Guide to Going Out In Granada

Participating in nightlife is an absolute must, as it makes up half of Granada’s culture. Between dinner at 9 P.M. and clubs closing around 7 A.M., it is near impossible to encounter empty main streets in Granada. Families with young children and elderly couples holding hands mill about the bustling streets well into midnight, while clusters of youth trek to the club. Once partying commences around 1:00 A.M., young people pass through the streets in waves as they leave the bars and head to the clubs. 

I often woke up early to travel, or to do homework, and would look out the window to see women in sequined dresses and men in undone button-ups walking home from partying. Once, I woke up at 7:15 A.M. to do homework, and as I entered the hall to brush my teeth I met my 18-year-old host brother returning from the club Mae West. In summary, the streets are never empty, albeit a bit sketchy after 3:00 A.M. 

Here’s a general itinerary for a spectacular night out:

• 9 P.M. - Dinner
• 11 P.M. - Tapas & drinks
• 12:30 A.M. - Bar (some may end the night here)
• 1:30 A.M. - Club

Dinner Recommendations

• Sensational: KASBAH Tetería Restaurant
• Financially optimal: Papas Elvira

KASBAH had Palestinian food so good it turned my day around. I ordered a chicken and rice dish with almonds and yogurt sauce, and despite being abysmally cranky when I walked in, the soft, flavorful rice and tender chicken wiped the frown off my face in a matter of seconds. I don’t have a picture because I couldn’t stop myself from eating long enough to take one. Papas Elvira is delicious, fast, and affordable Lebanese and Moroccan food - a filling meal is between $7 to $11. 

Tapas Recommendations

• Exquisite: Rummane Bar
• Honorable Mention: El Bar de Eric

Rummane Bar is a Palestinian tapas bar with some of the best food I’ve had in Granada. You can’t go wrong with any order, although I recommend the chicken rolls and vegetable platter with chicken hummus. And El Bar de Eric has scrumptious potato chips topped with mushrooms - sounds strange, but it's seasoned to perfection. 

Bar recommendations

• Best: Any tapas bar!
• Honorable Mention: Bohemian Jazz Cafe (the tapas are usually just peanuts)
• Financially Optimal: Chupiteria 69

Bohemian Jazz Cafe has a chill vibe, making it a great spot to recharge before heading out to party. The drinks are delicious. However, Chupiteria 69 is very cheap and is a great final destination before hitting the club, as you can buy a few cheap shots and then escape the chaos of too many people dancing in a very small room. 

Club recommendations:

• Best: Mae West
• Honorable Mention: Planta Baja

Everyone in Granada knows Mae West, from the University of Granada students to the elderly. For girls, the entrance fee is 12 euros, and for guys it is 20 euros. As a girl, the 12 euros are absolutely worth it: it includes one drink, the music is great, and the club is always packed. However, the older guys are weird, so be prepared to ignore them. 

Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisines are some of the greatest pros of living in Granada. I strongly recommend you take advantage of those tapas restaurants, and try out Granada’s late night party culture. Safe clubbing!