La Castellana, home to official buildings, embassies and skyscrapers, is not only the capital's major financial and business area. It is also where some of the city's best bars and clubs are to be found, and the perfect place to enjoy after work drinks, or to rub shoulders with glamorous types and dance to all kinds of sounds, from techno to more alternative rhythms.

As the offices close for business, the district of Castellana lets down its hair, and trendy restaurants and exclusive clubs open their doors, making it one of Madrid's most stylish areas. The metro stops that serve this area are Nuevos Ministerios, Santiago Bernabéu, Cuzco, Plaza de Castilla and Chamartín.

To start the night off well, what could be better than one of the symbols of Castellana? The Real Madrid stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu (currently under refurbishment). 

If you want to treat yourself to an evening from up high, the Cuatro Torres Business Area skyscrapers are undoubtedly the perfect option.  Both the Élkar restaurant on Floor 33 of the Emperador Castellana Tower, and the Restaurant Volvoreta at the Eurostars Madrid Tower, in the Torre PwC, combine dinners and luxury parties with spectacular views over Madrid. The Caleido fifth tower also has an extensive commercial and culinary offer.

Foodies should also check out the Hotel NH Eurobuilding, where you will find a sushi bar, DiverXO (the only restaurant in Madrid with three Michelin stars) and a terrace with cocktails by Diego Cabrera.

This area is also home to lots of Spanish beer bars or 'cervecerías' and Irish pubs, as well as new cosmopolitan style proposals such as Taxi a Manhattan, with its New York theme, and Doña Tecla with its charming intimate terrace. Tasquita Los Ochoa, a fun space to savour a fine vermouth accompanied by tapas with a different touch, is also in the heart of Castellana. Another option is to visit Ganges, the first Indian restaurant in Madrid, which came to the city in the 1980s. Head for Klimt Madrid and La Villana Gin & Cocktail Room to enjoy a fine cocktail.

The ground floors of emblematic financial buildings such as the Torre del BBVA, Torre Europa and the Torre Picasso also have clubs and bars where you can dance to Latino beats, among others.

But above all, in the side streets that lead off the Paseo de La Castellana and which run between the Plaza de Lima and the Plaza de Cuzco there is plenty of nightlife to enjoy. On Calle Orense, La Nuit plays techno, house and commercial pop, and Sala Nazca Live has resident DJs playing funky, house, and electro-latino tunes.

Those looking for a more alternative space with indie, rock and soul sounds can visit Moby Dick in Avenida de Brasil. The Moe Club also has a good atmosphere and music and The Irish Rover is a place to have a drink, practise English or watch a show or musical performance.

Another great street for nightlife is Capitán Haya with clubs such as Kube and Banloo, an exclusive nightspot that draws a very stylish international crowd. There is also the new Panda Club Madrid offering sessions with a wide musical variety.

More options? The famous New Garamond, a reference disco on Madrid’s night scene. Located on the first floor of Chamartín - Clara Campoamor Station is Lab the Club, an establishment that includes a programme of leading  international DJs, and the Space of Sound sessions, which are held on Sundays.