Break-beat, soul, hip hop, rare groove, acid jazz and lashings of funk are the order of the day at the eclectic nightclub, party venue and concert hall — the stylishly decorated Siroco. Spanish and international live bands play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, often as part of a themed cycle that might cover anything from reggae to dancehall or soul. Live music concerts tend to finish around 2am. Then the resident DJs Gudlak and JJ Bernado come out to play and the young, casually dressed crowd packs the dance floor. METRO: Noviciado
Above the stage is an impression of a starry sky, while Roman colonnades support the bar's name (Forum). Popular with students and vaguely bohemian types, the entertainment usually starts around 11:30pm and is a mix of great cabaret, music, magicians, theater, hypnotists, and comedians. METRO. Bilbao
One of the city's top jazz spots, this café is famous for excellent performances, along with great live blues, salsa and reggae. Two sets feature every night: one at 11:30pm and the second at 12:30am. METRO. Antón Martín
This disco features a variety of live concerts, including some of Spain's most popular musicians. During good weather, part of the roof retracts to create an outdoor concert hall. The setting is trendy and stylish; twenty- and thirty-somethings dominate the hip, Euro-chic crowd. METRO. Puerto del Ángel
This two-story Irish pub in the city center is a perfect place to jump-start a social evening. A large bar on the ground floor offers a wide variety of Irish beers and liquors. A live band frequently performs while people dance. Lounge around basement tables with friends, as waiters serve tapas and drinks. METRO: Sol
Live gigs early in the evening give way to great DJs playing Brazilian music late on Fridays and Saturdays. Oba-Oba has a winning combination of a friendly environment, tons of excited people, great music and Caipirinhas. METRO: Callao
A tangle of plants and dark brown Venetian blinds add to the sultry mood at this nightspot — as does the live Cuban music every night. Despite the dim lighting, the lounge still provides excellent people-watching opportunities. The club serves tapas, beer and wine, and attracts a fairly large business clientele. The restaurant dishes up Cuban favorites like ropa vieja and fried yucca. METRO: Cuzco
Popular spot for great live music. Features superb jazz shows, as well as '60's night on Mondays and weekly Latin and cantautores music. Also highlights local talent. METRO. Nuevos Ministerios
This classy little café is one of the best places in the city to listen to live jazz music. Nightly music starting at 10:30pm. Artists vary from popular musicians such as George Adams and Jorge Pardo to local talent. It's a show worth seeing in an atmosphere that's sure to please! METRO. Sol
Quite literally a "dive" bar, plunge down a narrow staircase to find La Coquette, a tiny blues club centrally located just outside La Plaza del Sol. Masked by its subtle entrance, La Coquette is actually a haven for locals despite its touristy location. Don't come here if you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, but do come here if you love live music. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, hear old time blues and rock'n'roll intimately performed and sung in a variety of European accents.