Madrid

Madrid tips for hens

The Spain Event offers hens scores of activities to choose from, and they are all tried and trusted. We’ve been working in Madrid with hen groups for more that ten years. See what we have to offer and book the best Madrid hen activities.

And here is our recommendation for the 5 top things you definitely must try and do while in Madrid: 

Shopping

Madrid has it all from the ultra-posh boutiques near Calle Serrano to the Spanish chains on Gran Via and the boutiques of Calle Fuencarral. Remember there is not much you can’t get at the vast Spanish department store El Corte Inglés (you’ll find one right in the centre of the town at Puerta del Sol).

Food

Grab a steak! – as well as brilliant local offerings you’ll find some of the best Argentinean restaurants outside South America. Try a bife or solomillo on C/Ventura la Vega.
The same goes for the many Peruvian restaurants dotted around the city – ceviche and seco de cordero an absolute must!

Have wine, cordon bleu tapas and caviar at Mercado San Miguel!

The most traditional tapas are served near Plaza Santa Ana, but for the most stylish, 5-star tapas head to one of the “Mercados”: such as Mercado de San Miguel near Plaza Mayor. Check out the fresh produce, tapas , and seafood.

Have a mojito or seven at a rooftop or chill-out lounge

Several rooftop bars. Check out the Roof Bar at Plaza Santa Ana, 14. Cool people, cool sounds and a fantastic view.

Check out the old town

If you haven’t got heels on you’ll definitely want to have a stroll round the splendours of Madrid old historic centre. Stroll around (wines and beers are always to hand) enjoy a seat in the few squares: Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Paja, El Palacio Real, El Templo de Debod, El Retiro

Have chocolate con churros at odd hours

The classic Madrid breakfast is a somewhat greasy pastry-like thing friend in oil and dipped in chocolate before eating. This description does not do justice! Just go for it  – or alternatively order porras. 

Club it in style at Joy, Kapital or Shoko

Madrid has been late night clubbing for a long time and knows how to do it in style. These are the classics and still the best, near the city centre. Posh and not cheap, but, damn, this is not Magaluf! Ask us if you’d like to sort out VIP bottles with table or list entry. Dress to kill,it’s a serious night out!

Michelin star cuisine from Spain’s creative chefs

With 14 (and rising) Michelin-starred restaurants Madrid is the place to sample the best Spanish food, including traditional and nouvelle tapas. If you want your people to taste the very best bar none, choose Madrid. You’ll also find some of the best and most creative tapas and wine.

For infrastructure and hotels Madrid excels

As Spain’s administrative hub, and probably the Spanish-speaking world’s international business capital, Madrid knows a thing or two about hosting for the requirements of business and pleasure alike. Thanks to a decade or so with a broadly forward-thinking City hall, Madrid boasts excellent infrastructure: road, underground and train. You’ll also find plenty of world class hotels.

Madrid is the capital of Flamenco

This most uniquely Spanish art form, a combination of music and dance originally from Southern Spain, is shown at its finest in the tablaos of Madrid’s old town. Atmospheric, soulful, it leaves a lasting impression

El Prado and Great galleries in Madrid

Usually rated in the top five art galleries in the world, (and number one for many artists like Francis Bacon).  This is the place to see El Greco, Velazquez, Goya and the finest collection of Spanish and Flemish art from the Golden age of the Spanish Empire. And you’ll find Picasso’s truly unique Guernika in the Museo Reina Sofia, just down the road from the Prado.

Getting out and about around Madrid

Walking around, bar-hopping by day or night, and getting just a little bit lost, is a recreational activity we strongly recommend. Most of the key addresses in the city centre are best reached on foot through the maze of old streets near Sol and Gran Via.

But, if you get your act together, you can also take the Metro, it’s fast, clean and virtually free if you buy a transport card, a ten–journey ticket you can share that costs about 6 quid. And if in doubt, jump in a cab (plentiful on the street and also cheap), and gesture to the driver using a map!

Late Night Food

You’ve been out on the razz for 14 hours, the bright morning sun is hurting your eyes, and you have no idea where you are…don’t despair, there’s food to be had, and that’ll cheer you up.

Chocolateria San Gines. (C/ San Gines)

Next door to joy, try the classics Spanish after club donuts (churros) dipped in hot chocolate. A Madrid institution for revellers with the munchies.

Gran Via street vendors

Check out the bocadillo (sandwich), rice and noodle sellers (look for the cardboard boxes!) along the Gran Via, while perusing the colourful and friendly selection of señoras de la noche that line that strip of Gran Via. They also sell cans of beer!

Book apartments in Central Madrid, Triball

The streets of Triball have finally awakened to show their identity and personality, the real spirit of Madrid where creativity and art have found a new place to develop openly. Concerts, theatre plays, exhibitions, you just have to check what is going on in Triball, as it is continuously changing and offering different kind of things, this tiny triangle is much alive and it is a constant outburst of energy.

Shall we go for a drink? Just walking through the magic triangle, and you´ll find the perfect spot. Jazz lovers and musicians alike rate Sala Bar&Co as one of Madrid’s best bars. Some of the best have performed here, and you’ll find the best quality every night. For drama buffs, Teatro Lara, one of Madrid’s oldest and most charming theatres offers a range of shows, including plays and music. For shopping and a drink, Triball is a true factory of ideas that will not let you down. with some 300 establishments, each very authentic and different.

But, what makes Triball so special? you get the feeling that everything, no matter what you are doing, is an artistic experience. There is no pattern in Triball, and every creative idea is allowed: the renovation of the buildings, the particular and personal aesthetic of every single shop, bar and restaurant, not only the modernista influenced architecture and facades, but also the décor and interiors, and unique style of the designers, chefs and artists who lovingly display their wares.

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Check the boxes that are of interest, enter your telephone number or email and then click on the “SEND” button.

We promise to get back to you by email or telephone within 24 hours .

