Where to Watch the World Cup in Valencia: A Guide to the City's Best Sports Bars

At first glance, it might seem that sports bar culture in Valencia is underdeveloped or non-existent. In such a sporty country — and above all a football one — you'd expect them on every corner, yet finding a place with a big screen and good beer is quite a quest.

It all comes down to the war on pirate broadcasts. A commercial licence to show football in hospitality venues (packages like Movistar Plus+ Bar Fútbol) now costs owners €451 a month excluding VAT, and to monitor venues, La Liga has launched a programme of "citizen surveillance": anyone who reports a bar without an official licence (whose presence is confirmed by a special watermark with the letter "B" in the corner of the screen) is paid €50. Since 2019, more than 2,000 Spanish venues have faced inspections and fines of thousands of euros.

"Football used to be shown in many bars, even small neighbourhood places, but when La Liga began its crackdown on illegal broadcasts, many chose to take down their televisions just to be safe. On top of that, the public isn't used to paying to watch," says Miguel, owner of Mulligan's Irish Pub. "Many book a table for two to four people, come in, order only a coffee or nothing at all, and just watch football. But it's not fair: I pay more than €500 to show La Liga, and on top of that, we show a load of other broadcasts, even Gaelic football, for example. So how am I supposed to survive if they come in and order nothing?!"

As a result, sports broadcasts have become concentrated either in Irish pubs, where mostly expats or tourists gather, or in places traditionally associated with watching football over a glass of beer and tapas.

The La Cotorra team has put together an up-to-date guide to Valencian bars where you can enjoy the biggest sporting event on the planet this summer. The bars are divided into categories — from spacious sports bars with dozens of screens to "locals only" spots.

When size matters

This section gathers places with full kitchens, spacious halls, late opening hours, and a large number of high-quality HD panels.

One of the main sports hubs among expats in Valencia: it's regularly recommended in local round-ups and by visitors themselves. People come here more for the big screen, a pint, and a noisy international atmosphere than for gastronomic discoveries. For watching football, the set-up is almost ideal: 14 screens, a separate Irish cottage room, billiards, darts, and table football.

This is one of the most iconic and spacious Irish pubs in the very heart of Valencia. Proper pub classics — excellent fish and chips, burgers, an impressive range of beer and Irish whiskey.

There's an excellent selection of classic cocktails and typical Irish drinks here, while the kitchen sticks to a versatile bar-restaurant format.

A venue with an Irish soul and an international staff who speak Spanish, English, German, and Russian. They make burgers with bacon jam, bagels, and creative tapas. The bar has 9 draught beers (including Guinness and Murphy's) and a wide range of cocktails.

The owners — Irishmen Seán Dowling and Séamus McCluskey — have managed to create a genuine magnet for young people, where, alongside football, they show rugby, NBA, NFL, UFC, and even darts. The menu is Emerald Isle classics: a must-try Irish "spice bag" (spicy potatoes with chicken and spices), a hearty Irish breakfast, and classic fish and chips. On Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, they hold English-language pub quizzes.

Pubs and bars with character

Venues with superb food and unique interiors. They differ from the bars in the first category mainly in their smaller size or slightly earlier closing times.

The project was launched by Mundo Suárez, grandson of the legendary Valencia striker Edmundo "Mundo" Suárez. Here, they cook the most tender pork ribs, bacon bao buns, and a signature caramelised torrija for dessert.

A very cosy Irish pub from the Mulligan's chain. Despite its small size, this place is loved by many expats. And owner Miguel, together with his family, tries to serve every guest with heart, so they feel right at home.

Another place connected to the family of Valencia striker Edmundo "Mundo" Suárez. It is named after Old Trafford — the home ground of the legendary Manchester United. The venue is famous for its huge homemade burgers and quintessential Spanish tapas (fried pig's ears, torreznos, and spicy bravas). For football, it serves an impressive range of imported craft beer.

A cosy, modern restaurant-bar with American cuisine: steaks, burgers, and other street food, as well as a large selection of cocktails.

A well-known pub in Ruzafa with a huge selection of imported and local draught beer, including ales and Belgian classics, but with no kitchen of its own. For a visit here, it's worth pacing yourself or eating beforehand. It's included in the guide largely because of the venue's cult status.

Stadium flavour

Spots right by the Mestalla stadium, for those who care less about screen size than about belonging and the cult status of a place.

A legendary "locals only" establishment that has won awards for the best almuerzo. And they say a special cremaet is served here too.

A lively and energetic place that draws Valencia fans on match days. The local speciality is char-grilled meat and seafood.