Ultimate Guide Things to do in Puerto Banus

If you are planning a weekend or a holiday in Puerto Banus read this guide for all of the best tried and tested place to go and be seen. Capture and experience all the best places to go in this popular spanish tourist spot in 2023. This is the Ultimate Guide of Things to do in Puerto Banus. We will discover the best bars in Banus, the best beach clubs in Puerto Banus as well as where to shop.

There are many shopping areas and restaurants in this area of Marbella. The Marina is known as the millionaires playground and it is the perfect place to people watch, yacht spot and supercar watch. I have spent lots of time discovering the best restaurants for Seafood, best for the price and best cocktails in Puerto Banus as well as the best places to stay and hotels.

What can you do in the  Costa del Sol’s luxury party place? Whether you are with the family, a group of lads for golf or with the girls for a hen night, Marbella has so much to offer and plenty of sun to go with it.

Best things to do in Puerto Banus, where are the best bars, beach clubs, shopping and restaurants this summer 2023!

Lets explore the best things to do in Puerto Banus for groups of girls, men amd even with the family. Organise your trip before you go and book your restaurants, bars and boat trips with this information on the area and things to do in Puerto Banus.

Travelling to Spain by car? Read my driving to Spain tips here too!

Where is Puerto Banus?

Puerto Banus is in the Nueva Andalusian region of Spain. It is not far from Marbella and Malaga airport.

If you go and stay in Marbella you will not necessarily be in Puerto Banus. Marbella is about away 7 miles away making Puerto Banús a completely separate town. These are some of the popular areas around the outskirts of Puerto Banus. If you have flown in from Malaga these places are which are not to far away for you to go check out when staying in Puerto Banus;

• Estepona
• San Pedro
• Benahavis
• Fuengirola
• Benalmadina
• La Cala
• Marbella
• Algeciras

If you are staying near Banus these areas are a short taxi ride away and are perfect places to stay when visiting the area. These are the approx prices for taxis to the port as of 2022 .

• Puente Romano €8-9
• Marbella €19-20
• San pedro alacantara €7-8
• Sallidillo Benemara €13-14
• Atalaya Isadabe € 12-13

 Scroll down for a map of Puerto Banus and what to do in the port.

What is the History of Puerto Banus?

The origin of Puerto Banús goes back to the 1960s. The founder was José Banús who started to build a luxury residential area called New Andalusia. Puerto Banús marina was founded upon this concept of a Mediterranean village in an Andalusian style.

The strip of bars, shops and restaurants along the port look out on to gorgeous yachts and is now the place to be seen. There are simply so many things things to do in Puerto Banus, by day you can relax in a local bar and watch the buzz of the harbour and by night you can party under the stars. Lets take look at the best places to go in Puerto Banus.

Things to do in Puerto Banus?

There is so much to do in the Port of Banus. You can dance the night away in one of its many bars, sunbathe on the beach or visit a beach club. People watch sitting in a bar or watching the Yachts. You can also spot lots of super cars in and around the arena.

There are also many shops to tempt you as well as markets of all kinds. There are plenty of day trips from Puerto Banus such as Marbella boat trips from the area. The area has a great bus service and plenty of taxis. There is also plenty for children to do too. Take a look at my hi lights of the marina and all that it has to offer.

What can I wear in Puerto Banus?

The dress code in Puerto Banus is glam and smart, women will not look out of place in sequins or heels in the evening. Men wear shirts and shorts but its fine to wear t-shirts too.

During the day expect to see people dressed in beach wear, beach dresses, shorts and flip flops. Women love oversize beach bags and wedges which take outfits from day to night.

What Nightlife and bars are in Puerto Banus?

Puerto Banus nightlife is luxurious and buzzing. There are a plethora of bars and restaurants in Banus such as quiet bars, cocktail bars, rooftop bars, piano bars and pubs.

Expect to see lots of club marketing going on as you step out of the taxi with many touts offering free drinks. If this is not your scene politely decline and walk on straight in to the port area. See a full list of bars and clubs in Puerto Banus here.

Here are some of the top bars in the area of Puerto Banus;

Astrals Coctelería bar

There are many places for cocktails, but the best place for cocktails in Puerto Banus is Astrals cocktail bar at the end of the marina. Astrals looks like a wooden ship and is an outdoor open air bar. You may be lucky enough to sit on the large revolving table whilst you sip cocktails made with everything imaginable. Astrals get very busy and there is normally a short queue to get in. They do all types of freshly made cocktails with lots of fresh fruit!

