Spain Guide
Valencia and Murcia
Bars and clubs
1 Bolseria Café Bolsería 41 Sleek nightspot that can sometimes take itself too seriously. That said, it's a comfortably swish way to enjoy the Valencia night, with potent cocktails, a cool house and pop soundtrack, and a more mature crowd.
2 Cafe de Madrid c/de la Abadía de San Martín 10 This two-floor Valencian haunt is considered the birthplace of Agua de Valencia – the classic Valencian combinado (cocktail), made with orange juice, cava and vodka and served by the jug – and, as you might expect, the bartenders are true connoisseurs at making the fruity cocktail. The welcoming bar has managed to maintain a wonderfully old-fashioned air – dark wood, burgundy walls, antique mirrors – while still drawing a buzzy, stylish set until the small hours.
3 Café de las Horas Conde de Almodóvar 1 Baroque-tinged, gay-friendly bar with a gurgling fountain, tiled floors and a marble bar. Drop in early evening for a romantic glass of wine, or join the crowds later in the night getting tipsy on chilled jugs of Agua de Valencia.
4 Café del Duende c/Túria 62 For an intimate flamenco experience, this tiny, unpretentious bar hosts compelling live performances on Thurs, and occasionally Fri.
5 
Cafe del Negrito and Cava del Negret Plaza del Negrito 1 & c/Calatrava 15 These sociable bars sit on one of Valencia's loveliest plazas for an outdoor cocktail. Come evening, a bohemian crowd gathers for conversation and cervezas al aire libre.
6 Café Infanta Plaza Tossal 3 Head inside this amiable spot for moody lighting, dusty chandeliers and yesteryear movie posters; or, park yourself at one of the breezy outdoor tables, and soak up potent cocktails whilst enjoying the barrio's noctural parade of people.
7 Fox Congo c/Caballeros 35 
963 925 527 On the Barrio's main strip, this dimly lit, funky club reveals a sexy interior – copper pillars, black banquettes, glowing onyx bar – along with potent cocktails and dance tunes. Gets hopping after 11pm.
8 Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar c/Baja 28 Authentically smoky, shoebox-shaped jazz club putting on quality live acts for a studenty audience.
9 Radio City c/Santa Teresa 19 This veteran drinking den hosts poetry, films and live music, with full-on flamenco on Tues.
10 Sant Jaume c/Caballeros 51. Of the many bars on this main drag, the characterful Sant Jaume, set in a small converted pharmacy with aged mirrors and tiles, is one of the most popular, with a great terrace that swells with a nightly crowd.
11 Black Note Polo y Peirolón 15, across the Río Turia Funky club with live soul, reggae and jazz-influenced sounds.
12 Murray Club Blasco Ibañez 111, across the Río Turia Loud, alternative, student-jammed club, with tunes ranging from hip-hop to indie rock to electronica. Opening time: Thurs– Sun
13 El Tornillo Campoamor 42, across the Río Turia Bohemian student hangout spinning indie, alternative and left-field electronica. Look for the tornillo (screw) that marks the spot outside.
14 Dub Club c/Jesus 91. Slightly out on a southern limb, but if you're looking for more of a funk ambience, this hip, chilled dance spot usually delivers. Opening time: Thurs– Sun
15 Latex Dr Montoro 6, just north of Barrio del Carmen, near Avda. Constitución This hotspot is where the crowds go when the barrio bars have closed. Two dance floors, one dominated by electro and house, the other tending towards more eclectic tunes, including hip-hop and reggae. Opening time: Thurs– Sat, though sometimes longer in summer
16 Pacha c/San Vicente 305, south of the city centre The Valencian branch of the Spanish superclub features booming house tunes and two floors of writhing dancers in party gear. Opening time: Thurs– Sat
17 Vivir Sin Dormir Paseo Neptuno 42 Once a legend, and now a lively pub-club with a long bar and an outdoor terrace, particularly popular with travellers.