Auditorium of Santiago Calatrava, Valencia
© 123rf.com / Tobias Wenov
Valencia Nightlife
As an emerging tourist destination, Valencia packs a punch when it comes to nightlife. The narrow streets of Barrio del Carmen are where most of the action takes place. As the city usually picks up its rhythm only around midnight, don’t expect to have an early night.
Other popular areas for nightlife in Valencia are Avenida de Aragón, Plaza de Canovas, and the university zone of Avenida Blasco Ibáñez. In summer, the Paseo Neptuno at the beach and the new port is exceptionally lively, attracting the trendiest urbanites.
For updates on the city’s nightspots, check out the free English-language listings magazines Cool Carmen and 24/7 Valencia or visit www.thisisvalencia.com. For a listing of all cultural events, visit www.turisvalencia.es or pick up a copy of Eventos en Valencia from the tourist office.
Bars in Valencia
Radio City is an evergreen hybrid of bar, cultural centre and disco with an eclectic choice of music and live acts. The establishment plays host to a range of performances from theatrical acts to flamenco shows. Spacious and atmospheric, the bar oozes character with its jumble of neon signs and comic-stripped ceiling. This casual abode is an excellent place in Valencia for pre-party mingling.
Solilluna is the sort of bar where you would hang out with your close friends every Wednesday night just to take the stress off and relax. Located in the Barrio del Carmen, the bar has an unpretentious, casual atmosphere and affordable prices. The cocktail menu is exceptional - be sure to check out its mojitos and caipirinhas.
A modern, slick bar close to the City of Arts and Sciences, Urban Café is a comfortable chill-out spot offering live stand-up comedy shows, a list of cocktails and food as well as themed parties. You can easily start off the night here with a pre-party dinner and then by midnight, the bar converts into a swanky lounge.
Clubs in Valencia
Stylish, swanky and tastefully designed, Attic is another leader in Valencia’s nocturnal scene. Decked out in red leather and purple lights, the club is a newcomer but charging fast towards the forefront of the industry. In summer, its outdoor terrace is beautifully decorated with glowing red lamps, Asian Zen décor and wooden planks. The only downside to this club is that it is located in the outskirts of the city and is best reached by car or taxi.
Situated in the heart of the city, La Indiana is a fixture in Valencia’s clubbing scene. Since its recent renovation, it has pulled in more crowds with its wider range of music offerings: from funk to house music, electronic to hip hop and Latin. It is a multi-level club, with a special VIP area for regulars.
For the hippest clubbing spot in Valencia, you’ll have to put on your best dancing gear and head to Las Ánimas. Poised at the port, this is one of the hottest venues in town, naturally drawing in a well-heeled crowd. The high-ceilinged club predominantly plays electronic music, with certain nights of week dedicated to other genres.
Live Music in Valencia
Café del Duende specialises in flamenco and ethnic music, with performances held here from Thursdays to Sundays. On Sunday evenings, there is also poetry, story-telling or musical performances from talented, indie artistes. From jazz to tango to bossa nova, the range of entertainment on offer is constantly changing.
El Loco, in the Zona Juan Llorens, is an eclectic live music venue featuring blues, jazz, rock and flamenco music. The modern establishment is a classic spot in Valencia for music lovers and has an organised schedule of performances each week. Entrance fees are affordable and are cheaper when booked in advance. Check out its website for the updated schedule.
A characteristic live music club in Valencia, Wah-Wah showcases the latest alternative, underground and up-and-coming indie bands. Entrance tickets are available online and can be purchased in advance. The website lists the performances scheduled for the week and following month.
Classical Music in Valencia
Valencia's Palau de la Música sets the scene for some world-class performances of classical music (plus occasional pop and jazz) concerts, opera and ballet. Besides music, the palau also plays host to art exhibitions and social events. Individual concert tickets or multiple passes are available online and at the ticket office.
Theatre in Valencia
The Palau de les Arts is Valencia's principal performing arts venue, made up of four main concert halls for opera, theatre, music and ballet. Designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the interior sound system is said to be one of the best in Spain. For the venue’s updated programme, refer to its website. Tickets are available both online and at the venue.
The main theatre in Valencia is the Teatro Principal, though all productions are in Castilian or Valenciano. The range of theatrical performances held here varies largely, from classic shows to modern indie acts. Expect to find international acts such as Chicago and Hamlet, as well as dance performances by famous artistes like Cecilia Gómez.
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