Madrid has an unrivalled music scene and musical life. Madrid's musical culture is broad and deeply rooted. Today we continue to enjoy places where music is almost sacred.
Being the great capital that it is, not only do we have numerous venues and bars to enjoy live music, but also a wide variety of musical genres on offer.
Today we bring you the best places where you can enjoy quality live music while you have a drink, whether it's smooth jazz in the background or a session by a new emerging DJ.
Live music bars in Madrid
El Plata Club – Gumbo Jam
Calle de Méndez Álvaro, 1
From Madrid to New Orleans on any Thursday with the cheapest flight in history, six euros. It's the perfect plan to enjoy one of the best atmospheres in the capital with traditional jazz music. Sessions start at 22:00 and doors open at 21:15 until full capacity is reached. Don't miss this new meeting place.
La Coquette Madrid
Calle de las Hileras, 14
What if we add a bit of blues to jazz? Come to one of the bars with the most stories to tell in Madrid's nightlife, with the best music in the background. Since 1982, its stairs have taken you to an atmosphere full of music, chats, drinks and laughter.
Café Central
Plaza del Ángel, 10
Don't be fooled by its façade, the heart of Café Central has been beating to the rhythm of blues, jazz and soul for decades. Another corner with stories to tell and listen to. Weekly jam sessions with well-known and emerging names from the international music scene. Don't forget to take a look at their website to keep up to date with what's happening night after night.
Café Taberna Alabanda
Calle Miguel Servet, 15
Tapas and shows in this tavern that has a fantastic ace up its sleeve; Madrid's blues society Sundays. You choose what kind of music you want to hear depending on the day you visit. Music in capital letters.
Café El Despertar
C. de la Torrecilla del Leal, 18
Quality live music in one of what is known as one of the mainstays of jazz music in Madrid. Four decades behind them, during which they have been able to evolve and grow without losing any of that which makes them so special and which keeps them, even today, as a place to enjoy and a must-visit. An ode to the world of the arts in general.
Jazz Bar
C. de Moratín, 35
The name says it all, and it's everything you can imagine and expect from a place like this. Great atmosphere, with light jazz music and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. A place to unwind and enjoy a good chat. Don't miss the opportunity to sit on the terrace during the summer season.
El Búho Real
Calle de Regueros, 5
We leave aside jazz and blues to open our horizons to new musical genres but without leaving aside the concept of quality and the seal of personal music. Come by the real owl to hear, or be part of, the community of singer-songwriters who have passed, and continue to pass through here daily since 1984. If you want to take the leap, Wednesday is your day.
Café La Palma
Calle de la Palma, 62
Music in every sense of the word. At Café La Palma music rules and no visit is the same as the last. Lose yourself in a good conversation with light music in the background, jump with a spectacular session by a dj that will become your favourite or discover your new favourite band. Every day is something new, exciting and different. Emblematic and for lovers of the unconventional.
Intruso Bar
C. de Augusto Figueroa, 3
This is your fusion corner, although you can enjoy events of all kinds, including comedy events, if music is your thing, don't miss out on what's going on here by checking out their website. With a clear tendency towards Afrobeat and soul, you can enjoy great electronic tunes and even jam sessions.
Sala El Sol
Calle de los Jardines, 3
El Sol was there when the movida madrileña was just an idea, a concept yet to be drawn and shaped, it took it in and gave it a place from which to begin its journey. Since then they haven't stopped playing music from 20:30 with their concerts, although if you're into dj sessions, from 1:00 onwards they'll be waiting for you with the best of the genre.
Cien por cien Madrid
C. de la Santísima Trinidad, 30
In this bar with one of the best decorations and atmospheres in the city you can enjoy its resident band, which covers Spanish rock hits, as well as concerts by emerging singers and groups who just want to give rhythm to the Madrid nightlife. Another stop you can't leave behind on your night-time stroll through Madrid.
Honky Tonk
Calle de Covarrubias, 24
One of the bars with live music in Madrid with the best atmosphere. The rock, blues or pop concerts start at 00:30, and many of them are free entry. Then you can stay until 6:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, or until 5:00 from Monday to Thursday.
Fun House
Calle de Palafox, 8
A small venue for rock music lovers, with a touch of originality. What you will find on its stage is love for good music, no hits, nothing for the masses. Although it also has DJ sessions and some nights you can enjoy the best soul. For the real music lovers.
BlackBird Rock Bar
Calle de Huertas, 22
See rock and blues sharing the stage? Well, in this venue they go hand in hand and you can enjoy the best of each genre. Great decoration and a temple to rock music in the heart of the Barrio de las Letras.
Cocodrilo Rock Bar
Calle de los Cebreros, 101
If you look up the word "garito" in the dictionary, you should see a picture of the façade of Cocodrilo Rock Bar. Its Spanish rock music is just one of the great things you'll find here, where the service and atmosphere match the music.
Wurlitzer Ballroom
Calle de las Tres Cruces, 12
Free entry, closes late and you can listen to rock and metal. What does it sound like? It's a temple of these genres, where you'll hear the best of both national and international music. Go for the music, and stay for the good atmosphere you'll find.