Madrid is famous for being a lively and animated metropolis. A destination for many students who choose it both to start their university career and to do Erasmus.

In fact, the Spanish capital not only offers opportunities for study and work but also a fervent nightlife between artistic and cultural events, extravagant evenings, rooftops and cocktail bars for aperitifs and dinners up to incredible clubs where you can listen to all kinds of music and dance until the early hours.

Movida madrileña built its fame back in the 80s and 90s and has never stopped since. On the contrary, it has evolved following and anticipating trends. If you like a city of a thousand stimuli where there is always a good opportunity to party, Madrid is the destination for you.

If you are looking for accommodation for the time you will spend here, we at DoveVivo can help you find the right flat for you. We know the best neighbourhoods and can support you both in your search and in getting into your new home.

Is this your first time in the capital or are you looking for the best places to have an alternative night out? This guide to the best clubs in Madrid will help you disentangle yourself from the endless offers in the city.

Madrid's must-see rooftop bars

What could be better than enjoying the view of the city from above? The only thing that comes to mind is enjoying the view while sipping a great cocktail. Madrid is the perfect city where you can do this because it is full of bars and beautiful terraces located on the highest floors of buildings.

If you are a fan of aperitifs almost touching the sky or are curious to try this experience for the first time, here are some of the best rooftop bars in Madrid.

Ginkgo Sky BAR & Restaurant

Located right in Plaza de España, Ginkgo Sky Bar & Restaurant, is a must-visit venue if you are in Madrid. A 1000 m² terrace located on the twelfth floor of VP Plaza España Design 5, excellent for dinners and aperitifs with a breathtaking view.

The interior has a contemporary atmosphere, and the glass windows allow you to enjoy the sunsets. For after-dinner drinks, live music concerts and DJ sets are organised to make the experience even more interesting.

Cocktails are finely mixed and classy gourmet dinners can be enjoyed, great for a start to the evening.

Address: Pl. de España, 3

Rooftop The Hat

If you love simplicity the most, the Rooftop Bar at The Hat Hostel is the best choice for you. Overlooking the rooftops of the city centre, just a stone's throw from Plaza Mayor, it is a cool place to relax.

The view from this rooftop is more sober and intimate, a glimpse of an everyday Madrid, a place to enjoy tapas and wine until the sun goes down completely behind the rooftops.

Although it is less spectacular than other sky-high venues, it is great for those times when you feel the need for a more human scale but still fashionable place.

Address: Calle Imperial, 9

Azotea Circulo de Bellas Artes

The Azotea Terrace is famous for its 360° view of Madrid and is one of the most popular vantage points for tourists and locals. You can come here at all hours of the day, from breakfast to aperitifs and of course after dinner with delicious cocktails.

What can you see from this rooftop? You can see the most beautiful sunsets at the intersection of Gran Vìa and Calle de Alcalà, with the Metropolis theatre in front and the Telefònica building in the background. The feeling will be that you can eat the city in one bite.

Address: Calle del Marqués de Casa Riera, 2

El Viajero

We would also like to recommend this place that is not only a rooftop, but also a roofgarden in the La Latina neighbourhood. Here the taste of tradition is assured, and the atmosphere will make you feel the soul of Madrid.

The sun setting behind the domes of the churches of San Francisco and Sant'Andrea, background music invading the air, tapas and snacks to accompany wine or cocktails.

Address: Plaza de la Cebada, 11

Cocktail bars in Madrid for students

You don't have to climb to the top to enjoy the best clubs in Madrid, there are great cocktail bars and quaint, trendy venues even while keeping your feet on the ground.

In fact, the movida madrileña has its origins in the streets and squares. There are endless places to enjoy signature tapas and masterfully mixed cocktails. Neighbourhood bars where you can still savour an air of tradition, to the more fashionable ones where you can experience a Spain that is always evolving with the times.

Dry Bar 1862

Dry Bar 1862 is a modern bar-bistro specialising in cocktails, both the most famous ones and others you may never have heard of. Here you can find new flavour combinations and contemporary creations.

