Facebook Twitter Email. CNN — Madrid likes to party. With near-mandatory siestas after lunch and sometimes after work too, who can blame the 3 million inhabitants of the great city in the center of Spain for wanting to work off all that excess energy?
Despite its cultural sophistication and flair, Madrid's unpretentious bar scene and vibrant nightlife provide no end of opportunities to do just that. It goes on late, too. If you've got the urge and the energy to join them, here's a quick sample of what's on offer after dark in Madrid. Going out in Madrid often begins as a relaxing after-work drink that quickly turns into a frenzied adventure -- seldom ending before 2 a.
Reasons for the late schedule include a rather laid-back attitude concerning where and when to meet, the exceptionally strong cocktails and the sheer volume of venues to choose from. Once committed to going out, though, it's probably best to give up any notion of planning the evening and just enjoy the ride. Unlike many city nighttime scenes, what you wear doesn't particularly matter -- it's not unusual to see a well-dressed pijo posh individual rubbing shoulders with a T-shirt sporting something.
Be warned, though -- many of the tapas bars are small and overcrowded with standing-room only. For a more "modern" ambiance, visitors flock to any of five Lateral restaurants the newest is located on the scenic Paseo de la Castellana found around Madrid. The decor is minimalist, the tapas creative and the patrons are attractive. For those not satisfied with tapas, it's good to know that 10 p. Some folk remain at the bars and switch to larger raciones main dishes meant to be shared , while others, rising from their post-work siestas, are refreshed and ready to begin the night's revelries.
Following the "evening" meal, it's generally time to enjoy some copas, or cocktails, instead of wine. During the summertime, hopping from one terrace venue to another until last call between 2 a. When it gets colder, revelers usually linger at their favorite bars until it's time to hit the clubs. In a city as cosmopolitan as Madrid, keeping up with changing trends is a challenge. Yet locals remain obsessed with the classic gin and tonic.
