There is an old joke in Madrid that the weekend starts on Thursday. Like most jokes, it is based on something true. On Thursday evenings bars fill up after work, theatres run full programmes and plenty of people go out knowing Friday will be a slow day at the office.
For visitors and newcomers, Thursday has another advantage. You get the energy of a night out without the crowds and queues of Friday and Saturday.
Why Thursday works
- Easier tables. Restaurants that are packed at weekends often have space midweek.
- Proper atmosphere. Plenty of locals are out, so it never feels empty.
- More culture. Theatres, concert halls and comedy rooms programme Thursdays seriously.
- A gentler next morning. If you are working, you can still be in bed at a reasonable hour.
A Thursday plan in La Latina
La Latina is one of the best barrios for a midweek night because everything is close together. This plan uses about a ten-minute walking radius.
8:00pm: a first drink
Start with a caña (a small draught beer) or a vermouth at the counter of a bar around Plaza de la Cebada or Cava Baja. Order one tapa, not a meal. The night is long.
9:00pm: doors open
Our shows at Off Latina open their doors at 21:00. It is worth arriving early. The bar is open, you can choose your seat and the room fills up with a friendly, international crowd. La Cueva, where the shows happen, is a 17th-century brick cellar with a vaulted ceiling, which is about as atmospheric as a comedy room gets.
9:30pm: the show
Both of our productions currently run on Thursday nights. No Offense, But... is a chaotic mix of stand-up, live podcast moments and improv, hosted by Mehdi Mahtaj. The Arab and the Jew brings Mehdi together with Rachel Arieff for comedy, music and an honest conversation about politics, identity and Palestine. Both are in English.
10:30pm: dinner like a local
Coming out of a show at around half past ten is perfect timing in Madrid, because that is when many people sit down to eat. Head back to Cava Baja or the streets around it for dinner. Our guide to where to eat in La Latina has suggestions.
Midnight and after
If you still have energy, walk up towards Sol or over to Lavapiés for a last drink. If not, the metro runs until 1:30. Our guide to getting home late explains night buses and taxis.
Other Thursday ideas
Comedy is not the only thing on. Thursday is also a good night for:
- Live jazz, especially during the city’s autumn jazz festival.
- Original-version cinema. Our guide to culture in English in Madrid explains what V.O.S.E. means on a listing.
- Museum free hours before dinner. The Reina Sofía is free on Thursday evenings from 19:00 to 21:00, with a free ticket booked in advance.
- A long dinner with friends in a barrio you do not know yet.
Book your Thursday
Small rooms fill up, and our shows sell tickets per performance, so pick your night in advance. See the next English comedy nights in Madrid and make Thursday the start of your weekend.
