Mulled wine at the Star Bar, Christmas ales on Casemates, wine in Irish Town, and sunset cocktails at Ocean Village. A walking route through the Rock's best festive drinking spots.
Gibraltar's drinking scene is compact — everything is within a 45-minute walk. This crawl starts at Casemates (the oldest end of town) and finishes at Ocean Village (the newest), which means you walk through the Rock's history as you go. Start around 4pm to catch the lights before sunset.
Gibraltar's oldest pub (dating to the 18th century) and the natural starting point. Does mulled wine in December, mince pies behind the bar, and a proper pint of Guinness. Wood beams, low ceilings, the real deal.
Big, busy and right on the square — the terrace catches the afternoon sun and looks directly at the Christmas tree. Does Christmas ales when they're available and a solid roast. Good for groups.
A local's pub, less touristy than the Casemates options. Quieter, friendlier, and does a good mulled wine. The stop where you actually have a conversation with the barman.
A wine bar rather than a pub — but it does the best mulled wine on the Rock and a charcuterie board that pairs with it. The stop where you slow down and sit properly.
The marina-side cocktail bar where the crawl shifts from pubs to proper drinks. Sunset cocktails overlooking the yachts — the most photogenic stop of the night.
The floating superyacht hotel — the final stop if you're going all out. The bar does champagne by the glass and the NYE party here is the biggest ticket on the Rock. Dress up.
The whole crawl is under a mile of walking. Here's the route, step by step:
The Star Bar first, then the Lord Nelson next door. Two stops, same square.
5 minutes. See the lights, stop at the Horseshoe for a mulled wine.
2 minutes off Main Street. The Corks for wine and a cheese board.
10 minutes from Main Street. Head to the marina as the sun sets.
The Bridge Bar for cocktails, the Sunborn if you're going late. The crawl ends here.
Prices are lower than London and roughly on par with southern Spain.