mTrip Blog » nightlife

Sherry sipping in Madrid

Kate — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:04:16 +0000

If you’re keen to sample some ‘typical Spanish’ culture (as the Spanish themselves call it) but the idea of a tourist-tacky flamenco show doesn’t appeal, head to sherry bar La Venencia to familiarise yourself with this traditional tipple.

Stepping through the door of the bar, you instantly leave behind the whirl of modern Madrid and move back in time. With no stereo and a manual cash register, La Venencia remains stubbonly stuck in a time warp. The small, smoky bar is decorated with aging posters advertising festivities in southern Spanish towns, most notably Jerez de la Frontera, the most famous point in Andalusia’s ‘sherry triangle’.

Five types of the fortified wine are on offer here, from the crisp, dry fino to the sweet, rich oloroso. And because they all cost €2 or less, you can afford to work your way through the list and find your favourite. Simple tapas such as cheese, mojama (air-dried tuna) and chorizo are also on offer if you fancy a nibble to soak up the alcohol.

La Venencia is located at Calle Echegaray 7 (nearest metro: Sevilla or Sol).

Download mTrip’s Madrid Travel Guide

Madrid – Partygoers Paradise

Sabrina — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:01:59 +0000

Madrid is known for its vibrant nightlife and has one of the most lively bar and club scenes in the world. If you are interested in exploring this side of Madrid a great neighbourhood to make your stomping ground while visiting is Malasaña.

Malasaña is a vibrant neighbourhood packed with bars and clubs that are overflowing with young and interesting people. The area is reminiscent of Camden Town in London, the East Village in New York City, Galeria de Paris in Oporto, or Bairro Alto in Lisbon, but despite its reminiscent characteristics, it still remains a distinctly unique and exciting neighbourhood in Madrid.

Looking for that unforgettable night out on your trip? Try the La Vía Láctea. With its pioneer routes in Madrid, La Vía Láctea remains a favourite among young club kids. The bar plays rock and hip-hop and keeps its walls lined with posters of unforgettable music icons like the Beattles and the Rolling Stones. Arrive early as lines are definitely a staple at this popular bar.

Address: Velarde 18, Madrid

Phone: 91-446-75-81

Website: La Via Lactea

Price: Cover Cover 8€ ($13)

Download mTrip’s Madrid Travel Guide

Off the beaten path with “Real” Berlin Bands 2010

Sabrina — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:21:00 +0000

If you are looking for something fun and a little off the beaten path, check out ‘Real’ Berlin Bands Concert Series Festival. In celebration of Berlin’s talented emerging artists, the festival takes the focus away from the mainstream and puts it on the underground scene. The goal is to give these talented artists the recognition and respect they deserve from a wider audience.

Two or three bands perform per night with the hope that these young and talented artists will be put in the spotlight and exposed to a captive audience that appreciates what the underground scene has to offer.

The program was stablished by Corbett Santana, the Co-founder of Junction Bar, a live music venue.

Check out the REAL Berlin Bands Concert Series website for more info on dates & times

Download mTrip’s Berlin Travel Guide

Image source: Markus Rödder at http://www.flickr.com/photos/subcess/

METRIC in London at Shepherd’s Bush Empire – May 24

Sabrina — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:11:04 +0000

This week METRIC announced they are heading to London for a very special May 24 show. Set to take place in the music venue Shepherd’s Bush Empire, METRIC will amaze its audience with a dazzling set filled with all their infamous songs. Fans have been craving to hear this set live ever since the Fantasies album was released. With its evocation of a dream state, the Fantasies album is filled with a rich mixture of electronic, indie and rock.

About METRIC
METRIC is a Canadian Indie Rock band. Although the band has been based in various North American cities, they were originally formed in Toronto, Ontario. The band is comprised of its lead vocalist, Emily Haines, guitarist James Shaw, bassist Josh Winstead and drummer Joules Scott-Key. The bands first full-length album, Old World Underground was launched in 2003, followed by Live it Out in 2005, and Grow Up and Blow Away in 2007. Among many other notable awards, METRIC received recognition as Canadian album of the year from the Polaris Music Prize in 2009 for the current album they are touring with, Fantasies.

