From The Straits Times    |

With striking architecture and fascinating art galleries, Madrid has long been on the top list of cities for a cultural city break, but now the city is recently emerging as a top destination for nightlife. The Real Madrid Football Club’s recent successes – including signing Gareth Bale for a record breaking £86 million contract – has drawn in affluent football fans to the city and developed Madrid’s offering of stylish bars and exclusive nightclubs.

Discover the glamorous nightlife of Madrid DECOR

Spain has more bars and restaurants per person than anywhere in the world, which becomes very apparent when you visit Madrid’s Santa Ana and Huertas districts. Discover for yourself Madrid’s extensive choice of rooftop terraces, flamenco bars and theatrical venues in this part of the city or for fancy fine-dining head to the oldest district in the city, Los Austrias with its choice of trendy wine bars and lavish restaurants. Wherever you choose to go out in Madrid, the city promises its visitors a night of glamour and fun.

WHERE TO STAY

Discover the glamorous nightlife of Madrid Hotel Ritz Madrid

Of course, while you’re there you’ll need a place to stay. Luckily Madrid boasts a whole host of swanky hotels; for those who want something familiar, there’s the Marriott-owned Hotel Aitana on the Paseo de la Castellana practically next door to the city’s famous Real Madrid Football Stadium.

The four-star rated Eurobuildings, each set within half a mile of Santiago Bernabeu, both have fantastic pools and stunning city vistas. Apartamentos Eurobuilding combines the two, with a pool on the ninth floor affording an exclusive scenic view.

Describing itself as a “belle époque palace”, the Hotel Ritz (pictured above) in the heart of Madrid’s Golden Triangle provides a glamorous place to stay for visitors who like their accommodation on the luxurious side. The Westin Palace is another excellent choice for those who enjoy a classic touch, complete with a Chef’s Secret Garden where guests can enjoy a glass of wine on the sun terrace and a spectacularly-decorated restaurant incorporating a magnificent crystal domed ceiling.

GLAMOROUS NIGHTLIFE

Discover the glamorous nightlife of Madrid Corral de la Moreria

Spain’s nightlife scene is famously vibrant and Madrid is no exception, with options to suit all palettes. Flamenco, a Gypsy dance tradition which thrives in Spanish tablaos, provides an enjoyable night out, and the world-famous Corral de la Morería flamenco bar (pictured above) is perfect for immersing yourself in the traditional Spanish dance. With a stunning a la carte menu and resident dancers, Corral de la Morería is a fantastic place to start your evening, right in the centre of Madrid next to the Royal Palace.

For those who want an art-inspired evening, there are a number of designer bars which combine artistic décor with resident DJs and the prerequisite signature cocktails. Popular venues include La Posada de las Ánimas on Lagasca, and the Cuban-themed Larios Café on Silva.

Madrid also hosts a thriving roof terrace culture, with many hotels opening their top floors for concerts and cultural events around the city. Celebrated examples include the Fine Arts Circle on Calle Alcalá, The Terrace at the Hotel Urban where evenings have a literary theme, the Gau Café’s nightly poetry recitals and the experimental music events at La Casa Encendida.

Discover the glamorous nightlife of Madrid Joy-Eslava

In the pedestrianized Calle Arenal, Joy Eslava (pictured above) is a fantastic bar and theatre which hosts a “Fabulush” night every Friday, along with “Crazy” Wednesdays and “Epic” events for students and tourists. Younger crowds tend to be found around Alonso Martinez Square, with Moncloa remaining the preferred hangout for students.

CELEB SPOTTING

Discover the glamorous nightlife of Madrid Serrano 41

If you’re hoping to bump into some of Spain’s celebrities, your best bet is to head into Serrano. Its swanky bars and exclusive restaurants will burn a hole in your wallet, but if living it up celeb-style is your thing, this is the place to be.

Start your night in style at José Luis, a famous tapas bar with treats ranging from sirloin steak to salmon tartare and melted brie. Founded in the 1950s, the bar hasn’t changed much since its birth and remains a haunt of footballers, singers and socialites alike.

If your appetite requires more than a selection of tapas, you can head to El Paraguas on Calle de Jorge Juan. It’s situated close to the Serrano metro station, but with a full valet service available, driving is an easy option.

Of course, Serrano isn’t without its own series of rooftop bars. One of the best known is Serrano 41 (pictured above), which is split into outdoor and indoor areas. The best tables are usually reserved for the stars, but there’s an open dance floor inside and you’ll often find yourself rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of Spanish celebrity life.

Once you’ve partied the night away in style, it is traditional to enjoy churros con chocolate at a local chocolatería. Founded in 1894, the Chocolatería San Ginés is one of the largest and most popular in the city and opens early in the morning to serve the post-party crowd. If you happen to visit Madrid for New Year’s Day, you’ll find many locals having their first chocolate of the year at San Ginés.

TRAVEL INFO
Flights depart from London City Airport to Madrid at least twice a day and Madrid airport has a number of facilities to ease your arrival, including premium lounges and a multi-functional business centre.
If it’s your first time in Madrid, you might want to check out a couple of city guides and spend some time sightseeing; it’s not all trendy bars and chocolaterías. Check out the king’s official residence in Calle Bailén, walk across Plaza Mayor, traverse the bohemian backstreets of Chueca and Malasaña. And then head back to your hotel for a refreshing siesta before it’s time to go and party with the stars.

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