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nightlife
Spain nightlife
Spanish nightlife is legendary, and for good reason. This is the country that brought the world Ibiza-style house music and the international nightclub group Pacha. Yet not every night has to pulse with the beats of electronic and house music. Sophisticated cocktail bars are more popular than ever in Spain, as are theme bars (ever hear of Spanish country music?). Bohemian bars like Barcelona's Tinta Roja, with poetry readings, comedy nights, and classic film screenings, abound in the artsy districts of the big cities.
City dwellers tend to hit the first bar of the night after dinner ends (around 1 am), and then migrate to thediscotecas, or nightclubs, by 3 am, dancing till dawn. Cover charges vary widely, but you should expect to pay upward of 20 euros in classy venues. Dress to impress; trendy nightspots have strict dress codes and only allow those who look the part to cross their thresholds.
The Spaniards' deeply ingrained love for fiestas means that any city or town can host a good party, but a few stand out. Madrid residents are known as gatos (cats) for their late-night prowling; the city is famous for 3 am traffic jams caused by throngs of partiers. Seaside resorts, especially on the islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, and Gran Canaria, are also known for their nightlife.
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see the Madrid guideHidden away by the Puente Isabel II, better known as the Triana Bridge, this outdoor hot spot is Seville's answer to the beach bar, with shady palm trees and...more
see the Seville guideThis multi-story town house is a spectacular-looking pile framed by palm trees beside Palma's port. Staircases on the outside lead to six different bars and...more
see the Ibiza + Mallorca guideToss back a few cañas at this convivial Casco Viejo bar, which stays hopping late into the evening. There's an excellent selection of cheeses, which you...more
see the Bilbao + Basque Country guide
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