Sara In-Madrid

Supersonic is the place to go if you’re in search of the best indie, Britpop, new wave, and 80s music that Madrid has to offer. With old copies of Melody Maker on the walls, and all of your favourite guitar-based hits on the decks, it’s just like being in a British basement circa 1995. They’ve hosted many great bands including The Charlatans, Kaiser Chiefs, Mando Diao, The Sounds, and more. Great live shows, themed nights and a loud student vibe make it a small oasis to pass your nights in a blur.

etiquetas: argüelles , copas , dance , music , nightlife

Babú, drinks and more

Here’s a novel idea: a bartender who serves you drinks based on your mood. Well, that’s the basic plan, anyway. And if that fails, there’s a cocktail list of more than 35 different drinks. Plus, with all those ingredients on hand, they can create a special drink just for you. Babú just opened its doors last month, and with all the cool details in the décor – a brilliant red bar, blue accents, black-and-white photographs and groovy lamps designed by Phillipe Starck – it’s the perfect place to impress a date. Plus, it won’t hurt your pocket; copas are just €5 and cocktails are €7.

etiquetas: clubs , copas , drinks , nightlife

This Club Rocks

Costello is great on Thursdays, try the upstairs lounge part for a chiller atmosphere and pretty people watching. Drinks aren't too expensive, and the music is good without being too loud. Downstairs, however, is another story. You feel a bit trapped in the dark, cavelike club, but get a few drinks in you and you'll be fine. The music is great: Britpop that gets even the shyest dancing. Check the website for live shows, it's a great place to see up-and-coming indie bands.

etiquetas: clubs , copas , music , nightlife , sol

Über Trendy

Before dinner, make your way to the über-cool Glass Bar in the stylish Hotel Urban for a pre-prandial cocktail. In contrast to your average bar, almost everything -- tables, chairs, fittings -- is made of glass and, while it may be pricey, being seen (get a seat near the window) in this effortlessly hip establishment will increase your street cred no end.

etiquetas: bars , copas , nightlife , trendy

Food with a Side of Cross-Dressing

Looking to spice up your night? Visit Gula Gula, with its unique cuisine and a distinctive cross-dressing waiters, who not only serve up delectable dishes such as salmon with almonds and passion fruit sauce, but also a racy show. Be prepared for an experience unparalleled to any other restaurant in Madrid.

etiquetas: copas , food , nightlife , restaurants

Samba and Caipirinhas and Yoga, Oh My!

Try this cool Brazilian cultural center near San Bernardo for a completely different experience. With Brazilian influences in everything from the décor to the samba classes, dj sessions, food and yoga, you can mix with Madrid's international scene while getting your groove on. Plus, sign up for Brazilian culture classes or theater workshops!

etiquetas: brazil , clubs , copas , culture , food , nightlife

Scandanavian Eats

Perhaps instead of Nordic, that should read “Vodka”, because there are 40 different brands on offer at this stylish restaurant, decorated with blond wood and warm orange tones. The menu offers an interesting mix of blinis, sushi-style fish and open sandwiches. Some dishes even come accompanied with vodka shots. Head downstairs after your meal to enjoy the cool basement vodka lounge.

etiquetas: copas , food , nightlife , restaurants , scandanavian

Mojitos and Music

You’ll have to fight for them, but if you manage to get one of the sofa-beds that are dotted around Areia, chances are you won’t leave until they’re throwing you out. The best chill-out bar in the city. The bartenders mix a mean mojito, and the DJs play an ecletic mix of sounds to keep you nodding your head all night.

etiquetas: chueca , copas , music , nightlife

Relive la Movida

If you haven't been here, you really must go. A Madrid institution, La Sala Sol has been going since the movida, without losing any of its edge (or changing its decoration). Expect a crowd from every walk of life, crammed against each other till seven in the morning. Bands are rarely international, but really, being cool isn’t the point

etiquetas: copas , dance , music , nightlife , sol

A fun copas bar in Malasaña complete with pool tables (normally used for sitting rather than playing when it gets crowded). Right off Plaza 2 de Mayo, La Vía Lactea has groovy décor and a very hip clientele. The best part is the music, which is a bit throwback and always makes you stop and say "Man, I forgot how much I love this song!"

etiquetas: bar , copas , malasaña , nightlife