The Red Lion pub ( previously the Irish Tavern )

The Red Lion Pub in Plaza Antonio Banderas is an ideal place to sit for a beer with the family and it is right next door to the Zoco del Sol night market. It is also one of the cheaper places to buy a drink in Banus. They also have a large menu choice offering traditional pub food like ribs and burgers.

Sinatra’s Bar

Want to know where to people watch in Puerto Banus? Sinatra’s is the first stop for drinks in the port on a night out and the place to be seen. Sit and people watch during the day with a nice glass of cava or a beer. You will see the yachts pulling in and out of the port as well as the super cars driving past. If you come in the evening expect to see large groups of people spilling out in to the road. Sinatra’s is open until the early hours of the morning and also has a DJ playing throughout the night.

Joys Live Piano bar in Puerto Banus for live music

Want to know where to dance in Peurto Banus? Go to Joys its known as the place to be! If you want to go somewhere with a slightly older crowd Joys bar is the place to go. Expect to see a mix of people here generally of the ages 30 and up. Joys Live bar sits proudly in the front line of the port of Banus and is open until the early hours. This bar is the place to go for live music including singers, electric violin players and piano singers. The atmosphere is buzzing with lots of dancing and Cocktails. Joys does not get busy until at least 12.30 am so eat dinner late! Joys is open to the early hours of the morning.

Portside bar Puerto Banus

Portside Cafe in Puerto Banus is a bar halfway down the port and is great for some pre-party drinks and people watching. This bar links the main marina to the road behind which can get a little busy and rowdy. Sit outside the back of Portside with a drink and watch people in and out of Linekers and the many other bars and clubs. Sit out of the front for something a bit quieter during the day. Drinks are quite reasonably priced here.

Havana Hemingway

Havana Hemingway in Puerto Banus is a lively bar at the end of the port. It is known for late night dancing and cocktails. This also has a lovely restaurant called the Lounge La Habana which is my go to restaurant for catching the last few hours of the sun especially in winter. Beautiful food with a view of the port

Babilona Banus for dancing

Babilona Banus is another funky bar which is always busy with music in the centre of the port. Great and stylish for all ages,

Casino Marbella

The casino is a nice place to go for an evening out you will find it just over the Ap-7. This palm fringed casino has all your regular slot machines and poker tables. It is located next door to what was the H10 hotel ( soon to become Hard Rock Marbella Hotel ). It is easy to visit with good parking. It is a modern and well furnished casino with the latest gaming tables.

The dress code for Casino Marbella is no shorts, jeans or trainers.

What Nightclubs are in Puerto Banus?

There are many Nightclubs in Puerto banus and are all completely different. Some have a minimum spend and some you have to book a table before you go. Tibu is a typical nightclub with good music. Seven nightclub, Buddha Bar and Linekers are on the back line. Pangea is a roof top nightclub. Take a look at these Puerto Banus night clubs;

• Tibu ( in town )
• Pangea ( Front line )
• Buddha Bar ( back line )
• Joys ( front line )
• Seven ( back line )
• Linekers ( back line )
• Newscafe Banus front Line )

I would advise on doing your own research on booking certain bars and clubs as some can be a little rowdy.

Rooftop bars in Puerto Banus

There is an abundance of roof top bars in Puerto Banus here are the best rooftop bars in this area do Marbella. Please note some rooftop bars close during the winter months.

The Sky lounge

The Sky lounge is in the Benebola apartments on the corner of the port. This cocktail bar with the best views of banus is open from 12pm to midnight. The Sky Lounge in Puerto Banus is the perfect place to go just before sunset for beautiful views over the port. This bar is perfect for couples or familes. Ask at reception for a keycard to the roof! At busy times booking may be necessary.

Breathe

Breathe is a new restaurant in Banus just over the other side of the main road AP-7. It is a short walk from the harbour and is stunning in design and food. Although at the pricer end of the market the Breathes AIR rooftop cocktail bar is worth booking for a special occasion.

 Newscafe

Newscafe is a bar and nightclub which sits front line right in the middle of the port. More suited to a night on the town and slightly younger generation but great views over the port form the roof none the less. There are often touts in the port offering a free drink on entry to Newscafe. Suitable for groups and party people.

Pangea

Pangea is a open air night club in Puerto Banus. This is the ultimate place to be seen and great for hen nights and group bookings. Pangea nightclub sits on the corner of the harbour is great for sipping cocktails and having a dance. Booths are bookable and it is advisable you book in advance.

