Madrid Nightlife for Broke Students: The Real Guide

Madrid’s nightlife is legendary. It’s also expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing. A night out can cost €50-80 if you’re buying drinks at club prices, or it can cost €15-20 if you understand how the system actually works.

This is the guide to going out in Madrid without going broke. How locals pre-game, where students actually party, which nights have free entry, and how to make it home at 6am without spending your entire week’s grocery budget.

How Madrid Nightlife Actually Works

The Timeline (Prepare Yourself)

What You Think Going Out Means:

9pm: Meet friends
10pm-midnight: Have fun at a club
1am: Head home
Total: 4 hours

What Going Out in Madrid Actually Means:

9-10pm: Dinner (light, at home or cheap)
10-11pm: Pre-drinks at someone’s apartment (botellón casero)
11pm-midnight: First bar
Midnight-1am: Second bar (getting busier)
1-2am: Third bar or start heading to club
2-4am: Club (now it’s actually packed)
4-6am: Still at club or moved to another
6-7am: Churros con chocolate for “breakfast”
7-8am: Finally go home
Total: 10-12 hours

Student Reality Check:
You don’t have to do this every weekend. But if you’re going out properly in Madrid, expect it to be an all-night event. There’s no such thing as “just a few hours.”

The Night-by-Night Breakdown

Monday-Wednesday: Dead
Most clubs are closed. A few bars have events, but these are weeknights for studying and cheap meals, not partying.

Thursday: Student Night

Many clubs have student nights
Free or reduced entry with student ID
€5-10 entry with drink included
Popular with university students
Still busy but less than weekends

Friday: Peak Night #1

Clubs fully open
€10-15 entry (sometimes free before midnight)
Mixed crowd (students + young professionals)
Very busy from 2-6am

Saturday: Peak Night #2

Most expensive night (€15-20 entry)
Busiest night overall
Some clubs stay open until 8-9am
You’ll see the sunrise

Sunday: Recovery or Kapital

Most places closed
Teatro Kapital does Sunday nights (famous 7-floor club)
Otherwise, rest and meal prep for the week

The Money Reality

Expensive Way (Tourist/Unprepared):

Drinks at first bar: €6-8 each x 3 = €24
Drinks at second bar: €6-8 each x 2 = €16
Club entry: €15
Drinks at club: €10-12 each x 3 = €36
Coat check: €3
Late night food: €8
Total: €102

Smart Student Way:

Botellón (pre-drinks at home): €5-8 for drinks
One drink at bar: €6
Free entry club (before midnight or student night): €0
One drink at club: €10
Coat check: Skip it or €3
Late night food: €5
Total: €26-29

How to Do It:
Pre-game hard, pace yourself, choose your nights strategically, and know which places have free entry.

Pre-Gaming: The Spanish Botellón

What Botellón Actually Is

The Tradition:
“Botellón” literally means “big bottle.” It’s the Spanish tradition of drinking in public spaces or at home before going out.

Two Types:

1. Botellón Casero (At Home):

Friends gather at someone’s apartment
Everyone brings their own drinks
Music, talking, getting ready together
10pm-midnight or later
This is where the night actually starts

2. Botellón Público (In Public):

Drinking in parks or plazas
Technically illegal in Madrid (€600 fine)
Still happens but risky
Not recommended for students (not worth the fine)

How to Botellón Casero

The System:

Someone volunteers their apartment
Everyone brings their own alcohol
Meet around 10-11pm
Drink, listen to music, chat for 1-2 hours
Leave together around midnight-1am

What to Bring:

Your own drinks (€5-10 at supermarket)
Maybe snacks to share
Good vibes

Drink Options at Mercadona/Carrefour:

Beer: €3-6 for 6-pack
Wine: €3-5 for bottle (plenty for pre-gaming)
Spirits + mixer: €12-15 total (lasts multiple nights)
Kalimotxo ingredients: Cheap red wine (€2) + Coca-Cola (€1.50) = €3.50 total

Kalimotxo (Cal-ee-MO-cho):
The ultimate Spanish student drink. Mix cheap red wine with Coca-Cola (50/50). Sounds disgusting, tastes surprisingly okay, costs almost nothing.

Pro Tip: Pre-gaming gets you 80% drunk for 20% the cost. You’ll only need 1-2 drinks once you’re out.

