Sara In-Madrid

A Bit of Everything...

When Malasaña gets too much at the weekends, cross Noviciado to find this gem of a venue, split between a cosy bar and an even cosier live space hosting lo-fi international groups and the best of the local underground.

etiquetas: copas , malasaña , music , nightlife

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

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

Whether you’re after some classic vinyl or you just want to avoid fnac, this is the zona that will keep your toes tapping. La Metralleta has a huge stock of second-hand records, CDs, cassettes and videos. The shop is located next to an underground car park accessed from Plaza de las Descalzas, a stone’s throw from the Puerta del Sol. There is a great selection of collectors’ LPs and many CDs starting at just €1.

Sara In-Madrid lo descubrió en febrero de 2008

etiquetas: cds , music , records , sol , stores

This bar used to be a brothel, while the neighbouring bars are still very much brothels. A nice and seedy place for a pre-club drink and a bit of a dance.

etiquetas: copas , dance , 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

Just near Plaza España is a cool music venue where you might catch some of your favorite international acts.In a past life this was a theatre. The sound can be touch and go, and the brand-themed décor a bit nauseating but it’s still a good venue. Recent headliners include Juliette Lewis and Nada Surf.

etiquetas: clubs , copas , dance , music , nightlife

Live Music

If you love live music, head over towards Malasaña. Out of the centre, but one of the most original spaces in Madrid thanks to its balconies, pink neon and no-smoking policy. Jazz during the week, but weekends see the Neu! Club invite international djs and bands for a mix of lo-fi, electronic squelches and creative rock’n’roll.

etiquetas: copas , live , malasaña , music , nightlife

Great funky house from the Ohm djs, and a fun crowd on the dancefloor. Apparently people have heard about Ohm, and what once was a gay night has been invaded by the heteros.

etiquetas: chueca , copas , dance , music , 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