If you don’t want to wait, or if this is a last-minute booking, just give us a call or send a text or WhatsApp to: +34 685 651 989

TYPE OF TRIP

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StagHenFootballCorporateRewardConferenceFriendsOther

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LisbonBarcelonaMadridValenciaAlgarve PortugalPorto

Select the DATE OF YOUR ARRIVAL:

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Best Price/Special OfferCentral Apartments3 Star4 StarLuxury HotelAll InclusiveLuxury Apartments

Do you need airport transfers?
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Are you interested in a PACKAGE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION?
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DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Please select one or more DAYTIME ACTIVITIES you are interested in:

Go KartingPaintballBaby Bull RunningCatamaran/Booze CruiseOutdoor Go Karting/Grand PrixBubble/Zorb FootballLuxury SpaNude Life Drawing ClassCheeky ButlerPhoto ShootNine Hole Golf MastersHorse Racing Day - spectatorPoledancingBeer BikeHorse RidingHelicopter RideQuad BikingKayak PoloKayakingSea KayakingBeach ClubPool PartyTreasure HuntProblem Solving GamesScuba DivingCrazy Games

Wine BoatLaser Gun GameCity Bike TourSegway Guided TourSightseeing Bus TripCable Car RideVespa-Scooter Rental/TourBalloon RideBungee JumpHigh Ropes/Assault CoursePrivate Boat HireSpeed BoatsDeep Sea FishingWater ParkJet Ski and Water SportsBanana BoatBeach Kitesurfing/ParasailingFlyboard/WakeboardSky DivingZorbingVineyard/Cava TourCooking ClassSumo Wrestling and Boxing RingMud WrestlingFootball Stadium visitOrienteeringCanyoning/Coasteering/Cliff JumpingWhite Water RaftingAirsoft CombatJeep/4x4 Safari

DANCE

Please select one or more DANCE ACTIVITIES you are interested in:
Pole DancingSalsa DancingSpanish Flamenco MasterclassBelly Dancing Oriental OrientationHip HopBollywoodBurlesqueZumba

SPECTATOR EVENTS

Please specify the match or event you are interested in:

Would you like a Stadium Tour?
Yes

NIGHT ACTIVITIES

Please select one or more NIGHT-TIME ACTIVITIES you are interested in:

Authentic Tapas TourWine TastingBar Crawl and Club EntryPoker EveningChocolate Mud Wrestling ShowCocktail WorkshopMexican Madness dinner and night outStag Fiesta: Dinner with private dance and boys’ night out!Hen Fiesta: Dinner with private dance and girls’ night out!Theme parties (Back2School/Foam /UV paint etc)Dwarves

Casino Night inc. dinnerGirlie ClubDrag Show DinnerFlamenco NightBelly Dancing DinnerSalsa and Cocktails Night3-course dinners including drinksTapas dinnersMichelin Star DinnersVIP Night Club EntryLimousine ToursPirates Show

NEED MORE INFO?

We have given you a selection of the most popular activities we offer - but if you are looking for something else or have any questions, please let us know:

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Become a weekend matador in Madrid and work out which end of the bull you are coming from. Organising a Madrid baby bull fight (or capea) just for your group is the de rigueur stag weekend activity in Spain.

All in all it is an ultra-adrenalin day out in Madrid for a group looking for an exciting and unique activity.

ANIMALS ARE NOT HARMED IN THIS ACTIVITY.

Show your stag friends and the world at large what a true torero you are. Should we call this “bullfighting lessons in Madrid” ? Hemingway would have approved, and if you are looking to get started with the cape, this is the one for you.

A light-hearted send-up of the Spanish bullfight

This event is hosted by animal lovers who care for the animals. There is no blood, stress, harm or mistreatment of the animals. This activity has nothing to do with real bullfighting.

We include private coach transport and guide with your Madrid Baby Bull Fight. You will enjoy a wonderful Spanish lunch with wine. Discuss your pases and veronicas with the attendant aficionados and appreciative audience.

This is maybe the most outrageous stag and hen activity you can imagine in Spain, and gets guaranteed respect for the organiser.

To book a Madrid Baby Bull running activity click here. Read more about a Madrid capea here.

Bull’s tail or cow’s arse ? You decide, but here’s how to organise a baby bull fight in Madrid:

• Available all year (ask us for availability).
• This activity is approximately a 5-hour day out, usually beginning with a pick up at your hotel about midday. The activity is held on an authentic bull ranch near Madrid.
• Welcome drinks, lunch and drinks during lunch are included.
• Minimum group size: there is no minimum, but if it’s just you and your father in law, you’ll need more than a cape and a colourful jacket to help you.
• Baby Bulls and Adult Balls: participants take part at their own risk. It is your responsibility to take reasonable precautions to avoid injuries like twisted ankles or bruises.

Madrid Baby Bull Fight | tips, do’s and dont’s

• Bull running in Madrid usually happens on Saturdays or Sundays, but depending on your group size can take place on most days of the week.
• This activity can be organised all year.
• Want to see a REAL bull fight while you are in Spain ? Check out Madrid bullfighting tickets here.
• Baby bull fighting is with a young cow or bull. This is not “real” bull sports. The animal is not hurt.
• You should be prudent and sober however, as you could get bruised or twist an ankle.
• Our packages include a full lunch and transport, but we can also offer this activity without lunch or transport.

What is a Madrid Baby Bull Fight ?

If you’ve never heard of baby bull running, it’s just like the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona except we’ve taken it from the streets and into our custom built arena. 

Filled with little nooks and escape routes the venue is perfect for groups of any size – the more the merrier, especially for the bull!  

Our biggest group last year had over 100 people in the ring at the same time!

Remember, if you can’t make it out a little door, it’s over the wall you go! If the bulls ever figured out how to get over those they’d take over!

Even the raised platforms in the middle of the arena aren’t 100% safe – a few smart bulls last year learned how to use their knees and get up on them, and then it was abandon ship! The folks filming on the sidelines caught some great footage that day.

There is no more memorable or slightly daft activity in our arsenal of activities in Spain than baby bull running.  Your baby bull running experience is sure to give you stories to bring back home – if not for the photos no one will believe you did it! 

Get your Stag or Hen dressed up in fancy dress and set them loose! Often the group keeps the event a surprise for the Stag or Hen until the very last minute. The look on their faces when they find out what they’re getting into? Priceless.

Book the Bullfight activity

You can check out the full details for this activity by visiting our baby bull running activity page here.

A Madrid capea is all the rage with stag groups. It’s a test of courage, a fantastic runaround and all in all very genuinely Spanish day out.