Hosting Botellón at Your Place

What You Need:

Cups (plastic or reusable)
Music (Spotify “Fiesta España” playlists)
Ice (buy at supermarket)
Bathroom cleaned (people will judge)
Neighbors who tolerate noise (or aren’t home)

What to Expect:

5-15 people
It’ll get loud
Someone might break something
You’ll make friends
Totally worth it

Cleanup Strategy:
Do it the next day. Nobody cleans at 1am before going out.

Bars: Where to Go Before Clubs

Student-Friendly Bar Neighborhoods

Malasaña: Alternative/Indie Vibe

Why Students Love It:

Cheaper than fancy areas
Alternative music scene
Lots of small bars packed together
Younger crowd
Casual dress code

Best Bars:

Tupperware: Tiny, cheap drinks (€4-5), indie music
La Vía Láctea: Classic Madrid bar, rock music, €5 drinks
Ojalá: Beach-themed (actual sand), creative cocktails (€7-9)
Bar El Jardín Secreto: Hidden garden vibe, €5-7 drinks

Bar-Hopping Route:
Start at Plaza del Dos de Mayo → Work your way down Calle Espíritu Santo → Hit 2-3 bars → Head to club around 1-2am

Dress Code: Casual. Jeans and a nice top = totally fine.

La Latina: Tapas Bars That Turn Into Party Bars

Why It Works:

Start with cheap tapas for dinner
Same places get livelier as night goes on
Local vibe, less touristy than Sol
Cava Baja street is the main strip

Best Spots:

Bars along Calle Cava Baja
Spill out into the streets (people drink outside)
€4-6 drinks
Mix of students and locals

Strategy: Eat dinner here early (8-9pm), then stay as it transitions to night mode around 11pm.

Chueca: LGBTQ+ Friendly, Inclusive Vibes

Why Go:

Super welcoming and inclusive
Great music and energy
Safe space for everyone
Thursday-Saturday it’s packed

Popular Bars:

LL Bar: Popular pre-club spot
Truco: Relaxed vibe, good cocktails
Café Figueroa: Classic Chueca bar
Various clubs in the area

Vibe: Friendly, open, great music, slightly pricier than Malasaña but worth it.

Gran Vía/Centro: Tourist Central (Skip It)

The Reality:
Expensive, full of tourists, locals avoid it for nightlife.

Only Go Here If:

You want to see it once
Someone else is paying
You enjoy overpriced drinks

Better Option: Any of the neighborhoods above.

Bar Etiquette & Strategy

How to Order at a Bar:

Push your way to the bar (it’s not rude, it’s how it works)
Make eye contact with bartender
Wait your turn (they track who’s next)
Order clearly and in Spanish if possible
Pay immediately (usually)
Tip optional (leave small change if service was good)

Drink Prices by Neighborhood:

Malasaña/La Latina: €4-6 per drink
Chueca: €6-8 per drink
Salamanca (fancy area): €8-12 per drink (skip it)
Tourist traps: €10-15 per drink (definitely skip)

Money-Saving Strategy:
Order beer or wine (€3-5) instead of cocktails (€7-10). You’re already pre-gamed anyway.

Where to Keep Your Stuff:

Small bag worn in front
Phone and wallet in front pockets
Don’t bring anything valuable you can’t lose
Coat check at bars usually doesn’t exist

Clubs: Where Students Actually Party

Entry Fees & How to Avoid Them

The Entry System:

Free Entry Options:

Arrive before midnight (many clubs)
Student nights (Thursday especially)
Guest list (sign up online beforehand)
Ladies free before midnight (some clubs)
Promotional flyers (handed out on streets)

Paid Entry:

After midnight: €10-20
Sometimes includes one drink
Weekend nights more expensive
Big name DJs = higher prices

How to Get Free Entry:

Show up before midnight (most reliable)
Check club websites/Instagram for guest list signups
Student night with university ID
Promotional flyers from people on Gran Vía (legit but annoying)

Reality Check: If you’re going out at 2am (peak time), you’re probably paying. Plan to go earlier or budget for entry.

Student-Favorite Clubs by Music Type

Teatro Kapital: The Famous 7-Floor Club

What It Is: Massive 7-floor club, each floor different music
Location: Atocha area
Entry: €15-20 (includes one drink)
Age: Mixed, lots of tourists + locals
Music: Everything (reggaeton, EDM, hip-hop, pop, karaoke floor)

Student Reality:
Famous so you should go once, but expensive and touristy. Thursday student nights are better value.

Pro Tip: Each floor has its own vibe. Explore all 7, find your favorite, stay there.

