Back
in the eighties, Benidorm had a reputation of being the hotspot in
spanish nightlife. In time it lost that reputation to Ibiza, Lloret
de mar, Bodrum... . Let me assure those who like to party during
holidays; Benidorm still has a great nightlife, with more disco's,
showbars and pubs than any other vacation resort.
I
don't think you will ever find a nightlife as divers as Benidorm.
Everybody will find something they like. Some people who take an All
inclusive vacation just stay in their hotel. I am not here to judge,
but these people certainly miss out on something. Benidorm nightlife
is not that expensive and everybody should at least try it out for an
evening.
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| The promenade at night |
If
you are not to fond of loud music and drunken people, there are
options enough. On the boulevard, there are some nice lounge bars,
where you can here the sea and enjoy the view on the beautifully
lightened boulevard. Around town are some rooftop bars who target
those tourists who like a quiet, stylish evening. No shorts or loud
drunken brits. A famous hang out spot is the Secret Rooftop bar at
the “square”. Quiet terraced bars are located everywhere around
Benidorm. A lot of them are in the old town. A famous and cheap bar
is the old “La Cruz” located where the walking street of the Old
Town starts. Here you can sit outside to watch the world pass by (and
in the colder nights they use heating lights!) sip on huge mixed
drinks for less than 4 EUR. In the streets around you will find other
bars with cheap cocktails or mixed drinks.
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| Street filled with bars |
For
the people who like a little more ambiance, the Square (around Av. de Mallorca) is the place
to be! Here you will find the huge bars like Red Lion, Sinatra's,
Benidorm Café and many others. Drinks are a little more expensive
here, but include DJ's and free entertainers. The entertainment is
something to see. You have the imitators who range from Bob Marley,
Meatloaf, Lady Gaga to The Beatles. Most of them are very good
singers and performers. You will be amazed how these people put up a
great semi-professional show for the small crowds. Competition
between performers is hard, so only the better onces hold it out for
a long time. You also have the magicians/hypnotists. There used to be
more in Benidorm, but there are still some good ones left. Memorable
is the hypnotist Gareth. Non believers should definitely take a look
at his show. Then there are the comedians for who is up for a great
laugh. There are really some good ones in Benidorm like 'Albi Senior'
and Tony Scott. Do not take the seats of the front row if you can't
stand being criticized by the comedians. At night, some of the bigger
bars offer adult entertainment like stripteases and live sex shows.
These shows attract a lot of stag and hen parties, but also curious
couples, young and old. They are always quit late, mostly after one
'o clock. There are of course a lot of bars that provide no
entertainment and you can dance whole night. Before entering a bar,
take a stroll around the “Square” and take a look at the boards
outside. They will tell you who will be performing and mention happy
hours and often the prices for drinks. As said before, in showbars
and nightclubs, prices tend to be higher then in the regular bars.
 |
| Chaplin's bar at night |
Regular
bars and themed bars are in abundance in Benidorm. You have the Irish
pubs, Sports bars, karaoke bars, western-themed bars, Rock bars,
Aussie bars... You name it, Benidorm has it!
For
those who like to play games, Benidorm has a width variety of
casino's, bingo palaces and arcades. They stay open during
the evening and some the whole night!
People
who like big nightclubs with good DJ's (sometimes international DJ's)
should go to the Av. de la Communidad Valencia just outside of the
town. You can get there by taxi. Here you will find very cool
megadisco's who attract young people. They do charge a entrance fee
and of course drinks are more expensive. There are some disco's next
to each other like the KU, Penelope's and the KM discotheque. I never
visited them, but have been told there are very good.
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| Pedestrian street Av de Mallorca |
Practical
information
- If you are a bad
sleeper, make sure you stay in a hotel away from the Square. This
area is located around the pedestrian street Av de Mallorca, Calle
Gerona and Av de Filipinas. You can always take a look at Google
street view to see is there is a big pub or bar near your hotel.
- Going out in Benidorm
is safe, but do be careful. Doormen of the bigger bars tend to
be rather aggressive. If you are doing nothing wrong, then there
will be no problem, just don't be a clown!
- Watch out on the quiet
streets at night. I hear some rumours of drunken people getting
mugged and hookers roaming the streets.
- Prices for beer vary
from 1 EUR for a bottle of San Miguel to 4 EUR! Take a look at
the price list to avoid unpleasant surprises. But do remember that although some showbars may be expensive, they do offer great entertainment
without an entrance fee.
- Most bigger bars have
a cleaner in the toilet who works on commision. I really think they are a nuisance. They
supposed to keep the toilets clean, but mostly they just stand there
with cheap perfumes and a paper towel after you washed
your hands. If you don't want to give them money (which you are
certainly not obliged to do!), leave them be and don't take a towel
or the perfume or candy..
- Don't just go in a bar
and watch the show without drinking something. It sounds obvious to
most people, but I've seen enough people who do this. I even saw
people once who brought their own drinks. I am not kidding!
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