Before and after a concert in Valencia: where to eat and where to carry on

A concert starts long before the lights go down: with dinner with friends, a beer by the door or the excitement of the queue. And it does not have to end with the encore. Planned well, a concert night can be the whole weekend plan.

This guide covers when to eat, how to get there and what to bring, where to have a drink afterwards and how to plan the whole night without leaving the building.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• Eat early: two hours before the concert, near the venue.
• Arrive with time to spare: half an hour before it starts, more if you want the front row.
• Check the finish time: so you know whether there is time to carry on.
• Plan the way home: metro, night bus or taxi.
• Easiest of all: dinner, concert and drinks afterwards in the same place.

Before the concert: when and where to eat

• Two hours before the start: if the concert begins at 21:30, eat at 19:30.
• Near the venue: every journey eats into your time and adds stress.
• Book: on concert nights, nearby restaurants fill up.
• Something to share: tapas or a quick menu work better than a long dinner.
• With a view, if possible: dinner at sunset sets the mood.

If you fancy rice, here is where to have paella for dinner in Valencia, and if you prefer to graze, tapas in Valencia.

How to get there and what to bring

• Public transport: in Valencia, the metro, buses and Valenbisi reach almost every venue.
• Your ticket on your phone with a charged battery, and ID if there is an age check.
• Travel light: many venues do not allow large bags.
• Layers: it is hot inside and, in winter, cool outside.
• Earplugs if you will be near the speakers.

During the concert

• Arrive before the support act: sometimes it is the surprise of the night.
• Put your phone away for a while: a concert is better lived than filmed.
• Stay hydrated: water between beers.
• Agree a meeting point with your group in case you get separated.

After the concert: where to carry on

• A quiet drink to talk about the gig.
• A terrace or cocktail bar if the night is mild.
• A club if you feel like dancing.
• Ideally: a few steps away, so the night keeps its rhythm.

Here are more ideas for things to do in Valencia at night.

The whole night at Palau Alameda

At Palau Alameda, on Paseo de la Alameda, a concert night happens without changing buildings:

• Before: lunch or dinner at Àtic, the panoramic restaurant, with a terrace and views.
• The concert: in La Gran Sala, with pop, rock, electronic music, orchestras and tribute acts throughout the year. Dates and tickets are in the concert agenda.
• After: Àtic nights, with music on the terrace, and nights at Azza, the club, until the early hours at weekends. It is all on the nightlife in Valencia page.

If you like tribute acts, here is why tribute concerts keep filling venues.

Frequently asked questions

When should you eat before a concert?

About two hours before it starts, near the venue and with a booking. If the concert is at 21:30, at 19:30.

How early should you arrive at a concert?

At least half an hour before the start, and earlier if you want to be near the stage or there is a support act.

What should you bring to a concert at a venue?

Your ticket on your phone with battery, ID if there is an age check, little luggage, layers and earplugs if you will be near the speakers.

What to do after a concert in Valencia?

Have a drink near the venue, carry on at a terrace or cocktail bar, or end up dancing in a club. The easiest option is having it all in the same building.

Where are there concerts in Valencia?

At venues such as La Gran Sala at Palau Alameda, at large arenas and at concert halls such as the Palau de la Música. Each venue publishes its agenda with dates and tickets.

Can you have dinner and see a concert in the same place in Valencia?

Yes. At Palau Alameda you eat at Àtic, the concert is in La Gran Sala and you can carry on at Àtic or Azza, all in the same building.