Sala But: LGBTQ+ Favorite

What It Is: Chueca’s main club, super inclusive
Location: Chueca
Entry: €10-15
Age: 20s-30s
Music: Pop, dance, remixes

Why Students Like It:
Safe, fun, inclusive, great music, good energy.

Independance Club: Indie/Alternative

What It Is: Indie rock and alternative music
Location: Near Tribunal/Malasaña
Entry: €8-12
Age: University students mainly
Music: Indie, rock, alternative

Perfect For: Students who don’t want reggaeton all night.

Cats (Salamanca): Fancy But Popular

What It Is: Upscale club in Salamanca neighborhood
Location: Salamanca (metro Serrano)
Entry: €15-20
Age: 20s, dressier crowd
Music: Reggaeton, commercial hits

The Deal:
Dress code enforced (no sneakers, look put-together). More expensive. Go if you want the “fancy Madrid club” experience.

Opium Madrid: Restaurant-Turned-Club

What It Is: Restaurant that becomes club after midnight
Location: Near Retiro
Entry: €15-20
Age: 20s-30s
Music: Reggaeton, commercial

Student Perspective:
Fun but pricey. Go for special occasions.

Smaller Clubs in Malasaña/La Latina

Better for Students:

Sala Caracol: Small, alternative music, €5-8 entry
Maravillas Club: Indie and rock, affordable
Siroco: Live music + club nights, €8-12

Why They’re Better:
Cheaper, less pretentious, more authentic Madrid vibe, still fun.

Club Survival Guide

What to Wear:

For Most Clubs:

Girls: Jeans + nice top, or dress, heels or boots
Guys: Jeans + button-up or nice shirt, shoes (not sneakers at fancy places)
Check dress code online first

Casual Clubs (Malasaña):

Sneakers usually okay
Jeans + t-shirt fine for guys
Less strict overall

Fancy Clubs (Salamanca):

Dress shoes required for guys
Girls in dresses or dressy outfits
They WILL turn you away for sneakers

Student Strategy: Have one “going out” outfit that works for most clubs. Don’t overthink it.

Staying Safe:

Essential Rules:

Go with friends, leave with friends
Keep phone/wallet in front pockets
Watch your drink (always)
Don’t accept drinks from strangers
Have a meeting point if separated
Keep phone charged for communication
Know how you’re getting home

If You Get Separated:

Text immediately
Have a backup meeting point planned
Don’t wander alone looking for them
Metro runs until 1:30am, then starts again at 6am

Drink Safety:

Never leave drinks unattended
Open bottles yourself when possible
If drink tastes weird, get a new one
Trust your instincts

The Drink Situation at Clubs

Prices:

Beer: €8-10
Cocktails: €10-15
Water: €5-7 (yes, really)
Mixed drinks: €10-12

Money-Saving Strategies:

Pre-game well (you should only need 1-2 drinks at club)
Order beer (cheapest option)
Bring cash for drinks (card minimums exist)
Drink water before leaving home (stay hydrated for free)
Skip the drinks and just dance (totally acceptable)

The Water Scam:
Clubs charge €5-7 for a small bottle of water. It’s criminal but universal. Either pay it or hydrate before/after.

Getting Home at Dawn

The Transportation Reality:

Metro Hours:

Runs until: 1:30am
Starts again: 6am
Friday/Saturday: All night (24 hours)

Your Options at 5am on a Thursday:

Wait until 6am for metro (common, everyone does it)
Night bus (búho buses, limited routes, confusing)
Taxi (€10-20 depending on distance)
Walk (if close and in a group)
Stay out until 6am then take metro (most common)

The 6am Metro Experience:

Everyone is still drunk/tired
It’s bright daylight outside
You’re wearing club clothes on the morning commute
Totally normal in Madrid
Embrace it

Safety Getting Home:

Go in groups
Use official taxis (white with red stripe) or Uber/Cabify
Don’t walk through sketchy areas alone
Share your location with friends
If taking night bus, check routes beforehand

Special Events & Themed Nights

Thursday Student Nights

Where to Find Them:

Teatro Kapital Thursday:

Student entry €12-15 (vs €20 on weekends)
Must show university ID
Most popular student night

Sala But Thursday:

LGBTQ+ student night
€10 entry with student ID
Inclusive, fun crowd

Check Social Media:
Clubs post student night deals on Instagram. Follow clubs you’re interested in.

