The 13 Best Bars in Madrid, Spain

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Malasana, a short walk from Gran Via. Expert mixology with house-made ingredients and creative presentations. Small space that fills quickly. Cocktails EUR 10-14.

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Bright, modern tapas bar on Costanilla de San Andres with creative takes on traditional dishes. The terrace overlooking the square fills quickly on warm evenings. Cocktails are decent and priced fairly for the area.

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Tiny wine bar on Cava Baja specializing in Spanish wines with a constantly rotating selection by the glass. Standing room only most evenings. The staff know their wines and will guide you if you ask.

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Madrid institution since 1931, this cocktail bar on Gran Via has served Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and Frank Sinatra. Classic interiors, strong drinks, and a grown-up atmosphere that feels like a time capsule from a more glamorous era.

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Terraced bar built into the old city walls with outdoor seating on stone steps. Views over the lower streets make this one of Madrid's most atmospheric outdoor drinking spots. Gets packed on warm evenings.

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Operating since 1894 in a narrow alley near Sol, this late-night institution serves thick hot chocolate and churros to everyone from clubbers to families. The green-and-white tiled interior is a Madrid landmark. Open 24 hours on weekends.

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Legendary Malasana bar open since 1981, covered floor to ceiling in band stickers, graffiti, and rock memorabilia. The drinks are cheap, the music is loud, and the crowd spans generations of Madrid's alternative scene.

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Former adult cinema converted into a stylish bar and cultural space near La Latina. The main room retains the theater seating, and films screen on the original projector. Cocktails, food, and a creative crowd.

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Laid-back bar on Calle de las Huertas in the literary quarter. Cheap canas, free tapas with some rounds, and a mix of students and young professionals. The street itself fills with bar-hoppers on weekend nights.

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Traditional Madrid tavern on Calle del Almendro known for its huevos rotos and croquetas. The crowd is a mix of regulars and visitors who've heard about the food. No reservations; expect to wait on weekends.

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Basque pintxos bar on Calle del Humilladero bringing San Sebastian-style counter dining to La Latina. The display of pintxos is replenished throughout the evening. Each piece costs EUR 2-4, and the quality rivals dedicated Basque restaurants.

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Traditional Madrid bar on Cava Baja open since 1916. The vermouth on tap is excellent, and the bar serves classic Madrileno fare: patatas bravas, croquetas, and oreja a la plancha. An anchor of the Cava Baja strip.

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Modern tapas bar on Plaza de la Puerta de Moros known for its tortilla de patatas with caramelized onion. Small space with creative plating and a crowd that appreciates good food without pretension.

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