Madrid Nightlife
Welcome to party central! Madrid has long been infamous for its energetic nightlife, and a night out in this city will not soon be forgotten. From the cafes and restaurants, to the tapas bars to the clubs, most nights in Madrid don't wind down until the early hours of morning, and sometimes later if breakfast is in the plan.

Most locals don't eat their meals until later at night, usually between 9 and 11. After the main meal the tapas bars, cafes and outdoor patios become packed with people. Drinking and light eating usually goes until well after midnight, with clubs filling up around 2am.

The nightclubs in Madrid are cutting-edge, with designer decor, exotic drinks, and Europe's top DJ's spinning the tunes. Madrid also has one of the best gay scenes in Spain. Cover prices can be steep for the higher-end clubs, but most include a drink and are well worth the price.

Probably the most surreal and grand of Madrid's clubs is the spectacular Palacio Gaviria. This club is in two converted ballrooms, and features a great light show. For a more exotic experience, try Cardamomo, which features Flamenco and Brazilian beats. Kapital is one of the biggest of the city's nightclubs, with seven floors of dancing fun. Cool features drag performances and Goth parties on a weekly basis, and is bar none the best gay-friendly bar in town.

After you've had your fill of shaking it up in the discos, the best thing to do is to gather both those you came with and new friends you might have made over the night, and head to one of the city's many breakfast joints. Indulge in some Churros con Chocolate or coffee, before dragging yourself back to your hotel and into bed for some well-needed sleep.