Spain is among the top 5 study abroad destination for Americans, as well as a leading choice for thousands of Europe’s ERASMUS students.
Let´s face it, you didn’t actually sign up for a study abroad program with the intention of studying—especially not if you chose a European party capital like Madrid. The crackin’ capital of Spain is teeming with international students from all over the world, as Spain is among the top 5 study abroad destination for Americans, as well as a leading choice for thousands of Europe’s ERASMUS students. It’s also common to come across students from Brazil, Mexico, China and South Korea on university campuses.
And that’s why there is a huge party scene here in Madrid that caters to international students, with tons of offers for free entry into clubs, cheap drinks and places to go have fun whenever you feel like. I bet nobody told you that waking up hungover every day is a common part of the study abroad experience—or maybe that’s just me. Provided below is a list of events and venues where you can find students getting crunk every day. These parties are mostly full of international students rather than native Spaniards because frankly, people who actually have lives here don’t go out to party every day of the week. But despite the slightly less-than-authentic cultural exchange, it’s not like it ever gets old to make friends with an outgoing Italian, Brazilian, Californian or whoever else you cross paths with in this exciting city.
Monday: F*cking Monday at Independance Club
Calle Doctor Cortezo, 1, 28012 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
Only in Madrid would there be a club event on Monday, appropriately named F*cking Monday, that’s actually a lot of fun. They play a lot of the hip-hop, rap, electro and dubstep that we—namely Americans—like to get down to and it always surprises me how many people turn up every week. It’s free entry until 12:30 A.M. and the drink prices are totally decent. Finally they’ve found a cure for your Mondays and it awaits you here in Madrid.
Tuesday: Beerpong tournament at Commo
Calle de Espoz y Mina, 22, 28012 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
If you miss the university frat-scene you left behind on your native shores, this place is teeming with bros every Tuesday. You pay 3 euros to participate in a beerpong tournament and the team that comes out on top wins 100 euros. Unsurprisingly, I’ve heard Americans have been winning for the past 2 or 3 competitions now. Just try not to be horrified by seeing elbows over tables every time and never getting a chance for rebuttal, because apparently that’s not how Europeans play beeropng.
Wednesday: Gabana 1800
Calle de Velázquez, 6, 28001 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
There’s no doubt that Gabana is the place to be on Wednesdays. At one of the most posh, exclusive clubs in the upscale district of the city, there is an open bar on Wednesdays offering free sangria, beer and wine until 1:30 AM. There’s always a fat line outside so get there early.
Thursday: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang at Shoko
Calle de Toledo, 86, 28005 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
Shoko is also a nice, spacious club where you can kick off the weekend with free entry and open bar until 1:00 AM. They spin good electro here on Thursdays and they do this cute thing where if you kiss someone at the bar when you hear the song “Kiss” by Prince you get a free shot.
Friday: Stardust at Sala Cool
Calle de Isabel ‘La Católica’, 6, 28013 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
Stardust is a fantastic weekly gay party where you will find really good deep house music and fabulous Spanish gays getting down. Words cannot describe how much I adore this event which is why I almost always end up staying until the sun comes up at 6 A.M. Entry is 2 drinks for 13 euros before 1 A.M. and 2 drinks for 15 euros afterwards.
Saturday: Kapital
Calle de Atocha, 125, 28012 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
Kapital is the legendary club with 7 floors which is the first discoteca most foreigners frequent upon arrival in Madrid, including yours truly. Saturday at Kapital is guaranteed to be a circus as you find your way to the floor that tickles your fancy, as each level plays a different style of music such as electro, hip-hop and reggaeton. There are also posh bars at every corner with a smoking room at the top floor. Entry normally costs 16-20 euros which comes with two drinks and with what will probably be the most intense clubbing experience of your life.
Sunday: El Junco
Plaza de Santa Bárbara, 10, 28004 Madrid, Spain (map, website)
I love winding down with some jazz here every Sunday, although any day of the week is a good day to come to this live music joint. Many ensembles of singers and musicians play amazing sets of funk, jazz, blues and soul. It’s a cozy venue with just enough room to dance while being close to the stage to interact with the performers.