An elegant setting in the Malasaña district inside an old building right in the city centre. If the main room is crowded, you can go downstairs where you will find a soft atmosphere and comfortable seating.

Address: Calle del Pez, 27

La Santoría Huertas

A cocktail bar tucked away in the heart of Madrid's literary quarter, from the outside it looks like a normal building but crossing the threshold you will find yourself in a dark and intimate atmosphere.

The cocktail proposals are interesting, and you will also find some out-of-the-box ones. Reservations are recommended if you want to be sure of a seat.

Address: Calle de Lope de Vega, 30

Specia Atelier Bar

Here we are in the Chueca district and at this venue we find experienced bartenders who prepare craft cocktails with great precision.

Here too the watchwords are: quality, originality and creativity. The drinks are mainly spice-based, the perfect place if you want to try new and slightly spicy flavours.

Address: Calle de las Infantas, 17

Salmon Guru

One of the best bars in Madrid with music, their cocktail list is practically endless and absolutely original. The bar is very popular, located in Barrio del las Letras, and expect to queue to get in.

International dishes are also served here in a venue with dark décor but colourful neon lights on the ceiling and walls.

Address: Calle de Echegaray, 21

El Chapandaz

A pub with Spanish cuisine, this is a real hangout for students. It is located in Moncloa and is famous for its 'leche de pantera', an alcoholic drink similar to milk but to which one has to be very careful.

Address: Calle de Fernando el Católico, 77

El Tigre Sidra Bar

An informal place where you can find traditional dishes and cocktails in a vintage, easy-going atmosphere. A place frequented by few tourists but plenty of locals, a rustic two-storey venue, sometimes you have to stand but it's perfect for an evening of fun with friends.

Address: Calle de las Infantas, 23

Enbabia Infused

A fun cocktail bar open from evening till late night where you can also dance, as well as drink very good cocktails. If at the beginning of the evening it is also chosen by a more adult clientele, as the hours go by it is the younger ones who fill the space. The atmosphere is one of real partying, the music is commercial and a bit for all tastes within this genre.

Address: Calle Núñez de Arce, 9

Nightlife clubs in Madrid

Evenings in Madrid can be endless if you choose to continue partying in one of the city's hottest nightclubs. Between gay clubs, discos and techno music venues, rooms where concerts with live music are organised, the night itself will be your dance floor and the stage for your fun.

Medias Puri

One of the best clubs in town with three dance floors and diverse music offerings including DJ sets, 80s music and cutting-edge beats.

It is a spectacular venue where you can also watch live acrobats perform suspended in the air.

Address: Plaza de Tirso de Molina, 1

Ochoymedio

One of the best indie clubs in Spain, here you can listen to rock, indie and pop hits, a perfect venue for music lovers. It is also a dance hall with fast-paced DJ sets ready to accompany you throughout the night, but only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: Calle de Barceló, 11

Kapital

A lavish 7-storey venue, exactly like the seven deadly sins. There are several bars and a rooftop terrace, and it offers live music, karaoke nights and dance parties. A night here promises crazy memories and sore legs all the way up the stairs, but it is definitely worth it.

Address: Calle de Atocha, 125

La Riviera

A multi-purpose club that hosts musical performances, concerts and turns into a trendy dance club. One location really does cater for all tastes, depending on the evenings that are organised, so we advise you to look carefully at the programme.

Address: Paseo Bajo de la Virgen del Puerto

NoxClub Madrid

This is the ultimate club for electronic music lovers, hosting national and international artists. NoxClub has a unique room to party all together, the atmosphere is one of absolute fun and the design memorable.

Address: Calle de Galileo, 26

El Penta

This place is absolutely unmissable. It is located in the Malasaña district and is an iconic place in Madrid. Very popular and one of the movida spots par excellence. Here you can enjoy 80s and 90s Spanish music.

Address: Calle de la Palma, 4.