Must-see nightlife in Spain

  • Sankey's

    South Ibiza

    This unpretentious club has taken off in recent years as its DJ line-up has improved and Platja d'en Bossa continues to draw more and more clubbers. We…

  • Café La Lonja

    Palma de Mallorca

    With its curved marble bar, tiled-chessboard floor, smattering of tables, padded benches and eclectic decor of old luggage and portraits, this place is as…

  • El Imperfecto

    Madrid

    Its name notwithstanding, the ‘Imperfect One’ is our ideal Huertas bar, with occasional live jazz and a drinks menu as long as a saxophone, ranging from…

  • Zazamira

    Corralejo

    Elbowed down a narrow street near the harbour, this is the healthy, laid-back option with fresh juices like papaya and orange, and ginseng-spiked coffee…

  • Plata Bar

    L'Eixample

    Summer seats on the corner terrace of this wide-open bar attract guys hopping between the area’s gay bars. Inside, metallic horse-saddle stools are lined…

  • Granja La Pallaresa

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    An old-school cafe filled with both locals and visitors, La Pallaresa specialises in crispy xurros for dipping in thick hot chocolate and whipped cream,…

  • La Puerta de Tannhäuser

    Extremadura

    Not what you'd expect in old-town Plasencia, Extremadura's first cafe-bookshop is warm, friendly and an absolute delight. Relax at hot-red tables over…

  • Piccadilly Downtown Club

    Valencia

    Lots of fun at this sizeable club on a sidestreet in the heart of Russafa. Music focuses on major hits from the '80s and '90s, so you'll probably know 'em…

  • The Rock

    Ibiza Town

    Towards the eastern end of the promenade, this is a port-zone meeting point for club promoters and dance-music-industry types, so it’s a good bet for…

  • El Balcón de la Lola

    Bilbao

    Located under the railway lines, El Balcón de la Lola doesn't get going until late. One of Bilbao’s most popular mixed gay/straight clubs, this is the…

  • Taberna Chica

    La Latina & Lavapiés

    Most of those who come to this narrow little bar are after one of two things: the famous Santa Teresa rum that comes served in an extra-large mug, or some…

  • Bar Calders

    Barcelona

    Neighbourhood fave Bar Calders bills itself as a wine bar, with a range of Catalan drops gracing its selection (glass €2 to €4). At weekends it's…

  • L'Ascensor

    La Rambla & Barri Gòtic

    Named after the lift (elevator) doors that serve as the front entrance, this clandestine drinking hideout – with its brick ceilings, vintage mirrors and…

  • K2

    Bilbao

    One of a number of lively drinking haunts on Calle de Somera, K2 is a modest tunnel-shaped bar frequented by a young, studenty crowd, particularly at…

  • Tetería El Bañuelo

    Granada

    Just off Carrera del Darro, this minimalist tetería is loved by both granadinos and visitors for its tucked-away, vine-shaded roof terrace looking out on…

  • La Azotea de Benito

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    It's not cheap, but this relaxing cocktail bar in the historic heart of town is a pretty suave and appealing choice as the sun sets, with bamboo chairs…

  • Pogs

    Fuengirola

    This spirited Irish pub is one of the town's most popular places for live music and has a reputable line-up of local musicians, who play everything from…

  • La Margarete

    Ciutadella

    Tucked away down a slim sidestreet, this stylish bar spills out on to a pretty, atmospherically lit garden terrace from its contemporary interior done up…

  • El Barón

    Córdoba

    Set on a traffic-free, orange tree–shaded plaza in the old city, the outside tables at this unassuming local bar are a lovely place for quiet nocturnal…

  • Pub Drop

    San Sebastián

    One of a number of haunts on a popular drinking strip near the cathedral, Pub Drop is the place to get to grips with the local beer. There are up to 50…

  • Cellarer

    L'Eixample

    A terrific, friendly little stone-walled spot for South American-style tapas and unusual wines, where local regulars linger over the likes of patates…

  • Gabana 1800

    Salamanca

    With its upmarket crowd that invariably includes a few famosos (famous people), Gabana 1800 is very Salamanca. That this place has lasted the distance…

  • Sky Bar

    Sitges

    Strung around a shimmering metallic-effect pool, this breezy-chic rooftop hotel bar is Sitges' ultimate sundowner spot, sporting fabulous wraparound views…

  • Residence

    Bilbao

    Residence hosts acoustic jam sessions throughout the month, including Irish folk, blues and roots. Even when there's nothing on, it's a great little spot…

  • Gran Folies Beach Club

    Western Mallorca

    This bar-restaurant sits right above the rocky cove of lovely Cala Llamp and offers use of a saltwater pool to cavort in between frozen margaritas. It…

  • El Molino del Gato

    Albarracín

    The 'Cat's Mill' is easily the most interesting setting for a drink in Albarracín. Built around a 15th-century riverside mill (underneath the tourist…

  • U Gallet

    Pollença

    Known also to locals as the 'Gallito' (cockerel) and full of enticingly cosy nooks and posters of Bowie, the Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran, this excellent…

  • Malevo

    Barcelona

    This joyful bar feels a bit like a lost cabin in the woods with its wood-panelled walls, tiled floors and old sporting photos. Once you've wedged yourself…

  • Waikiki

    Tarifa

    Live music, DJ sets and sunny cocktails keep things busy at boho-cool beachfront lounge spot Waikiki, on the west side of the old town. Mojitos, daiquiris…

  • Savannah

    West Ibiza

    With its horizon-facing views, glam decor and seafront terrace, Savannah is a fine pick for a cocktail or a dining table with a sunset view. The intimate…

  • Bohemian Lane

    Bilbao

    Inviting coffeehouse Bohemian Lane has wicker chairs, furniture made from salvaged wooden pallets and mismatched cushions. A laid-back spot for fair trade…

  • La Finca

    Granada

    Bringing third-wave, Granada-roasted coffee to the city with astounding success, this small rustic-chic cafe sources its fair-trade speciality beans…

  • Angelita

    Chueca

    Just back from Gran Vía, Angelita has one of the best wine lists of any bar in Madrid, with more than 20 choices by the glass and nearly 500 different…

  • Terraza Taoro

    Puerto de la Cruz

    Once you've clambered up the 200-odd steps to get here from the centre of town, you deserve a long cool drink as well as some supreme panoramic views of…

  • Ham Session

    Girona

    Wine, late nights and uncompromisingly good Ibérico ham: together at last. Nocturnal grazers will find heaven at this gourmet-focused wine bar, which…

  • El Modernista

    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

    This extraordinary kiosk in lovely Parque San Telmo is a stunning art-nouveau confection from 1923, with pretty tiling and stained glass, and garlanded up…

  • Café Bla Bla

    Valencia

    Bla Bla, with its plush red drapery and mirrors, is perfect for a relaxing drink or coffee. Candles flicker, soft music plays, there’s a particularly well…

  • La Terraza del Urban

    Madrid

    A strong contender for best rooftop bar in Madrid, this indulgent terrace sits atop the five-star Urban Hotel and has five-star views with five-star…

  • Delicatessen

    León

    Just down the hill from Plaza de San Martín, this place is two bars in one. Head downstairs for indie rock or upstairs for the smarter, slick, electronica…

  • Michael Collins Pub

    L'Eixample

    To be sure of a little Catalan-Irish craic, this barn-sized, storming pub beloved by locals and expats is just the ticket. Traditional Irish music…

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