Jerez has a vibrant nightlife consisting of traditional
tapas bars, street cafes, all night discos and some
wonderful local fiestas. The city's student population
ensures a lively party scene at all times of the year
and the absence of mass tourism means you can enjoy
a really Spanish night out without it costing the earth.
As in most Spanish cities, the evening starts with a
tour of the tapas bars where you can sample an array
of tasty Andalucian snacks washed down with glasses
of the local wines and sherries. Typical tapas might
include slices of chorizo sausage, olives wrapped in
anchovies, spicy prawns "al pil pil", or slices
of fresh squid (calamares) and octopus (pulpo). Some
bars offer a selection of 40 or more hot and cold tapas.
Practically every street in the city is packed with
bars, cafes and restaurants. Plaza Mina in the centre
and Calle De Manuel Rances are among the liveliest places
when the sun goes down. If you're visiting in the summer,
head for the Paseo Maritimo seafront promenade which
buzzes with outdoor activity on warm, Andalucian evenings.
Many of the city's most reasonably priced, traditional
restaurants are to be found in and around Plaza Juan
de Dios near the port. The emphasis is on fresh fish
dishes with ingredients such as oysters, squid, sea
snails, shrimps and cockles. But you'll also see other
Andalucian specialties on the menu including the famous
gazpacho (that's cold tomato soup but it doesn't sound
so tasty in English.) This is the home of Spanish sherry
and you'll find many meat dishes - lamb and oxtail stews,
sautéed steaks, kidneys and tripe - are generously
soaked in the fortified wines of Jerez.
Fully fortified yourself with food and drink, you can
head for the all night dance spots to be found in the
La Punta district where the discos don't really get
going until 3am. You can dance till dawn then enjoy
warm, fresh churros (crispy, Spanish pastries) with
chocolate sauce for breakfast in La Plaza Flores before
staggering home to bed.
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