Madrid has a ton to offer, and due to the famously late schedule the Spaniards stick to, there’s a wealth of things to do in Madrid at night.
From budget-friendly historical tours, to high-end clubbing, there’s something for every interest and price range. Better still, most of the best activities in Madrid are either within, or close to, the central neighbourhood of Sol.
The historic and breath-taking city of Madrid will give you a packed itinerary and countless memories. I’ve been to Madrid twice; living there for 5 months during my second visit, and it was never disappointing. There are plenty of evening activities in Madrid for all interests.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Madrid at night.
1. Go to Kapital – Madrid’s Largest Club
Of all the places to go in Madrid at night, Teatro Kapital, (or just “Kapital”), is a must for any nightlife aficionado.
Composed of 7 floors, including a rooftop, this massive club is a haven for DJ sets that often go until the early morning.
The main dance floor is a marvel in itself. Massive fog machines, acrobats spinning overhead, and hundreds of people dancing the night away.
If you’re not on the dance floor, you can always put on your own show in the karaoke bar in Kapital, or just chill out in some of the more relaxed lounges. Across the 7 floors, Kapital has all manner of nightlife covered.
Located a few blocks from the southeast corner of El Parque del Retiro, Kapital is a central point of Madrid.
If you get to the club before 1:30am, (warning: this instantly outs you as a tourist), you’ll pay a few Euros less than if you arrive after, but the most you’ll have to pay is €25. This includes entry and a drink ticket.
Overall, if you’re looking for an epic club experience, Teatro Kapital is the place to be at night in Madrid.
☞ SEE ALSO: Living in Madrid, Spain: A Digital Nomad Guide
2. Take a Tapas Tour
Arguably one of Spain’s most famous culinary icons, Tapas is a selection of small appetizers that often accompany drink orders.
Going back to the 13th century, tapas were slices of bread and/or cheese that bartenders used to prevent flies from going into their patrons’ drinks. Whilst tapas no longer guards sangria glasses against unwanted pests, they’re still a staple of dining in Spain.
Booking this tapas tour which is priced from $67, gets you 12 – 15 tapas and 4 drinks across a handful of restaurants. The restaurants themselves span from city favourites to hidden gems tucked away from the tourist hubs.
The tapas tour takes place in Chamberi, which is known for its restaurants and its regal architecture. You’ll have plenty of sights to soak in as you walk to each restaurant.
The tapas tour is a perfect way to hit some great spots in a single night.
3. See a Flamenco Show (one of the best things to do in Madrid at night)
Looking for an authentic Spanish experience? Then seeing a live Flamenco performance is a must. For $36, you’ll get a complimentary drink, a brief overview of the history of Flamenco and its instruments, and of course, the performance itself.
The show takes place in a brick-lined cellar, making for exceptional acoustics, (no microphones or amps needed), and an intimate atmosphere. Not to mention, the limited space means only 60 people can attend the show – guaranteeing you a good seat.
Located just one Metro stop south of Puerta del Sol, the atmosphere of the performance may make you briefly forget that you’re only minutes away from the heart of Madrid.
So sit back, sip sangria, and let the percussive Flamenco dancers make an unforgettable memory of your time in Madrid. Find out more and reserve your spot for the Flamenco performance here.
4. Take a Cooking Class
Become a chef for a night in this traditional Spanish-style cooking class. Whip up paella, sangria, and more from fresh local ingredients, (some of which are grown by the entertainers themselves), in the hosts’ open-air kitchen.
For $59, you’ll create tapas, a paella entree, and a dessert. The tapas and dessert change monthly, and they can accommodate dietary restrictions. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.
5. Taste World-Famous Spanish Wines
Already eaten? Skip the tapas and get into a variety of Spanish wines at a wine tasting.
Self-described as “cozy” and “non-pretentious”, this $19 wine tasting experience will inform and entertain – all whilst you sip on three glasses of unforgettable wine.
Chat with fellow wine-lovers as you gather around banquet-style seating in this upscale yet inviting wine shop.
When it comes to what to do in Madrid at night, this wine tasting is a great option for low-key travellers.
6. Do a Bike Tour
Bike tours are a fantastic way to see the major sites of Madrid in half the time you’d spend otherwise walking. Doing this bike trip later in the evening, (this tour has options for 6pm – 9pm), means avoiding the midday heat.
