Whether you’re into rock, jazz, hip hop, flamenco, or anything in between, Madrid’s live music scene offers something for everyone. Here are the hottest venues in town where you can catch a show!
Apart from the many incredible flamenco spots in the city, live music venues across Madrid regularly host performances by up-and-coming artists, household names, and everything in between. Don’t miss a great night out and even better entertainment with our suggestions of the top places to see live music in Madrid!
1. Café La Palma
This hip hangout in Malasaña has been cool since the Spanish youth movement near the end of the 20th century. Café La Palma is a truly local spot for up and coming bands across multiple genres, including techno and electronic, house, pop, blues, jazz, acoustic and even Spanish hip-hop. They also have good DJ sessions on weekends and hold open mic nights every month.
With two separate rooms with completely different environments, you can choose between the live concert hall or the cozier lounge for a more peaceful ambiance. At this self-described “meeting point for curious, dynamic people,” you’re sure to have a great time with even better company.
2. Blackbird Rock Bar
Located where the popular jazz club Café Populart once was, Blackbird is a newer face on the live music scene, but has already started to make a name for itself. If you’re looking to listen to true rock and blues, folk and country, this is the spot for you.
Blackbird is a cozy and intimate space, hosting upcoming artists and classic rock tribute bands, with familiar faces decorating the walls like Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Musically inclined? Bring your instrument (or your voice!) and join one of the regular jam sessions or karaoke nights they put on a couple times each month.
3. Honky Tonk
Open seven nights a week, Honky Tonk is the place for all rock lovers to see live music in Madrid. It’s a spot where people of all ages come to enjoy rock music from the classics to the contemporaries.
After the concerts are over, a live DJ plays sets until dawn, ensuring that you have a great night for as long as you want to stay out!
Insider’s Tip: Get there early, as some of the pillars that support the building tend to restrict views from certain angles.
4. Wurlitzer Ballroom
Located in the heart of the city close to the Gran Via metro, Wurlitzer is for a more hardcore crew. Boasting genres like garage, punk rock, heavy metal and alternative, you’ll be transported back to the years of cool hair and teen angst.
At Wurli, the music is loud and the beats are hard, but the crowd is always friendly and ready to dance. Drinks are reasonably priced and they even offer craft beer!
5. Siroco
You want it, Siroco’s got it on one of their two levels, each playing different kinds of music. Hang around the upper floor for a more tranquil vibe, or head downstairs for more intense, electronic sessions and dance all night long.
Depending on what night of the week you come in, you might hear reggaeton, hip-hop, or even indie, plus plenty of local Spanish artists. Check the calendar before you head to this popular spot, as they are always playing something new!
6. Galileo Galilei
Looking for something a bit different? Galileo Galilei is the place for you!
As the sister club to Madrid’s classic jazz house Clamores, this large space hosts a whole lot more than just jazz. With a wide variety of music ranging from Latin jazz, salsa, fusion and even flamenco, a night here is sure to have everyone up and dancing. Drinks can be a little pricey, but the quality of the artists makes it worthwhile.
Insider’s Tip: You can reserve a table—and should do so if you want to secure a good spot to see a particular group or artist.
7. Moe
You’ll have to head up to Chamartín to get to Moe, but it’s well worth the trek from the city center. Moe is a low-key club with good music, good drinks and good sound. Soul, blues, rock and indie are usually playing, with live music concerts a couple times a week.
Unlike most venues in Madrid, Moe has billiards tables, so you can get your game on while enjoying the chill atmosphere and great tunes. It’s also close to a lot of nightclubs, so if you’re planning to stay out until the sun comes up, it’s the perfect place to start!
8. Sala Caracol
This colorful and more modern space may be last on our list of where to see live music in Madrid—but it is most certainly not the least!
Located in Lavapies, a neighborhood known for its nightlife, Caracol has a very visible stage and fantastic acoustics. You’ll find all kinds of music here, including electronic, alternative, flamenco, house and even rock tribute bands.
With a bar on each side of the room, the team here has maximized their small space to make it comfortable and not cramped. They even have some awesome art!
Live Music in Madrid FAQs
Indeed there are! Though flamenco is not native to Madrid, the city’s status as Spain’s capital and largest city has drawn countless talented flamenco performers. Check out our roundup of the best flamenco venues in Madrid to see for yourself.
Madrid’s most popular large concert venue is the Wizink Center. This is where to go if you want to catch the biggest names on the global music scene—Beyonce, Justin Bieber, Halsey, Enrique Iglesias, and Shakira have all performed here in recent years, just to name a few.
Update Notice: This post was originally published on March 18, 2013 and was updated with new text and photos on August 27, 2021.
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3 Responses
Seems like Madrid has a very good food as well as live music culture. Cool place
Many of the places above are permanently closed and many others still to re open…
Hangar 48 is one of the few offering live music and its not even here…
Thanks for your comment, Javier! We’re working on updating our blog content to reflect the recent closures that have unfortunately taken place due to the pandemic, and will keep this in mind.