December 18th, 2003 | The lowdown by Paloma Gil

Dancing at Sala El Sol.

Four or five blocks away from the very center of Madrid, is the "Sala el sol" (the Sun), a small club known among other things, for its rather bright lighting. I suppose that's how the place got its name.

Here you´ll get the chance to listen to a little bit of everything - from acid jazz to a brazilian pop and maybe even some Frank Sinatra to end the night. The best thing about El Sol - besides the music and the atmosphere - which is very relaxed and casual - is the price. El sol is cheaper than most local night clubs. It will cost you around 7 dollars to get in, as opposed to 10 or even 12 dollars for most other places (bars are free). Tickets usually include one drink.

One important tip: do not go before 2, otherwise you could be the only person there. In Spain, night clubs get packed around 3 - sometimes even later. Since bars are free and open from 10 or 11 utill 3 a.m, most people hang out there until it´s time to go to the club.

Also, El sol holds concerts on week nights so you might want to check out their calendar. The subway stations for El sol are either Sol (lines 1,2,3) or Gran Via (lines 1 and 5).