A Madrid bar interior, low-lit and ready
Occasion Guide · Madrid

Where to bring in the new year in Madrid

JH
James Harlow
8 min read

Published · Last updated · Reviewed by the barsforKings editorial team

Ten Madrid bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.

New Year's Eve in Madrid divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Madrid are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.

Our Madrid New Year's Eve picks, in order

The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.

01
Salmon Guru

In Centro, Salmon Guru the chipotle chillton is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.

Order: Chipotle Chillton

02
Macera Taller Bar

At Macera Taller Bar in Malasana, the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.

Order: House-Macerated G&T

03
The Passenger

The Passenger (in Malasana) the passenger highball is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.

Order: Passenger Highball

04
1862 Dry Bar

In Malasana, 1862 Dry Bar the 1862 old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.

Order: 1862 Old Fashioned

05
Del Diego

Del Diego (in Centro) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.

Order: Del Diego (gin sour)

06
Azotea del Circulo de Bellas Artes

At Azotea del Circulo de Bellas Artes in Centro, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.

Order: Azotea Negroni

Quieter NYE alternatives in Madrid

These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.

07
La Terraza del Hotel Urban

At La Terraza del Hotel Urban in Cortes, the urban 75 is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.

Order: Urban 75

08
But You Told Me

But You Told Me (in Malasana) the bytm sour arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.

Order: BYTM Sour

09
Museo Chicote

In Centro, Museo Chicote the chicote martini is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.

Order: Chicote Martini

10
Tartan Roof

Tartan Roof sits in Centro, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.

Order: Tartan Punch

Weekly editorial

The bars worth going to, weekly.

One email per week. The bars our editors are recommending right now, across 72 cities worldwide.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime.

What to know before you go

NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.

Advertising

Reach Madrid bar-goers when they are deciding.

Sponsored placements on this article, on the Madrid city guide, and across the barsforKings network. Contact us to put your bar in front of the right audience.