With its pristine beaches and rugged mountains, Gran Canaria is a dream vacation destination. But the adventure doesn't end after dark. That’s when the fun begins!As the stars start to shine, the bars in Gran Canaria come to life with crowds of visitors looking for an evening of drinks, music, and dancing.
You might want to prep with a power nap. This is Spain, and the revelry can go on until dawn. Not a night owl? Afternoon cocktail gatherings are one of the most popular things to do in Gran Canaria, so most bars open early.
Whether you're searching for a frosty beer near the beach or a full-on late-night party, these bars are the best on the island.
Las Palmas
The largest city in the Canary Islands, Las Palmas is home to a wide range of bars. From dark pubs to dance clubs and breezy rooftop cocktail bars, there's a watering hole to suit your style. We recommend stopping for dinner at one of the best restaurants in Gran Canaria before heading out for a drink.
1. La Terminal Bar
Tucked into an unassuming building just off the Plaza de Fray Junípero, La Terminal Bar fades into the background during the day.
But as night falls, the sidewalk tables fill, and music pours out into the street. Join the crowds at the dramatically lit back bar, where the colorful LEDs cast a cool glow. Or, head outside to sip your drink and enjoy some shameless people-watching.
The vibes are good at La Terminal Bar, and the cocktails are even better. The bartenders are famous for their mojitos—we love the mango version—and gin and tonics. But you really can't go wrong with anything on the mixed-drink menu. For the traditionalists, there's also a decent beer and wine selection.
2. Chester
Dance the night away at Chester in Las Palmas, where the dance floor is always packed with people. You need to pay a cover charge, but it's worth it for the fun, high-energy atmosphere. Popular with locals and cruise ship visitors, this is one of the most popular Gran Canaria bars for groups.
Don't want to be on your feet all night? If you're 23 or older, you can reserve a table for up to eight people. Leave the yoga pants and basketball shorts at home. Sporty clothes aren't allowed. This is one of those places where you'll definitely feel more comfortable if you're dressed to impress.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Gran Canaria experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
3. Rocktop La Peregrina
Rocktop La Peregrina is the perfect spot for a drink in the historic Vegueta area. Perched atop the Cordial La Peregrina Hotel, this rooftop bar offers a lovely view of the city. Afternoon cocktails by the pool will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for sightseeing.
Our team prefers to visit at sunset and watch the sky transform. Stick around into the early evening when the impeccable illumination creates an inviting, upscale vibe. The bar closes relatively early, so it tends to attract a low-key crowd. Dig into a bowl of olives, sip an Instagrammable cocktail, and let the peace of the island wash over you. There's no better way to end the day.
4. Hotel Veintiuno's Rooftop Bar
As you emerge onto the rooftop bar at Hotel VEINTIUNO, it's hard not to gasp when you see the bell towers and turrets of the Santa Ana Cathedral stretching before you. It's one of the best views in the city. And with the hotel pool in the foreground, you'll be able to capture striking photos.
Here's the catch: You must be a hotel guest to access the bar. It operates on an honor system, where you can choose any drink you like. Simply record what you consume, and it will be charged directly to your room. As a bonus, you don't need to worry about a dress code, so you can sip a beer in your swimwear between dips in the pool.
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas
Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are at the center of the Gran Canaria nightlife scene. Many local bars are located in Yumbo Centrum, a massive, multi-level shopping mall built around a large central courtyard.
Others are scattered about the city. In most cases, it's no trouble to find one within walking distance of your hotel or vacation rental. For reference, this area is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the best bars in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria.
5. Ricky's Cabaret Bar
Ricky's Cabaret Bar puts on one of the most entertaining drag shows on the Island. It's funny and campy, with the ideal mix of songs and humor. Sit close to the stage, and you could end up taking part in an audience-participation bit.
Shows aside, Ricky's is a warm and welcoming bar. To get a seat, you need to make a reservation and arrive well before the show. And to keep the table, you should keep ordering drinks.
Pace yourself to be rewarded with an evening filled with the best kind of belly laughs. If one of our shows is in town, you might even see our performers out to support the queens and join the fun.
6. Relax Rock Pub
If you're a fan of hard rock and heavy metal, Relax Rock Pub is the place to be. The music is loud, the staff are friendly, and there's always an eclectic crowd. Ask nicely, and the staff might even be convinced to play your favorite tunes.
Relax Rock Pub has a range of activities to suit all types of bar-goers. Inside, you can play pool, darts, and foosball. Sit outside for a quieter vibe and a great view of the crowds below. The drinks are reasonably priced, so you can hang out all evening without breaking the bank.
Don't want to wait for a taxi? Whether you're staying near the beach in Playa del Inglés or closer to Yumbo Centrum, the pub is easy to reach on foot.
7. Eiffel Bar
Eiffel Bar is a French-owned bar in Yumbo Centrum. As in France, the patio is the place to be. Grab a seat facing out, and while away the evening watching people stroll by. Don't be surprised if a quick drink turns into hours of chill conversation—the cozy ambiance is impossible to resist.
The bartenders at Eiffel Bar dole out lovingly crafted cocktails, many topped with fruit and a cute feather garnish. When it comes to quality, it's hard to find a better beverage in this area. We love the complimentary snack bowls and the outdoor heaters that take the edge off when cool breezes blow in off the sea.