Our service provides it all: transport with guide, drinks, bull running and lunch. We’ll take you to an authentic bull ring where you can test your matador skills. But no animals are hurt!

Doing a Madrid capea for a weekend  is pretty easy.

Our guide will arrange to meet you in central Madrid and get you on the bus. You’ll have a briefing and get to know a few tricks. You may well become adept at dodging the horn and running away to the safety of the stockade.

Well, some of the great toreros amongst our stag groups got their start in this ring. And went on to cut ears and tails later that night…as we say in Spanish.  There’s nothing like an afternoon dodging the horn to …eh… give you the horn.

It’s something of a testosterone-filled occasion, but in the nicest possible way and equally enjoyable for the ladies participating. Man, woman, whatever your orientation, we’ve got the bulls, and now let’s see  just how big your…senses of humour…are.

Matador for a day – top tips for a Madrid capea

• Saturdays work best for this activity
• If your Madrid bull-fighting experience coincides with a Real Madrid or Atletico home match you plan to attend, we can switch to the Sunday or Friday usually
• Remember its hot’s the ring in the early afternoon sun in Madrid (especially in summer). You can check out the Madrid weather forecast here.
• Keep your cool, and don’t let the Toro sense your fear!

If in doubt, run away and jump over the wall!

Madrid capea baby bulls – sort the men from the boyz – Olé!

The running of bulls is a Spanish tradition that every pueblo has during holidays and special celebrations – it’s not just for Pamplona! Spanish bulls are taught and trained from a very early age to charge people – time to break out the red clothing!  

The bulls really do go for it! Whether you flee or stand your ground, your heart is going to pound!

Our Madrid capea event includes private transport from your hotel directly to the Baby Bull Running venue where your group gets to have a few beers and an authentic paella lunch under perfect Spanish skies before the main event!

Don’t get lonely out there by yourself – get the whole gang in at once for maximum mayhem!

Book our Bullfight activity

You can check out the full details for this activity by visiting our baby bull running activity page here.

A guide to Madrid Nightlife

You may have heard claims that Madrid nightlife boasts the liveliest, latest, bounciest, booziest, jauntiest and juiciest in the entire northern hemisphere?  Well, quite frankly, the pie-eyed pub pundits have got it just about right. Read The Spain Event’s Guide to Madrid night spots here and do Madrid in style.

It’s all here, on the streets, in the clubs and in the wee nooks and crannies you might need a lifetime to discover if it weren’t for The Spain Guide to Madrid Night Spots...Most visitors to Madrid end up exhausted, in the nicest possible way, and marvel at the sheer appetite of the local Madrileños for fun, fun, and er, more fun.

Get something booked in

If you want to make it easy book a Madrid bar crawl and get a fantastic intro to the night scene with one of ur guide. Or, let us know which club you’d like to hit and we’ll sort out Madrid nightclub bookings.  Tapas tours and wine tastings are other big favourites, and our hen groups are pretty partial to sampling a Madrid cocktail or two. And if you want the full monty (literally) check out our Madrid striptease and dinner stag night .

Getting out and about around Madrid

Walking around, bar-hopping by day or night, and getting just a little bit lost, is a recreational activity we strongly recommend. Most of the key addresses in the city centre are best reached on foot through the maze of old streets near Sol and Gran Via. But, if you get your act together, you can also take the Metro, it’s fast, clean and virtually free if you buy a transport card, a ten–journey ticket you can share that costs about 6 quid. And if in doubt, jump in a cab (plentiful on the street and also cheap), and gesture to the driver using a map!

Build A Package

24-hour reply guaranteed!

Start building your Spain Event here.

Check the boxes that are of interest, enter your telephone number or email and then click on the “SEND” button.

We promise to get back to you by email or telephone within 24 hours .

If you don’t want to wait, or if this is a last-minute booking, just give us a call or send a text or WhatsApp to: +34 685 651 989

TYPE OF TRIP

What sort of trip are you planning?
StagHenFootballCorporateRewardConferenceFriendsOther

Which location?
LisbonBarcelonaMadridValenciaAlgarve PortugalPorto

Select the DATE OF YOUR ARRIVAL:

Number of Nights:

How many people are in your group?

Select the type of ACCOMMODATION you require:
Best Price/Special OfferCentral Apartments3 Star4 StarLuxury HotelAll InclusiveLuxury Apartments

Do you need airport transfers?
Yes

Are you interested in a PACKAGE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION?
Yes

---

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

Please select one or more DAYTIME ACTIVITIES you are interested in:

Go KartingPaintballBaby Bull RunningCatamaran/Booze CruiseOutdoor Go Karting/Grand PrixBubble/Zorb FootballLuxury SpaNude Life Drawing ClassCheeky ButlerPhoto ShootNine Hole Golf MastersHorse Racing Day - spectatorPoledancingBeer BikeHorse RidingHelicopter RideQuad BikingKayak PoloKayakingSea KayakingBeach ClubPool PartyTreasure HuntProblem Solving GamesScuba DivingCrazy Games

Wine BoatLaser Gun GameCity Bike TourSegway Guided TourSightseeing Bus TripCable Car RideVespa-Scooter Rental/TourBalloon RideBungee JumpHigh Ropes/Assault CoursePrivate Boat HireSpeed BoatsDeep Sea FishingWater ParkJet Ski and Water SportsBanana BoatBeach Kitesurfing/ParasailingFlyboard/WakeboardSky DivingZorbingVineyard/Cava TourCooking ClassSumo Wrestling and Boxing RingMud WrestlingFootball Stadium visitOrienteeringCanyoning/Coasteering/Cliff JumpingWhite Water RaftingAirsoft CombatJeep/4x4 Safari

DANCE

Please select one or more DANCE ACTIVITIES you are interested in:
Pole DancingSalsa DancingSpanish Flamenco MasterclassBelly Dancing Oriental OrientationHip HopBollywoodBurlesqueZumba

SPECTATOR EVENTS

Please specify the match or event you are interested in:

Would you like a Stadium Tour?
Yes

NIGHT ACTIVITIES

Please select one or more NIGHT-TIME ACTIVITIES you are interested in:

Authentic Tapas TourWine TastingBar Crawl and Club EntryPoker EveningChocolate Mud Wrestling ShowCocktail WorkshopMexican Madness dinner and night outStag Fiesta: Dinner with private dance and boys’ night out!Hen Fiesta: Dinner with private dance and girls’ night out!Theme parties (Back2School/Foam /UV paint etc)Dwarves

Casino Night inc. dinnerGirlie ClubDrag Show DinnerFlamenco NightBelly Dancing DinnerSalsa and Cocktails Night3-course dinners including drinksTapas dinnersMichelin Star DinnersVIP Night Club EntryLimousine ToursPirates Show

NEED MORE INFO?

