Looking to enjoy live music in Madrid? Here’s our hotlist

The Spanish capital’s live music scene is as diverse as its residents. Yet, when enjoying your holidays in Madrid, you want to be located close to the central neighbourhoods such as La Latina, Lavapies or Chueca. This is where the bars with live music in Madrid are based. Not sure where to begin? Tell us your music taste and we will plan your night.

Madrid’s indie music scene is forever growing and slowly attracting international attention. Catch the best rock and indie groups before they make it big at these cool locations.

Honky Tonk presents an exciting rolling events schedule featuring live bands performing rock, country and blues. Bands regularly pay tribute to acts from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s – guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and dancing. Once the concerts finish, a live DJ set takes place through to 05:30 for those who want to carry on the night.

Open every day of the week, Wurlitzer Ballroom is an indie hangout located on Tres Cruces Street close to the major shopping street, Gran Vía. 

It is one of the last remaining places to enjoy free live music in Madrid so be prepared to queue if you want to enjoy a night out here. It is a legendary venue for metal and rock fans and attracts a diverse audience ready to party until dawn.

If you are looking to enjoy rock concerts in Madrid during your holidays, then head to El Búho Real in Chueca. This iconic venue has been recognised as a landmark of cultural heritage in the Madrid community and has entertained audiences since 1984. The space, which measures a meagre 50 metres squared, is open every day of the week and on Wednesdays, there is an open-mic night. The rest of the time visitors can find rock and indie bands alongside alternative art performances.

The freestyle, atonal sound of jazz music sounds cooler when it is floating on the Madrid summer breeze. If you are looking to enjoy some live music in Madrid, here are the jazziest bars in the city.

Sala Clamores has been bustling since 1981 and has become one of the most iconic bars to enjoy jazz concerts in Madrid. Along with its speciality in jazz, you can also hear an ensemble of samba, tango, pop, folk, flamenco and rock; to list a few. The menu also offers an extensive selection of champagnes and cocktails if you’re eager to quench your thirst whilst enjoying the music.

Sister club to Madrid’s classic jazz house, Sala Clamores, Galileo Galilei hosts an array of live music ranging from Latin jazz, salsa and flamenco to some unique performances from singer-songwriters. Situated in what was formerly a cinema, the spacious venue occasionally hosts comedy and magic nights, along with the live performances which take place every night, amidst a funky Greek-style décor. The drinks menu is substantial in terms of both choice and prices - a night out here might be more expensive than at other venues but the remarkable live jazz music in Madrid makes it a worthwhile experience.

You cannot go to Spain and not see a flamenco show. While this music genre originates from the hilltop towns of Andalusia, Madrid is home to some of the best flamenco venues in Spain. 

Experience an authentic flamenco show in this central venue that has been recommended by the New York Times. There are three shows a day and those who wish to make a night of it can order dinner at the venue, served 45 minutes before the evening show. This is one of the biggest flamenco concert halls in Madrid and definitely worth a visit during your stay. 

Renowned as being the most famous flamenco tablaos in Madrid, this theatre offers flamenco shows every day of the week. It has been awarded “The World’s Best Tablao” flamenco award at the “Las Minas International Festival” as well as being listed in the New York Times’ #1 bestseller “1000 Places to See Before You Die” as one of the most iconic places. Visitors to this venue not only get to enjoy flamenco live music in Madrid but also exquisite Michelin-star dining options. 

Looking for a mix-and-match night of live music in Madrid? At these venues, you are not limited to just one genre of music.

Located just a few minutes walk away from Plaza de Castilla and Torres Kio, Barceló Imagine Hotel, known as ‘the music hotel’, is up there with being one of the trendiest hot spots in the city. 

Each floor of the hotel pays homage to a different genre of music; be it rock, jazz, pop or flamenco, with the theme running the entire way through the property, including the outdoor terrace, swimming pool and restaurant. Its modern and chic Sky Lounge, located on the hotel’s rooftop, is the perfect hangout to sip on cocktails whilst enjoying live DJ sets and concerts against the stunning backdrop of the city skyline. 

Café la Palma is one of the most dynamic music venues in the capital and a long-lasting favourite for the Malasaña crowd. The live entertainment ranges from pop, house and Spanish hip-hop, to blues, techno and jazz, with some of the hottest DJ sets and concerts being performed on the weekends. Depending on your preference, there are two separate rooms in the venue to choose from. The main section of Café la Palma is the live concert room and dance floor where you can catch all the live music in full swing. Alternatively, the second room is more of a chill-out zone, filled with tables and cushions to lounge around and chat over a drink. 

Siroco is another favourite in the Malasaña district and a top venue for experiencing some of the best live music in Madrid. This cool club features reggae on Thursdays, hip hop and R&B on Fridays and numerous local soul singers and bands throughout the weekend.

The venue hosts two very different environments at weekends: the upper level being more relaxed with a tranquil vibe, and downstairs being a more intense, electronic scene for party-goers. This is where the venue heats up and lasts until roughly 2 am. 

While its name has changed over time, the space has been home to live music in Madrid for over 150 years. Centrally, close to the Plaza de Sol, this is one of the oldest music bars in Madrid. Live a piece of history and enjoy a legendary night out at this famous clubbing venue in the heart of the Spanish capital. 

Some of the most famous live concerts in Madrid have taken place in this concert hall located on the banks of the Manzanares River. With a capacity for 2500 people, the Sala Riviera has seen global artists such as Art Garfunkel, Alanis Morissette and Garbage perform on its stage since its opening in 1958. Today it is a trendy indie hangout that showcases emerging talent alongside established acts. If you are looking for music events in Madrid, be sure to check out this venue.