Madrid Nightlife

Madrid is noted for its nightlife (or la marcha) and night clubs. In fact, there are many people who say that Madrid were Europe's capital of Night Life. On weekends, Madrilenian youth are famous for dancing all night long, stopping only to have some chocolate y churros at dawn, go home, take a shower, shave (or not), and go to work. This fresh movement was called la movida and it initially gathered around Plaza del Dos de Mayo (Malasaña area). It has been said that Madrileños rarely sleep, largely because they spend so much time in bars; not drunk, but socializing in the easy, sophisticated way that's unique to this city.

Nightlife and young cultural awakening flourished in Madrid and, in general, in all Spain after the death of Franco, especially during the 80s while Enrique Tierno Galván was Madrid's mayor. Because dinner is served late in Spain, nightlife doesn't really get under way until after 11pm, and it generally lasts until around 3 or 4 am. Traffic jams in the small hours and office workers heading straight to work from the clubs justifies the madrileños’ reputation as party friends; despite municipal meddling and earlier closing times. Another "night point" in Madrid is the gay district of Chueca, where tattoo studios and street-chic boutiques break up the endless alleys of gay and lesbian bars, techno discos, and after-hours clubs. Chueca is not only for gay people but also for straights looking for fun in their crowded clubs and popular discos.