Why choose to spend New Year’s Eve in Madrid instead of London or Paris? Three good reasons: the Spanish capital is cheaper, the winter is less harsh and Madrid’s nightlife is incomparable.
Exciting parties in the squares, atmospheric dinners with flamenco shows, a nice tradition that is followed almost religiously, trendy clubs for the young and the ‘in’: Madrid is a capital city that loves to live and have fun even during the winter holidays and offers everyone the chance to spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
Our guide on how to spend New Year’s Eve in Madrid includes information on local traditions and customs, including street parties, dinners and nightclubs, as well as links to book hotels and flights at the best prices.
In a city that offers many things to do throughout the year, it is guaranteed not to get bored on the evening of 31 December. Here are some ideas to spend an unforgettable nochevieja in Madrid.
Puerta del Sol is definitely the most crowded, but all the squares and streets of Madrid fill up with people to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the streets. Madrileños love being outdoors and on New Year’s Eve they express all their joviality with singing, dancing and the inevitable toasts. Join the collective euphoria without inhibitions!
In case you can’t get into Puerta del Sol because it’s full, it’s also a good option to celebrate at the Temple of Debod, the ideal place to watch the fireworks at midnight: from there you can admire the Royal Palace lit up by fireworks!
A recent custom is to wear extravagantly coloured wigs. You can also buy one the days before or on the evening itself, which will save you the money of an elaborate hairdo at the hairdresser’s and catapult you into the festive, fun-loving atmosphere.
Also in Spain on the evening of 31 December it is customary to dine with family or friends in anticipation of the stroke of midnight and the festivities that follow. A New Year’s Eve dinner with the family is traditional, but for tourists visiting the city there are many options.
One nice idea is to combine New Year’s Eve dinner with an engaging flamenco show: you can choose from traditional, contemporary and fusion shows.
If you prefer a dinner without a show, you can indulge in Spanish gastronomic classics such as paella and tortilla or more sophisticated menus in upscale restaurants; whichever you choose, it is a good idea to book in advance.
Another option is to start the party on the street already at dinner time and go from one tapas bar to another, to immediately enter the warm ‘fiesta’ atmosphere that characterises the Spanish capital.
To help you choose between many proposals, here are 4 recommended restaurants for New Year’s Eve dinner in Madrid.
Located on the top floor of the Casino de Madrid, La Terraza offers a breathtaking view of the city, perfect for watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero offers an innovative menu that fuses traditional Spanish cuisine with cutting-edge techniques. The elegant and sophisticated ambience, with modern and bright interiors, creates a festive and refined atmosphere.
For a New Year’s Eve of experimental haute cuisine, three-Michelin-starred chef Dabiz Muñoz’s DiverXO offers an extraordinary culinary experience.
The surreal and artistic ambience of the restaurant, with unique installations and theatrical service, creates a magical atmosphere. DiverXO promises an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration for true fans of avant-garde gastronomy.
Located in the heart of the Barrio de Salamanca, Amazónico turns New Year’s Eve dinner into an exotic adventure. The restaurant, known for its lush atmosphere inspired by the Amazon rainforest, offers a special menu that fuses Brazilian, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
The ambience is made even more festive by live performances and DJ sets that accompany guests into the New Year: the combination of innovative cuisine, unique atmosphere and top-class entertainment makes Amazónico an exciting choice to greet the New Year.
Ramses Life, located in the prestigious Plaza de la Independencia, offers a glamorous and elegant New Year’s Eve dinner. The restaurant, known for its sophisticated design by Philippe Starck, offers a special menu combining Spanish tradition and international influences. After dinner, the celebration continues in the lounge bar with exclusive cocktails and live music.
Views of the nearby Parque del Retiro and the illuminated Puerta de Alcalá add a magical touch to the evening, making Ramses Life an ideal choice for an elegant and memorable New Year’s Eve.
Don’t want to spend all New Year’s Eve on the streets? Then you couldn’t choose a better destination: Madrid’s nightlife is overwhelming, starting late and ending when it’s already morning. You can choose from a wide variety of nightclubs, from lively, no-frills tapas bars to trendy megadiscos, but wherever you go you are guaranteed a crazy night of pure fun with music and drinks.
