Uncover the best cities in Spain for a crazy night out throughout the year with your exclusive guide of locations cherry-picked specially for you.
Have you though of spending a week full of frenetic nightlife, dancing at the world's best clubs, and sipping on the cocktails from the world's best cocktail artists?
Think no further and make your way to Spain, a veritable nightlife Mecca, where party-goers from all over the world flock not only in the summer high season, but also during the winter.
First, we need to split clubbing in large cities such as Madrid,Valencia and Barcelona, which goes on throughout the year and more seasonal destinations such as Marbella, Ibiza, Benidrom, Lloret de Mar, Alicante, and the like.
Prepare to party round the clock at scenic locales like Barcelona's Las Ramblas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife's Playa de las Americas, and the famed Canary islands.
Partying in Spain in the summer
For sure few things can be as fun as going to a Spanish beach club or an outdoor event in Spain in Summer.
Forget languid siestas, and opt for a breath-taking party spell during your trip to Spain.
Alicante
Have you ever been dreaming of escaping the summer indolence into the land of wild and frenzic partying? Make your way to Alicante, Spain's topmost Mediterranean resort town to succumb to the best boat parties, for example its famed Alicante Boat Party, and one of the best party cities in Spain, complete with its cool rooftop bars, such as Highbar Rooftop Bar, La Milagrossa Rooftop Bar, and Barri Vell Rooftop Bar as well as some stunning beachside party destinations such as Life Beach Club Alicante.
Apart from hectic nightlife, summers in Spain's Alicante allow for a multitude of day-trip to the tourist magnets like Benidorm, a nearby beachside party destination, and even a chance to check out some of the region's best beaches, such as Playa de Guardamar; or historical landmarks like Santa Barbara Castle and Lucentum Tassal de Manises, a museum set in an ancient Roman site among other hidden gems.
Don't miss out on the many live concerts in the area, one of Alicante's main attractions in the summer months, as well as cool hip hop events in the settlement's casual clubs and its liveliest party district, known as El Barrio and its many disco bars.
Ibiza
Have you been researching party locations for your summer vacation? No need to rummage through the web, just check out our guide to the magnificent Ibiza town, one of the best party locations in Europe, known for its luxury parties, stunning beaches, and great hotels like Ibiza Rocks Hotel, to add to O Beach Ibiza and its many trendy bars.
But what makes the nightlife capital of Ballearics is its Playa d'en Bossa, prized for its famous nightclubs, like Bora Bora, Hi Ibiza and Space.
What is more, like any other island apart from Spain's best nightlife, at its fancy restaurants, and exclusive nightclubs, there are more to Ibiza than just that.
Here you can find not only dance floor treasures in its bars, but also gorgeous beaches and jam packed beach bars and beach clubs at marvellous stretches of sand such as Calla Benirras.
Don't lose out on the world class DJs, relaxed atmosphere and fun club cocktail bars, and thriving nightlife that makes Ibiza, the main party destination of the Ballearic one of the best party destinations in the world.
Note that Ibiza is home to some unique music festivals such as the following:
- Tomorrowland Ibiza: As an extension of the iconic Belgian festival, Tomorrowland Ibiza brings the magic of Tomorrowland to the Balearic shores. Known for its breathtaking stage designs and top-tier DJ lineups, this festival offers an immersive experience that transports festival-goers to a different world. With its debut in 2022, Tomorrowland Ibiza has quickly become a must-attend event on the island.
- Ibiza Rocks: Located in the heart of San Antonio, Ibiza Rocks is an institution on the island. It's famous for hosting live music events featuring both emerging and established artists, with a mix of genres ranging from indie rock to electronic dance music. The intimate setting of the Ibiza Rocks Hotel poolside stage creates a unique atmosphere that's perfect for a more laid-back festival experience.
- IMS Dalt Vila: The International Music Summit (IMS) takes place annually in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's historic old town. While not a traditional festival, IMS is a gathering of electronic music professionals and enthusiasts. It includes panel discussions, workshops, and incredible rooftop parties that provide a deep dive into the electronic music industry.
- Defected Croatia Ibiza: This festival is a collaboration between the renowned Defected Records and the White Isle's iconic sound. While it technically takes place in Croatia, it's closely connected to the Ibiza scene and deserves a spot on this list. Known for its top-quality house music and beachfront parties, Defected Croatia Ibiza is a pilgrimage for house music lovers.