On this bike tour, you’ll hit the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and much more. It’s the most comprehensive way to see and hear about all the must-see sights in a 3-hour window. Chances are, you’d be spending all day doing this on foot!
The bike tour costs €29 per person, but adults can upgrade to an electronic bike for an additional €10. Children ages 7 and above are welcome, and they can outfit your bike with a child seat.
7. Become an Iberian Ham Connoisseur
This cured meat known locally as “Jamon Ibérico” is ingrained into the cuisine of Spain. You’ll find it all over Madrid – cured legs of ham hanging in the windows of many shops and restaurants, inviting you in to indulge in its savoury goodness.
What better way to experience this delectable meat than learning first-hand from a third-generation owner of the oldest Iberian Ham shop in Madrid?
For $57, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the national treasure that is Iberian Ham. The tasting menu includes serrano ham, Iberian “cebo de campo ham”, and Iberian acorn-fed ham. On top of that, you’ll get some cold-cut chorizo, salchichón, black pudding, and loin.
In keeping with tradition, you’ll also be provided with two glasses of wine.
This experience takes place in Malasaña, a great neighbourhood for nightlife in Madrid. Once you fill up on Iberian Ham and wine, make sure to explore some of the local bars. Find out more here.
8. Join a Rooftop Architecture Tour
Explore Madrid’s skyline from a different perspective in this rooftop architecture tour along Madrid’s main strip, Gran Via.
You’ll start the tour on the rooftop of Círculo de Bellas Artes with panoramic views of the city.
From here, you’ll descend onto Gran Via and tour an iconic hotel where Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Spanish Civil War, Madrid’s first skyscraper (“Edificio Telefónica” built-in 1926), the picturesque luxury shopping center, ending on another rooftop that offers views of the Royal Palace.
The tour itself is $36. Access to the first roof is not included, but only costs an additional €5.
9. Dive Deep into Madrid’s History
Discover the history of Madrid, the good, the bad, and the ugly, in this well-researched walking tour.
Covering both major sights and off-the-beaten-path attractions, the host covers the rich history of the city, from its Islamic occupation, to the regime of Francisco Franco.
Learn how each era of Spain’s history affected the city of Madrid, from politics to architecture to food, all for only $28.
After this tour, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation of the city, so try to book this early in your trip!
10. Get a Guided Tour of the Prado Art Museum
Located in central Madrid, the Museo Nacional del Prado, (or just “Prado”), is Spain’s most renowned art museum. Whilst its construction was halted during the Napoleonic wars, the Prado has been the centerpiece for Spanish art since 1819.
Getting a guided tour of the halls will help enrich your knowledge of Spanish art history, as your host will cover how to museum got its works, the biographies of the artists, (including Francisco Goya and El Greco), and much more.
Hiring the guide costs $26, but it doesn’t include the museum ticket, which will be another €15 for the general admission or €24 for access to the specialty exhibits.
That being said, the guide’s knowledge of the pieces will add to your museum visit immensely – it’s the difference between simply looking at the artwork, and learning about them.
Touring the Prado is one of the best things to do in Madrid at night alone or in groups.
11. Channel Your Inner Goya with a Paint and Sip
If the works in the Museo del Prado have got you feeling inspired, why not pick up a paintbrush, (and glass of wine), yourself and do a paint and sip?
The class doesn’t require any experience, and the instructors can help you with brush technique and colour-blending tips.
The paint and sip costs $41 and is located in the “SOHO ART MADRID” art studio, not far from the city center. The cost covers art supplies, an apron to protect your clothes, some tapas, (cheeses, Spanish omelette, olives, etc.), and unlimited wine or soft drinks.
Before the paint and sip, you can check out some of the local bars, or ascend to the Las Vistillas Garden for some hilltop views of Madrid.
12. Watch the Sunset from the Temple of Debod
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was transplanted to Madrid, and now offers picturesque sunsets due to its east-to-west orientation and tactile stone archways.
The temple was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government in the 20th century as a thank you for Spain’s contribution to the Aswan Dam, but its construction dates back to the beginning of the 2nd century B.C.
The Temple of Debod sits on the site where Napoleon’s troops fired upon the rebels during the 1808 uprising – now immortalized by Francisco Goya’s The Third of May. Over a century later, the temple was ground-zero for a military uprising that led to the Spanish Civil War.