We have given you a selection of the most popular activities we offer - but if you are looking for something else or have any questions, please let us know:

---

YOUR CONTACT DETAILS

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your phone number:

---

By submitting this form, you confirm that you agree to our website terms of use, our privacy policy and consent to cookies being stored on your computer.

Madrid Club Guide

Clubs never warm up until after 3 am, so pace yourself. And remember that in Spain cover charges on the door almost always includes a free drink, so don’t lose that ticket and hand it to the barman when you order!

Sala Sol (Calle Jardines, 3)

Stag’s favourite, low-priced, laid-back, throbbing with swaying locals and weekender females, and open till 6am. This place peaks around 3-4 am, so aim to be in by 0230. If you do get stuck in the queue, the street vendor opposite sells beer! Once in, you’ll lose your mates in the sea of humanity, but love it!

Joy (C/ Arenal, 11)

A Madrid nightlife classic. Also open till 6am this is one of Madrid’s classic night scenes, with an eclectic bunch of people and music.

Teatro Barcelo (C/ Barcelo, 11)

This is the original Pacha! Another one of  the classic Madrid night spots Madrid full of savvy locals and out-of-towners alike.

Kapital (C/Atocha, 125)

Another Madrid nightlife classic Kapital’s 7 different floors gives scope for all tastes. The music is house, r’n b, funk, techno, Spanish etc , and its go-go dancers and laser show are legendary. Open till 12- 6.

Late Night Food

You’ve been out on the razz for 14 hours, the bright morning sun is hurting your eyes, and you have no idea where you are…don’t despair, there’s food to be had, and that’ll keep you going through the Madrid nightlife!

Chocolateria San Gines. (C/ San Gines)

Next door to joy, try the classics Spanish after club donuts (churros) dipped in hot chocolate. A Madrid nightlife institution for revellers with the munchies.

Gran Via street vendors

Check out the bocadillo (sandwich), rice and noodle sellers (look for the cardboard boxes!) along the Gran Via, while perusing the colourful and friendly selection of señoras de la noche that line that strip of Gran Via. They also sell cans of beer!

Calle San Bernardo, near Gran Via

Breakfast joints full of clubbers usually open around 5-6am

Madrid nightlife and Clubs

You’ll find that the best atmosphere before 10pm is in Irish and Sports bars. As there are so many bars to choose from, our recommendation is to take a zone-by-zone approach: choose an area of town and explore. You won’t be disappointed! Claims that there are more bars here than in the whole UK may be verging on exaggeration, but remember Madrid has serious amounts of bars.

And you have to pace yourselves. At weekends dinner finishes around midnight then the night life begins! Head for the bars first (open till 3am usually) as clubs never get going at weekends until well after 2 am, (and some “after hours” keep going till after midday the next day).

Madrid night scene  – Santa Ana/Huertas

Near the Puerta del Sol nerve centre, this area is full of bars and clubs and full of night life. It’s the most popular area in Madrid for out-of-towners and locals alike (and where you’ll most likely bump into a Hen group!). You can start slowly on a terrace at Plaza Santa Ana and work your way down Calle Huertas, a bar-lined street, down to Atocha, to finish your evening at Kapital night club. Or stay around the streets between Santa Ana and Sol (Calle Cruz, Calle Principe). Nearby are Orox, Café Ducados,  Sala Sol,  Joy,  Palacio Gaviria, Black Jack and many others.

Madrid Nightlife – La Latina

A cool, very Spanish going out area, with lots of tabernas and tapas places. It’s in the back streets of Madrid’s old town, and the action is around the La Latina square (Puerta del Moro), and the neighbouring square (Plaza de la Paja), with bars, restaurants, and cocktail bars. It’s a very smooth and relaxed area, and a good launch pad for a proper nightclub, once all the action closes down around 3am.

What to do in Madrid at night – Chueca/ Alonso Martínez

Try some of the trendy bars at the top of Calle Hortaleza and around the Plaza de Chueca (especially the Bodega).  Chueca is a Madrid nightlife classic area, a very laid back zone mainly with gay bars, one of Madrid’s most celebrated going out areas, a mecca of the gay-friendly nightlife and well-known for its liberal attitudes all over Europe. This is a gay/mixed area but also loved by folks of all persuasions.

Bar guide to Madrid – Malasaña

This is another typically Spanish going out area full of tapas bars and small bar/clubs. Very popular with the young Spanish Indie crowd, this is a pub-crawlers paradise, where the action spills out on to the streets. There lots of small, cheap bars & rock music bars, if that floats your boat. Arrive after 23:00 – you just need to follow the hordes which spill onto the streets well into the wee small hours. Key streets are: Corredera Baja de San Pablo, Calle Espiritu Santo, Calle Manuela Malasaña, Calle La Palma and Plaza Dos de Mayo.

Madrid Nightlife – Strip Clubs

Be aware that Strip Clubs in Spain are very full-on sex clubs that near little relation to UK lap dancing or striup clubs. That means that the girls do not stop short of dancing topless. All have private rooms for much more personal attention. You’ll find a cluster of these haunts around the Santo Domingo area of Gran Via (the best of which is Chelsea II, see below).

Chelsea II (Calle Silva, 6)

Costs €20 approx for entrance including a drink. Includes a go-go area and more private seating. Open every night.

New Girls Cabaret (Calle Flor Baja, 1)

Our favourite. Costs €20 approx for entrance including a drink. Includes a go-go area and more private seating. Open every night.