- IMS Dalt Vila: The International Music Summit (IMS) takes place annually in Dalt Vila, Ibiza's historic old town. While not a traditional festival, IMS is a gathering of electronic music professionals and enthusiasts. It includes panel discussions, workshops, and incredible rooftop parties that provide a deep dive into the electronic music industry.
- Ushuaïa Beach Club: Located in the heart of Playa d'en Bossa, Ushuaïa Beach Club is both a luxury hotel and a renowned party venue. It hosts some of the island's most significant events, featuring world-class DJs, stunning visuals, and a vibrant poolside atmosphere. Ushuaïa's open-air stage and immersive production make it a must-visit destination for electronic music aficionados.
- Amnesia: Amnesia is not just a nightclub; it's a legendary institution in the world of electronic music. It regularly hosts events featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, turning its iconic Terrace and Main Room into a dance music haven. Amnesia's famous foam parties are a rite of passage for many visitors to Ibiza.
- Pacha Ibiza: Pacha is another iconic venue that needs no introduction. It's been a staple of the Ibiza scene since the '70s and continues to draw in crowds with its glamorous atmosphere and diverse music offerings. Pacha hosts a wide range of events, from mainstream EDM to underground techno, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Cocoon: Founded by legendary DJ Sven Väth, Cocoon is a party series that embodies the spirit of Ibiza's underground scene. Held at Amnesia, Cocoon showcases the best in techno and house music, attracting a dedicated following of music purists looking for cutting-edge sounds.
- Dance 88/89: This boutique festival pays homage to the roots of electronic music, celebrating the late '80s and early '90s rave culture. Dance 88/89 takes place in different locations across Ibiza, offering a nostalgic journey through the sounds and vibes that laid the foundation for today's electronic music scene.
Benidorm
Popular for such great night clubs like Penelope, KU Benidorm and other nightlife gems, the party paradise of Benidorm lures both travellers and foreigners alike not only thanks to its incredible beaches but also its unique tourist attractions.
Here, for example, you can pay a visit to its magnificent boat parties, great cocktail bars, known for its lively music; go on a bar hopping spree, one of the both foreigners and locals alike's favorite pastime; and make your way to the city's cool dance clubs, many of which offer not just pool parties and thrilling nightlife but also bachelorette parties and other unique Ibiza experiences.
Lloret del Mar
Known for its nightlife, en vogue beach clubs, rich history, Lloret del Mar is among the world's best party cities.
Here you can find not only one of the best party cities' great party districts, and super cool boat parties, but also some of the world's best electronic music if visiting in the summer.
Head to the Revolution Disco or Mooz Club to check out great electronic music, and cool nearby bars to benefit from the utmost immersion into Lloret de Mar's nightlife.
Don't lose out on Santa Cristina Beach or a visit to Pineda del Mar, another nightlife jewel of Spain.
Marbella
Renowned as the world's most chic resort for the global jet-sett community and celebrities, Marbella is a non-pareil destination for a summer trip to Spain.
Here, if you are sufficiently well-healed, you can compete with fellow high-flyers, and participate not only in some of the world's most exquisite nightlife, for example at the legendary Nikki Beach Marbella, but also at many of the resort's other beach clubs like Ocean Beach Club, one of the best party destinations in Spain.
But it is not just beach clubs that make Marbella one of Spain's coolest party cities. To uncover Spain's nightlife in all its multi-facetedness, head to the city's cool rooftop bars like its Belvue Rooftop Bar, luring Instagram-fiends to one of the best Spain party destinations.
Note that once you are done with Marbella, make your way to Puerto Banus, arguably second best beachside party destination in Andalusia.
Mallorca
Known as one of the best party islands, and cool techno music and hip hop, Mallorca is not only home to one of Spain's most dynamic party cities in Spain, but also its cool party district, Magaluf, known for its BCM Planet Dance Nightclub and S'Arenal, another party district prized for its tapas bars, and music just as good as in Madrid's Salamanca district.
Note that even if you can party in Mallorca throughout the year, including over the Christmas, its summer parties are truly outstanding and rival those of San Antonio and other Ibiza nightlife focal points.
Tenerife
Have you been fancying yourself an intrepid corsaire on the hunt for treasures? Or a sultan of the seas? Head to Puerto de la Cruz, one of Tenerife's best nightlife destinations.
