All Spanish cities have a vibrant and exciting nightlife usually involving consuming copious quantities of cubatas (spirits mixed with a long drink) and staying up late, Granada is no exception. Although it is becoming more indistinct, there are two main zones full of bars. Pedro Alarcón attracts a generally younger set of people 18-22 and the area around Plaza Nueva and the Calle Elvira maybe a bit older.

Several bars in Granada feature life music, lots of Flamenco, but also Blues and Jazz. Most don’t charge admission, but just raise the prices when there’s a show. The moraga is a beach party with bonfires, barbeques and lots sangria. Many people come to Granada just for this happening. Most nightlife takes place outside on the streets and on the terraces, but you can of course also go indoors.

Another important event in Granada is called "Zambra". This celebration takes place in Las Cuevas del Sacromonte (the caves of the gypsies). "Zambra" (or Samra in Arabian language) means a spontaneous celebration of dance and music, that takes all the night long. The gypsies have revived this tradition and make spectacles for tourists.

In addition to its vast array of tapas bars, flamenco shows, and dance clubs, Granada is also a major center of Andalusian culture. Ask at the tourist office at the time of your visit for a current brochure of cultural presentations, including dance, concert, and theater performances. For gays and lesbians, Granada has the largest and most concentrated gay scene in inland Andalusia. For coastal gay life, head for Torremolinos.

BODEGA CASTANEDA
Address: Almireceros 1-3
Phone: 95-822-32-22
It's in back of the landmark Plaza Nueva. This 1936 tapas tavern is justifiably one of the most popular in Granada. The "Bodega Castaneda" has dark colors, wooden furnishings, and brick walls. Tapas range in price from 1.50€ to 2.90€ ($1.80-$3.50).

CASA HENRIQUE
Address: Calle Accero de Darro 8
Phone: 95-812-35-08
Near Puerta Real in the center of Granada, this is arguably Granada's most famous tasca dive. This tasca opens noon to 4pm and 8pm to midnight Monday to Saturday. Portions range from 6€ to 12€.

EL RINCÓN DE SAN PEDRO
Address: Carrera del Darro 12
This is the most appealing gay-friendly bar in Granada and it occupies a 400-year-old building, just across the ravine from the Alhambra. "El Rincón de San Pedro" is usually open daily 5pm to 4am. Closed Monday to Wednesday October to June.

BAR PILAR DEL TORO
Address: Entrance on Plaza Santa Ana 12
Phone: 95-822-38-47
Near the cathedral and the central Plaza Nueva, this tasca is attached to an even more famous restaurant. Tapas here are very good and fresh. Open daily 9am to 2am.