Nightlife in Spain

Spain is famous for its nightlife, and if you're after party places in Spain for some serious celebrations, or the best places in Spain for nightlife, look no further. The Spanish climate means long, warm evenings, so most bars and clubs stay open until the small hours, which means there's plenty of time to cram as much as possible into your night out. So where are the best party destinations in Spain? Here's a selection of our favourites.

Madrid

Spain's capital city is the place to come if you're looking to sample authentic Spanish nightlife. It's up to you whether you prefer a wild night out or a more sophisticated, laidback evening, as you'll find it all in Madrid, from discos and clubs to chic wine bars and cosy pubs. The Spanish eat late, so start your evening as they do, with tapas and a beer at one of the little bars near Sol. From there it's on to dinner and you'll find everything from authentic Spanish dishes to world cuisine on the menu. Head for Salamanca for a sophisticated night out; you'll find plenty of wine bars and cocktail spots to choose from. If you're looking for rock bars, the Malasana district is a must, while if it's the top clubs and sessions by world-renowned DJs you're after, stick to the city centre near Sol and the Gran Via.

Barcelona

Barcelona is known as one of the top party destinations in Spain, and the nightlife here certainly isn't for the tame. Although it is possible to enjoy a quiet evening with tapas and a bottle of wine, followed by a show or an evening art exhibition, the city attracts a young, hip crowd who come for the electronic music scene. Top DJs flock to the city's clubs in Eixample or Sant Gervasi-Santalo, while the Poble Nou area is the place to find rock bars and a more alternative, indie vibe.

Ibiza

There's a reason why Ibiza is one of the best party places in Spain. Thousands of sun seekers flock here every year for foam parties, boat parties, world-famous DJs and some of the best clubs on the planet. There's something happening every day of the week, all-night long, so prepare to party if you're coming to Ibiza with your friends. Head for the world-famous Sunset Strip in San Antonio, on the island's west coast, where you'll find open-air beach clubs and some of the best party spots around. If you're staying in Playa d'en Bossa, you'll find open-air super-clubs, like Ushuaia and popular clubs such as Hi Ibiza, attract a young and lively, international crowd. There are even plenty of pubs and clubs to choose from in Ibiza Town, with some smaller venues and cosy bars in the Old Town, and super clubs like Pacha just a short walk away. For a more laid-back night out, you could head for Santa Eulalia, which has a few sophisticated bars and a vast range of restaurants to choose from.

Marbella

When it comes to the best places in Spain for nightlife, don't underestimate Marbella. The resort has rightfully earned a party reputation, attracting the rich and famous to its parties and exclusive clubs like Pangea and Funky Buddha. For the most lavish venues around, head for Puerto Banus, where you'll find bars like Seven, with its outdoor terrace. Expect pool parties, beach clubs, and champagne bars everywhere you look in Marbella, side-by-side with cosy traditional British pubs and Irish bars for a quieter night out.

Playa del Ingles, Canary Islands

Although the Canaries are often overlooked in favour of Ibiza when it comes to the best party places in Spain, Playa del Ingles has lots to offer when it comes to Spanish nightlife. Here you'll find everything from cabaret and karaoke bars to casinos and exclusive clubs like Pacha, Chinawhite and Cream.

Playa de las Americas, Canary Islands

Renowned as the place to party in Tenerife, this resort on the island's south coast boasts some of the liveliest nightlife around. The action centres around Veronica's Strip, where clubs stay open all night. Why not start your night at the Patch or Starco Centre, where you'll find a huge range of bars to choose from; there's something to suit all tastes. The best places in Spain for nightlife range from party destinations like Ibiza and Marbella to the sophisticated offerings of cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Whether your idea of the perfect night out is tapas and a jazz club, or dancing until dawn at a superclub, you'll find it in Spain.