If you’re in the mood for a well-made drink, some good background music and a conversation you can have without having to shout, this guide is for you. No endless queues, no «2-for-1 mojitos» and no bars where everyone’s wearing the same stag party wristband. These are the spots in Valencia where going for a drink feels like a proper night out, not just a chore.
Rooftops with views for a stylish sunset
- Athena Sky, right in the Town Hall
It is situated on the eighth floor of the historic Ateneo Mercantil building, in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and these are over 400 m² a terrace with 360° views over the city centre. Its signature menu, created by the mixologist Fillipe Suárez, pays tribute to the Valencian orange with cocktails such as those that make up «El Elixir de Atenea». It’s open every day from 11.00, so it’s perfect for a vermouth with a view or for keeping the night going with a live DJ at the weekends.
- 270º SkyBar, at the Barceló hotel
As the name suggests, it offers a 270-degree panoramic view on the City of Arts and Sciences and Turia Park. It has a more laid-back, lounge-style atmosphere than Atenea Sky, perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed drink whilst watching the Hemisfèric turn orange at sunset. The mojito is the house speciality.
- The Coin, in Ciutat Vella
It is housed in a former bank building in the historic centre (hence the name) and features a swimming pool with sun loungers, cocktails author’s and views of the skylinein the old town. A rooftop with a fresher atmosphere «boutique hotel» It’s more like an open-air nightclub, ideal for a quiet evening on a weekday.
Bars with character for a more intimate evening
- Pharmacy, the speakeasy you won’t find just by walking around
In the Ensanche district, with the look of an old-fashioned chemist’s and a clandestine atmosphere: to get in, you need to book via their website and They give you a password. Inside, you’ll find truly sophisticated mixology (reimagined classics, an in-house distillery, live music) in a small, intimate space – perfect for a first date or for an evening with a small group of people who are looking for something a bit different from the usual terrace.
- Café Berlin, the Ruzafa classic that never goes out of fashion
It opened in 2012 and remains a a local figure: Signature cocktails with a real flair, great music and that eclectic Ruzafa atmosphere where there’s room for everyone. If you’d also like to try the Water from Valencia Made with care – they really excel at this here.
To try the real Agua de Valencia
- Café Madrid, where it was invented in 1959
Few people realise it, but Agua de Valencia has a father, with a first name and a surname: Constante Gil, a Galician painter living in Valencia who, in 1959, ran the Cervecería Madrid, right in the heart of the historic centre. One night, a group of Basque friends who were regulars at the bar, tired of always ordering the same cava, They challenged him to invent something new. Gil concocted a cocktail made from fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka, and named it after the city that had welcomed him. Today, the venue is still open (now part of the MYR Hotel) and is a must-see stop for anyone who wants to try the most authentic version, with the richest history behind it.
- Coffee Break, the most photogenic
Open since 1994, right next to the Plaza de la Virgen, it is theatre at its best: Neo-Baroque décor right down to the very last corner, with chandeliers, gilded mirrors and nooks that are almost like private booths for a intimate conversation. They make Agua de Valencia using their own house-made liqueur and serve it in jugs to share; it’s one of the city’s most highly rated versions. That said, they don’t serve draught beer: people come here for cocktails, teas and herbal teas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to book?
At Atenea Sky and The Coin, especially if you’re going at the weekend or trying to get a table at sunset, yes. At Apotheke, it’s a must: without a prior booking on their website, there’s no access code and you won’t be let in. - How much does a cocktail cost in Valencia?
In this sort of upmarket venue, the average price per cocktail is between €10 and €15. Some rooftop bars charge a minimum spend or an entry fee (around €10–12), which is usually deducted from the bill. - Where was Agua de Valencia invented? At Café Madrid (formerly Cervecería Madrid), in 1959, created by Constante Gil. This is the true, documented origin of the city’s most famous cocktail.
- What’s the best neighbourhood in Valencia for a night out?
It depends on your plans: Ruzafa for a more bohemian, neighbourhood vibe; Ciutat Vella / the city centre for rooftops and cocktail bars housed in historic buildings; and the Eixample if you’re after something a bit more low-key with a focus on technical mixology.
If you’d like to start the afternoon exploring Valencia with local guides before rounding off the evening at one of these spots, do have a look at our Tapas tour of Valencia or our private tour of Valencia. Experience Valencia like a local!
