Nightlife: Malasaña

Whatever the time, Malasaña always seems to be lively. It may be the quiet place to start the night or the last stop for those who dance until dawn. In the heart of the city, just a short distance from the famous Gran Vía, all types of bars, pubs and discos open their doors to anyone who wants to have fun all night long.  

Today, all kinds of people wander its streets. Thirty-something’s prevail with rock and Indie musical tastes, but there is no lack of entertainment for those looking for more electronic or pop sounds. There is a place for everything in Malasaña.

Malasaña has survived and evolved for decades in an unpredictable tug of war between legendary haunts and new designer halls. The indisputable classics include halls such as La Vía Láctea, El Penta,  Madrid Me Mata or El TupperWare form a triangle that is already the heritage of Madrid’s popular culture.  No less frequented are other halls, such as La Paqui Esoteric Music Club, Maravillas Club, Morocco, The Maderfaker Fan Club, BarCo, Café La Palma, Madklyn, El perro de la parte de atrás del coche or the late night Wharf 73, the junior partner of the fast-paced Wurlitzer Ballroom​ and one of those places  for people who don’t want to go home before 6am. If you are looking for something more eccentric, head for Estupenda Café Bar or Lucky Dragon. POMPÄ Tardeo Club Malasaña offers an evening of remember party with the best indie and "purest" electronic music.

The American-style cocktail bar, José Alfredo has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere;El Tropicalista offers Brazilian cuisine and signature cocktails with influences from the tropical country; and for summer Gymage Lounge, a lively terrace-solarium located on the rooftop of the former Cines Luna.

Along with these emblematic establishments, other more recent halls with more sophisticated atmospheres, for example to the rhythm of the cocktail shaker, have been spreading around the neighbourhood for years. Santamaría, 1862 Dry Bar, Macera Taller Bar, In Dreams Café, Chin-Chin, La Analógica or Bastardo Hostel offer cocktails for those seeking something more relaxed and sophisticated.  

Cornerstones of this neighbourhood are also its old and not so old cafes, a typical option to link the evening to the night. Café Manuela, with its board games, Café Ajenjo, one of the oldest in the area, Casa Macareno tavern with the spirit of the traditional Madrid eateries or the Café de Ruiz, whose chocolate or carrot cakes are the best in Madrid are legendary. Along with these old and charming cafes, other ever more versatile establishments have opened or been revamped, where the night can begin with a leisurely coffee, tapa or long drink. Some typical options are the resuscitated Café Comercial, La Bicicleta, quintaessence of the hipster.