Santander - Bars & Nightlife
Santander is a university town and where there are students, there’s a party. Both the Plaza de Cañadío and Calle Río de la Pila – and their surrounding streets – teem with bars that are crowded into the morning hours. As with everywhere else in Spain, don’t even think about going out before 11 o’clock or so, or you’ll find yourself drinking alone.On weekend nights, the Spanish like to party late. If you’re going on to a club after some ‘early’ evening drinks, don’t head there before 02.00 or 03.00, and prepare to party till dawn.
Bar Gas
Join the locals in a board game or a round of chess at this atmospheric bar and café. A good place to start the evening.
The Celtics Tavern
An Irish theme bar whose décor, curiously enough, includes a London taxi, this place serves a wide range of beers and whiskies. There’s also a plasma screen for sports.
Canela
One of the most popular bars on the buzzing Plaza de Cañadío. There’s live music on Tuesdays with free admission.
Cotton Club
It has décor reminiscent of the ’60s, and music from decades past. Cotton Club also has live bands playing jazz and folk on Wednesdays.
Sala Buenas Noches Santander
This club opened a few years ago right on the La Concha beach at El Sardinero, so you can dance the night away and then take a soothing dip in the ocean at dawn.
Rocambole
One of Santander’s most popular late-night clubs among the mid-20s crowd. It has regular live music.
Dolce Vita
A centrally located club, just back from the Paseo de Pereda, playing music from past and present.
D’manu
Located on the outskirts of the town, this is nonetheless a hugely poplar venue. It’s big, brash and loud, and the party keeps going till dawn.
Discoteca Atenea
Huge and heaving, this place consists of three floors with a capacity for 1,500 people. It’s on the outskirts of town – you’ll need to take a taxi – but many of the locals will tell you it’s well worth the journey.
