Things to do in Madrid at Night
Are you looking for a city that stands out for its vibrant nightlife? Then don’t hesitate to wander around Madrid at night. The charms of the capital of Spain, far from disappearing, are reborn with singular intensity when the sun goes down.
Gardens, bars, streets, monuments… Madrid in the night is pure magic! In fact, the capital can boast a nightlife as eclectic as it is dynamic. Do you want us to tell you how to live it to the fullest?
Best Nights out in Madrid
Madrid by night has the ideal plan for everyone. Gourmets, flamenco lovers, nightclubbers and night photography enthusiasts gather in its streets to explore all that the city has in store for them. Are you one of them?
Flamenco Tablao in Madrid
Few things condense the essence of Spain as well as a flamenco night in Madrid. Certainly, words are not enough to describe the experience of attending one of these folkloric shows. Music, dance and emotion merge into an unforgettable catharsis. The sensations of being a spectator are magnified during the night time.
The tablaos of Madrid (Spain) at night are places full of tradition and mystery that invite you to discover the essence of a unique art in the world. The pleasure of attending these shows is even better when we accompany our visit with the delicious Spanish gastronomy, as we do in our Tapas & Wines tour.
Dinner with Views on a Gran Via Rooftop Terrace
Many of the best things to do in Madrid at night can be found on Gran Vía. Did you know that this central avenue is full of fun things to do and late night tapas & restaurants? In fact, this emblematic street is home to a luxurious rooftop terrace with spectacular panoramic views. Can you imagine what it’s like to enjoy an exquisite gourmet dinner while admiring the capital’s dazzling night skyline?
Dance Clubs in Madrid
The inveterate party-goers have an unmissable date with the discotheques of Madrid. The night music floods the entertainment venues of the capital. There is something for everyone: from the unusual Uñas Chung Lee to the select Oh mi club.
Best Places to Visit in Madrid at Night
It is enough to take a night walking tour through Madrid to realize that many of its corners seem to display a completely different personality at nightfall. A good example of this is the Mercado de San Miguel, whose high prices and overcrowding have led it to be considered a tourist trap; however, it offers such a lively atmosphere that it is worth visiting.
Temple of Debod at Sunset
If there is an optimal time to visit the Temple of Debod is at sunset. Truly, this Egyptian temple provides an incomparable setting to admire the sunset in Madrid. The colorful celestial spectacle that you will contemplate will remain engraved in your retina!
Retiro Park at Sunset
The Retiro Park closes at 22:00 hours in autumn-winter and at 0:00 during the spring-winter season. However, these hours do not prevent you from admiring the beauty of this public garden when it gets dark. After all, in Madrid it starts to get dark quite early in October due to the time change.
One of the most special times to visit Retiro Park at sunset is during the Christmas vacations. Not surprisingly, the whole park is adorned with a profuse Christmas lighting that bathes its lush vegetation in light and color.
Night Tour of Madrid de los Austrias
Considered one of the best things to do in Madrid (Spain) at night, the night walk through the Madrid de los Austrias is 100% recommended. In those hours of seclusion it is easier to appreciate the valuable legacy that this dynasty left in the capital.
The Plaza Mayor, the Palacio de Uceda, the equestrian statue of Felipe III… the fascinating history of Spain awaits in every corner of the Austrian quarter. Unraveling its secrets is a perfect plan to do in Madrid at night.
Light Show at Puerta de Alcalá
The Puerta de Alcalá is an icon of the capital. So it is not surprising that it is one of the most prominent places of the nights in Madrid.
As with the Retiro Park, Alcalá Street and its star monument shine brightly at Christmas. Consequently, admiring the Christmas lights that adorn this area of Madrid is exciting and fun in equal parts.
How Safe is Madrid at Night?
Walking around a big city at night can be intimidating for some travelers. That’s why more than a few tourists wonder if it is safe to walk around Madrid at night. Breathe easy: Numbeo gives it a high safety rating (72.8) and a low crime rate (27.2).
The neighborhoods of Salamanca, Retiro and Chamberí are the safest to walk around Madrid at night. Even so, it is advisable to be cautious in areas such as Plaza Mayor, as there are often pickpockets.
Final Tips
- Some of the most successful restaurants and nightclubs of Madrid’s nightlife can be very crowded. Avoid queues by booking in advance.
- The nighttime illumination of Madrid’s main monuments further enhances their beauty. You only have to see the Royal Palace and Cibeles to realize it.
- Madrid is one of the best illuminated Spanish cities at Christmas time. Touring it at night will be a perfect plan, especially if you are traveling with children.
- Is Madrid dangerous at night? Definitely not. As in any other city, it is advisable to observe minimum precautions such as avoiding poorly lit or too lonely places.
As we have seen, the possibilities of enjoyment that Madrid offers at night are virtually endless and are at your fingertips. Now that you know them, you just have to take advantage of them to live absolutely unrepeatable experiences. Make the most of them by booking one of our exclusive private walking tours.
