Mad Cool Festival in Madrid may boast the best line-ups year upon year, but it’s also the central Spanish location that’s unbeatable.
Along with welcoming the likes of Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam, Måneskin and The Killers to the Spanish capital from July 10-13, the Iberdrola Music Venue in Villaverde is easily accessible from the city centre by car or public transport. That means there’s plenty more to experience during downtime in the mornings and late at night – or maybe on a touristy day either side of the festival – to get the most out of your festival experience.
If you’re hoping to check out the best bars, restaurants and venues where Madrid locals choose to wine, dine and dance, we’ve rounded up the spots we think you should visit while you’re in town to squeeze as much as you can out of your stay.
Colección SOLO (gallery)
Where is it? Plaza de la Independencia, just a 20-minute drive away from the festival, or 45 minutes on the train.
When should I go? One morning before the festival – it’s open from 10am, but closed on Saturdays.
Why will it be brilliant? This contemporary art museum hosts almost 900 works in a unique and contemporary space. From paintings, sculptures and even sound art, you can find creations from over 270 artists. It’s totally free to visit, and guided tours are available in both Spanish and English. Find more information here.
La Estrella (bar/restaurant)
Where is it? Calle De La Estrella, 20 minutes in a car or 40 minutes on the train from Mad Cool.
When should I go? For food and a cocktail (or two) before an evening at the festival, or a late night afterparty on the Friday or Saturday, when it’s open until 2am.
Why will it be brilliant? Cocktails don’t get much classier than this. If you’re looking for somewhere chic and intimate for dinner and drinks, La Estrella offers delicious beverages along with everything from pizzas and gnocchi to steak tartare and dumplings. Find more information here.
Sala De Despiece (restaurant)
Where is it? Calle Virgen De Los Ponzano, a 25-minute drive or 45 minutes by train from the festival.
When should I go? For an afternoon lunch. It’s open from 1.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 1pm on the weekend.
Why will it be brilliant? This spot may look like an art studio from the outside and a butcher’s counter once you’re through the door, but this is the place to dig into adventurous tapas dishes unlike anything you’ve had before. Find more information here.
ChinChín (bar)
Where is it? Calles Andrés Borrego, a 20-minute drive or 40 minute train journey from the festival.
When should I go? For a late-night tipple after the festival. It’s open until 3am on Wednesday and Thursday, then until 3.30am on Friday and Saturday
Why will it be brilliant? This stylish cocktail bar features old school Hollywood decor (if you’re a cat person, you’ll love it) and has recently hosted stars like DJ whizz Peggy Gou and Spanish-German actor Aron Piper. Find more information here.
Wurlitzer Ballroom (venue)
Where is it? Calle Tres Cruces, a 20-minute drive from the festival or 40 minutes on the train.
When should I go? After the festival when you just don’t want the music to stop. This late night venue is open until 5.30am Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and 6am on Fridays and Saturdays (just make sure you get some sleep before heading back to Mad Cool the next day).
Why will it be brilliant? If you want to experience the real underground music scene in Madrid, this intimate venue is a local favourite when it comes to rock, punk and new wave. It’s recently seen Militarie Gun and Bodega pass through the doors. Find more information here.
Gilda Haus (bar/club)
Where is it? Calle San Mateo, 20 minutes by car from Mad Cool or 40 minutes by train.
When should I go? After the festival, since it’s a late night bar which is open until 3.30am on a Friday and Saturday.
Why will it be brilliant? Whether you’re looking for food, drinks or a boogie, you can find it all under one roof at Gilda Haus, which is designed to look like a retro nightclub that doubles as a traditional Spanish tapas cafe. Find more information here.
Sala Equis (arts centre)
Where is it? Duque De Alba, a 20-minute drive or 40 minutes by train from the festival.
When should I go? Either side of the festival or on a quiet morning when you need a bit of down time.
Why will it be brilliant? Combining cinema, socialising, live performances and gastronomic pleasures, this space is situated in the building that used to house the last adult film cinema in Madrid. It’s an artsy hub where you’re bound to meet some interesting people. Find more information here.
NME is the official media partner of Mad Cool