Best restaurants in Puerto Banus

Where are the best restaurants in Puerto Banus? Threre are many restaurants Banus all over the port with a wide variety of cuisines. Some stand out and are constantly good and some can be pricey and not worth the money. Here are some favourite places to eat in the port.

La sala Banus

La Sala Banus is a restaurant and bar with live music and DJs in to the early hours. They have the mix just right here with a selection of European, Spanish and Scandinavian food at reasonable prices. There is live entertainment in the bar and different bands in the live lounge. You can sit inside the restaurants main bar, live lounge or outside on the terrace.

They even serve a Sunday lunch in the cooler months, also look out for ladies processo lunches. It is advisable to book in advance here all year round.  La Sala also have a wonderful outside ski lodge at christmas with outside heaters.

Best restaurant in Peurto Banus is Pizza Picasso 

Pizza Picasso is a italian pizzeria and a firm favourite in the port with big queues outside to prove it! it is great value too with reasonable prices and big portions no wonder it is always busy.

Why is Pizza Picasso Banus always busy? Picasso’s serve good quality pizza, pasta and selection of other dishes in huge portions for good prices. The food is always so good and in big quantities you may need to share it here! They also serve fab cocktails and switch off the lights for parties music on birthday requests!

You can can not book in advance here but don’t worry queue always moves quickly. It is always a good reliable choice in the port. 

Jacks Smokehouse in port

Jacks Smokehouse Marbella is another great spot for a reasonable price lunch or dinner in the port. This American style steak house serves all types of burgers and smoked meats and chicken wings. Get your Mexican style food here also such as Nachos and Quesadillas. Jack smoke house also does some themed nights such as at Halloween. It is perfect for large parties and hens wishing to book.

Mumtaz

Mumtaz is a great little Indian in the port which is always popular.

The Social by La Sala

The Social by La Sala is a part of the La Sala chain offering  steaks and meats cooked on the grill. It is family friendly as well as the place to see sports events on screen. This is a good place to view the Premier League Football, Championship League Football and Moto GP in Puerto Banus. Sit in an open terrace where they will even give you a blanket if it turns chilly, booking advisable.

Breathe

Breathe is a newly opened Gastro restaurant and Air roof top bar in Puerto Banus. This venue has been designed by leading architects and landscape gardeners combining contemporary settings with culinary delights and cocktails. Breathe Marbella is at the more expensive end of the market and booking is essential.

La Habana Lounge restaurant ( Hemingway’s )

La Habana Lounge is a nice restaurant serving traditional home cooked Spanish tapas and seafood. It is also a lovely place to sit for lunch as the sun goes down especially in the winter for some winter sun. In fact it is one of the only restaurants that the sun stays in until late.Make sure you try one of their homemade desserts!

Best Tapas in Peurto Banus

The best Tapas in Puerto Banus can be found behind the port in Casa Blanca. Casa Blanca sells traditional Andalusian Spanish Tapas and is reasonably priced. This is also a good place to grab a bottle of Champagne without being ripped off.

Restaurants with a view in Peurto Banus

There are many restaurants that are really pretty to sit in with a lovely view of the beach. You will find reasonably priced restaurants with the best views of the sunset behind the Benebola apartments on the other side of the port.. You can watch the occasional yacht come in to the harbour and on a chilli night they will supply a blanket. There are many restaurants in this area such as Piucaro, Restaurante La Bocana and El Torero.

As with ever changing restaurants it’s always a good idea to check trip advisor on your trip for the best restaurants.

Where to get ice cream in Puerto Banus

You can get ice cream in the centre of the port in the Haagen Dazs shop in Puerto Banus

Where to shop in Puerto Banus

Designer shopping

The port itself is where you will find all of the designer shops in Puerto Banus. The harbour is glittered with expensive shops and glamourous ones at that. Expect to find designer shops such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior and Jimmy Choo along the portside. You will also find other good mainstream shops such a Havaianas, Superdry, Micheal Kors, Sunglasses hut and vilebrequin to name but a few.

Puerto Banus Concept Store

For official Puerto Banus Merchandise head to the Puerto Banus Concept Store at the end of the port under the tower. Here you can book your parking in the port license and purchase official Puerto Banus Clothing. There are T-shirts made by Holly Hanson and Swimwear made by MC2 Saint Barth as well as beach towels on offer.

El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is Spain’s largest department store chain and there is one in the heart of Puerto Banus. Selling everything from home goods, clothes, makeup and a food supermarket.

Banus Marina Mall

Banus Marina Mall is a smaller shopping centre behind the port. Here you will find shops such as Zara, H&M, Pull and Bear, Berska, Calzedonia, Massimo Duti and some smaller boutique shops.