Madrid Tapas Bars

Tapas can be the best, and most economical way of getting an authentic local nosh-up. The start to the real authentic Madrid nightlife. Madrid is tapas heaven and you can really get them on any street (especially around Plaza Santa Ana/Sol) . But here are some places we specially recommend:

Café Las Bravas, (A few near Calle Espoz y Mina)

A Madrid institution, specialising in spicy potatoes (Patatas bravas), tasty fried fish, or octopus!

El Abuelo (Nuñez de Arce, 5)

This place serves delightful gambas (prawns) in garlic and chile. Also try the langostinos.

Museo del Jamon (Carrera de San Jeronimo)

The museum of ham. Say No more. It’s delicious.

Check out our handy bullet list of Madrid tips for Stags and Hens

Plan your Madrid stag do in Spain’s capital and largest, most fun-packed city. Madrid is a town that parties all night with a compact city centre, stunning architecture and lots of action. Madrid nightlife is regarded by most in the know as the best in Spain. It has restaurants to please all tastes and budgets. And if you are organising a Madrid stag weekend you cannot choose a better destination.

Madrid delights the party animal, impresses the people-watcher and, well, has to be considered the Mecca for European football (pace Barça!). You can’t say you love football if you haven’t been to its famous Bernabeu Stadium. And the most Spanish of cities also holds a cosmopolitan charm and disregard for conventional timetables that few other cities in Europe can match.

• Spain’s capital has a total population of some 6 million (Greater Madrid), making it the 3rd or 4th biggest city in Europe. Madrid lies dead centre of Spain, (300 km+ from the nearest beach! ).
• It is bigger and chunkier than Barcelona for example!
• It has a mountain/meseta climate: very dry, with cold winters and sweltering summers. There are lots of sunny days and crystal clear blue skies all year – even in winter. Don’t expect outdoor swimming pools to be open except in high summer (June, July August).
• The city is a mix of higgledy piggledy old barrios with their own charm, and large wide elegant boulevards (Paseo de la Castellana, Paseo del Prado). The lively Gran Via (Main central street) is a mix of Oxford St, Broadway, Sauchiehall St and the Khaosan Rd.
• Madrid has a reputation for knowing how to party, and staying up all night!
• This means everything starts late in Madrid. Lunch can be as early as 1400 but usually starts at 1500. For dinner, aim for 2200 (few restaurants are open before 2100)
• No one goes for a drink before 2100/2200 !
• In general, despite its status as capital it is usually regarded as the most laid-back, likeable and welcoming of Spain’s largest cities.
• The airport is about 20 – 25 minutes east of the city, on the road to Barcelona
• Although land-locked the city has impressive natural areas: large parks (Retiro, Casa de Campo, Parque del Oeste)
• Madrid’s metro system is excellent and fast, making average journey time half or less than in other cities (much better than Barcelona for example).
• Taxis are also cheap and plentiful

The Local Flavour – what to try, what to see, what to taste, what is unique

Eating drinking and visiting is a must, here are our culinary and cultural Madrid Tips for Stags and Hens:

• See: Start at Puerta del Sol, the old town’s epicentre. See Palacio Real (the royal palace – and gardens), Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Alacala, El Retiro (park), Gran Via, Plaza de España, the Ventas Bull Ring. If you have time for an art visit three of the best galleries in Europe: The Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia.
• You MUST see Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid – for most fans, a football experience quite unlike any other.
• The Santiago Bernabeu (Real Madrid) football Museum is one of Europe’s biggest museum attractions by attendance figures.
• Visit one of the Serrano Ham “museums” – a tapas “must do”: see the legs of ham hanging ready to be munched with a glass of wine !
• In general Madrid is probably the best city in Spain for range of restaurants, food and above all tapas
• A mark of the “generosity” people feel when in Madrid is the “free tapas” you will receive in many bars when ordering a beer or wine…
• Beers: Mahou, San Miguel and Cruzcampo
• Madrid is the land of red wines: Rioja and Ribera de Duero being the best.
• Madrid is football mad: must-see Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, but don’t forget Leganés, Rayo Vallecano, or Getafe!  Real and Atletico are currently the top 2 teams in Europe in many people’s estimation.
• The character of the old streets of the central barrios of La Latina, Chueca, Plaza Santa Ana and Austrias.
• Check out the streets near Plaza Mayor (Calle Cuchilleros, Cava Baja) to fnd some of the best and most authentic tapas and restaurants in the world!
• Peckish? Grab a bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) with just a slice of lemon – delicious! Also try the patatas bravas (spicy potatoes for snacking) and the fried whitebait (boquerones).
• Madrileños, paradoxically for a landlocked city, are nicknamed “cats” – because they love fish (and stay out on the tiles all night….) MEOOOWWW!!!
• Sit out in a square, drink and gab like the locals. This appears to be done at all hours: try Plaza de la Paja, La Latina, Malasaña, Plaza Santa Ana….just about anywhere really.
• If you fancy something stronger with a late morning coffee (as Madrid people often do), order a “sol y sombra” (a rather tasty cocktail of brandy and anisette – copiously served in half-pint large brandy glasses…) If that doesn’t set the Madrid cats among the pigeons then nothing will.  More Madrid Tips for Stags and Hens

Where to go out in Madrid

Madrid has several lively neighbourhoods full of bars and the action spills out into the streets: check the streets near Plaza Santa Ana or Plaza de Chueca, the Malasaña area, Calle del Pez, La Latina…or Avenida de Brasil near the Real Madrid stadium.
Great clubbing at Shoko, Sala Sol, Joy and Kapital (all central near Sol).
Calle Huertas is the pub crawl street.
For tapas hit the streets near Plaza de la Paja and Plaza Mayor.

Tips for Getting Around Madrid

• USE THE METRO – IT’S CHEAP AND QUICK.
• CABS ARE ALSO CHEAP – BUT DONT EXÈCT WONDERFUL ENGLISH FROM CAB DRIVERS

Forget tiki-taka, think tapa tapa !

For a top Madrid weekend choose Spain’s liveliest, gutsiest city Check out the all-night nightlife, the thousands of bars and clubs, the energetic Madrileños who party 24 hours. For stags there is nothing quite like the unique Madrid Baby Bull Running activity that includes lunch, drinks and much Spanish style mirth.

