Madrid, perhaps more renowned for its Prado Museum and Real Madrid soccer team, might not be the first place you think of for a laid-back shishas Madrid (shishas madrid) experience. You’d be wrong to assume there isn’t a thriving shisha scene tucked away in the nooks and crannies of Spain’s bustling capital. In this article, we’ll steer you through Madrid’s less-explored shisha scene and uncover some of the city’s hidden shisha gems.
La Gran Vía’s Sultana
Situated on the iconic Gran Vía, Sultana is a jewel in Madrid’s shisha crown. The entrance is unassuming, a narrow staircase leading downstairs, but it opens out into a sumptuous Arabian-styled lounge. The atmosphere is as rich as the Ottoman-inspired décor; the sound of chatter mingles with delicate scents of flavored tobaccos. La Gran Vía’s status as the heart of the city assures that Sultana is always buzzing with locals and visitors alike, encompassing a truly cosmopolitan experience.
Lost in Time at Chueca’s Arabic Lounge
Siphon you through a tunnel of Arabic script into an opulent space filled with low seating and an intricate hookah bar. Here, in the heart of Madrid’s LGBTQ+ district, Chueca, the Arabic Lounge offers a haven from the vibrant streets outside. The lounge exudes an air of authentic Middle Eastern serenity, transporting you back centuries. The shisha menu is as vast as the array of teas on offer, ensuring no two visits will be the same.
Barrio de Salamanca’s Harem
Venture slightly northward to Barrio de Salamanca, and you’ll find Harem, a Shisha bar that marries contemporary flair with classical flavors. The younger, more suave ambiance here is a stark contrast to the more traditional bars. The space is smaller, more intimate, with a menu that’s surprisingly vast, featuring unique blends of tobaccos and aromas. Patrons come here to enjoy a laid-back evening with friends, and the bar’s open terrace is an excellent option for balmy Spanish nights.
The Shisha Crawl
If you’re inclined to a little shisha adventure, perhaps mapping out a ‘shisha crawl’ is the way to go. A short metro ride can take you from one barrio to another, each with its personality and shisha scene. Start with dinner and shisha in Chueca, head to La Gran Vía for a show or a late-night shisha at one of the lively joints there, and then conclude in the reserved elegance of Salamanca’s Harem. A shisha crawl through Madrid ensures you’ll not only indulge in various flavors but also absorb the varied atmospheres of the city’s districts.
‘CortandoelCarbón’ – Beyond Shisha Bars
For a different but equally enchanting experience, consider ‘CortandoelCarbón.’ This Madrileño event sees local Arab vendors setting up hookahs in public squares. It’s a community experience; a fusion of cultures with local musicians, artists, and vendors joining in. ‘CortandoelCarbón’ presents a side of Madrid that’s as vibrant and inclusive as it is laid-back, the perfect embodiment of the city’s cosmopolitan charm.
Madrid’s shisha scene is as varied as its people and landscapes. Whether you seek a quiet evening to unwind or a more spirited, colorful experience, Madrid offers shisha enthusiasts a meandering tapestry of choices. With a bit of exploration and an open mind, you can discover that the essence of Madrid’s enchanting shisha scene lies not only in the quality of the smoke but in the kaleidoscope of experiences that accompany it. Each venue and event is a thread that, when pulled together, weaves an intricate narrative that is uniquely Madrid.
