I almost never pass up a chance to see some live music, and Madrid has a lot to offer these days, although that wasn’t really the case when I first lived here. Café Central however, has had concerts every single day of the week for the last 35 years – it’s an emblematic venue. I’ve seen 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 plays for 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 now the good weather is here. It’s a great spot to sit outside, right by Plaza de Santa Ana and the popular Calle Huertas. Inside is air-conditioned if the heat gets too much for you – we are up to 38º in the second week of June and it’s no joke.
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. There is also a really decent cocktail menu.
