WALK THE WALK.

A first-timer to Spanish nightlife should know that NOBODY enters the club before 2 AM, and in some locations, that’s considered early. Before that, you’re disco napping or drinking with friends. They really eat dinner at 9 or 10 o’clock, even on weekdays.

WHERE TO GO.

Spaniards party differently depending on the city, view our guide to the best nightlife destinations in Spain, here.

IBIZA. Maybe you’ve heard of it? If you haven’t, it might not be for you. 

BARCELONA. Has a reputation for being a party city, but that’s really more tourist-oriented and in reality, Catalans are really laid back and favor the “slow burn” approach of drinking moderately for a thousand hours at a time. Local bars are key for this city; just look for anywhere with a 70s looking sign and a crowd of people with funny glasses, man mullets, and chicks with bad bangs chain smoking outside, and you’re probably good to go.

MADRID. A much higher octane party scene, especially for the gay community, and a lot of the club scene focuses around money. However, this IS Spain after all: land of the egalitarian club experience where everyone can get in and have fun.

SUMMER SPOTS. Some party hot spots are really only worth going to in the Summer, which in Spain is late may to late September. This includes Ibiza and the islands, Malaga, and Sitges. A good rule of thumb is to consider whether there’s a beach or not, Barcelona being the only real exception.

Drugs.

POT.

Pot is sort of legal, at least in Barcelona. You have to look around and get creative, but there are smoking clubs. Unlike Amsterdam, you can’t just walk in, but many allow you to register and “join” online or via phone, more-or-less skirting the members-only rule.

COCAINE.

Cocaine is everywhere in Spain, but it’s not very good. Spain also has a pretty bad heroin problem, which has abated more in recent years, but is beginning to come back with a vengeance thanks to the financial crisis.

BUYING DRUGS.

Don’t buy drugs off the street. You’re better than that, and this isn’t southeast Asia. If you meet some trusted people, that’s usually a much better option. People aren’t as nasty and out to get you as they can be in North America, although you always have to watch out.