Puerto de la Cruz Nightlife: Where to Go Out in the North
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
Puerto de la Cruz has a relaxed, more Spanish nightlife than the southern resorts. Evenings centre on the squares around Plaza del Charco and Plaza de la Iglesia, tapas bars in the old fishing quarter of La Ranilla, live and Latin music bars, a few British and Irish pubs, and a casino in the Lago Martiánez complex. Clubs are few; this is a place for long dinners, drinks and music rather than all-night dancing.
It is a good choice if you want to see how Tenerife locals and Spanish visitors spend an evening. The Puerto de la Cruz area page lists tonight’s live music and shows with Tenerife-time start times.
The main nightlife areas
Plaza del Charco
The heart of the town. Locals, families and visitors fill the square’s terraces in the evening, and the surrounding streets are lined with bars and restaurants. It is the natural starting point for a night out.
Plaza de la Iglesia and the old town
A short walk away, the church square and nearby streets have tapas and wine bars, good for a slower evening.
La Ranilla
The former fishermen’s quarter behind the harbour has narrow streets, street art, small bars and seafood restaurants. It has a local, neighbourhood feel.
Calle La Hoya and the centre
Pubs, bars and a few late music venues, including some popular with British and Irish visitors.
San Telmo and Martiánez seafront
The seafront promenade has terrace bars with ocean views, and the Lago Martiánez complex houses the casino.
What kind of night out
| Type | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tapas and wine bars | The town’s strength; good food, local prices |
| Live music | Acoustic, pop, rock and traditional music in bars and squares |
| Latin and salsa | Salsa bars and Latin nights, often busy at weekends |
| Pubs | A small number of British, Irish and German bars |
| Casino | Table games in the evening, slots during the day |
| Clubs | A few late bars and disco pubs, mainly at weekends |
The casino
The Casino Puerto de la Cruz is in the Lago Martiánez complex on Avenida de Colón. According to the island tourism board, the table games room opens from 8pm, closing around 3am Monday to Thursday and 4am on Friday and Saturday, with a slot machine room open from late morning and a restaurant. Hours can change, so check before you go, and take photo ID, which Spanish casinos normally ask for.
Fiestas and Carnival
Puerto de la Cruz really comes alive during its fiestas:
- Carnival (usually February or March): one of the island’s biggest, with street parties, parades and the famous high-heels race. Dates follow the main Carnival calendar.
- Summer fiestas (around July): the town’s main festivities, including the traditional Embarkation of the Virgen del Carmen, plus concerts and late nights.
- Music and culture festivals through the year.
Check the Tenerife events calendar for confirmed dates.
When to go out
- Early evening: terraces in the squares and along the seafront.
- Dinner: Spanish visitors and locals eat from around 8:30 or 9pm.
- 10pm onwards: music bars and pubs get busier.
- Weekends: later nights, with some bars open until 3am or beyond.
Prices
Puerto de la Cruz is often cheaper than the south for food and drink, particularly away from the seafront. As a rough guide, a small beer (caña) is often around 1.50 to 3 euros in local bars and more in tourist pubs. Prices change.
LGBTQ+ friendly
Puerto de la Cruz has a reputation as a welcoming town and has hosted Tenerife’s island Pride march in the past. A few gay-friendly bars and cafés are found in the centre. See our gay Tenerife guide.
Getting around at night
The centre is compact and walkable, though there are some hills. Taxis are available from ranks in the centre. If you are staying up the hill in La Paz or out in Los Realejos, a taxi home is the easiest option.
Puerto de la Cruz versus the south
| Puerto de la Cruz | Playa de las Américas | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Spanish, relaxed | International, party |
| Entertainment | Live and Latin music, squares | Tributes, cabaret, clubs |
| Late clubs | Few | Many |
| Language | Spanish, plus some English and German | Mainly English |
For the bigger picture, read our Tenerife nightlife guide and live music bars guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Puerto de la Cruz have good nightlife?
It has a good, relaxed nightlife with a more Spanish character than the south. Expect tapas bars, squares full of locals, live and Latin music, a few international pubs and a casino, rather than big clubs.
Where are the bars in Puerto de la Cruz?
The main areas are around Plaza del Charco, Plaza de la Iglesia and the streets in between, the old fishing quarter of La Ranilla, Calle La Hoya and the seafront near San Telmo and Martiánez.
Is there a casino in Puerto de la Cruz?
Yes. The Casino Puerto de la Cruz is inside the Lago Martiánez complex on the seafront. Its gaming room opens in the evening, and it has a separate slot machine room and a restaurant. Bring photo ID.
What time do things get busy in Puerto de la Cruz?
Squares and terraces are lively from early evening. Bars with music get busier after 10pm, and on Friday and Saturday some venues stay open until around 3am or later.
Is Puerto de la Cruz nightlife quieter than the south?
Yes. It is calmer than Playa de las Américas and has fewer English-language entertainment bars, but it offers a more authentic Canarian atmosphere, especially during fiestas and Carnival.