The Temple of Debod and surrounding park is open to the public, making it one of the best free things to do in Madrid at night.
13. Do a Literary Tour
Looking for a history fix? The night-time literary tour is a compelling and cheap thing to do in Madrid at night for only $16.
Walking through some of Madrid’s oldest neighbourhoods, the route weaves you through monuments and historic markers, which help paint the picture of how famous writers like Miguel de Cervantes drew inspiration for their works.
A literary tour is a unique approach to gleaming info about Madrid’s history, complete with thrilling stories ranging from politics to romance and everything in between.
☞ SEE ALSO: Online Spanish Classes
14. Take a Leather-Crafting Class
Why buy a souvenir when you could make one? This traditional Spanish-style leather-crafting class will create a lasting memory as you learn a new skill.
Whether you decide to make a purse, belt, wallet, or braided bracelet, the host will guide you through the unique leather-crafting process. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your own project too – just be sure to let the host know beforehand.
Learn about the tools and tricks of the trade as you work on making a tangible memory for your night in Madrid.
The leather-crafting class costs $52 per person and covers all of the tools, materials, and expertise needed to craft. And yes, because this is Spain, wine is provided.
15. See a Real Madrid Game
Amongst the most famous sports franchises in the world is Real Madrid – Spain’s beloved Premier League fútbol club.
Their stadium, Santiago Bernabéu, seats over 81,000 people and is conveniently located in the Cuatro Caminos neighbourhood. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Madrid at night.
When in the stadium for a match, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone fitting the description of a “casual fan”. You’ll hear songs being sung and the banging of drums for practically the entire duration.
Tickets vary greatly depending on where your seat is and who they’re playing, but you can find nose-bleed tickets for under €50.
Immerse yourself in the culture of Madrid and join the screaming Real fans for an epic night out. Nightlife in Madrid doesn’t get more exciting than this!
FAQs About Madrid at Night
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about going out at night in Madrid.
Is Madrid good for nightlife?
Madrid is a haven for nightlife, largely because of how late the people of Madrid, (Madrileños), go about their business. Dinner at 10pm is common, and locals don’t hit the clubs until around 2:30am.
As a result, you won’t be short of options for bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Where should I avoid in Madrid at night?
Whilst Madrid has a very low crime index rating, every city has its places to avoid late at night.
In general, avoid the neighbourhoods of Usera and Puente de Vallecas, which have higher rates of arrest than the rest of the city.
Of course, when in the main tourist area of Sol, be wary of pickpockets. Other than that, Madrid is very safe at night.
Where do people go at night in Madrid?
The neighbourhood of Malasaña is home to countless bars and restaurants. The area near Puerta del Sol has a lot of clubs, but be prepared to get swarmed by club promoters eager to get you into their venues.
Avenida de Brasil is near Real Madrid’s stadium, making it a great option for post-match partying, or for watching a match on TV with locals.
Lastly, if you’re not afraid of some steeper price tags, you can go to the neighbourhood of Salamanca, which boasts plenty of higher-end clubs.
What are the most popular clubs in Madrid?
Some of the most popular clubs in Madrid include Kapital, El Sol, Siroco, Wurlitzer Ballroom, and Changó.
What are the best restaurants in Madrid?
Some of the city’s best restaurants include Botin, (the world’s oldest restaurant), Tripea, Casa Dani, Misión Café, and El Cisne Azul.
What’s the best way to get around Madrid at night?
The metro is closed from 1:30am until 6am, which is not conducive to the standard nightlife hours of Spaniards, who won’t dare to set foot in a club before 2:30am.
Without the metro, you need to rely on cabs or rideshare apps like Uber to get around.
What time do things close in Madrid?
Shops in the city’s hot spots close around 10pm. In the quieter neighbourhoods, shops tend to close around 8pm.
As previously mentioned, the people of Madrid often don’t eat dinner until 10pm, hit the bars around midnight, and won’t go to clubs until after 2am, so you don’t have to worry about finding open places to party at night.
Now You Know What to Do in Madrid at Night
Hopefully, this list of 15 things to do in Madrid at night keeps you busy during the late nights that are synonymous with life in Spain.
Whether you’re touring the local tapas spots, indulging in some world-class Spanish wines, or partying until sunrise at Kapital, you’ll never be bored after sunset.
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