I almost never pass up a chance to see some live music, and Madrid has a lot to offer. Café Central has had concerts every single day of the week for the last 36 years – it’s an emblematic venue. I’ve seen so many unforgettable performances in Central’s beautiful mirrored interior over the years, and I plan to see many more!
What makes it unique for me is that you can see amazing jazz artists up close and intimate – during the 2 hour concert you can be sitting within feet of the performers. You don’t need to be a massive jazz fan to be blown away by the experience. The programme changes every week; each group usually plays from 3 to 7 nights in a row, from 21:00 – 23:00. Ticket prices depend on who’s playing, and range from 10 – 25 euros.
Try an excellent fixed price lunch menu on the terraza or indooors now it’s colder. It’s a great spot for sitting outside, right by Plaza de Santa Ana and the popular Calle Huertas.
At night the menu features some sandwiches named after Spanish Jazz legends such as the great Tete Montoliu, a blind Catalan pianist sadly no longer with us, or Javier Colina, one of the world’s best double bassists. They serve a great selection of beer and very decent wines as well as cocktails. And of course, all this always to the sound of Jazz…
