The “Movida” in Spain (between about midnight and about 4 am)
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If you like nightlife, this will be some of the greatest fun of your trip. Here are a few ideas to guide you when you set out to enjoy Spain’s “movida” in any of the top cities for nightlife.
Madrid
Madrid comes alive at night, and especially at the weekend. You’ll find nightlife in the various leisure areas and districts with an endless array of clubs, bars, cafés and fashionable venues to choose from.Its lively nightlife is famous worldwide. If there is a city where you can dance the night away to any kind of music, meet people of different nationalities and get to know venues with a wide variety of styles, that's Madrid.
You'll find that the atmosphere changes depending on the area you're in. If you want a night full of elegance, take a stroll through the Salamanca neighbourhood. If you prefer something more underground with rock and alternative pop, head for the Malasaña district. The best place to mingle with international crowds is known as the “Barrio de las Letras” – Huertas neighbourhood. And to find the trendiest nightclubs, lounges and clubs with the best DJs, and even a celebrity or two, there's nothing like walking around the Gran Vía and Sol areas of the city centre.The Chueca area, known for its LGBTQI+ scene, also has plenty of edgy venues, techno clubs and designer bars. In fact, this district has always been one of the coolest.
Although any time is a good time to dance and meet people in Madrid, you'll find the best atmosphere from Thursday to Saturday starting around midnight.
Barcelona
A good way to enjoy the nightlife on offer in Barcelona is by dancing through the night to the latest techno sounds. Barcelona's venues are particularly famous for their electronic music, a genre where Barcelona is world-renowned. Many of the best DJs play in the city's clubs. In areas such as Eixample and Sant Gervasi-Santaló, there are many venues where techno sounds play all through the night. The venues in the Gaixample neighbourhood are especially fun, known for their LGBTQI+ crowd and their open and tolerant atmosphere.
In the Poble Nou area, there are plenty of big clubs and spacious bars offering alternative rock, indie and the latest pop music. Meanwhile, in Port Olimpic, one of the busiest areas, the nightlife is intense and sophisticated. Those looking for design, the latest trends and good cocktail bars can opt for El Born, where music brings together all kinds of Barcelona nightlife personalities.
Ibiza
Nights in Ibiza are unforgettable, and that's why every year thousands of people flock to the island to enjoy them. You’ll have a great time at some of the best clubs on earth, with music from famous DJs to dance the night away.The party lasts all night long, but it still won’t seem long enough. With just one night there, you will understand why it's famous and want to come back for more. You'll meet lots of people looking for a good time, and you'll probably bump into some of the celebrities who come to Ibiza to enjoy the ambience of terraces and nightclubs.
Valencia
The night in Valencia is full of people wanting to have fun, feel the music and dance. The most popular area is the district known as Barrio del Carmen, in the old town centre, although the clubs and bars around Plaza de Xúquer, Avenida de Aragón and Plaza Cánovas are also very well known.If you’re looking for a more alternative district, check out L’Eixample de Ruzafa, with modern restaurants and clubs and small venues with independent music.
If you are looking for something sophisticated, bear in mind that the L'Umbracle area of the City of Arts and Sciences turns into a terrace bar. Also consider going to the Marina Real area, especially if you’re visiting the city during July and August, if you’re in the mood for a few drinks or electronic music.
Benidorm
Benidorm is a city for nonstop fun at any time of day. At night there is as much going on outdoors as indoors, especially in the summer. There are more than 150 pubs and clubs where you can dance, laugh, have a drink and make friends until the sun comes up. The atmosphere, the music, the people, the shows, the go-go dancers... everything entices you to have fun non-stop. Only you decide when the party’s over.Many young people gather at bars on and around Levante beach and on Calle Esperanto. There are also very popular places on Calle Gerona, Ibiza, Mallorca and Londres, which is known as the “English area”.
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