Markets in Puerto Banus

Zoco del Sol night market In Puerto Banus

Zoco del Sol market in Plaza Antonio Banderas Banus has stalls open until midnight. Stalls have a variety of clothes, Moroccan goods and gifts with trampolines for children too.

Nueva Andalucía Artisan Market and antique market in Banus

Nueva Andalucía Artisan Market in puerto banus market is held on Saturdays between and 9am and 3pm near the bull ring.

Beach clubs in Puerto Banus

Where are the best beach clubs in Puerto Banus?

For the an idea on the best beach clubs in Puerto Banus take a look here

La Sala by the Sea

La Sala by the Sea is a beach club in Puerto Banus which is perfect for a fun day of sunshine. They have beds on the beach, by the pool and cabanas around the club. It is a reasonably priced beach club that gets very busy. Food here is an Asian fusion and is delicious! Look out for events and special guests throughout the season such as Craig David!. We love the single beds by the pool or the cabanas and we always book a table for lunch as the prawn shots are the best!

Ocean Club

Ocean club Marbella is well known as being one of the best beach clubs in the area of Marbella. It is a beach club to be seen in and holds events each week or month. Expect to be sprayed in champagne at this venue. Ocean club hold a white and silver opening party in the spring and a black and gold closing party in the autumn. This is a extraordinary evening to attend prices for tickets start at €220 but expect a full on show, fireworks, dancers, DJs and orchestras all night. You can expect canapés, and free flowing cocktails, wines, beers and Veuve Clicquot all night.

Nikki beach

Nikki Beach Marbella is not in the Port of Banus but a taxi ride to the other side of Marbella. This beach side luxury club also has opening and closing parties and is more pricer for a day out.

Mistral beach

Mistrals beach is a fab beach bar for all the family. If its the beach you want to be on then Mistrals is ideal and situated just along the beach from the main beach clubs this beach bed only chiringuito is ideal for a day of sunshine. Here you can enjoy can enjoy our salads, grilled meats, fish, paellas and pastas all with fresh seasonal products. They also serve the best natural fruit cocktails which you can drink while lying in a hammock. You can hire a bed here, book a massage or try some water sports such a jet skis. There is handy car parking close by too.

Aurora beach club

Head over to Aurora beach Banus for a day in the sun and a delicious burger. Aurora beach club is on the beach and is further down the marina beyond the port and gets fabulous reviews.

Costa water park for kids in Puerto Banus

Visit the beach for the Costa waterpark in the sea. A complete inflatable fun zone of the waterslides and trampolines in Puerto Banus For adults and kids alike. You can find this outside La Sala beach club. You can purchase a band for all day access its a perfect water park for the kids. It is open June to middle of September and there are others places for this along the coast of the Costa del Sol.

Safety in Banus

Is Peurto banus safe? Although the port is relatively safe you need to be aware of the crime in the area.

However as this is a playground for the rich it leaves it open to crime. If you have an expensive watch particularly a Rolex leave it at home. Crime tends to be directed at men late at night when they are under the influence of alcohol. Stay away from the back streets in the early hours of the morning. ( believe me this has been witnessed first hand )

Having said that it is rare!

Ladies hold on to your drinks in clubs and bars. Also as with anywhere in the world there is crime and you should be aware of pickpockets. The back strip of the port can be a bit messy late at night so stick to the main port or main roads. 

Day trips from Puerto Banus

Take a Ferry to Marbella 

Take a day trip on catamaran from the port to Marbella and visit the beach or Old Town. You can get a ferry from Fly blue for a two hour trip or a return to Marbella.

See my post on ferry’s from Puerto Banus to Marbella here.

Walk to San Pedro

San Pedro is the next town down and is typically more Spanish and cheaper. It is a €2 bus ride, a €6 taxi or a 15 minute walk down the beach. Come here for tapas restaurants, boutique shops and cheaper but good beach bars our favourite being the Chiringuito Guayaba Beach.

You can walk to San Pedro from Puerto Banus all the way along the along the Paseo Maritimo and beach. You will find attractions the whole route like beach kiosks, chiringuitos, and beach bars. This is the best place to find seafood restaurants in the area. There are lots of toilet facilities and plenty of places to stop. Biking is now permitted on the wide pavements. Along the beach there are free exercise apparatuses too may of which are free to use. The Paseo starts at the Bora Bora beach club in San Pedro and runs all the way to Puerto Banus.

