Madrid Nightlife: Top 5 Clubs to Party!

As night falls, the streets of Madrid come alive, pumping with energy and groove. Erupting into a massive party town, the city center of Madrid gyrates with style. Fashion-forward urbanites put on their best dancing shoes and get ready to paint the town red. Whether you’re into techno, salsa,  jazz or funk music, there is always a nightspot that suits your liking. If you’re a party animal, Madrid definitely does not disappoint. But be warned, the Spaniards are nocturnal creatures who party till dawn – so be prepared to see daybreak!

Here are 5 of the city’s biggest and most popular clubs, guaranteed to make your night a wild one.

1. Joy Eslava

One of the hottest clubs in town, Joy draws in the youngest, trendiest and craziest crowd in Madrid. Lavishly designed with golden furnishing, velvet upholstery and high ceilings, the club gives one the feeling of partying in a royal ballroom. Converted from a grand theater, it spans over three levels and accommodate a large group of party-goers. There are various themes on different nights – Thursday nights are student nights (Fever), Friday evenings are mellow and sophisticated Fabulush nights, while Sundays see the club converted to a cinema theater. Centrally located in the Puerta del Sol area, it is easily accessible by night buses.

Website: http://www.joy-eslava.com/

Address: Calle Arenal 11, Madrid 28012 (map)

Entrance fee: 10euros with 1 drink (depends on day of the week)

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 11pm to 5.30am.

2. Kapital

With 7 massive levels of dance floors and lounging areas, Kapital definitely tops the rank in size and space. Upon entrance, you are free to mingle around hopping from one party to the next. Its main chamber on the ground floor is another converted theater, with dancers strutting their stuff on elevated stages while the crowd roars to the pumping music. There are plenty of dancing space, plush white sofas in canopies and even a karaoke lounge. The highlight has to be the rooftop terrace, where fresh air and inviting daybeds await. Order a cocktail or two and soak in the cool atmosphere here.

Website: http://www.grupo-kapital.com/kapital/

Address: Calle Atocha 125, Madrid 28012 (map)

Entrance fee: 10-15euros usually, in case of events, entrance fees are higher.

Opening hours: Thursdays to Sundays 11pm to 5.30am.

3.Ananda

Decked out in an exotic Indian theme, Ananda steals the show with its stunning open-air terrace. Dimly lit with candles, and furnished with wooden teak furniture and Asian pagoda figures, the entire terrace is often packed with people, especially in summer. Lounge around on its cushy sofas amidst the flowy silk curtains, you’ll be tapping your feet to the chill-out cafe del mar music in the background. Besides the terrace, you’ll find a minimalistic white hall where funk and house music reigns. There is also a dance floor lit up by a dazzling dance floor, perfect for the groovy ones. The club is situated in the Atocha train station.

Website: www.ananda.es (currently site down until the club reopens)

Address: Ciudad de Barcelona 2, Madrid 28005 (map)

Entrance fee: 10-15euros with 1 drink.

Opening hours: Club is currently closed for renovation.

4. El Sol

An important venue for many of Madrid’s major concerts and festivals, El Sol might not be a massive establishment but has a reputation to its name. Playing host to the recent FestiMad, El Sol is the city’s top live music venue, equipped with state-of-the-art sound system and a comfortable sitting area for spectators. Once the concerts come to an end, it is converted into a club. In contrast to the other clubs on this list, El Sol might not be the hippest or trendiest, but it makes up for it with character and style.

Website: http://www.elsolmad.com/

Address: Calle de Jardines 3, Madrid 28013 (map)

Entrance fee: 9euros with 1 drink.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 12am to 5.30am, Concerts start at 11pm.

5. Pacha

The first Pacha might have been set up in Ibiza, but this branch in Madrid definitely doesn’t lose out in style and energy. With an impressive lineup of the best DJs in Europe, Pacha is set to rock the city with powerful electronic tunes and funky beats. Be sure to put on your best costume as people are dressed to impress here. There is a variety of events held here, check its website for the full schedule. On weekends, it can get so crowded that you might consider getting here early to get in line.

Website: http://www.pacha-madrid.com/

Address: Calle Barceló 11, Madrid 28004 (map)

Entrance fee: 15euros with 1 drink (eve of public holiday is more expensive)

Opening hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays and the eve of public holiday.

Photo credit: Flickr creative commons by Roberto Castano.