Madrid is often ranked as one of the best cities for nightlife in Europe– and for good reason; there is a niche for every club-goer to be found in the Spanish capital. Whether you are a visitor looking to get a taste of the nation’s siestas, sangria, and sultry Spaniards, or you’re living the expat life, Madrid’s diverse discotecas will leave you with many Friday nights to remember (or not).

For an international vibe…

The center of Madrid consists of Sol, Callao, Gran Via, and the surrounding areas. There are dozens of bars, clubs and an array of pub crawls to choose from– meaning it gears toward an international crowd. Clubs like Joy Eslava, Moondance, and ICON will be filled with mostly tourists and study abroaders, so if you’re looking for a more “Spanish” club that happily accepts foreigners, Kaptial is the go-to. With seven floors, you’re bound to find your space in this well-renowned Spanish nightclub. For hip hop and rap, Shoko is a top choice for locals and tourists alike.

For a bougie vibe…

Partying in Madrid is cheaper than most European capitals compared to Berlin and London, though Madrid has many clubs to offer the “classier” and more mature party-goer in order to avoid the ‘wasted 20-year-old’ crowd. Clubs like Opium, Barcelo, Gabana, and Florida Park are some of Madrid’s most exclusive and elite clubs, meaning the bouncers are very choosy! Dress well and do not act drunk in line, and you’ll most likely get in if you didn’t already pay for V.I.P. entrance (and you meet the age requirement).

For a student vibe…

The Moncloa-Aravaca borough is filled with both Spanish and international students, making it one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Madrid! While the average age for most clubs in Moncloa tend to fall around 19, weekends are still very packed. If your goal is to dance the night away on a student budget, Moncloa is the place to go. Check out student-favorites Copernico and BOWI. If you happen to be out on a Monday, be sure to head to Cocó for Fucking Monday, the biggest student party of the week!

For a “Spanish” vibe…

You will not find many Spanish people partying anywhere near the center. If your aim is to go out the “Spanish” way, meaning pre-gaming at 1 AM after a midnight dinner, then you should head north. Get off at metro stop Santiago Bernabéu and roam around Madrid’s Financial District to witness the city’s most authentic nightlife! The district has several clubs such as Nazca and Panda and are filled with nearly all Spaniards, so expect lots of raggaeton (of course) and lots of time standing in line. 

For an alternative vibe…

Fabrik reigns as one of Madrid’s best EDM nightclubs due to its enormous capacity and its reputation for throwing some of the best, most-packed parties in the city. Despite a pricy entrance fee, the mantra ‘come as you are’ is strictly enforced at this club, so no need to wear heels and a perfectly pressed blouse. Fabrik is located outside of Madrid and can be accessed by the club’s shuttles, so be ready to commit the entire night. If you want somewhere more easily accessible, Independance is an option for those keen on indie and rock. For gay-friendly nightclubs and bars, head to the famous LGBTQ+ neighborhood Chueca. La Tabacalera, the old tobacco factory that now acts as a cultural art space in the Embajadores neighborhood, offers a huge, multi-room space on Saturdays before 10 PM for dancing and chilling with a beer or five. La Tabacalera is BYOB and BYOD– and the best part? It’s completely ignored by the police.