for teaching Latin to Isabella I of Spain and her daughters. Over the years, she was respectfully nicknamed "La Latina" and her memory lives on in the name of this legendary neighborhood of the city.
• Malasaña neighborhood: one of the most alternative and avant-garde neighborhoods. It was the hub of the so-called Madrid scene, a countercultural movement that emerged in the late 1970s and is home to a large number of bookstores, bars, markets, and restaurants. It also owes its name to a woman, Manuela Malasaña, a heroine of the resistance during the May 2, 1808 uprisings against Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion.
• Chueca neighborhood: for decades, this legendary neighborhood has been synonymous with nightlife and became popular as a place of expression for the LGBT community. Among squares, art galleries, exclusive fashion stores, tattoo parlors, specialty bookstores, and sex shops, you can enjoy a glimpse of Madrid's underground scene. Take the opportunity to visit the Casa de las Siete Chimeneas(House of the Seven Chimneys), with its ghost stories, or have a cocktail at the Museo Chicote, a meeting place for great artists such as Dalí, Frank Sinatra, and Ernest Hemingway.

If, due to time constraints or your itinerary, you weren't able to see all of Madrid's magnificent sights during the day, don't worry, nighttime can also be the perfect time to discover the city's main tourist attractions, either on your own or by booking a night tour of Madrid.

I recommend visiting Plaza de Cibeles, which is illuminated at night and from where you can see other symbols of the city such as the Cibeles Palace, now the seat of Madrid City Council.

Back in the center and near Plaza de España, you can see the Temple of Debod, one of Madrid's best-kept secrets. It is an Egyptian building that is over two thousand years old, which was transported and rebuilt stone by stone, maintaining the orientation of its place of origin in the city of Aswan.

The Santiago Bernabéu stadium is one of Madrid's icons, especially for soccer fans, and even more so now that it has been completely renovated and is a masterpiece of engineering both inside and out.

In addition to booking tickets to see a Real Madrid match at the Bernabéu and many other evening or afternoon shows, you can also simply stop by to see it from the outside and contemplate its magnitude in the heart of the city.

Or, if you prefer, you can book a tour of the Bernabéu to discover all the secrets of one of the most important soccer clubs in the world. To do so, you have several options:

• Tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, from $41
• Private tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the Real Madrid Museum, from $240

Madrid is a city full of secrets that you can discover by booking a ghost tour. These tours will take you on a journey to discover the darker side of the Spanish capital, where ghost stories and tales of atrocities that once filled the cobbled alleys abound.

This nighttime expedition will allow you to relive the legends associated with a tragic and bloody Madrid. The guides are usually dressed in medieval-style clothing and lit by oil lamps, making this a highly recommended experience.

Another suggestion I can give you is to check the program of several of the city's museums, as they sometimes offer visitors night tours, such as the one organized by the Wax Museum.

Visiting one of Madrid's cocktail bars is another plan I recommend for your night out in Madrid. More than just having a cocktail, you'll enjoy an experience led by expert bartenders with a lot of creativity to ensure you have a great time.

• The cocktail bar at Casino Gran Vía is a great place to enjoy a signature cocktail. The bar has large windows offering excellent views of the city.
• Hemingway Cocktail Bar, a place with a classic look that seems suspended in time, where you can enjoy a daiquiri, the favorite drink of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway.

If you're one of those people who are always looking for something different, visiting one of Madrid's most popular nightclubs may be the experience you've been looking for.

• Medias Puri: located in the Plaza de Tirso de Molina, it looks like any other haberdashery shop in Madrid. However, once inside, you will find a space with three dance floors, live performances, and cabaret shows with a varied musical offering that has earned it the title of one of the best nightclubs in the city.

• Uñas Chung Lee: an exotic and surreal experience that combines theater, circus, acrobatics, and cabaret with brightly colored oriental décor.

And if you want something more typical, I recommend what is considered one of the best nightclubs in Europe, Teatro Kapital, or Joy Eslava and Teatro Barceló.

Can you imagine dining at the oldest restaurant in the world? Well, that's also one of the nighttime activities you can enjoy in Madrid.

Founded in 1725, Casa Botín is one of the most prized examples of traditional Spanish cuisine and the perfect place to savor roast suckling pig or Castilian-style lamb, its two specialties. Its tables have also been graced by some of the greatest figures in world history.

As it is such an iconic establishment, you can also discover it by booking a nighttime gastronomic tour of Madrid, as it is sometimes included in the itinerary for this activity.

Although imported from New York, the fashion for terraces and rooftops has become popular throughout Madrid and is a perfect option for those who enjoy open spaces for having a drink and socializing with friends. Here are some recommendations:

Roof terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid

I highly recommend going up to enjoy the beautiful view of the city from the rooftop of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, which also offers a varied program of exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, and film series. From here, you'll have a panoramic view of iconic landmarks such as the Puerta de Alcalá and the lights of Gran Vía while you enjoy a drink, as there is a restaurant service on the rooftop.

• Monday to Thursday: 12 noon to 1 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Sundays: 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Hotel Riu in Plaza España

If you're an adrenaline junkie, don't miss the thrill of crossing the glass walkway 100 meters above the Hotel Riu in Plaza España. And if you still have energy left after the thrill, you can visit the famous De Madrid al Cielo skybar, with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Gran Vía, and other iconic buildings in the city, while enjoying a delicious cocktail.

• Last admission: 10 p.m.

El Viajero

El Viajero, located in Plaza de la Cebada, offers what is probably one of the best views of old Madrid. A pleasant space that invites you to enjoy one of its famous mojitos. It also has a small market where you can buy exclusive products and offers a menu that stands out for its tasty and healthy dishes.

• Tuesday to Thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Weekends: 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Doña Luz The Madrid Rooftop

Doña Luz The Madrid Rooftop is proof that terraces are not just for summer. With an exceptional view over Puerta del Sol, this place is equipped with modern heaters that soften the worst of winter. It brings the flavor of the Caribbean with a menu inspired by the delicacies of South America, offering different types of fried foods, tacos, and salads to delight any palate. I recommend trying to book in advance, as seating is usually limited.

• Monday to Thursday: 6 p.m. to midnight.
• Friday: 2 PM to 1 AM.
• Saturdays: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Sundays and holidays: 1 p.m. to midnight.

As you can see, Madrid has a lot to see and do. Just by walking along Madrid's Gran Vía, you'll realize how many theaters there are in the Spanish capital. My recommendation is that you don't miss out on the year-round program so you can enjoy a great night at the theater in Madrid.

Depending on the play or show you want to see, you can find tickets starting at around €12. If you're looking for a more sophisticated evening, I recommend checking out the opera program at the Teatro Real in Madrid, so you can enjoy a night out in the Spanish capital that you deserve.

I hope these options help you plan a great night out for each day you spend in Madrid.