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The Best Bars in Benidorm Old Town
28 Nov 2018
By Ellie Roddy
If you’re looking to party in Costa Blanca, then Benidorm is the place to be.
There are clubs across the city but it is among the maze of cobbled streets in the Old Town that you’ll find some of the most intriguing bars and the heart of Benidorm’s gay scene.
Music pumps out of these establishments as revellers take to the street, stopping off at Tapas Alley to enjoy some Spanish cuisine, before choosing where to spend the rest of their night.
You don’t want to wander the streets aimlessly or end up in a bar that turns out not to be as fun as it looked from the outside. So, to help you get one step ahead and know exactly where to go, here are the best bars in Benidorm Old Town.
Vincent’s
Vincent’s traditional British bar is a home away from home. It’s one of the oldest in the city, dating back to 1965 when it first opened its doors and started serving customers.
There is a lively atmosphere and regular drinks promotions to ensure you don’t spend your whole holiday budget on alcohol.
Meanwhile, whether you want to belt out Cher or listen to a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s number one hits – there’s karaoke every night of the week.
Plenty of food is available, including snacks to keep you going between meals, and it’s also open in the morning if you need a coffee to help wake you up.
TV screens show Sky Sports so you don’t have to miss any games while you’re away.
Opening times: 10am to 4am every day – karaoke starts at 9pm.
The Pig ‘N’ Whistle Music Pub
Another of Benidorm’s British bars that has been in the city for nearly as long as Vincent’s, is the Pig ‘n’ Whistle.
The bar plays a range of music. When you walk through the door you are most likely to hear rock n roll, from the likes of Elvis and Fats Domino, playing out of the speaker. But, between them, you’ll also be treated to the occasional modern song too.
Take a seat, peruse the food menu, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the music. Sporting events are shown on the TV and there is also a pool room.
Opening times: 12pm to 4am every day of the week.
Bar El Papagayo
This is a straight-friendly gay bar also known as ‘the parrot.’ Colourful cocktails can be sipped inside, as you dance to the music or outside on the terrace, where you can make the most of the warm weather.
There are regular themed nights here – so don’t forget your fancy dress!
Opening times: The times can change depending on the events but it tends to be open from around 4pm to 2.30am during summer and 9pm to 2.30am during winter.
Where to stay
- Villa Del Mar Hotel: Close to the Old Town with an enviable beachfront location, not only does this hotel come with sea views but there’s a rooftop bar from which you can enjoy them from, with a cocktail in hand of course. The hotel’s design is slick with fancy submerged sunloungers allowing you to stay cool under the Spanish heat and chic room options where you can enjoy Mediterranean vistas from your perfectly placed whirlpool.
- RH Canfali Gastrohotel: Right in the heart of Benidorm’s Old Town, you can’t get much closer to the resort’s authentic charms than this hotel. What’s more, you’re just inches away from the popular Levante Beach. Guests can take advantage of an a la carte restaurant with Mediterranean favourites on the menu alongside a rooftop terrace complete with whirlpools, allowing you to take in elevated views of the white sand coast as you sample fruity cocktails.
- Gran Hotel Bali: Just a short walk from the beach, the 4 star Gran Hotel Bali stands proudly as the tallest hotel in Europe. Offering stunning panoramic views, a range of facilities including an onsite spa, restaurants, swimming pools and much more.
Sensations
Another of the 30 gay bars in Benidorm Old Town is Sensations.
There is free WiFi available, so you can update your Instagram story throughout the night and keep in touch with your friends if you lose them on the dance floor.
Cheap drinks, great atmosphere, the latest music and friendly staff – what more could you want? A themed night? They regularly have those too!
Opening times: 4pm until 2.30am.
The Rich Bitch
This drag show bar is perhaps one of the most famous in Benidorm Old Town.
Female impersonator Jordan Rivers leads the show alongside ladyboy, Miss Shape – who moved to the city and created Rich Bitch in 1999. If you watched Escape to the Sun in 2001, you may well have followed their story.
So, take your seat and enjoy the show!
Opening times: This bar is open from 9pm to late. The show is on from 10.15pm to 1am. Closed on Tuesdays.
Need to know: There is an entrance fee of €5 per person.
Bar Domino
This is a family-friendly bar that both adults and kids will love. Alongside cheap drinks and a menu filled with home cooked food, created using fresh ingredients, there is also a games room to provide the entertainment.
You can connect to WiFi on your smartphone or tablet or alternatively take a seat at one of the two computers in the bar.
There is also a PS3 and Wii, pool table and dart board as well as TVs showing various sporting events. Once you have challenged your friends or relatives to one of the games, head out to the terrace for some fresh air.
Opening times: 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 2am Monday to Saturday. On Sunday the bar opens at 12pm. Food is served from 11am to 4.30pm.
Casper’s Cafe Bar
In the centre of Benidorm Old Town, you’ll find a bar that is in high spirits from morning until night.
Arrive for a strong coffee and you’re sure to stay for the extensive cocktail menu. If you get peckish in between there are snacks and a menu with meals such as full English, fish and chips and burgers.
Take a seat at one of the two terraces to watch the world go by and if you’re here on a Thursday, make sure you stay for the comedy drag act show – you won’t regret it.
Opening times: Every day from 10am to 1am. Shows on Thursday start at 10pm.
Need to know: Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm.
ReFuel
After a long, relaxing day on the beach make your way to ReFuel. This gay-friendly bar is situated on the edge of the Old Town. Sit down on the terrace where you can continue to soak up the sun while you admire the view across Poniente Beach. Order yourself a cold drink and something from the snack menu such as an all-day breakfast or sandwich.
Opening times: Everyday from 10am to late.
Now you know where you’re going to go for a drink, it’s time to start planning the rest of your time in Benidorm.
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