Mad Cool Competition in Madrid could boast one of the best line-ups yr upon yr, however it’s additionally the central Spanish location that’s unbeatable.

Together with welcoming the likes of Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam, Måneskin and The Killers to the Spanish capital from July 10-13, the Iberdrola Music Venue in Villaverde is well accessible from the town centre by automotive or public transport. Meaning there’s lots extra to expertise throughout downtime within the mornings and late at evening – or possibly on a touristy day both aspect of the pageant – to get essentially the most out of your pageant expertise.

When you’re hoping to take a look at one of the best bars, eating places and venues the place Madrid locals select to wine, dine and dance, we’ve rounded up the spots we predict it’s best to go to whilst you’re on the town to squeeze as a lot as you possibly can out of your keep.

Colección SOLO (gallery)

The place is it? Plaza de la Independencia, only a 20-minute drive away from the pageant, or 45 minutes on the practice.

When ought to I am going? One morning earlier than the pageant – it’s open from 10am, however closed on Saturdays.

Why will it’s good? This up to date artwork museum hosts nearly 900 works in a novel and up to date house. From work, sculptures and even sound artwork, you will discover creations from over 270 artists. It’s completely free to go to, and guided excursions can be found in each Spanish and English. Discover extra info right here.

La Estrella (bar/restaurant)

The place is it? Calle De La Estrella, 20 minutes in a automotive or 40 minutes on the practice from Mad Cool.

When ought to I am going? For meals and a cocktail (or two) earlier than a night on the pageant, or a late evening afterparty on the Friday or Saturday, when it’s open till 2am.

Why will it’s good? Cocktails don’t get a lot classier than this. When you’re on the lookout for someplace stylish and intimate for dinner and drinks, La Estrella provides scrumptious drinks together with every little thing from pizzas and gnocchi to steak tartare and dumplings. Discover extra info right here.

Sala De Despiece (restaurant)

The place is it? Calle Virgen De Los Ponzano, a 25-minute drive or 45 minutes by practice from the pageant.

When ought to I am going? For a day lunch. It’s open from 1.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 1pm on the weekend.

Why will it’s good? This spot could appear to be an artwork studio from the surface and a butcher’s counter when you’re by way of the door, however that is the place to dig into adventurous tapas dishes not like something you’ve had earlier than. Discover extra info right here.

ChinChín (bar)

The place is it? Calles Andrés Borrego, a 20-minute drive or 40 minute practice journey from the pageant.

When ought to I am going? For a late-night tipple after the pageant. It’s open till 3am on Wednesday and Thursday, then till 3.30am on Friday and Saturday

Why will it’s good? This fashionable cocktail bar options old-fashioned Hollywood decor (when you’re a cat particular person, you’ll find it irresistible) and has not too long ago hosted stars like DJ whizz Peggy Gou and Spanish-German actor Aron Piper. Discover extra info right here.

Wurlitzer Ballroom (venue)

The place is it? Calle Tres Cruces, a 20-minute drive from the pageant or 40 minutes on the practice.

When ought to I am going? After the pageant once you simply don’t need the music to cease. This late evening venue is open till 5.30am Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and 6am on Fridays and Saturdays (simply ensure you get some sleep earlier than heading again to Mad Cool the subsequent day).

Why will it’s good? If you wish to expertise the true underground music scene in Madrid, this intimate venue is an area favorite in the case of rock, punk and new wave. It’s not too long ago seen Militarie Gun and Bodega go by way of the doorways. Discover extra info right here.

Gilda Haus (bar/membership)

The place is it? Calle San Mateo, 20 minutes by automotive from Mad Cool or 40 minutes by practice.

When ought to I am going? After the pageant, because it’s a late evening bar which is open till 3.30am on a Friday and Saturday.

Why will it’s good? Whether or not you’re on the lookout for meals, drinks or a boogie, you will discover all of it beneath one roof at Gilda Haus, which is designed to appear to be a retro nightclub that doubles as a standard Spanish tapas cafe. Discover extra info right here.

Sala Equis (arts centre)

The place is it? Duque De Alba, a 20-minute drive or 40 minutes by practice from the pageant.

When ought to I am going? Both aspect of the pageant or on a quiet morning once you want a little bit of down time.

Why will it’s good? Combining cinema, socialising, dwell performances and gastronomic pleasures, this house is located within the constructing that used to deal with the final grownup movie cinema in Madrid. It’s an artsy hub the place you’re sure to fulfill some fascinating individuals. Discover extra info right here.

NME is the official media associate of Mad Cool