Madrid VIP Crawl: Honest Review of Beers & Top Clubs

Looking to check out what Madrid’s nightlife has to offer? You may have stumbled upon talk about a “VIP Crawl” that takes you to spots where you can grab some drinks and see some of the top clubs. What is this VIP Crawl all about, and could it be the way you want to go out when hitting the town?

What Exactly is a Madrid VIP Crawl?

Okay, that said, let’s get right into it: so, a Madrid VIP Crawl is like your average guided nighttime outing, right? Only it tries to stand out by giving a special experience with “VIP” perks. What it tends to suggest is that instead of just casually wandering around by yourself, trying to choose places, you instead tag along with a group. So, you usually get the perk of skipping lines and access to places that might usually cost extra to get into, that is how these crawls try to tempt you.

The thing about the crawls that makes people give them a go, is that it sells itself as a great chance to see multiple places in just a single night. I mean, the aim tends to be so that you have variety in your night out, rather than you being stuck in one place all night, right? You get a taste of different settings and vibes and that kind of deal.

I guess I should point out that beer is quite commonly part of these crawls. You may swing by spots that offer craft beers or more traditional local options, too, it depends. It isn’t all just clubbing; that is to say, you usually get something a bit more chill earlier in the night. This gives folks a chance to, I dunno, mingle and get warmed up before heading out somewhere where the tunes are blasting, if that’s your jam.

The All-Important Question: Is it Worth Your Dough?

Here’s what I will tell you – whether or not a VIP crawl is worth the costs that may surprise you, it totally hangs on just what you’re hoping to get out of your night in Madrid. A big thing that lots of these crawls sell is the “VIP” aspect. What this actually works out to be like might just change how you feel about things, too.

Line skipping is definitely one of the highlights for pretty much everybody who goes along, since who wants to burn all their precious party time simply standing on the footpath, right? Also, cover fees at top clubs can be crazy, I’d argue, right? A crawl often wraps all of this into just one upfront price, right? Making it, apparently, seem like a really good deal, almost a bargain, even.

But I am also saying, remember that the clubs chosen for the tour are a matter of opinion, right? Meaning maybe the spots aren’t exactly to your personal tastes, so that’s something to maybe keep in mind. Also, with drinks included, it means some people will like how that smooths things out, where other folks might want a bigger choice.

If you’re someone that gets anxious in fresh settings or worries about finding spots, then using the crawl option could take a lot of pressure away, is that so? However, if you cherish the liberty to run your own show, then maybe this isn’t the correct play. At the end of the day, a little looking around and asking a few locals can result in a pretty legendary self-made night out, after all. That’s an important option to always have in your mind, and perhaps keep it on the back burner.

Experiences People are Having

A lot of comments that you might come across are, they seem pretty similar, at least that is what it comes across as when searching for different reviews. Many, like your or I, dig just how streamlined things are with the crawl. That is, it does take some guessing and planning away. It’s really attractive to anyone arriving to party in a spot where they have never even been, or those that don’t know someone who has been.

I did see that people sometimes raise flags when talking about the size of groups. If it’s a huge crowd, you know, it can change that ‘VIP’ feel that everyone goes in search of, or at least, expects, doesn’t it? This has got some people saying they thought they’d see cooler spots than where they ended up, that too. However, when everything does go well, you might just end up hearing stories of tourists having the best time ever, making fresh mates, and, well, partying till dawn.

For the love of Pete, remember that personal vibe is absolutely key, too. A very sociable, outgoing type is likely to work that group setting, is that not so? On the flip side, someone who prefers a bit of a laid-back evening could find it to be a bit intense.

What Kind of Beers Can you Find?

So, Madrid’s beer culture’s got pretty strong roots. Even though the beers offered up when you head off with a pub crawl can vary all over the map. It will likely hinge a lot on the particular crawls, right? A huge percentage of them will start you out with spots that carry pretty standard Spanish lagers. We’re talking brands you may have even heard of: Mahou and San Miguel; easy-drinking options really enjoyed by the locals.

You are starting to find places pushing some new flavors too. If you keep your eyes peeled, microbreweries are beginning to turn up. That way, on any particular crawl, I wouldn’t expect like dozens upon dozens of specialized craft beers; still, you may discover somewhere with a bit more personality and options, right?

Something to remember is that if getting great beers is important to you, then make contact with the VIP Crawl groups and question what kind of spots they will visit. You can often tell with how they communicate back just how committed they actually are. That is something a great number of tourists surprisingly fail to remember doing.

A Peak at the City’s Top Club

Okay so, in terms of “top clubs,” well, Madrid, let me tell you, doesn’t mess about; it can boast places to party that cover pretty much every imaginable taste. When talking about the VIP Crawls, most will often have partnerships or agreements to get easy admission to the popular places. By “popular,” what that tends to mean is your Kapital kind of deal with seven floors all blasting diverse genres of tunes, so that it keeps as many folks on the floor for as much time as it possibly can.

Then there is Teatro Barceló; It has a bit of a historical background. It has been refurbished. Plus, Shôko Madrid is forever popping off because it can put on a great presentation. If it is over-the-top excitement you seek, those could work out right for you, could they not?

But still, if your vibe leans to more indie or electronic music, these crawls may feel a bit mainstream. It really all goes down to doing your homework to pair your particular taste of nighttime setting and what certain VIP Crawl choices can promise. Otherwise, you could feel somewhat burned. So, yeah, make sure you choose wisely, yeah?

Handy Advice For Going on a Crawl

Before signing yourself up, carefully check up on things, will you? You can get clear on a bunch of the fine points by reading up on the schedules, asking straight questions about group sizes and specific venues that they use on their crawl route. You may also look over the comments of other travelers. If something consistently comes up, it tends to ring pretty true, right?

Have you ever thought that clothing can change everything, so too it applies when clubbing? Be sure the outfits match with where the tour goes, just so you don’t run into any problems when they won’t let you pass the velvet ropes. And I also feel the need to suggest staying hydrated. As in, don’t neck all the beers and forget the water when bouncing from venue to venue, alright?

Most of all, go out and party! You’re not at the office, is that right? Even if there are aspects of the crawl that don’t hook you that much, aim at creating a top night, hanging with new faces, and just seeing how Madrid glows when lit up at night. With realistic thoughts, you can absolutely make those VIP crawls turn into lasting memories, too.