At night Malasaña and Chueca are the hottest areas for checking out the famous Madrid marcha, or nightlife. La Ida on C/Colon, 11 is a tiny little bar which fills up afternoon and evening with hip Malasaña crowd. The view from a window seat is like watching the barrio on a big screen TV. Angie (C/San Vicente Ferrer) puts out the best classic rock bar from Malasaña, you’ll know it’s closing when they play Angie by the Rolling Stones. After that, late night Mercurio Bar in Malasaña plays the best of the 60’s but doesn’t really get going until after 1:30. Gris on Calle San Marcos 29 in Chueca area plays indie music in an austere setting but has a two for one special worth popping in for.This typical family-run establishment is impeccably maintained. The white rooms are bright and spacious, with sound insulation for a good night’s rest. From the hotel it’s a 15 minute walk through Madrid’s charming city centre streets to the main tourist attractions, such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, the impressive urban park Parque del Retiro, Plaza Cibeles – the square that hosts the city’s raucous big football wins and the expansive avenue Paseo de la Castellana. < hide more details