The Spanish city named Europe's nightlife capital right now

Time Out

5 days ago

Madrid is the best city for nightlife in Europe, according to Time Out's new ranking – here's why the Spanish capital claimed the prize.
With these scorching temperatures, we only hit the streets when the sun starts to dip – some days, there's literally no other way to survive. We're living more by moonlight than daylight – and honestly? We're embracing it. People say Madrid never sleeps, but in the summer it barely even siestas.
Case in point: Time Out's annual ranking (based on the votes of nearly 20,000 people worldwide and insights from our editors) places Madrid at the very top of the European nightlife leaderboard. This year Vegas takes the crown, but Madrid's right there on the podium, proudly flying the flag for Europe.
Why Madrid is Europe's undisputed nightlife capital
In 2025, Madrid claims the title of best nightlife city in Europe (and second globally), so let's dust off our party shoes and take our clubs, cocktail dens, rooftop bars, dinner shows, and queer bars for a proper spin.
While icons like Fabrik and Ochoymedio respectively celebrate 22 and 25 years of keeping weekends sacred this year, new energy is shaking things up. The creative duo Edgar Kerri and Laura Vandall are breathing fresh life into the scene with cocktail-club hybrids that attract Madrid's coolest crowds. If you know your stuff, you've probably already hit up Club Malasaña, El Internacional, Lucky Dragon, or Chinchin.
On the hunt for a chic hideout near Gran Vía? Stop by Lula Club. Want something more elevated? Fitz – just steps away from Plaza de España – delivers that VIP night out. At Príncipe Pío station, Antídoto Club has a vibey dance floor. Oh, and these three hot spots are all within stumbling distance of each other, so you can easily see where your evening takes you.
Meanwhile, Madrid's LGBTIQ+ scene stays colourful and fabulous. Legends like Rick's (which opened way back in 1985) are still going strong, while Maravillas Club (formerly an indie haven) hosts weekly drag shows. Over at Marta, Cariño!, the crowd shows up in full force night after night, and Salvaora Brown, a brand-new venue in Chueca, is shaking up the scene. But we haven't even mentioned Macera Club, Mondo Disko, Kapital, Independance, or Sala Villanos – just a flavour of what Madrid's centre offers for night owls. And trust us: the party doesn't stop outside the M-30.
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The best cocktail bars in Madrid
Not a clubber? No problem. Ease into the night (or stay and linger until the early hours) at one of Madrid's stellar cocktail bars. You don't have to party until the birds start singing: instead, settle in at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere until last orders. If you're planning a cocktail crawl, head to the Barrio de las Letras. It's packed with gems – from all-time faves like Salmon Guru and Santos y Desamparados, to fresh new spots like the first European outlet from legendary Japanese bartender Shingo Gokan.
Then there's Devil's Cut – a cocktail bar turned city legend that delivers moody glamour and bold, short pours. And if you prefer something with a little more mystery, make your way to Pensión Mimosas, a 'secret' bar near Puerta del Sol with a buzzy crowd and surprise twists.
Dinner shows and late-night dining
Thanks to a Latin American wave shaking up the scene, dinner-show culture is booming in Madrid. Think multi-course meals with live performances – or dinners that morph into full-on parties once midnight hits. Restaurants drop the lights, crank up the volume, and become instant nightclubs. Pabblo, Rhudo and Jimmy's are at the top of their game.
You'll also find nightlife-meets-glamour at clubs like Gunilla, Istar, and Ramses.life, complete with guest lists, bottle service, and VIP tables.