NIGHTLIFE

Valencia's nightlife is one of the liveliest in Spain.

The best area in the cooler months is in the center, in the historic Barrio Carmen. Valencia is famous for its marcha (nightlife) and for its bohemian bars. The Calle Alta is a good street to start your barhopping tasca crawl. An evening out in Valencia might also involve a series of tasca crawls that focus on the historic core around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Some of the most evocative tascas don't even have clear signs -- your best bet involves jumping in and out of whichever appeals to you.

In summer, the emphasis switches to the beach, Playa de Malvarrosa. Valencia is hot and steamy, and the cooling night breezes blowing in from the sea are especially welcome. Everyone from teens to 40-somethings congregate around open-air bars. The bars play music, often have dance floors, and are open from late May to September.