Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival is renowned for its exceptional line-up of musicians, as well as its central location in Spain. From July 10-13, the Iberdrola Music Venue in Villaverde will welcome top names in music such as The Killers, Måneskin, Pearl Jam, and Dua Lipa. Fortunately, the venue’s accessibility via car or public transport also makes it easy to explore all the Spanish capital has to offer outside the festival. Travelers can take advantage of their downtime by visiting some of Madrid’s best shops, restaurants, and nightlife establishments to experience the city to the fullest.
If you’re looking to venture out on the town and experience the city’s best bars, restaurants, and venues as locals do, check out our recommendations of must-visit spots while you’re in Madrid.
One of the contemporary art museums worth exploring while in Madrid is the SOLO gallery, located in Plaza de la Independencia, about 20 minutes away from the festival by car or 45 minutes by train. One of its standout features is the unique and modern space that houses almost 900 works of painting, sculpture, and sound art from more than 270 artists. The museum is open from 10am, and guided tours are available in both Spanish and English. Admission is free; additional information is available on their website.
For a classier vibe, check out La Estrella, a chic and intimate bar/restaurant that serves delicious cuisine from gnocchi to steak tartare and dumplings. It’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and drinks before heading to the festival or for a late-night drink after the festival on Friday and Saturday when it’s open until 2am. The bar is on Calle de la Estrella, about 20 minutes away from Mad Cool by car or 40 minutes away by train.
Sala de Despiece is a unique restaurant worth braving the 25-minute drive or 45-minute train ride from the festival. This quirky spot looks like an art studio from the outside but opens up to a butcher’s counter once inside. It is an excellent place to sample adventurous tapas dishes unlike anything you’ve had before. They are open for lunch from 1:30 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 1 pm on weekends.
ChinChin is a must-visit late-night bar located on Calles Andrés Borrego, about 20 minutes from Mad Cool by car or a 40-minute train ride. It features old-school Hollywood decor and draws both tourists and locals alike. In recent times, Peggy Gou and Spanish-German actor Aron Piper have been spotted here. Open until 3 am on Wednesday and Thursday and until 3:30 am on Friday and Saturday, it is the perfect spot to stop for a post-festival tipple.
Finally, visit the Wurlitzer Ballroom, located on Calle Tres Cruces, only 20 minutes from the festival by car or 40 minutes by train, for a real underground music scene in Madrid. This intimate venue is a local favourite for rock, punk, and new wave and hosts live performances. The venue is open late and would be perfect after the festival, with closing times ranging from 5:30 am Monday to Thursday and Sundays to 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you are interested in experiencing more than just night-life, Sala Equis on Duque De Alba is worth a visit. Sala Equis is an arts centre that combines cinema, socialising, live performances, and gastronomic pleasures. It is located in the building that used to be Madrid’s last adult film cinema. It would be an artsy pick-me-up on a quiet morning when you need some downtime, or either side of the festival.
From contemporary art museums to underground music venues, Madrid has something to offer everyone while visiting for this year’s Mad Cool Festival. Don’t forget to explore some of the city’s best bars and restaurants while you’re there too!
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