10 Best Things to Do in Spain at Night

Without a doubt, Spain’s nightlife is as vibrant as the country itself. Between the mild weather, year-round festivities, and the social vibe of the locals, Spain truly comes alive after dark.

And the best part? Spain’s nightlife offers something for everyone—solo travelers, couples, and families alike.

Even someone like me (who’s usually in bed by 10!) found myself embracing Spanish nightlife when I lived there in my mid-20s. From drinks in the plaza to strolls along well-lit boulevards with expat friends, I quickly fell in love with Spain at night! So, let’s jump into 10 fun things to do in Spain at night.

Spain at Night: 10 Best Things to Do After Dark

To help you take full advantage of all Spain has to offer at nighttime, here’s a list of the top things to do once the sun goes down.

1. Go Out for Tapas

Spain’s nightlife wouldn’t be complete without tapas or pintxos.

Now, Spanish people typically eat dinner late, around 9 or 10 pm (and it’s not unusual for kids to stay up late, either). Accordingly, going out for tapas, small, shareable plates, is a quintessential night out in Spain. Many locals enjoy a casual tapeo (tapas crawl), hopping from one bar to another.

To experience tapeo for yourself, sign up for a tapas tour! Check out these highly-rated food tours in Málaga, Barcelona, or Alicante to get started.

Additionally, a tapas tour is an especially good option to give you something safe to do at nighttime if you’re traveling solo.

2. See a Flamenco Show

No trip to Spain is complete without going to a live flamenco show! Andalusia, the birthplace of flamenco, is where you’ll find the most authentic performances. But, you can also catch amazing shows in Madrid or Barcelona if you’re sticking to the big cities like in this 7-day Spain itinerary.

Flamenco shows usually start around 7 or 9 PM. Pair the show with some tapas and vino for a full Spanish night out.

I’ve personally done this a few times. Watching the dancers and musicians leave everything on the dance floor in a dramatic performance is a must-see.

Looking to book? Here are some top recommendations: Museo del Baile Flamenco in Seville, Essential Flamenco in Madrid, or Tablao Casa Ana in Granada.

3. Attend a Cooking Class

A cooking class with a professional chef is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture at night.

Many classes include a tapa, a main course, and plenty of vino to go around. You’ll learn to prepare classic Spanish dishes like paella or salmorejo and then enjoy them with fellow travelers.

Some courses are offered at lunchtime, but the best ones for a true Spanish night out are at dinnertime. So, make sure you pay attention to the time when booking.

Ready to cook? Learn to cook paella in Valencia (where paella is from) or tapas in Madrid! Or check out the classes below. ⤵

4. Take a Haunted Walking Tour

Or, if you’re in the mood for something thrilling, some cities offer spooky tours. The guides will take you through the darker side of the cities’ pasts, sharing tales of ghosts, legends, and eerie happenings.

The Barcelona Ghosts & Legends Tour and Spanish Inquisition & Legends of Old Madrid are good examples.

If you’re spending Halloween in Spain, be sure to book early before these sell out!

5. See the Monuments Lit Up

Exploring Spain’s iconic landmarks at night offers a whole new perspective. Many famous monuments, like the Alhambra in Granada, offer special night tours or tickets.

If you’re in Barcelona, don’t miss the La Pedrera Night Experience—complete with a glass of cava and a light show. Or, the Casa Batlló Night Tour. Both of these bring Gaudí’s masterpieces to life at night.

6. Take a Scenic Night Tour

Many cities in Spain offer nighttime walking tours that let you experience the charm of historic plazas and streets all lit up.

The lively Spanish atmosphere at night—something you won’t always find in other parts of the world—makes it a fun time to explore. In fact, Spain is generally safe at night, with locals and tourists alike out until late hours. In busy, well-lit areas, you’ll often find families and groups socializing well into the night.

These tours are a safe way to experience Spain at night. You can expect to learn local legends, traditions, and history on tours like the Night Adventure Tour, Play Granada Original.

7. Visit a Rooftop Bar

One of the best ways to experience Spain’s nightlife is by hanging out on a rooftop bar. 

Cities like Barcelona and Madrid boast an array of chic rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. I love these for unwinding as the sun sets!

In Barcelona, head to La Dolce Vitae or 360º at Barceló Raval for incredible panoramic views. Madrid’s La Terraza del Santo Domingo offers a relaxing ambiance where you can sip on drinks while soaking in views of the historic cityscape.

Some rooftop bars even feature live music, DJs, or movie nights. Whether you’re enjoying a sangria or indulging in a mocktail, these rooftop spots will add a little pizazz to your trip to Spain!

8. Attend a Festival

Spain’s festivals are legendary, and the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down! From colorful parades to live music and fireworks, festivals here truly come alive after dark.

For example, during Las Fallas in Valencia, the grand finale takes place after dark when they burn the towering statues (ninots) in a fiery spectacle. I attended this myself, and the all-night party that follows is an unforgettable experience.

Music lovers will love Spain’s world-class music festivals. For example, Jazz Festival Barcelona, the  Córdoba Guitar Festival, or the Benicàssim Festival.

In addition, one of the best parts about Spain’s festivals is that they’re typically safe to enjoy after dark for people of all ages.

9. Stargaze in Spain’s Dark Sky Reserves

Stargazing under Spain’s clear night skies is perhaps a lesser-known thing to do in Spain. But, Spain is home to some of the best stargazing spots in Europe, with minimal light pollution and breathtaking views of the Milky Way.

The Canary Islands are famous for their dark skies, especially Teide National Park in Tenerife and Corralejo Sand Dunes in Fuerteventura. Both locations even offer guided stargazing tours with telescopes, where experts reveal the wonders of the night sky. Sounds fun, right?

These dark sky reserves are perfect for an unforgettable night under the stars. Ready to explore? Book your stargazing adventure in Teide or Corralejo here. ⤵

10. Attend a Soccer Match

Attending a live soccer match in Spain is a must for any sports enthusiast. What’s more, the games in La Liga are mostly played in the late afternoons and evenings.

Consider cheering for FC Barcelona at the iconic Camp Nou or supporting Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The camaraderie is palpable, making it an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a fun night out, catching a soccer match is a fun way to spend an evening in Spain. One last tip—check the match schedule in advance, as high-profile games often attract large crowds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping wine on a rooftop, catching a flamenco show, or marveling at Spain’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night, Spain truly shines after dark. I hope this guide gives you plenty of inspiration to enjoy every moment of your travels in Spain, day and night! 🌙✨

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the amazing options, or if you’d like help crafting the perfect custom itinerary for your Spanish adventure, I’m here for you! Contact me anytime, and let’s create an unforgettable trip tailored to your interests.