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Living la movida loca
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Madrid in the 1980s was characterized by the "movida," the sociocultural movement where freedom, sex, and drugs were to be enjoyed to the fullest. The euphoria of the time has died down, but much of that fun-loving spirit goes on in the city's streets at night.
You'll find a raging clubbing scene, where you can start dancing on a Friday and only come to a complete stop on Monday morning. In between the clubs there is a number of bars and other popular nightspots (many of them in hotels), where you can chill out with a cocktail or glass of champagne.
Privee
It's 6PM, you've done all your sightseeing and shopping. Where to go to unwind? Head to ultra-chic Privee, a bar with lounge music and gourmet snacks. It's also the place for an afternoon tea, an exquisite cocktail, or glass of champagne. In fact, this is better seen as Madrid's "champagne bar," with all the renowned names (including Dom Pérignon, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Cristal Roederer) served by the glass or bottle.
Glass Bar & La Terraza del Urban
This is one of the hottest places in Madrid for the young, sophisticated professionals and beautiful people to socialize over cocktails. It's located in Hotel Urban, with a cutting-edge décor largely made up of -- you guessed it -- glass. After you've had that first drink served by one of the attractive bartenders, move to the "Terraza del Urban," the rooftop terrace offering incredible views and sofas to invite you to stay for one more drink.
Moët & Chandon Bubble Lounge at Isolee
Isolee is a multi-function space serving as a design, fashion, and gourmet shop, a café, and a sophisticated champagne lounge by Moët. The lounge is decorated in black and gold, and frequented by a chic crowd who comes here for a glass before dinner. You may go for an entire bottle, or one of the cocktails made with - naturally - Moët.
Korgui
This "gastronomic bar" is a great modern and artistically-lit space serving excellent original cocktails and food. The city's most beautiful drink at its terrace during the summer, and share the well-presented food as they chat.
COCK - Reina 16
It's not what you're thinking. This is not a gay bar. The name is short for "cocktail." That's what they say. What we say is that it offers the city's best martinis, that it serves about 20 different cocktails, and that you'll rub shoulders with some of the most influential locals. Many of them are celebrities you've never seen before, but just know that they're Spanish actors, artists, and models.
Larios Café
There's "café" in the name but this is a restaurant-bar-club where fashionistas groove to live Latin music. It's a fun place, but best of all is the dining room where you'll be able to taste a bit of Cuba, the Canaries, or the Mediterranean.
Kapital
This emblematic megaclub covering six foors of a former theatre includes a rooftop terrace for some fresh air after some dancing. The crowd is mixed sexually and in age, with every floor and every night having a different ambience.
Palacio de Gaviria
A majestic 19th century palace with a stunning décor is now one of Madrid's most eclectic venues, with each night offering different events, from cabaret to tango dancing. Dance music and the accompanying go-go dancers delight the crowds on weekends.
Moma 56
This sexy hotspot only allows those just as sexy through its doors, from where a trio of resident DJs take turns spinning house music until sunrise. Try emailing a request to be placed on the guest list, or book a table at one of the two restaurants, one serving contemporary Spanish cuisine, and the other pan-Asian.
Ananda
If it's summer and the night is warm, take advantage of the outdoor deck of this club, which also often hosts fun gay parties. It has several bars and two dancefloors, where the partying heats up at 2AM.
Pacha Madrid
One of the city's nightlife staples, the famous Pacha is the noisy club that doesn't seem to be affected by the competition. A wide range of 20- to 40-somethings still come here every weekend, and still love it. It's crowded but fun.
OHM
It's mostly gay but with some of the best DJs in the city, it gets a mixed crowd. You'll hear deep house and electronica, and on some nights there are theme parties. The team behind it is also responsible for other popular clubs such as GOA and WEEK-END. Expect the usual house music, lots of dancing, and happy Madrileños there too.
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