Madrid's nightlife starts late, and dinner at a restaurant can often last until midnight.
From mid April to mid October and particularly during the summer months when there is good weather, people spend the early hours of the night up until 02:00 am chatting and drinking in terrazas (outdoor cafes).
A cold beer (caña) is what most people drink.
There are terrazas all over the Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana.
Calle Argumosa in Lavapiés is also full of bars and pubs, and it is a good place to start your nightlife.
At about 02:00 am, when the last terrazas close, nightlife continues in clubs and discos up until 06:00 am.
When dawn is breaking it is usual to eat some Churros con chocolate at any chocolatería.
Madrid Nighlife is concentrated in a few specific areas:
1. Huertas
This is one of the liveliest places in Madrid at night and it is packed with bars, pubs, and restaurants.
It extends along Calle Huertas and its surrounding streets, the focal point being the Plaza de Santa Ana which is home of some of the most typical bars in Madrid.
2. Sol - La Latina
This area extends around the Puerta del Sol and its nearby streets of Toledo, Arenal, Cuchilleros, etc.
A great place to have dinner in any of the various types of restaurants. There are also plenty of terraces, bars, pubs, and discos to enjoy.
Joy Eslava.
Located in the pedestrianized Calle Arenal not far from the Puerta del Sol, the Joy Slava is one of the most famous clubs in Madrid.
It opened its doors in 1981 and occupies a former 19th century theater.
Calle Arenal, 11.
Opening hours: Everyday from 11:30 pm to 06:00 am.
Entrance fee (including first drink): Sunday-Thursday 12 Euros, Friday and Saturday 15 Euros.
Nearest metro station: Ópera and Sol (line 2).
Website: http://www.joy-eslava.com
Palacio de Gaviria.
Just a few meters away from Joy Slava in the same street, is the Palacio de Gaviria, a night club which was converted from one of Madrid's old palaces.
Calle Arenal, 9.
Opening hours: Everyday from 11:00 pm to 06:00 am.
Entrance fee (including first drink): Sunday-Thursday 10 Euros, Friday and Saturday 15 Euros.
Nearest metro station: Sol (line 2).
Website: http://www.palaciogaviria.com
3. Chueca.
This district is home of the gay community and a large number of gay bars and pubs can be found.
Each year celebrates the Gay Pride Day which falls on either the last Saturday of June or the first of July.
4. Malasaña.
Many bars (mostly rock music) located around the Dos de Mayo Square and its surrounding streets.
It is frequented by people from all walks of life.
5. Alonso Martínez - Bilbao.
You can find many many bars and terraces in and around Alonso Martínez Square as well as pubs and discos mostly frequented by young people.
6. Moncloa - Argüelles.
This area includes several bars and discos that are mostly frequented by students.
7. Azca - Castellana - Bernabéu Stadium.
Bars, discos, and restaurants. Here you will find a complete mix of people.
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