Live music scene in Madrid is diverse and exciting. With a wide variety of concerts -jazz, salsa, rock… you name it!- we have earned the title of the city that never sleeps. Both locals and visitors can treat their ears at these bars and venues that have the Cats seal of approval.
A BIT OF EVERYTHING
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RINCÓN DEL ARTE NUEVO (songwriters,70s, 80s, 90s and contemporary)
Calle Segovia, 17 <Metro La Latina>
El Rincon del Arte Nuevo is one of those music venues with several decades of history that has become a classic in the capital. The concerts take place in its vaulted hall from 9:30 p.m. with live music playing until 4:00 a.m. But, it doesn’t close until 6:00!
Credit: Facebook Rincón del Arte Nuevo
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EL BÚHO REAL (songwriters)
Calle de Regueros, 5 <Metro Chueca>
They have been promoting live music since 1984. A small bar with a close and cozy atmosphere to see emerging groups or singer-songwriters and consecrated artists. On Wednesdays, they host the “Noche de búhos”, an open mic session, in case you want to start your artistic career here!
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CAFÉ LA PALMA (live shows, dj sets)
Calle de la Palma, 62 <Metro Noviciado>
One of the most eminent live music bars in Madrid for having great national and international artists play on their stage. They say that the concept of the ‘first drink’ of the night was coined here. So, come and do exactly that, and then, continue the party in the Malasaña neighborhood.
Credit: cafelapalma.com
LIVE ROCK MUSIC IN MADRID
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HONKY TONK
Calle de Covarrubias, 24 <Metro Bilbao>
One of the bars with live music in Madrid with a great atmosphere! Rock, blues, or pop concerts start at 00:30, and many are free to enter. Then, you can continue the party until 6:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or until 5:00 a.m. from Monday to Thursday.
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FUN HOUSE
Calle de Palafox, 8 <Metro Bilbao>
Expect excellent rock and roll concerts for those who don’t follow the mainstream. It’s a small place with hypnotizing decorations to fall in love with and filled with the most diverse people. They are open until 6.00 a.m. and serve drinks at good prices, which is not always easy in this area.
Credit: Facebook Fun House
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BLACKBIRD
Calle de Huertas, 22 <Metro Antón Martín>
In the same location of Café Populart that closed its doors in autumn 2016, we find now this new clubhouse to listen to American, blues, and good rock. Here you’ll get the best vibes, and it’s not uncommon for the musicians themselves to end up having a beer with you!
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WURLITZER BALLROOM
Calle de las Tres Cruces, 12 <Metro Gran Vía>
One of the standards for live metal and rock in Madrid. Located very close to Gran Vía, it attracts all kinds of audiences. The lines to enter form before the concerts, since it is one of the few bars in the center with free admission every night and open until 6:00.
Credit: Instagram @wurlitzerballroom
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COCODRILO ROCK BAR
Calle de los Cebreros, 101 <Batán>
A neighborhood joint away from the center crowds with super friendly waiters and glorious classic and modern rock. They swear by national rock and often have concerts with free admission. It´s a good option for spending a night with friends drinking beers and playing table football or darts.
LIVE JAZZ AND BLUES IN MADRID
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LA COQUETTE MADRID
Calle de las Hileras, 14 <Metro Ópera>
It’s one of the temples for blues in the capital. Once you cross the door, start walking downstairs, and hear the murmur of people and music, it will give you the feeling of going down to a clandestine bar. You’ll get to a vaulted ceiling room where the best jam sessions in Madrid take place.
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CAFÉ CENTRAL
Plaza del Ángel, 10 <Metro Sol>
They have been offering jazz concerts in the capital for more than 38 years in a very central location. The music venue hosts groups of blues, soul, swing, and of course, all possible rhythms of jazz. The shows take place every night from 9pm to 11pm, but reservations are recommended.
Credit: Facebook Café Central
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CAFÉ TABERNA ALABANDA
Calle Miguel Servet, 15 <Metro Lavapiés>
It’s a homemade tapas tavern with different types of shows throughout the week. But on Sundays, it becomes the headquarters for Madrid´s blues society. First, there’s a guest band and then, the jam sessions begin. Only a consumption payment is required, and you can even book a table.
Bars with live music of all kinds
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SALA EL SOL
Calle de los Jardines, 3 <Metro Gran Vía>
A standard music hall since 1979, meaning that the famous Madrid movement “la movida” was lived here to the fullest. The years have passed, and the ways of listening and consuming music have evolved. But this bar still has a loyal audience that attends its concerts between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Others arrive directly for their clubbing sessions starting at 1:00.
Credit: Facebook Sala Sol
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SIROCO
Calle San Dimas, 3 <Metro Noviciado>
Concerts for all kinds of music and electronic sessions in a small room (the basement) but with good acoustics. The upper floor is an alternative bar with occasional exhibitions.
Credit: Facebook @sirocco.sala