Walk to Marbella

Take a walk along the promenade to Marbella passing by glorious beaches, bridges and palm trees. Sample cuisine along the route and take a rest at the numerous bars along the Paseo Maritimo.

Visit Benhavis and one of its many restaurants.

This traditional white washed Andalusian town is in the mountains and it well known for its concentration of excellent restaurants. Take a taxi up in to the winding the streets and find a unique restaurant for something special. There are many restaurants with stunning views up here too.

Puente Romano resort

This upscale beach resort area is frequented by the rich and famous. Here you will find the Puente Romano Hotel and some other luxury restaurants and hotels such as The Sea Grill and the Marbella club. This is a short walk or taxi ride towards Marbella.

When is the best time to go to Puerto banus?

Banus is open all year round for restaurants and bars. Beach clubs are typically open from the end of April through to the end of September. Outside of these times is better for golf or exploring many of the outdoor activities in the area as it can be very hot. However it is not unusual to have sun all year round and even in the winter you can often sit outside with a glass of wine. The weather in Puerto Banus ranges of highs of 30 degrees in the summer to lows of 17 degrees in the winter.

How to get to the Puerto Banus to the airport

Airport Taxis from Malaga

It is very easy to get to Puerto Banus from Malaga airport. When you come out of arrivals You can book a private airport transfer here or independently with someone such as Cheap Malaga Taxis ( who I use too ). A taxi typically costs around €70 From the airport to Puerto Banus.

Bus from Malaga Airport to Puerto Banus

You can also get an Avanza bus from the airport outside the arrivals terminal to Marbella which takes around 40 minutes. You must purchase a ticket from the arrivals hall ticket booth. On return you can purchase a ticket from Marbella Station. From Puerto Banus you can pay the driver direct to Marbella unless you see a ticket booth at your stop. Then you would catch a bus from Marbella to Puerto Banus. The buses run regularly every 30 minutes and a trip from Malaga airport to Marbella would cost around €8.

The Bus from Marbella is the L-79 towards estepona or Marbella depending on your direction of travel. For more information and direct ticket booking see the Avanza bus website.

Where to park in Puerto Banus

Where can you park in the port of Banus? There are a few multi story and underground car parks in Puerto Banus you can find the Av de José Banus parking Garage at the top of the port. It can be expensive to park so If staying just out side of the area the bus service is extremely easy and cheap and there are an abundance of taxis all day and night.

See the map below for taxi points, bus stops and parking.

Is there Uber in Puerto Banus?

Yes there is Uber in Marbella and Puerto Banus. You need your passport to sign in to the app in Spain. Order an Uber in the Costa Del Sol as you normally would. You can even order a 7 seater. Check prices as they fluctuate throughout the day. It can often be better getting a regular taxi.

What Hotels to stay in at Puerto Banus

There are many places to stay in Puerto Banus form apartments to hotels. Look for apartments to share if you want to find some thing a bit cheaper.

Hotels and Apartments within walking distance of Puerto Banus are:

BeneBola Apartments right in the port

Park Plaza Apartments in the port

H10 is an adults only Hotel 15 minutes walk from the front strip

Melia Banus Hotel at 10 minute walk

Hotels and Apartments good value for money

Blue Bay Banus Hotel

Where is the post office in Puerto Banus?

The post office is inside the Centro Comercial De El Corte Ingles department store. Correos post office is located inside the El Corte Ingles store on minus level one.

Where can I get clothes dry cleaned in Puerto Banus?

You can get clothes dry cleaned at the Dry cleaners inside the El Corte Ingles store in C. Ramom Areces, 29660 Marbella Malaga. The dry cleaners is located on level minus one.

Where can I get key cut in Puerto Banus?

You can get keys cut at the shoe menders inside the El Corte Ingles store in C.Ramon Areces, 29660 Marbella Malaga. The key cutter shop is located on level minus one.

Where is there a shoe menders on Puerto Banus?

You can get shoes mended at the shoe menders inside the El Corte Ingles store in C.Ramon Areces, 29660 Marbella Malaga. The she menders is located on level minus one.

Puerto Banus Map of the Town and things to do

Take a look at this google map of things to do in Puerto Banus map with all of the best places to go where to park, shop and eat.

 

Other Places to go near Puerto Banus

• Visit Antequera the beautiful World UNESCO City
• Juzcar the Smurf Village
• Best Bars and nightclubs in Puerto Banus!
• Best Beach Club in Puerto Banus

Thank you for reading my guide on things to do in Puerto Banus map all thoughts and opinions are my own. I have visited all these places over the years however somethings do change.

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