Bar Museo Chicote (Chicote Bar Museum), Madrid

When planning your time in Madrid, don’t let the name fool you—Chicote isn’t a museum but rather one of the city’s classic cocktail bars, right on Gran Vía. Opened in 1931, it quickly became a favorite gathering place for foreign correspondents during the Spanish Civil War. Ernest Hemingway was a regular here, naturally. And while the bar has kept much of its original 1930s charm, it’s been updated with modern lighting, a dance floor, and some of Spain’s top DJs to keep the energy going well into the night.

All around the bar, the walls are lined with black-and-white photos of the many legends who’ve stopped in for a drink. Beyond Hemingway, you’ll spot the faces of Salvador Dalí, Sophia Loren, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles, and many more. Chicote has long been a magnet for stars, and stepping inside feels a bit like walking into a living piece of history.

These days, it draws plenty of tourists, but the vibe remains relaxed and refined—the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. You won’t find flashy or overly complicated drinks here—just the classics, made the old-fashioned way. No artificial juices or shortcuts. Every cocktail is mixed with care, attention, and just the right chill. It’s cocktail-making as it was meant to be—simple, precise, and timeless.