If going out for a drink were a sport, Madrid would be an Olympic medalist. And while going to a nightclub or one of the city’s best outdoor patios and ending up hearing the table next to you better than your own has its charm, there’s life in the capital beyond the noisy spots (and nightlife).
From book clubs with a glass of wine in hand to bars with high-quality music or informative talks, these are some of our favorite things to do in Madrid with friends without having to listen to “Dai Dai” at 100 decibels or jostle for space at your usual bar.
Meet up to listen to music at a listening bar
Getting together to listen to music—the ultimate plan. So-called “listening bars” first emerged in Japan, and now cities around the world have these audiophile bars. These venues are specifically designed for listening to records and vinyl in an acoustically optimized environment while you enjoy a drink. Some of the best examples in Madrid are Proper Sound and Los 33, where you can also have dinner (and a very good one at that ).
In the case of HI-FI bars, the goal is the same, but they tend to focus even more on the high fidelity of their sound systems. And places like Tempo Audiophile Club, next to Plaza de España, are a great example of this.
There comes a time when talking (again) about all the “almosts” the group has had since 2012 whenever we go out for a drink gets a little tedious. And that’s where “Big Questions, Cool Drinks” comes in. A new experience in Madrid where an expert explains, in an entertaining and straightforward way, the neuroscience behind psychedelics, drawing on information from current clinical research. And all while you enjoy a beer. Who said educational events had to be boring? The event is for people 18 and older and includes 10 minutes at the end to ask any questions that may have come up during the talk.
Playing board games at a café
We all have (and love) that friend who always brings “La Polilla Tramposa” when the whole group gets together. But what if we could go to a bar where we could choose and switch up the board game we play while having a drink? That idea already exists, and places like Six Board Game Café or Replay Boardgame Café prove it. At the latter, players pay a “player fee” and can try out any of its more than 2,000 games before buying them (at a discount) if they decide they want to keep it.
Go to micro-theater performances in Malasaña
For those who want to unwind “just for a little while” and for those who want to spend the whole afternoon watching theater, Microteatro Madrid has a clear format: 15-minute plays in 15-square-meter spaces for a small group of 15 audience members. And if that’s not enough for you, stick around and wait for the next play to start while you have a drink.
A completely flexible option where you decide which play to see (or plays, depending on how much you want to spend) and whether you’d like a bite to eat or not. A fun and affordable cultural outing right in the heart of Malasaña.
Painting mugs or making candles with a coffee (or tea) in hand
A moment of silence while having a drink on a crowded terrace is awkward, but a moment of silence while painting a mug in a café is reflective. And for that reason alone, it’s worth it. Places like Mama Pottery or Pinta en Copas have gone viral in recent years, establishing themselves as some of the best alternative chill activities for anyone who needs a new plate or wants to put their Pinterest saves to use.
Are you more into scents? Workshops like those at Ooh Lala Candles follow the same concept of doing something while you enjoy a coffee. In this case, you can design your own scented candle and customize both the color and the scent.
Talking about books at a book club
“I can’t that day—I have a book club” and other ways to be a truly fascinating person. There are many and very diverse book clubs in Madrid, ranging from one-off sessions at cafés like Bardo Café to “reading parties” at Espacio Late, where everyone brings their own book and reads in silence before discussing it (if they want to).
But there are also plenty of options at the Community of Madrid’s public libraries, often featuring specialized literary themes and even events in different languages. The offerings vary by library, so we recommend checking the specific dates and activities on the official website.