The Top 10 Bars & Nightlife in Madrid

A time-capsule sherry bar on Calle Echegaray, unchanged since 1922: five sherries poured from barrels, tabs chalked on the bar, no photos, no tipping. Hemingway drank here during the Civil War. If you want cocktails or a menu, go elsewhere — this is one perfect thing done stubbornly for a century.

A gorgeously preserved 1892 taberna in Malasaña pouring vermouth on tap under a ceiling of dusty bottles. Locals come for the tortilla de patatas and salmorejo; regulars duck under the bar counter to reach the tiny back room. Standing room only most evenings — arrive off-peak or embrace the squeeze.

A wood-panelled 1860 taberna steps from Puerta del Sol serving two things brilliantly: fried salt-cod bites (tajadas) and cod croquetas, about €1.30 and €0.90 apiece. The Spanish Socialist Party was founded here in 1879. Expect a fast-moving queue out the door at lunch — it's part of the ritual.

Dating back to 1860, Bodegas Ricla is one of Madrid's most authentic old-school wine taverns, serving house vermouth and cheap wine straight from the barrel in a tiled, no-frills interior that hasn't changed in decades. The cañas are cold and the anchovies are excellent. It's a genuine working-class Madrid institution that has somehow survived the gentrification of the centre — go before it doesn't.

A tiny, gloriously scruffy tavern between Plaza Mayor and Cava Baja, famous for one thing: boneless battered salt cod (tajadas de bacalao) that locals swear is Madrid's best. Standing room, elbow-to-elbow, paper napkins on the floor. Closed Mondays and Sunday evenings, and it packs out fast around vermouth hour.

A beloved neighbourhood wine bar in the heart of La Latina, El Tempranillo specialises in Spanish wines with a list that goes far beyond the usual Rioja suspects, covering obscure regions and small producers. The tapas are excellent and fairly priced, and the atmosphere is warm and genuinely local. It gets extremely busy on Sunday after El Rastro market, so arrive before 1pm or after 4pm to avoid the crush.

One of Madrid's oldest and most elegant cocktail bars, Bar Cock has been operating since 1921 and retains its original dark wood paneling, leather stools, and hushed, clubby atmosphere. The classic cocktails are made with precision and the bartenders are old-school professionals who take their craft seriously. It's a rare slice of pre-war Madrid bar culture that hasn't been diluted for tourists. Dress smartly — the vibe demands it.

Macera is a small, serious cocktail bar built around house-made infusions and macerations — hence the name. The bartenders craft their own spirits in-house, resulting in cocktails you genuinely cannot get anywhere else. The space is tiny and intimate, with a neighbourhood feel that keeps it from feeling precious. Go early or expect to wait, and don't skip asking the staff for a recommendation.

Angelita is a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar spread across a beautifully designed multi-floor space in Malasaña, with a natural wine list that is among the best in the city. The cocktail programme is equally strong, and the food — small plates and charcuterie — is excellent. It attracts a stylish, knowledgeable crowd and the staff are genuinely passionate. Reservations are advisable for evenings.

Consistently ranked among the best cocktail bars in the world, Salmon Guru is the project of celebrated bartender Diego Cabrera and is a must-visit for serious cocktail lovers. The menu is inventive and theatrical without being gimmicky, and the bar team is exceptionally knowledgeable. Expect a wait on weekends — reservations are strongly recommended. Prices are high by Madrid standards but justified by the craft.

A beautifully restored 19th-century printing house turned cultural bar and restaurant, El Imparcial is one of Madrid's most atmospheric drinking spots. Head upstairs to the bar for craft cocktails and a rotating selection of natural wines in a stunning space with original iron columns and high ceilings. The crowd skews creative and local, and the food is genuinely good if you want to eat. It can get loud on weekends, so arrive early for a quieter experience.

Opened in 1931 by legendary bartender Perico Chicote, this is one of Europe's great historic cocktail bars, frequented in its heyday by Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra. The original Art Deco interior is immaculate and the classic cocktails are made with care and ceremony. It's more touristy than it once was, but the quality remains high and the history is irreplaceable. Go for a late-afternoon drink when it's quieter.

A relaxed, neighbourhood cocktail bar in residential Chamberí that has built a loyal local following for its well-made drinks, fair prices, and genuinely friendly atmosphere. It's the kind of place where the bartender remembers your order and the crowd is a mix of young professionals and long-term locals. Not a destination bar in the flashy sense, but exactly the kind of place a local would take you. Happy hour deals make it exceptional value.