Add the Prado Museum Palacio Real or Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, and wash it down with a bottle of Rioja, and all-year sunshine. Many rate Madrid as one of the top European cities, and you can be sure that if it’s happening, it’s happening in Madrid.

A Madrid stag do is for true Champions

Those of us who live in Madrid reckon Hemingway got it about right. Here you’ll feel so Real.  If you were ever to apply to join the league of Champions, well, Madrid must just about be the ideal place. If you visit the Bernabeu Stadium you’ll see a bit of silverware. Or watch the Real thing at the stadium.

Actually we’ve stopped counting how many European Cup trophies they have…it’s a bit intimidating, especially if your team are…well, crap. But you’ll get over it when you see the party spirit and the friendliness of the local Madrileños. Hemingway said Madrid is the Capital of the world. Find out why – read the drop downs to the left of this page (or above if you’re on a mobile or tablet.)

5 alternative experiences

• Be on main street for nightlife Gran Via at 05:49 – do this and you won’t have to see Blade Runner 20149…
• Real Madrid…or Atletico are a must but what about Leganés, Rayo or Getafe for a change?
• Have “coñac” brandy for breakfast – or request a “sol y sombra” – brandy mixed with “Monkey” anisette: it’s put hairs on Sergio Ramos’s chest at least…
• Have spicy, spiffing tapas like “patatas bravas“ (but don’t expect the namby pamby white mayonnaisey stuff mixed in that you get in Barcelona)
• Stroll round the old town barrios like Malasaña or Lavapies (not just Sol and Centre)

Bubble Football in Madrid

Bubble football in Madrid is pretty weatherproof. A rainy (actually slightly snowy) Saturday in March in Madrid could not burst Freddy’s group’s bubble as they took part in a fairly mad and highly enjoyable Madrid bubble football activity. We picked the guys  up outside their hotel near Puerta del Sol in Madrid City centre, and it was a 15 minute minivan ride to the outdoor venue.

Madrid had awoken to snow that morning so we had looked into the possibility of switching the venue to an indoor arena at the last minute. But there was no need when the weather cleared up nicely, and the stag group was well up pressing on. The lads took full advantage and bounced around the pitch in great style.

The stag’s bunny ears made him look quite fetching balanced on top of his bubble (and really, not a bit daft!). Our guide Abigail spoke warmly of the group “They were a happy bunch and well up for  laugh”

As well as bubble football this group opted for a package including Madrid beer bike and Club Entry, They opted for Goya Club, one of the rising stars in the Madrid nightlife scene. All in all they enjoyed Madrid to the full, and didn’t let the rather inclement Madrid weather get them down. Not that you’d usually expect it to snow in March in Madrid.

TOP TIP:  In fact, a more habitual discomfort of playing bubble football in Madrid is actually the heat (it can be sweltering Madrid in spring and summer). The traditional stag solution (cold beer) works fine, but choosing early evening slots for the activity is another slightly more sensible approach  (…you can still have the cold beer). The bubble activity is available all year (but book in advance to avoid disappointment), and you’ll be safe from the elements inside your zorb!

Madrid Capea | Baby Bulls experience

A Madrid capea is all the rage with stag groups. It’s a test of courage, a fantastic runaround and all in all very genuinely Spanish day out. Our service provides it all: transport with guide, drinks, bull running and lunch. We’ll take you to an authentic bull ring where you can test your matador skills. But no animals are hurt!

Doing a Madrid capea for a weekend  is pretty easy. Our guide will arrange to meet you in central Madrid and get you on the bus. You’ll have a briefing and get to know a few tricks. You may well become adept at dodging the horn and running away to the safety of the stockade.

Well, some of the great toreros amongst our stag groups got their start in this ring. And went on to cut ears and tails later that night…as we say in Spanish.  There’s nothing like an afternoon dodging the horn to …eh… give you the horn. It’s something of a testosterone-filled occasion, but in the nicest possible way and equally enjoyable for the ladies participating. Man, woman, whatever your orientation, we’ve got the bulls, and now let’s see  just how big your…senses of humour…are.

Matador for a day – top tips for a Madrid capea

• Saturdays work best for this activity
• If your Madrid bull-fighting experience coincides with a Real Madrid or Atletico home match you plan to attend, we can switch to the Sunday or Friday usually
• Remember its hot’s the ring in the early afternoon sun in Madrid (especially in summer). You can check out the Madrid weather forecast here.
• Keep your cool, and don’t let the Toro sense your fear!

If in doubt, run away and jump over the wall!

Book our Bullfight activity

You can check out the full details for this activity by visiting our baby bull running activity page here.

Or, book this activity as part of our  Matador Stag package with accommodation and nightlife included!

Madrid Nightlife Going Out Tips

Madrid nightlife gives you so many options. To enjoy one, browse our site, click on the links in the menu above, or on the photos below. Contact us on info@thespainevent.com or use our contact form  to the right of this page.  Our consultants will contact you immediately!

Madrid Bars and Nightlife

The strange thing about Madrid’s nightlife is that, as eagerly attested by our team of tired-but-happy guides (party animals to a girl or boy), all clichés are true!  It does go on all night, there are human traffic jams on Gran Via at 4 a.m., nobody does go out till 1 a.m., the clubs do not get going till 3.30 a.m., there is no point in expecting to get to bed before 9 a.m… It is undoubtedly the enviable energy of the party-mad Madrileños and Madrileñas that brings about this rather happy, and unique state of affairs. Our advice is just to relax, reset your body clock, and enjoy it!

A typical night in Madrid

The classic Noche Madrileña begins about ten with dinner or a tapas bar crawl around the streets near Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, or Plaza Santa Ana. Madrid has a bewildering range of Spanish and international eating places, and most tourists agree that Madrid prices are very reasonable. The drinking scene begins in earnest after dinner in the cocktails bars, pubs and flamenco clubs clustered thick around hubs like Calle Huertas and Calle Espoz y Mina (again very near Puerta del Sol). The gay/mixed scene of Chueca is another favourite, as is the bohemian La latina area.

