4 Theaters You Must Visit in Madrid

Whether you’re off to the movies because of a weekend premiere, discount-ticket Wednesday, or simply a rainy day, Madrid’s charming cinemas offer the perfect backdrop to explore the city’s varied neighborhoods and rich culture. From former X-rated film screenings to beautiful salmon facades, here are four theaters you must visit while living in Madrid.

 

Cine Ideal

Boasting nine screens, Cine Ideal offers a wide variety of movies and showtimes to fit everyone’s taste and schedule. Modern seating and concessions round out the experience to make for a comfortable modern cinema visit.

Yelmo Cines, a Spanish company with over 50 cinema complexes across the country, operates the theater and screens films in their original version, meaning English-language films are screened with Spanish subtitles. Search for screenings with the tags VO (Versión Official) or VOSE (Versión Official Subtitulada en Español). (If you watch a film like Anora, be prepared for the occasional Spanish-subtitled Russian…)

Cine Ideal provides the ideal viewing experience for newer releases. The theater is situated right in the heart of Madrid’s bustling center, just a brief walk from Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. If you’re in the mood for dessert after the showing, the delicious Chocolatería San Ginés is only a couple hundred steps away – the perfect place to eat while chatting about the movie you just watched. While in Madrid, you must check out Cine Ideal.

 

Cine Ideal on a sunny afternoon.

Cine Doré

A salmon façade and impressive interior imbue this older, cultural theater with a warm, artistic glow that makes it an essential stop for all cinema lovers.

Filmoteca Española, an official department of the Spanish government, owns and operates Cine Doré. The department specializes in the restoration, conservation, and distribution of Spanish films. Cine Doré rarely exhibits newer releases, instead screening older movies important to cinematic history. In the leadup to the release of Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), Cine Doré got its fangs wet by screening the different Nosferatu adaptations over the years.

The theater also houses a small bookstore that sells both classic literature and merchandise tied to that month’s film releases. Visitors can also purchase posters of the iconic Cine Doré facade.

 

Moviegoers chat in front of Cine Doré's iconic pink façade.

 

Cine Doré tickets are cheap, but because the theater only hosts three screenings a day, seats often run low. Check out the Filmoteca Española website to purchase tickets in advance. Be alert because seats go fast! If the show sells out online, don’t worry —— the box office reserves one third of the seats for in-person ticket sales. Just make sure to show up early enough because long lines can form.

This affordable cultural theater in the heart of Madrid is the perfect opportunity to experience Spanish cinematic history and catch a spellbinding movie.

 

Conde Duque

Situated in old military quarters, this cultural center sports a library, exhibition center, and theater. While Conde Duque does not screen films daily, the space offers monthly movies and a wide variety of other programming throughout the year. Ticket prices are cheap, or even free.

In addition to the theater, Conde Duque features exhibitions celebrating different aspects of Spanish culture and history. Prior to the release of Pedro Almodovar’s The Room Next Door (2024), the center screened most of his filmography and opened an exhibit celebrating his work. Conde Duque also offers periodic live dance and theater shows.

Stop by this gorgeous cultural center near Plaza de Espana to catch incredible productions, exhibitions, and movies.

 

Conde Duque not only hosts a movie theater but also an exhibition center and library.

Sala Equis

This historic cinema was Madrid’s last porn theater before it closed in 2015. Upon entering the theater, visitors can spot the old marquee, preserved behind glass. Today, the space screens a mix of modern and classic films.

On its main floor, Sala Equis boasts an impressive bar and meeting space designed to promote conversation between strangers. This venue is the ideal place to meet with friends for a drink before seeing a movie. 

Vines hang from the room’s high ceilings, and a projector flashes esoteric images and old film clips across the wall. Grab tinto de verano or patatas bravas before heading upstairs to the screening room. Red seats and accompanying dining tables line a steep ascent that is unlike any cinema I’ve visited. While watching the movie, you might even hear the click of the film whirring through the projector.

 

Vines hang from the room’s high ceilings, and a projector flashes esoteric images and old film clips across the wall.

 

Even if the screenings for the night don’t pique your interest, Sala Equis is a must-visit for the alluring atmosphere alone. While in Madrid, no spot beats Sala Equis to grab a drink, chat with friends, and watch a film.

 

Curtain Call

Madrid’s idiosyncrasies are on full display in these four theaters scattered throughout the city center. Depending on your mood, each theater offers an enchanting, unforgettable cinematic experience. Check out Cine Ideal for the latest, Cine Doré for the classics, Conde Duque for the exhibitions, and Sala Equis for the conversation.

I hope you have a fantastic moviegoing experience; comment below your favorite theaters in Madrid!