Here, in this stunning resort city, you can not only find some ambrosial tapas bars, attend stag parties and bachelorette parties, and latin music events, so nice with a few drinks, some of the Canary islands's best, international superstar DJs, and crazy nightscape.
Don't lose out on its dark volcanic-sand beaches, and relaxed atmosphere year round, even though the it is the summer that is considered the peak season...
Partying in Spain in Autumn
But it is not just the summer when you can go on a trip to Spain and take delight in its nightlife. Head to Spain's best autumn party destinations by exploring such cities in Spain like Barcelona, and other Spain nightlife Meccas such as party cities of Bilbao, party capital of the Basque country, or San Sebastian, one of the world's most under-rated party destinations.
Barcelona
Known as the party capital of the Mediterranean, going to Barcelona is a breath-taking throughout the year. Whereas summers feature some of the world's coolest nightlife like Primavera Sound Barcelona, Cruilla Barcelona, and Sonar, there are also a lot of things to do in Barcelona in other seasons as well.
Pay a visit to the BAM Festival, held in September and attracting music lovers of all stripes; make your way to Barcelona Jazz Festival, one of the world's best jazz jamborees, held in such iconic venues as Palau de la Musica, or Harlem Jazz Club, or the Mira Festival, one of the city's most authentic music events.
Don't miss out drinking out on Las Ramblas, the gem of Barcelona, known for its unhinged soirees.
San Sebastian
Known for its vibrant nightlife, choice electronic music, and some of Spain's best disco bars, San Sebastián, one of Europe's topmost burgeoning party destinations is a veritable hidden gem for a party animal.
Whether alone or in group, pay a visit to one of Spain's best party destinations for an autumn party spree, and make your way to the city's great night venues.
First go to San Sebastian's rooftop bars: such as that atop Lasala Plaza Hotel or the cosy rooftop of El Perlon, one of the best party destinations in San Sebastian.
Otherwise, proceed to Bataplan, one of the city's most famous night clubs, or other cool night watering holes such as Daba Daba, Komplot, El Andren, Gu, and Friends, popular with older party goers.
Bilbao
Another gem of the Basque country's stunning partying scenery, Bilbao, the region's capital city is well among the best party destinations in Spain for the autumnal binge partying.
Head to one of the most alluring party destinations in Spain, known for hip nocturnal venues and trendy watering holes, as well as art, see its cool Gugenheim Museum, architecture, and and many more, not to mention that Bilbao is also a beautiful port city.
When on a visit here, make your way to Kafe Antzokia, Back & Stage, Azkena, & Cotton Club.
Note that one of the best spots to visit in Bilbao, is Fever, a veritable temple to nighlife indulgence situated at Polígono Industrial Santa Ana, Telleria Kalea, 27.
Partying in Spain in Winter
But is for sure the winter time that is thought to be the most under-valued season for a Spain nighlife vacation.
In winter, you can party like a local at the kingdom's most stunning party destinations such as Madrid, the capital, and stunning architectural marvels like the cities of Tarragona and Zaragoza, so beautiful in winter.
Madrid
One of the coolest party destinations in Spain in winter, Madrid is a must, whatever the season you are travelling in.
But it is over winter that you can sense the sheer pool of its nightlife.
Take delight in the indolent nocturnal leisure at Cafe Madrid, an iconic night spot, or Joy Eslava, another splendid choice for a night out with friends in Madrid, or make your way to some of the Spanish capital's all year round rooftop bars such as Gymage Lounge Resort, El VIAJERO, Dona Luiz, and La Terraza de Oscar for you to profit the most from cool Madridian winters, warmed up with the tender glow of the Spanish soul.
Tarragona
Known for its Christmas parties, and great Carnivals, its main pageantry taking place on 10-21 February, Taragona is not just a veritable architectural gem it is also a veritable nighlife beacon.
Head to Tarragona in Spain to delight in its magnificent nighlife.
Here you can find such marvels such as Premium Club Discotheque, a sterling nighclub prized by cocktail aficionados and dancing fiends alike; Vinovi Vinoteca, Bloomsburry and many other clubs, not to mention great watering holes such as Rooftop Bar Caellum, one of the city's most exuisite locales for a romantic rendez-vous.
Zaragoza
Fifth largest city in Spain, Zaragoza is both a nighlife captial of the Spanish north, and a burgeoning LGBTQ+ nighlife destination.