8. The Harrow Sports Bar
Looking for a place to watch a big game? Head over to The Harrow Sports Bar in Holidayworld Maspalomas. The staff are usually happy to tune the big-screen TVs to the match you want. Order one of the many affordable beers on tap and settle in for an entertaining afternoon.
The Harrow offers an elevated take on a traditional sports bar. Clean and open, it's a place you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. When there's nothing on TV, try your hand at pool, darts, foosball, and Ping-Pong. The bar doesn't serve food, but the restaurant next door will deliver food right to your table.
9. Tipsy Hammock Cocktail Bar
Live out your beach vacation dreams at Tipsy Hammock Cocktail Bar, a boisterous spot overlooking the sand at Playa del Inglés. It's decorated to look like a souped-up beach shack, complete with string lights and thatched umbrellas. Mellow live music completes the effect.
In addition to a full bar and colorful cocktail list, the Tipsy Hammock has a fantastic food menu. The grilled octopus and loaded nachos are local favorites. Have your phone ready. The drink presentation is next level, and you'll want to snap a photo before taking the first sip.
The highlights of the menu are the flavored mojitos and creative craft cocktails. We love the bourbon popcorn sour and the blackberry spritz.
10. Bar Fiction
Bar Fiction is located in—you guessed it—Yumbo Centrum. Stop here for the happy hour specials, which are among the most affordable in town. Just wait until you see the two-for-one special glasses. The business calls itself a gay-straight bar, and everyone is welcome.
The servers are friendly, wearing their teeny-tiny uniforms, and the crowd is always up for a good time. On the weekend, it's easy to spend hours getting lost in the beats on the dance floor.
11. The Irish Tavern
Watch a football match with a crowd of enthusiastic fans at The Irish Tavern. This casual sports bar has cold beer and a welcoming environment. The amiable staff draws rave reviews from locals and tourists. Come as you are, and enjoy a few hours out of the hot Gran Canaria sun.
The Irish Tavern hosts karaoke regularly, so you can warm up your pipes and show off your singing skills. Make sure you place your song request early on busy nights. If you get lost as you're searching for the bar in the Kasbah Shopping Center, listen for the music. It'll draw you right to the correct corridor.
12. Atelier Cocktail Bar
Many of our favorite bars in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, are pretty informal. For something a little more elegant, check out Atelier Cocktail Bar on the rooftop of Bohemia Suites & Spa.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide glorious views over the city and Playa del Inglés. It's a breathtaking spot to rest after a busy day of exploring. Outside, plush chairs and sofas beckon you to snuggle in with an icy drink. The bartenders at Atelier are serious about mixology.
Whether you're ordering an Aperol spritz or a bubbly drink with lychee and cava, you can rest assured it will be prepared with careful techniques and precise attention to detail. Don't miss the substantial wine list, which has more than 150 varieties. Fish lovers will enjoy the seafood-heavy menu.
13. WunderBar Gran Canaria
German-owned WunderBar Gran Canaria is a Playa del Inglés mainstay. Known for its over-the-top theme nights and German-speaking servers, it attracts a large and diverse crowd.
Come on one of the twice-weekly Eurovision Nights to hear your favorite throwback hits from the classic song contest. If you prefer golden oldies, Retro Night might be more your speed.
Located on the ground floor of Yumbo Centrum, WunderBar is one of the top gay bars in Gran Canaria. Dance inside until you drop, or kick back with a colorful cocktail on the outdoor terrace. The friendly servers and curious drink selection will have you coming back night after night.
14. Sparkles Show Bar
Walk across the plaza from WunderBar to find Sparkles Show Bar. The drinks here are excellent, but they're a secondary consideration. Sparkles is all about the entertainment. Like Ricky's Cabaret Bar, this spot features comedy-forward drag shows that are a little raunchy and a lot of fun. Hang out after the final curtain to snap a selfie with the queens.
Before the drag show starts, Sparkles often hosts karaoke. You're welcome to belt out a tune or sit back and enjoy the show. We appreciate the inclusive feeling and friendly staff, who go out of their way to make you feel at home.
15. Mulligan's Irish Pub
Legend has it there's an Irish bar in every popular city in Europe, and Gran Canaria is no exception. Mulligan's Irish Pub is a classic Irish watering hole with an island-inspired twist. When you're feeling homesick for the Emerald Isle, there's nothing like Kilkenny on draught to lift your spirits.
In the afternoon, Mulligan's is laid-back and family-friendly. The dining area starts buzzing when the nightly live music picks up, and the energy only gets higher as the night wears on. Balance your drinks with an order from the full food menu, which features Irish favorites, such as fish and chips, as well as standard pub fare.
Exploring Gran Canaria's Bars
By day, Gran Canaria bars are bastions of relaxation, and by night, they're loud and lively. Come for the cocktails and stay for the crowds.
In true Spanish fashion, the Gran Canaria cocktails don't start flowing until late evening. Before you embark on a night of merrymaking, join us for a completely different type of adventure. We approach storytelling with a whirl of color, innovation, and irresistible artistry. Take flight with us at one of our shows in Gran Canaria.