What to do in Madrid on New Year’s Eve?

New Year’s Eve in Madrid is a big thing and the locals have their own way of celebrating it. The most famous Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each gong. The tradition says it brings good luck for the new year and moreover it is quite fun to do it with friends and family. The main meeting point in Madrid is Puerta del Sol where the masses meet up and eat the grapes together. If you consider going there make sure you arrive early as this is the only way to get on the square. An insider tip is to go the night before for the “pre-grapes”. There will be a good number of people, but by far not as crowded as on New Year’s Eve.

After midnight the party lovers are heading out to the various clubs scattered throughout the city. As the demand is higher than the offer on New Year’s Eve and prices are rising the longer you wait it is recommended to get your club entry in the pre-sale. In the following is a selection of popular clubs.