To swim in a human tide of young barcrawlers and cheap booze prices, head for the grid of streets called Malasaña – home of Madrid’s 80’s culture renaissance, and still a friendly and laid-back drinking area. Dotted around the whole city centre you’ll find cafes, cocktail bars, Spanish and Irish bars. Don’t even think about a club until 3 a.m, and relish the fact that the folks back home have already been kicked out and helped to bed long before you walk in the door of your chosen Madrid night scene.

Hear what our customers say about Madrid nightlife

We were in a few tapas bars in the area called La Latina, it was already about 2 am but we were just sort of engulfed by this mass of people out in the streets, just milling around. I was a bit worried at first but it was all so matey and cheery, like a spontaneous street party,  they were all friendly, really amazing…Stan, Middlesborough, organising a stag do in October 2012 took him to Madrid’s amazing night life

Gran Via – the great street for Madrid nightlife

You’ll eventually cross the inevitable Madrid nightlife artery that is Gran Via, with its perpetual New Year’s Eve, making it The Spain Event’s favourite street of all time anywhere in the world. Madrid has a lively club scene for all types of music and in particular nights and DJ’s depend on the dates, but perennial favourites are Sala Sol, Pacha, Joy, and Low Club. Those who do not wish to party till 9 a.m. will find a range of equally suitable bar-club hybrids that close “early” about 3 a.m.

Nightlife happens very late in this all-night city, so pace yourself!  Waiting till late to go out does not mean you are missing anything, quite the reverse, it means you’ll peak at the right time, not too early. The top areas for going out are near Puerta del Sol, Plaza Santa Ana, and the La Latina area.  Ask us about tapas tours and bar crawls.

Madrid stags alternative “to do”

We offer hundreds of organised activities to Madrid stags. But if there are 5 things you definitely must try and do while you are here, try these:

Stagger up (or down) Gran Via at 05:49

It’s Spain’s maddest street.Especially if you are just out of Shoko or Joy or Kapital clubs. A sort of Oxford street but in Blade runner. You’ll find pretty much everything happening here, with all sorts of services on offer. The high buildings on either side of Gran Via attain an eery beauty and majesty at this time of the morning (but don’t get run over by a taxi…) – and bumping into a friend is always on the cards while buying Chinese food served on the street.

See Real Madrid…or Atletico

It’s a sure bet that at least one of these two roister-doisters will be kicking a ball about while you’re here. So, however much you profess to be a Barcelona fan, you can’t come here and not go. The Bernabeu Stadium in particular is well impressive, and the football on offer is not that bad at all….we can help you with tickets.

Have brandy for breakfast

Now, this will not appear in the Michelin Guide or Lonely Planet for that matter. It’s maybe just us but we kind of approve of the diehard Madrileño traditionalists habit of supplementing their morning café con leche with a brandy or two (or..even better… a mix of brandy and anisette, known as a sol y sombra). Go for it! And have the churros or porras as well.

Make sure Patatas Bravas is in your diet

The most traditional patatas bravas are served near Plaza Santa Ana in tapas bar like Cafe Las Bravas. There is nothing fancy about them. They sum up Madrid at its best.

Stroll round the old town

Unlike Barcelona Madrid has never benefited from a swollen media reputation and excessive marketing. So most people are blown away by the marvels of this city. Have a walk (or bar hop) around and see some of its mind-blowing sights: Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Paja, El Palacio Real, El Templo de Debod, El Retiro

Madrid Stag Match

Thinking about a Madrid stag match, I thought I would take some time out of my busy beer drinking in the sun schedule here in this beautiful capital city of Madrid to tell you gorgeous lot about this gorgeous place… Well to start off there are the two equally important factors involved in why this is such a great place, that I have just mentioned. Beer. Sunshine. The perfect combination. Madrid has hot, dry summers and loads of clear blue sky days so sitting back in the sun with an ice cold Mahou or San Miguel are a must and lets face it not a must that is too taxing or even the slightest bit annoying.

One of the many things that the Madrid lot do very well with their beer, now for some of you this may sound strange (eating is cheating may be a phrase you’ve come across or indeed used on several occassions), is food. Tapas goes perfectly with ice cold beer. Bocadillos de calamares (squid baguettes) are awesome, patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) will kick the butt of any pesky hang over and a plate of ham and cheeses you can either hog or share with your drinking buddies will all help to line the stomach for a day/night of drinking. Yep, it can be a hard life in Madrid.

If your Spanish is not up to scratch or you want a rest from sorting out all your mates, and trying to get them in line, then I recommend a guide. We had a really nice guide called Maria who took us on an excellent tapas/booze crawl which was well worth the very reasonable price.

Madrid stag match: Party All Night

Right, next up. The daytimes in Madrid are great. There’s always something going on. You can cruise around on a beer bike, highly recommended – you get Madrid sights with beer! Whoever came up with that idea needs a medal. Hang out in one of the many cool, beautiful parks dotted around the city, which is incidentally where a lot of the cool, beautiful Madrid women hang out. But this part of this I’m sure you’ll admit riveting little blog, is all about the nightlife. Madrid knows how to party. All night long. Everything starts late, mostly cause its so damn hot, people eat late and party until late, well early really.

Bars are the first stop and there are loads of trendy ones. I love all the bars in the old town, La Latina, which like most cities nowadays, is becoming the area to be seen in. It has a real young, vibrant, arty feel to it, juxtaposed against some gorgeous old architectural buildings and monuments. You can just feel the party vibe in the air. Plaza Santa Ana or Plaza de Chueca, the Malasaña area, Calle del Pez are all great areas to check out. And Avenida de Brasil near the Bernabeu stadium. Ah, yes the Madrid stadium, that leads me nicely onto my next point.

Things to do in Madrid: Football Fetish

Football. The Madrid stag match par excellence.  You may have heard of the Madrid footy team before. They’re not bad. And their stadium isn’t too shabby either. It has to be seen, walked around and for the lucky ones sat in, stood up in, shouted and cheered in. The atmosphere in and around it is amazing.

Looking for For Real Madrid or Atletico football tickets.  Click here.

If you’re up for just match with your own team, or to play against a local team form Madrid ask us.

Things to do in Madrid: Bonkers Bull Running

Another activity that is loads of fun and bonkers in a way that only Spain can achieve is the bull running. Now I don’t condone the real thing but baby bull running is different. They were not hurt in any way (the bulls not my mates) and having seen my mates run away from them at every opportunity, sometimes before the babies had even moved themselves, they (again the bulls not my mates) were definitely in charge (no pun intended). It is one of the funniest things I’ve ever done and the photos are priceless.