For example, you can go for a nice party at La Casa del Loco or other cool amicable establishments such as Umalas Bar, a popular late night tippling , Sala Lopez, and Vinilo, a bar known for its nice retro vibe and cool red walls.
Partying in Spain in Spring
But for sure what better for the visit of the rarer Spanish gems and its hidden treasures?
Valencia
First and foremost there is the third largest city of the Kingdom of Spain, Valencia.
Re-vamped in its exterior with a fascinating make-over to the Turia River Bed with its City of Arts, and a huge oceanarium, Valencia is also a great destination not only thanks to football, see its FC Valencia, but due to its super-fun nighlife.
Head here to visit its cool rooftop bars such as Blanq Carmen's Roofto; 270* Bar; or the Ateneo Sky Bar, offering a gob-smacking view over an occasional cocktail; or head for a dance in one of the city's kinetic nightlife establishments.
You can pay a visit to La3, a trendy bar perfect to kick-start your night; Latex, another hip locale, or Baraca, a great spot to appreciate all the diversity of the Valencian nightlife.
Don't miss out on Barrio del Carmen, one of Spain's topmost locale known for great nighclubs, with some of the best Spanish nightclubs featuring up to three dance floors.
Sevilla
One of the best party destinations in Spain, Sevilla is also among best places to party in Spain in Spring.
Here you can find not only marvelous streetscape, but also unique nocturnal activities.
For example, visit the city's stunning bars, such as The Second Room, Lama La Uva, Premier El Zelo de Triana and more, or its magnificent nightclubs such as Sala Kosmos and Koko, so nice to visit when the air is balmy, as in spring and the throngs of tourists significantly scarcer then in the summer.
Malaga
But it is for sure, Malaga that is the trend-setter of the Spanish south.
Known for its en vogue establishments, and cool rooftops the clubbing capital of the Andalusia, is one of the best party destinations in Spain.
Head here to visit Bambu Muisc & Drinks, a splendid night watering hole, Las Vegas, one of Malaga's best karaoke venues, and great night clubs such as Theatro Club Malaga and Tennessee, for your perfect Malaga night escapade.
Gay scene
Renowned for its vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ scene, many cities in Spain draw visitors from all over the world to experience its welcoming atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and diverse array of events. But it is not just that it is also home to one of the world's best gay scenes.
From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the sun-soaked beaches of Ibiza, Spain offers a plethora of gay-friendly destinations that celebrate love, diversity, and self-expression.
One of the most iconic and picturesque gay scenes can be found in Sitges, a charming coastal town located just a short drive from Barcelona.
Known for its relaxed Mediterranean vibe, Sitges boasts beautiful beaches, narrow cobblestone streets, and a lively gay nightlife. The town comes alive during its annual Gay Pride celebrations, usually held in June, where the streets become a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and exuberance.
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is another hotspot for LGBTQ+ travelers. The Chueca neighborhood is the epicenter of the gay scene here, featuring a myriad of gay bars, clubs, and shops.
Madrid Pride, also known as "Orgullo Madrid," takes place in July and is one of the largest Pride events in Europe. The city transforms into a massive celebration of diversity and acceptance, culminating in a vibrant parade that winds through the heart of the city.
For those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, Barcelona is a must-visit destination. This cosmopolitan city offers a blend of historical architecture, artistic flair, and a progressive attitude. The Eixample district, dubbed the "Gaixample," is the LGBTQ+ hub of Barcelona, hosting numerous gay bars, cafes, and boutiques. "Circuit Festival" is a one-of-its-kind gay jamboree highlight in August, pulling in thousands of visitors for a week-long celebration of music, parties, and cultural events.
The island of Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands, is another gay marvel. It is a year-round gay paradise with its subtropical climate and breathtaking landscapes. Playa del Ingles is the heart of the gay scene here, offering golden beaches and a lively nightlife. The "Maspalomas Gay Pride" in May is a key event, drawing a diverse crowd to celebrate under the Canarian sun.
It's important to note that the best events for LGBTQ+ travelers can change from year to year, so it's advisable to check up-to-date event calendars and information before planning your trip. Spain's commitment to inclusivity and celebration of diversity ensures that there's always something exciting happening for the LGBTQ+ community, whether it's a pride parade, a music festival, or a beach party. Whenever you choose to visit, Spain's gay scenery promises an unforgettable experience that combines stunning locations with a warm and open-hearted atmosphere.