You’d almost expect the former capital of Spain’s colonial empire to boast a pulsating Latin music scene. It does – and then some. This is a great city for hip-wiggling to live salsa and merengue bands well beyond the wee, small hours, or getting passionate about some real Argentine tango. The capital also looks south across the Mediterranean for musical inspiration and there’s always a good selection of African musicians to enjoy on any night of the week. For a national flavour, there are flamenco clubs where you can hear the authentic sounds of the south. Neither is the city syncopatedly challenged, with enough smoky, subterranean jazz and blues venues to satisfy even the most discerning of cats. The local rock and pop scene is vibrant and Madrid pulls in its fair share of stadium rockers (U2 and their ilk) at its large, custom-built arenas. Madrid’s status as capital city ensures it is an obvious stopping point for the biggest names in classical and contemporary music from around Europe. Spain’s national choir and orchestra are based at the Auditorio Nacional and the Teatro Real is presently home to the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid. The Teatro Real also hosts opera, performed by international and Spanish companies. As far as contemporary music goes, there’s something to suit everyone, from regular appearances by the teenagers’ favourite crooner, David Bisbal (winner of the 2002 reality TV show, Operación Triunfo), to smoky underground blues bars, as well as big riverside venues where you can catch the biggest international bands. Berlin Cabaret, C Costanillo de San Pedro 11, T 91 366 20 34. Metro La Latina. A deliberate throw-back to the 1930s, this classic bar has two floors, and puts on an eccentric variety of shows; besides the regular, slightly saucy cabaret acts, you might also find magic acts or stand-up comics. Café Central, Plaza del Angel 10, T 91 369 41 43. Metro Sol. One of Madrid’s loveliest jazz venues, set in an elegant, art deco café with huge burnished mirrors. Local and international groups play at the evening sessions, but even if you don’t catch a live show, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a coffee, newspaper and some soft jazz in the background. Café Libertad 8, C Libertad 8, T 91 532 1150. Metro Chueca. Several of Spain’s best-known musicians apparently got their start in this relaxed café-bar, which regularly features up-and-coming bands. Café del Mercado, Puerta de Toledo s/n, T 91 365 87 39. Metro Puerta de Toledo. Despite being tucked away in the ill-starred Mercado de Toledo development ), this is a popular salsa bar and club with regular live gigs. La Coquette, C Hileras 14. Metro Opera. Tiny underground blues bar which fulfills every cliché in the book: smoky, louche, and loud. Fabulous. Live blues Tuesday to Thursday. Populart, C Huertas 22, T 91 429 8407. Metro Antón Martín. Hugely popular, lively club featuring live jazz and blues, with occasional appearances by Latin and world music bands. It’s got a great reputation and pulls in some well-known groups, but it’s best during the week; weekends can get too crammed. La Riviera, Paseo Bajo Virgen del Puerto s/n, Puente de Segovia, T 91 365 24 15. Metro Puerta del Angel. Beautiful art deco-style concert venue near the river with a retractable roof. Mainly rock, indie and pop acts on the programme, but it has hosted some big international names. It doubles as a club, too.
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Madrid - £5.99
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