I hope my foray into a Madrid stag match has given you a bit of an insight into how amazing this happening, bustling, crazy, beautiful capital city is. There are so many great people to meet and so much to do, see, eat, watch and drink here that I always hate leaving and love coming back.

Claire Wilson

Choose from over 50 things to do in Madrid for groups (stag, hen or corporate). Browse our site and yu’ll see hundreds of suggestions  using the menu above, or click on the links below.  If what you want is not on the list use our contact form to the right of this page or call us.  We’ll get straight back to you.

Madrid by Day – art, shopping, football and lunch!

By population Europe’s fourth largest city, Spain’s capital is a remarkably easy place to get around, with an underground system to envy and a ready supply of taxis that can be haled easily in the street. Things to do in Madrid is easy.

The city is one of Europe’s top centres for shopping, packed with lively lunch spots and a plethora of cultural sites, not to mention Real Madrid.  Most visitors are surprised by how scenic and elegant a city Madrid is, especially under one of those awesome blue skies that made the city a mecca for great painters like Goya and Velazquez.

For shopping, you’ll find the best high street stores on Gran Via and near Puerta del Sol, with more exclusive ultra-trendy boutiques on Calle Fuencarral and Calle Serrano. More traditional goods and crafts can be found in the smaller shops near the Plaza Mayor. Some of the world’s greatest art treasures are on display in Madrid. You’ll find the best of them in Madrid’s three word-class museums, the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofia.

A diet of Madrid Football – Real and Atletico

Football fans will not want to miss out on a tour of Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium and the fascinating Real Madrid Museum – a fundamental part of Europe’s sporting heritage. And with Atletico Madrid riding high in the Spanish Liga first division, you may also want to get tickets and visit the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium.

Try the Madrid Long Lunch

And do not deny yourself the pleasure of one of Madrid’s finest institutions: the 3-hour lunch! This usually involves an aperitif around 13:45, then at least three courses, copious red wine to wash down delicious cuts of meat, delicious fresh salads and cheeses, and usually a digestivo or local liqueur to send you delirious to your siesta!

Lunch lovers will also be delighted to find out that Madrid, although landlocked, is acknowledged in Spain as one of the best places to eat fresh fish and seafood, entirely due to the massive demand!  ¡Buen provecho!

Things to do in Madrid – walk around!

Top Tip: Walk about! Like all great cities, Madrid is best discovered on foot. Start off at Puerta del Sol, and make sure you see Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Real, La Latina, Paseo del Prado and Chueca. If you do need transport, cabs are frequent and reasonable, or use the excellent modern Metro system which is safe, quick and clean.

Our Top 5 Stag Pranks

We’ve seen all sorts of ingenuity going in to the noble art of singling one man out and making him look like a total plonker.  The extreme embarrassment of your stag through targeted stag pranks can bring on riotous moments of laughter and expose the flashman-style cruel streak not only in the best man (and father in law?) but in all of your group.  Stag pranks come in all  shapes and sizes, involve varying degrees of malevolence and can often involve carefully sourced professional services and….eh… the British Consulate.

Some stag joke ideas … and some candid feedback!

This article takes no moral position, it is both a word of warning as well as recommendation. We polled some of our guides around our office to find out what they thought based on almost 20 years of experience guiding stag groups around Spain.

Below is what they compiled as their top 5 five stag pranks.  We have also added some comments made by the poor unsuspecting stags in the heat of the moment (names have been changed … for obvious reasons):

Mud wrestling (in chocolate or oil)

“It was a frankly awful predicament” –John, from Walsall. 

This can cause extreme hilarity with the watching group and may in fact be not too unpleasant for the victim. It may be most excruciating for the father-in-law (because he doesn’t get to go…?). This consists of what appears to be a paddling pool full of goo (chocolate ? oil ?) in which, two rather scantily clad young ladies (usually) begin a wrestling match which tends to end with the poor stag in the middle in a sorts of fleshy, gooey and very naked sandwich. Definitely embarrassing, but not too harrowing !

Dwarfs in Spain

“I wouldn’t ever want to go through that again…” –Simon, from London

No, we don’t mean the FC Barcelona midfield and attack.  This stag prank rates low on the morally acceptable league table, but that may not a principal consideration for the stag do you are planning.  A diminutive but willing friend is found, and his or her presence is felt (for much longer than the stag may appreciate). This can range from handcuffing the little chap to the stag for a few hours, to finding a lady dwarf who will do a little striptease for your boy. Lovely. And terribly embarrassing.

False drugs bust

“The entire edifice I had constructed, my  future married life, appeared to be crumbling in front of my eyes…” –Clive, Leeds.

It’s not normally good to have  a brush with the local carabinieri (or Policia Local in Spain), so if you admire the long arm of the law, you may look at hiring a stunt policeman. This stag joke involves having a (fake) badge-carrying local copper (probably undercover) apprehend the dear stag, and give him a fairly embarrassing frisking (strip-searching can be arranged). If you can keep a straight face (and especially if you have planted some dodgy substances on the stag) this can be highly effective, and rates high on the harrowing count.

The Ugly Stripper

“My life was hell for 17 minutes” – Ravi from Yorkshire

The stag may suspect that a strip show will be laid on for him to enjoy at some stag of the weekend. So imagine his surprise, and disappointment, when the performer turns out to be obese, hirsute or…a just a bloke in drag.  This stag prank will indeed provide surprise, and some duress to your victim, and hopefully not a taste of what is to come in married life.

The hard as nails football fan

“I was at ground zero…” –Stewart from Reading

Some stags have been known to show up wearing Barcelona shirts at Real Madrid matches…and vice versa. Definitely not recommended!

Tips on booking stag pranks in Spain

In general we recommend you remember you are abroad and certain stunts could lead to misunderstanding, and may be best carried out in relatively private circumstances (like the backroom of a bar ?)  Most of all make sure no one tweets the photos (deleting from the phones before returning home is probably  a good idea!).  If you’d like more information or guidance on this dubious subject, get in touch.