Free Entry Nights

How to Find Them:

Club Instagram accounts (they post weekly schedules)
Guest lists online (sign up beforehand)
Promotional people on Gran Vía (hand out flyers)
University Facebook groups (students share deals)

Best Days for Free Entry:

Thursday (student nights)
Early arrivals (before midnight)
Special promotions (new clubs, slow nights)

Reggaeton Nights vs. Other Music

The Reality:
Reggaeton dominates Madrid clubs. Like, really dominates.

If You Like Reggaeton:
Every club, every night. You’re set.

If You Don’t:

Indie clubs in Malasaña
Rock bars (fewer but they exist)
Electronic music nights (check event listings)
Accept that you’ll hear some reggaeton anyway

Student Acceptance:
Even if it’s not your music, after a few weeks you’ll be dancing to reggaeton. It’s inevitable.

The After-Party: Churros at Dawn

The Tradition

What It Is:
After clubbing all night, go for churros con chocolate before going home.

Why:

It’s tradition
You need food
Everywhere else is closed
It’s actually delicious
Marks the official end of the night

Where to Go:

Chocolatería San Ginés:

Location: Near Sol
Open: 24 hours
Price: €4-5 for churros con chocolate
Vibe: Tourist-heavy but classic

Better Options:

Maestro Churrero: Multiple locations, good quality, €3-4
Any churrería near your neighborhood
24-hour cafeterías (less famous but fine)

The Experience:
Sitting in a churrería at 7am, still in club clothes, eating churros with strangers who are also ending their night. Peak Madrid.

Nightlife on Different Budgets

The €15 Night (Broke Student)

Strategy:

Botellón at home: €5 for drinks
One bar (one drink): €5
Free entry club (arrive before midnight): €0
One drink at club: €0 (nurse the pre-game buzz)
Walk home or wait for 6am metro: €0
Skip churros or share: €2

Total: €12-15

Reality Check: Doable but requires discipline. You’re mostly drunk from botellón and sipping one drink for hours.

The €30 Night (Normal Student)

Strategy:

Botellón: €8
Two bars (1-2 drinks total): €10
Club entry (student night or paid): €8-12
One drink at club: €10
Churros: €4
Metro home: €1.50

Total: €30-35

Sweet Spot: Enough to have fun without stress, most sustainable for weekly going out.

The €50+ Night (Special Occasion)

What You Get:

No botellón (or light pre-game): €5
Nice dinner before: €15-20
Multiple bars: €15-20
Club entry + drinks: €25-30
Churros: €5
Taxi home: €15

Total: €75-90

When to Do This:
Birthday, visiting friends, end of exams, once a month max.

Nightlife Safety & Reality Checks

Things That Can Go Wrong

Pickpocketing:

Clubs and bars = pickpocket targets
Keep wallet/phone in front pockets
Don’t leave bags unattended
Stay aware even when drinking

Drink Spiking:

Rare but happens
Never leave drinks unattended
Don’t accept drinks from strangers
Go out with trusted friends

Getting Too Drunk:

Madrid nights are LONG (10+ hours)
Pace yourself
Drink water between drinks
Know your limits

Losing Friends:

Plan a meeting spot beforehand
Keep phones charged
Have emergency contact numbers
Don’t wander off alone

Missing Last Metro:

Check metro times
Have taxi money backup
Share rides with friends
Or embrace the 6am metro wait

Club Harassment & Safety

The Reality:
Unfortunately, some clubs have aggressive people. Know your boundaries.

If Someone Won’t Leave You Alone:

Be direct: “No estoy interesada/o” (I’m not interested)
Find your friends
Tell security if it persists
Move to different area of club

Club Security:
Most clubs have security. Don’t hesitate to get them if someone is harassing you or your friends.

Going Out as a Woman:

Go with friends
Stay together
Watch each other’s drinks
Have each other’s backs
It’s sad this is necessary, but it is

Alternative Nightlife (Not Just Clubs)

Live Music Venues

Sala El Sol:

Historic venue in Gran Vía area
Live bands + DJ nights
€8-15 entry
Rock, indie, alternative

Costello Club:

Live music + club nights
Near Sol
€10-15 entry
Mixed genres

Café Berlin:

Jazz and live music
More sophisticated vibe
€8-12 entry

Student Benefit: Cheaper than clubs, better music, more interesting crowd.

Bar Crawls & Pub Crawls

What They Are:
Organized events where you visit multiple bars in one night.

