Subscribe Now! National Geographic Magazine $15
Visit our Online Shops

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

Best of Madrid: Entertainment Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the top dance, theater, and classical music performances.

THIS ARTICLE IS FROM
Photo: Traveler magazine cover

National Geographic Traveler

Save 74% and experience new destinations!

La Casa Encendida
“A commitment to experimental art, music, and culture that is unparalleled in Madrid; state-of-the-art facilities host everything from independent film festivals to photography exhibits to electronic music conferences.”— Andy Johnson, assistant editor, TBS: The Broadsheet. Rooftop garden offers DJs and cocktails in warm weather. Ronda Valencia, 2; tel. +34 902 430 322. www.lacasaencendida.com

Casa Patas
“An absolute explosion of energy; you’ll be moved to tears even if you have no idea exactly what is going on.”—Andy Johnson. Performers include both flamenco legends and powerful up-and-comers; go early for tapas in the traditional Andalusian dining room up front; reservations required. Calle Cañizares, 10; tel. +34 913 690 496. www.casapatas.com

Conde Duque
“A courtly setting for world-class outdoor concerts.”—Andy Johnson. An 18th-century barracks turned arts center; summer brings jazz, pop, and flamenco shows with artists from George Clinton to Enrique Morente. Calle Conde Duque, 9-11; tel. +34 915 885 834; fee. www.esmadrid.com/condeduque

Jardines de Sabatini
“Watching an operetta in these gorgeous 20th-century gardens against the backdrop of the lit-up Palacio Real is an unforgettable way to spend a Madrid summer’s eve.”—Genevieve McCarthy, director, Cellar Tours, Madrid-based luxury wine tour company. Gardens host zarzuelas (classic Madrid operettas) every summer. Next to the Palacio Real; fee.

Teatro Real
Madrid’s grand opera house; also home to the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; under-26s can get discounted tickets by showing up an hour and a half early on performance days. Plaza Oriente; tel. +34 915 160 660; fee. www.teatro-real.com

Madrid Multimedia

Know Before You Go: Madrid

Related Features

Photo: A matador gracefully dodging a charging bull

Country Profile: Spain

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe, and its territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic.

Photo: Children sitting on the floor of a museum hall

My Madrid

Only one city has the Museo del Prado and its magnificent collection of art. Writer Barbara Lazear Ascher details her love of that museum and the city it calls home—Madrid.

Photo: Madrid’s Kio Towers

Photo Gallery: Modern Madrid

There's more to Madrid than meets the eye, but the parts that do meet the eye are breathtaking.

All About Madrid

All Places of a Lifetime

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo: Prize ribbon

Photo Contest

We received over 12,000 entries, and over 28,000 votes were cast. Find out who takes home the Grand Prize!

Photo: Glass of water

Take Quiz

Eighteen percent of the world's population can't get safe drinking water. Test your water knowledge.

right-rail

Subscribe to National Geographic Traveler

Photo: Traveler magazine cover

Get 8 issues for $10! Save 74% with our best price online.

Your Opinion Matters

Photo: Hippopotamus with mouth open

Got some ideas about our Web site? Join our consumer panel and tell us what you think.

Subscribe to National Geographic Adventure

Photo: Adventure magazine cover

Order one year of action-packed exploration and adventure for only $10! Save 79% with our best price online.

Sacred Places of A Lifetime

Photo: Sacred Places of a Lifetime book cover

Visiting 500 of the most sacred destinations, this book answers the call of the spiritual traveler.