Theoretically there is no end to New Year’s Eve in Madrid: it will be your physical stamina that will determine what time the dancing ends. Before going to bed, do as the Spaniards do, recover your strength with an invigorating hot chocolate accompanied by the sweetest churros.
Here are five nightclubs/discos/clubs in Madrid where you can spend New Year’s Eve:
Teatro Kapital, with its seven floors of pure fun, is one of the most famous clubs in Madrid and offers an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience. Each floor has a different theme, from the main room with commercial and house music, to the karaoke floor, to the terrace on the top floor.
For New Year’s Eve, the club organises a spectacular party with internationally renowned DJs, dancers and special performances: the New Year’s Eve package usually includes entrance, drinks and the traditional toast with grapes at midnight.
Located in an old 19th-century theatre, Joy Eslava is an institution of Madrid nightlife. The club is known for its varied music, ranging from pop to reggaeton and electronic. The club’s unique architecture, with its balconies and central dance floor, creates a special atmosphere; Joy Eslava attracts a diverse audience, from locals to tourists, offering an authentic Madrid experience to start the new year.
For lovers of electronic music, Fabrik is the ideal place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Located just outside the city, this huge complex is considered one of the best techno clubs in Europe. With several rooms, including a large main room and outdoor areas, Fabrik offers a line-up of top international DJs.
Opium, located in the heart of the city, is an elegant and sophisticated club offering one of the capital’s most exclusive New Year’s Eve parties. The venue combines a luxury restaurant with a trendy nightclub and, for New Year’s Eve, offers a gourmet dinner followed by a party with internationally renowned DJs.
The chic ambience, with its luxurious interior and atmospheric lighting, attracts a fashionable crowd.
Mondo is a versatile club offering an eclectic and fun New Year’s Eve experience. Located in the lively Chueca district, the club is known for its inclusive atmosphere and varied music. For New Year’s Eve, Mondo organises a thematic party with elaborate decorations and live performances.
The club has several areas, including a main dance floor and quieter areas for socialising.
It is now a tradition throughout Spain, but it is in Madrid where it is experienced with greater intensity: we are talking about the twelve grapes to be eaten at the stroke of midnight.
After dinner with the family or at a restaurant, Madrileños gather at Puerta del Sol, one of the city’s largest and most important squares, to wait for midnight. The magical moment that marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next is marked by the twelve chimes of the clock that dominates the square. At each chime, Madrileños eat a grape as a propitiatory rite for the New Year.
There is no need to travel with a bunch of grapes in your suitcase: the 12 grapes you will need to ensure a year of prosperity and good luck can be bought directly in the square from street vendors.
Need an excuse to indulge in a particularly hearty dinner? Sign up for the San Silvestre Vallecana, the traditional 10-km race that takes place in Madrid on 31 December. It starts at 5pm with an amateur race while it gets serious from 8pm with the race for professionals.
Madrid, with its unique charm, attracts more and more tourists to celebrate New Year’s Eve. To make the most of the experience in the Spanish capital, it is advisable to plan well in advance to ensure the best accommodation, dining and entertainment options.
Organising the trip independently can be advantageous and cheaper. Start by booking your flight, followed by finding the ideal hotel. For dinner, you could opt for one of the renowned Madrid restaurants we have suggested, perhaps choosing accommodation nearby for convenience.
Nightlife lovers should move quickly: Madrid’s hottest clubs often sell out tickets for New Year’s Eve well in advance. Keep in mind that prices tend to soar as the date approaches.
Do not neglect to enrich your stay with cultural experiences. Booking tickets in advance for Madrid’s main attractions, such as the Museo del Prado or the Reina Sofia, can save you time and money.
Madrid, the beating heart of Spain, becomes even more lively during the New Year’s Eve period. Here are some tips to make the most of your experience in the Spanish capital and avoid any inconveniences:
Winter in Madrid can be harsher than in other Spanish cities. Average temperatures hover around 10° during the day and can drop to 0° at night. Days are often sunny, but it is advisable to wear warm, layered clothing.
Winter precipitation is not frequent, but cannot be ruled out. Pack a heavy coat and comfortable shoes, ideal for walking on the cobbled streets of the historic centre.
For up-to-date information on the weather in Madrid and a forecast for your stay, please visit the Madrid Weather page.
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