Madrid’s live music scene is alive and kicking with both local and international artists setting the bar high. One of the most wonderful things about live music in Madrid is that you can enjoy it without breaking the bank! The cheapest way to catch a concert is to frequent one of the many jam sessions going on around town on any given night.

Whether you wish to partake or just join the audience, the jams listed below boast free entry, high quality music and a great atmosphere – what more could you ask for?

Marula
C/Caños Viejos 3, 28005
Metro: La Latina & Opera
Web site

Luck Dados performing at La Boca del Lobo. Photo: Jota Pe

This La Latina treasure is one of Madrid’s best-kept secrets. Tucked below the Viaducto de Segovia, Marula is a small, funky bar that has live music throughout the week. Monday is Jam Night led by American drummer Noah Shaye and is an unmissable weekly event for all you jazz and soul fans. The music kicks off at midnight and goes on into the small hours.

Moe
C/Alberto Alcocer 32, 28036
Metro: Cuzco & Colombia
Web site

Just off the Paseo de la Castellana, Moe is a friendly bar that showcases the best in jazz, blues and Latin music. There are two jam sessions each week at Moe, so you can catch the Blues Jam on a Tuesday and the Jazz Jam on a Wednesday. Things start heating up from 10:30 p.m.

La Boca del Lobo
C/Echegaray 11, 28014
Metro: Sol
Web site

If you like funk music, then this is definitely the place for you! Get down to this Huertas favorite on a Wednesday for the Roots and Grooves Jam Session. Music starts at 11 p.m. and makes for an excellent midweek choice.

El Junco
Plaza Santa Barbara 10, 28004
Metro: Alonso Martinez
Web site

Dark and atmospheric, El Junco makes a great change from the bars and clubs of Chueca and Malasaña. Stop by on a Sunday for Norman Hogue’s legendary Blues Jam, or wind down on a Tuesday as Ruben Andreu and his band lead the Jazz Jam. It all gets going at 11:30 p.m. and goes on until late.

Sala Barco
C/Barco 34, 28004
Metro: Tribunal
Web site

You may well have already danced the night away at this infamous Malasaña haunt on a Friday or Saturday, but did you know about the Sunday Jam? Led by the incredible Cuban saxophonist, Inoidel Gonzalez, this Jazz Jam starts at 11:30 p.m. and is the perfect place to end your weekend on a high note.

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Sunday: Mulligan’s Irish Bar
Amstel 100
Website: www.mulligans.nl
Cost: Free

This authentic Irish bar draws in locals and tourists alike for pints in a social atmosphere. Traditional Irish tunes mixed with foot-tapping bluegrass makes for a friendly vibe all night long. Stop by after 7 PM any night of the week for free entertainment. On Sundays, however, Mulligan’s hosts open jam sessions.

Tuesday: Jazz Cafe Alto
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 115
Website: www.jazz-cafe-alto.nl
Cost: Free

The historic Jazz Cafe Alto dates back to the 1950s and stirs up smooth Latin vibes on Tuesday nights (though this cozy, swingin’ bar offers live music every night). Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are especially popular nights, and thus have a €5 entry fee (although it includes a fresh Amstel at the bar). If you crave a scene full of jazz cats and sax solos, this is your place.

Wednesday: Maloe Melo
Lijnbaansgracht 163
Website: www.maloemelo.nl

Never too packed and always relaxed, Malo Melo offers a nightly session of blues and soulful rock that’s impossible to find elsewhere. The crowd ranges from students to seniors, but shares a common passion for acoustic slides and electric tears. It’s a groovy scene for all, offering a true taste of Amsterdam’s chilled-out style.

Thursday: The Last Waterhole
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49
Website: www.waterhole.nl
Cost: €1

The Last Waterhole is known for smoking rock covers by local music regulars and a great, rockin’ vibe. The lively and sociable setting makes it irresistible for patrons, who sing along and boogie down. The central location makes the Waterhole a perfect place to start or end an evening out on Leidseplein. Music performed nightly.

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