Click here for more information on ticket prices.

Download mTrip’s London Travel Guide

BERLIN NIGHTLIFE: Top ten bars for spring travels

Sabrina — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:40:34 +0000

Traveling to Germany for spring? If you are hitting Berlin, prepare for an exciting experience – the city is packed to the gills with dynamic, underground nightlife with endless bars, restaurants, lounges and clubs to choose from. Among the best to visit, we’ve prepared a list of the top ten to make sure you step foot in during your spring travels.

SPINDLER & KLATT

[mappress]Address: Köpenicker Straße 16,  10997 Berlin

Laidback restaurant by day, transformed dance party by night. If you are visiting for the restaurant experience, you can expect chilled out music and cocktails. By night however get ready to experience house, trance and techno DJ’s showing off their skills non-stop. The far away location in Friedrichshain ensures an in the know, cool crowd frequenting the venue.

For more information click here.

TRESOR

Address: Straße 70 Köpenicker, 10179 Berlin

Tresor only just returned to Berlin. In 2004 the establishment was forced to close its doors, putting an end to what felt like an era for electronic music lovers. For fourteen years Tresor was undeniably at the forefront of Berlin’s club scene, introducing the capital to techno music in 1991. Tresor reopened its doors in May, welcoming back the loving crowd it once housed.

For more information click here.

KING KONG KLUB

Address: Brunnenstrasse 173, 10115 Berlin

King Kong Klub is an exotic hangout in an intimate atmosphere. Experience Berlin nightlife in the comfort of its cozy environment. For more information click here.

KAFFEE BURGER

Address: Torstraße 60, 10119 Berlin

An eclectic calendar of arts events – poetry readings, film screenings and live music, including the infamous bi-monthly Russian Disco. The ambiance is comparable to a smoky den. Here you will find a lot of student types dancing to anything from German punk to ambient jazz.

For more information click here.

WEEKEND

Address: Alexanderstraße 5, 10178 Berlin

The Weekend is one of the top house and techno clubs in Berlin. Situated on the 13th floor of a Soviet block on Alexanderplatz, you can catch a perfect viewing of sunrise. The outside isn’t much for viewing but don’t be fooled – the inside is modern chic with lots of geometric lines. DJ’s from around the world will excite your ears on any regular night. Don’t miss out.

For more information click here.

MARIA AM OSTBAHNHOF aka ‘CLUB MARIA’

Address: Straße der Pariser Kommune 10, 10243 Berlin

Known to be one of the coolest nightspots in Berlin, Club Maria is funky with creative lighting, transforming an uninspiring building into an inspirational hot spot. Top music acts like Coldcut, Le Tigre, The Fall and The Knife have performed here so definitely add this one to your list of musts if you are a fan!

For more information click here.

BERGHAIN & PANORAMA BAR

Address: Am Wriezener Bahnhof, 10243 Berlin

Berghain is an industrial-style warehouse club with minimalist interior design, an 18m high dance floor and space for 1500 guests. Berghain is known for hedonism and decadence and is often described as the world capital of techno. If you want a little break or a more relaxed vibe though, head over to Panorama Bar.

For more information click here.

B FLAT

Address: Rosenthaler Strasse 13, 10119 Berlin

B Flat is a nice alternative if you are the jazz music type. Very often live, enjoy jazz melodies from all corners of the world every night of the week. Founded on the principle of always playing “real jazz,” B Flat brings an authentic experience to locals and travelers alike.

For more information click here.

REINGOLD

Address: Novalisstraße 11, 10115 Berlin Mitte

Seeking an off the beaten path experience? Want to experience Berlin the way a local would or with a local for that matter? Go a little out of your way and get yourself to Reingold. This is one of those “favorite places to hang for locals” kind of bars. Sit comfortably for hours with an excellent cocktail in a relaxed atmosphere.

For more information click here.

BAR AM LUTZOWPLATZ

Address: Lützowplatz 7, 10785 Berlin

Classic cocktail excellence! A vast collection of Champagne and rare malt whiskeys. A proud documentation of the bar’s awards is displayed and rightfully so. A modern, classy bar with beautiful architecture and carefully chosen music, everything about this bar seeks to please.

For more information click here.