Santander - Bars & Nightlife

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Bars & Nightlife

Santander

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Overview

Bars & Nightlife The guide was updated: 2024-09-14

Santander is a university town and, as such, boasts quite a busy nightlife. The Plaza de Cañadío, Calle de Santa Lucίa, and Calle Río de la Pila (and surrounding streets) all teem with bars that remain crowded well into the morning hours. As with everywhere else in Spain, plan on going out after 11 o’clock or so, otherwise, you run the risk of finding yourself drinking alone. On weekend nights, the Spanish like to party late. If you are going out to a club after some evening drinks only do so at around 2 or 3 am, and prepare to stay up till dawn.

Plaza de Cañadío

Plaza de Cañadío

The centre of it all with regards to nightlife, Plaza de Cañadío is a bustling town square that really comes to life at night, when crowds pour into the many small bars around the perimeter. Pick a standing table for some banter with the locals, and be ready to stay well into the wee hours.

Little Bobby Speakeasy

Little Bobby Speakeasy

The bar's elaborate, Prohibition-inspired interior stands in stark contrast to the vibes of most other Santander bars. Marvel at the curious pieces found within its walls. Enjoy the two areas with different music styles played and try the not-so-prohibitionist cocktails from the bar menu.

Malaspina

Malaspina

This wildly popular bar tends to get a little cramped up, party-goers of all ages filling the dance floor holding on to generous servings of gin and tonic poured here. Music played normally features local and international top charts. The vibes are stylish yet rather casual.

La Rana Verde

La Rana Verde

This is not a place to go for a formal meal, but a lively joint that is popular with a young clientele grabbing a bite before embarking on a long night out. La Rana Verde is famous for its patatas bravas, but also serves hamburgers and sandwiches. Located in the Cañadío bar district.

Terrace Lounge BNS

Terrace Lounge BNS

This waterfront venue on la Concha beach in el Sardinero is rather popular with students and local party-goers. Music beats fill the air till dawn when guests often choose to end the night by taking a dip in the ocean. Live music shows are hosted frequently.

Stop

Stop

With one of the best front-row seats to the Cantabrian sunset, Stop has grown to become a local favourite for an evening drink in a relaxing environment. It offers an excellent array of tapas as well as an impressive assortment of gins and tonics.

Bar Caribe

Bar Caribe

A local bar scene classic, Caribe is a great spot for a very low-key evening drink. Its location in el Sardinero just behind the Casino is hard to miss. Choose from the multiple varieties of gin on display behind the bar, or order one of the many "copas" with snacks to go along.

Bar Canela

Bar Canela

One of the little bars in the oh-so-popular-by-night Plaza de Cañadío, Canela is one of the best spots to grab a drink and take your place by one of the tall standing tables in the square. If the pub proves too crowded, there is no need to look too far for a watering hole.

La Barruca de Calderón

La Barruca de Calderón

Bar and grill known for its juicy burgers offered at very reasonable prices. La Barruca de Calderón is, perhaps, more of an eatery than a watering hole, but it is certainly fit for a pleasant evening drink.

Gran Casino del Sardinero

Gran Casino del Sardinero

If trying your luck at roulette or one of the card games sounds more like your kind of fun, do check out Cantabria's finest casino located right across from the city beach. The elegant venue offers not only endless gambling but also excellent dining at the in-house restaurant.

Moondog

Moondog

Moondog is a bar on the classier side, attracting a slightly older clientele (aged above 30 or even 40, on average). It serves quality drinks — the bar is especially known for its well-crafted cocktails — and places special emphasis on playing good music (DJs are hosted frequently for that reason).

Discoteca Amarras

Discoteca Amarras

The Amarras disco is popular with the local 40-and-above crowd. Nights here are filled with Latin beats and couples livening up the dance floor with salsa, rumba, and cha-cha moves. Events such as dance shows and live music performances are often hosted.

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