Going-out guide
What time do clubs open and close in Spain?
In short
- In Spain each region sets nightclub hours, and town halls can shorten them.
- In the Madrid region clubs may open from 5:00 pm to 5:30 am, and until 6:00 am when the night starts on a Friday, Saturday or the eve of a public holiday.
- In Andalusia (Seville, Malaga, Marbella, Cadiz…) clubs may close at 6:00 am, and at 7:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of public holidays.
- In practice most night parties start at midnight and end at 6:00 am; people arrive between 12:30 and 2:00 am.
- Afternoon parties («tardeo») start between 5:00 and 7:00 pm and end before midnight.
- If you’re on a guest list, the list’s time is what counts: almost always 1:00 am.
What does the law say about club hours in Spain?
There’s no single timetable for the whole country: each autonomous region regulates it, and within that limit each town hall can set shorter hours in some areas. Most regions also allow later closing on special dates such as New Year’s Eve or local festivals.
| Region | Normal closing | Fridays, Saturdays and eves of holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 5:30 am | 6:00 am |
| Andalusia | 6:00 am | 7:00 am |
Other regions, such as Catalonia or Valencia, have their own rules. Before going out elsewhere, check the club’s hours on its page.
Nightclub hours in Madrid
- Opening: from 5:00 pm (that’s why club afternoon parties start then).
- Closing: 5:30 am, plus half an hour, until 6:00 am, when the night starts on a Friday, Saturday or eve of a holiday.
- Clearing out: after closing time the venue has 30 minutes to empty, or 45 if it holds 300 people or more.
- Special dates: on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Epiphany and local festivals the town hall can allow two extra hours.
That matches what the listings show: of 738 Madrid parties on sale in October 2026, 405 ended at 6:00 am and 174 at 5:00 or 5:30 am.
Nightclub hours in Andalusia
- Closing: nightclubs may stay open until 6:00 am, and one hour more, until 7:00 am, if they open on a Friday, Saturday or eve of a holiday.
- Opening: not before noon.
- Under-18 sessions (alcohol-free): until midnight.
That’s why many weekend nights in Seville or Marbella end at 7:00 am. See the Marbella nightlife guide.
What time people actually go out
Opening time and party time are different things. Among Madrid parties on sale in October 2026, 439 started at midnight, 155 between 10:00 and 11:59 pm and 142 between 5:00 and 9:59 pm (afternoon parties and after-work events).
Even if the club opens at midnight, the dance floor fills between 1:00 and 2:00 am: in Spain people have dinner late and go out late. Arriving around 12:30 am has advantages: shorter queues, the guest list is still valid and many tickets include two drinks only until 1:00 or 1:30 am. See how guest lists work.
Tardeo: the afternoon party
A tardeo is a party that starts in the afternoon (between 5:00 and 7:00 pm) and ends before midnight, with a DJ and sometimes live music. It has become very popular with people who don’t want a late night and with mixed-age groups. Many clubs, terraces and venues hold them at weekends.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most
What time do clubs close in Madrid?
At 5:30 am, and at 6:00 am when the night starts on a Friday, Saturday or eve of a public holiday. On dates such as New Year’s Eve the town hall can allow two extra hours.
What time do clubs close in Andalusia?
At 6:00 am, and at 7:00 am if they open on a Friday, Saturday or eve of a public holiday, under Andalusia’s Decree 155/2018.
What time do clubs open in Spain?
Most night parties start at midnight, although the law allows earlier opening (in Madrid, from 5:00 pm). Afternoon parties start between 5:00 and 7:00 pm.
What time should I go to a club in Spain?
Most people arrive between 12:30 and 2:00 am. If you’re on a guest list or your ticket includes drinks until a set time, arrive before 1:00 am.
What is a tardeo?
An afternoon party, from about 5:00–7:00 pm until around midnight, with a DJ or live music. It’s the option for people who don’t want a late night.