La Movida Madrileña was a sociocultural movement that took place in Madrid between 1977 and 1985. During these years, Spain was living a delicate transition to democraacy and a cultural backwardness that left the country behind Europe.
This period brought the first cultural movement of freedom in the streets, it was the time of punks, glams, rockers, alcohol and sex.
Its main stage was Dos de Mayo square in Malasaña’s neighborhood, which was going through a boom time of pop and underground music, films and extravagant designs. Everyone was covered in glitter, leather jackets and exaggerated makeup.
Nowadays, if you go for a walk through Malasaña, you can still breathe practically, the same atmosphere that was around 40 years ago. Some of the most representative sites of that time, continue opening their doors to this day every night paying tribute to that way of life.
We invite you to discover this wonderful stage having a drink in the most typical local haunts of Madrid!!
El Penta:
Palma street, 4 | +34 91 447 84 60 | elpenta.com
A temple for lovers of Spanish 80s music . El Penta has played a central role in the night life for several generations and was the icon of modernity during this period. The name of the pub is referenced in one of the most famous Spanish songs, “La chica de ayer” of Nacha Pop, the hymn of the Movida Madrileña.
It opens its doors every day of the week from 21:00h until 03:00AM, except Fridays and Saturdays that closes at 03:30AM.
La Vía Láctea:
Velarde street, 18| +34 91 446 75 81| lavialactea.net
Known as the “temple of modernity” in the 80s, it was the place of pilgrimage of artists and intellectuals of the alternative scene. When you enter to this place, everything is the same as in that period, including the music. There you can find the best rock ‘n’ roll and punk songs and themes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s … The place is divided into two floors and there you will find people dancing, drinking and chatting in a magic atmosphere. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most mythical cocktail bars in Malasaña.
La Vía Lactea opens every day from 19:30h until 03:00AM, but weekends that close at 03:30AM
Sala El Sol:
Jardines street, 3 | +34 915 32 64 90 | elsolmad.com
La sala El Sol is the disco and eighty-room style live music of the cradle of La Movida Madrileña. It opened its doors in 1979, and was the birthplace of groups like Nacha Pop, Radio Futura, Alaska y los Pegamoides… Here you can find all types of celebrations, from book or album presentations to awards of films or video clips.
It opens from Tuesday until Saturday from 22:00PM until 05:30AM
Sala Rock-Ola
José Abascal street, 8 |rock-olamadrid.com
This place constituted one of the nerve centers of the Movida Madrileña between 1981 and 1985. Nowadays, this discotheque of house and minimalist music, houses not only concerts but also dancing lessons.
It opens Fridays and Saturdays from 23:00PM until 06:00AM.