How They Work:

Pay €12-15 upfront
Visit 4-5 bars
Usually includes 1 drink per bar
End at a club (free entry)
Meet other international students

Worth It?
For your first few weeks, yes. Easy way to meet people and learn the areas. After that, you’ll have friends and know where to go.

Where to Find Them:

Check hostels (they organize them)
Universidad Facebook groups
Meetup.com events

Quiz Nights & Social Events

English Pub Quiz Nights:

Various bars host them
€3-5 entry
Win drink vouchers
Meet other English speakers

Game Nights:

Board game cafés
€5-8 entry
Drinks available
More chill than clubs

Perfect For: When you want social nightlife but not intense clubbing.

Meeting People While Going Out

Making Friends at Clubs

The Reality:
Clubs are loud and chaotic. Not ideal for deep conversations.

How to Connect:

Go to club events (specific music nights attract like-minded people)
Strike up conversations in bar lines or smoking areas
Exchange Instagram (easier than phone numbers)
Suggest meeting up at future events

Better Options for Meeting People:

Bar crawls (designed for socializing)
Language exchange events that sometimes end with drinks
University parties (easier to connect with classmates)
Pre-drinks at someone’s apartment (become friends before going out)

Going Out Solo (Brave But Possible)

Can You?
Yes, but it’s harder in Madrid than other cities.

How to Make It Work:

Join a bar crawl (instant group)
Go to smaller bars first (easier to chat with bartenders/locals)
Use Meetup events (people expect you’re solo)
Start conversations at bars (Spanish people are friendly)

Realistic Expectations:
Going out solo to a massive club = lonely. Going solo to a bar crawl or small bar = totally fine.

The Morning After

Recovery Strategies

The Hangover Is Real:

You were out for 10+ hours
You drank more than intended
It’s now 3pm the next day
You feel terrible

Recovery Plan:

Hydrate (water, lots of it)
Eat (bocadillo from local bar = €3)
Shower (you smell like club)
Nap (don’t fight it)
Light activity (walk to park for fresh air)
Groceries if needed (supermarket run)
Prep for the week (laundry, meal prep)

Spanish Hangover Cure:

Aquarius (Spanish sports drink, better than Gatorade)
Bocadillo de tortilla (potato omelet sandwich)
Café con leche
More sleep

Balancing Nightlife with Student Life

The Reality Check:
Going out Thursday, Friday, AND Saturday = academic disaster.

Sustainable Schedule:

One big night per week (Thursday OR Friday/Saturday)
Study/productive time the other nights
Recovery day after going out
Balance is real

Student Priorities:

Classes and studying
Actually experiencing Madrid (free activities, cultural sites)
Building real friendships
Going out (fun but not the whole experience)

Red Flags:

Going out 3+ nights a week
Skipping classes due to hangovers
Spending all your money on nightlife
Only hanging out with people when drinking

Healthy Balance:
Go out, have fun, make memories. But also explore Madrid, make friends in other contexts, and actually learn Spanish.

The Bottom Line: Nightlife on Your Terms

What Madrid Nightlife Offers:

Legendary all-night parties
Affordable if you’re strategic
Safe if you’re smart
Inclusive and diverse options
Unforgettable memories

What It Costs:

€15-30 per night out (if smart)
€50-100 per night (if you’re not)
One recovery day
Some sleep

What You’ll Learn:

How to pace yourself for 10-hour nights
Spanish drinking culture
Your own limits
How to have fun on a budget
The metro schedule by heart

The Truth:
Madrid’s nightlife is part of the experience. You should go out, try different clubs, dance until sunrise at least once. But it doesn’t have to dominate your time here or drain your budget.

Going out once a week strategically beats going out three times and being broke.

That’s the Como Local difference.

Quick Reference: Nightlife Essentials

Best Student Night: Thursday
Best Free Entry Time: Before midnight
Cheapest Drinks: Malasaña bars (€4-6)
Metro Last Train: 1:30am (except Fri/Sat 24hrs)
Essential Strategy: Pre-game hard
Average Night Budget: €25-35
Best Recovery Food: Bocadillo + Aquarius
Most Important Rule: Go with friends, stay with friends

Safety First: Always.

Ready to experience Madrid’s legendary nightlife without going broke? Pre-game smart, choose your nights wisely, and remember that the best nights out are the ones you can actually remember (and afford).

Share your nightlife tips and favorite spots with other students in our community. Tag Como Local with your Madrid nightlife stories!

Como Local – Because going out shouldn’t mean being broke. 🌙