The 10 Best Bars in Barcelona to Suit All Travellers' Tastes

Catalonia’s capital and one of Spain’s most captivating cities, Barcelona is known as much for world-class art collections and Gaudí’s otherworldly modernist architecture as it is for golden sandy beaches, delectable seafood and spirited street culture. Whether you’re in search of history, culture, sunshine or exceptional dining, Barcelona has you covered. But let’s not forget dynamic nightlife. As the sun sets, locals and visitors head to some of the city’s best loved nightspots, that together make up a diverse and vibrant bar scene. From chic cocktail lounges and craft beer pubs to stunning rooftop terraces, classic taverns and beachfront xiringuitos, there are establishments here to cater for every taste. And even if your hotel is only a short walk away, we recommend thinking ahead about a stress-free journey back after enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation on your night visiting the best bars in Barcelona.

Within easy walking distance of the iconic, tree-lined avenue of La Rambla, the trendy El Born neighbourhood links between the beach and the city centre. By day, its narrow medieval streets draw visitors to cafes, designer boutiques and unmissable cultural highlights including the Picasso Museum. After dark, its clubs, bars and late-night dining spots come alive with pleasure seekers intent on enjoying the city’s nightlife. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to party in Barcelona, don’t set out too early on your night out. The bars typically start to fill up after 11pm, with the majority of venues staying open until the early hours of the morning.

With an exclusive vibe enhanced by its clandestine entrance concealed behind a refrigerator door in a pastrami shop, Paradiso is one of the least secret speakeasies in town. In fact, it’s an award-winning establishment consistently placed among the top five in the World’s 50 Best Bars ranking. Reservations are not taken in advance. Join the virtual queue – accessed via the QR code at the door – before stepping into a dramatic interior complete with elaborate modernist woodwork and low lighting. Once sat at your table, you can relish exquisite and theatrically presented libations from an innovative, seasonal cocktail menu served by friendly bartenders amid a chic and lively crowd. And if you fancy learning how to mix your favourite drinks in addition to imbibing them, cocktail masterclasses are also available.

Location: Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours: Daily 3:30pm-2:30am

A serious contender for Barcelona’s most upbeat and boisterous bar, head to this El Born nightspot if you’re looking to let your hair down in a cool and compact space. Highly popular with visitors to the city, Creps al Born brings the party with a winning combination of stiff drinks, top tunes and attentive service. Spicy margaritas, refreshing mojitos and silky espresso martinis are sure to boost your mood, complemented by frozen sangria cocktails and a full selection of shots and spirits. The sassy and friendly bartenders ensure there’s always a peppy vibe – swinging the pendant lights, banging shakers on the bar, and singing along to the music. And when you’re feeling a bit peckish, there’s an enticing menu of traditional and creative, sweet and savoury crepes to tempt you. Don’t expect a quiet night out!

Location: Passeig del Born, 12, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 7pm-3am; Fri-Sat 6pm-3:30am; Sun 6pm-3am

Spreading out to the east of La Rambla boulevard, the Gothic Quarter makes up the medieval heart of Barcelona’s old town area with narrow alleyways leading to tranquil plaças and historic landmarks such as magnificent, 11th-century Barcelona Cathedral. When darkness descends, the area’s streets and squares transform as buzzing bars, tapas restaurants and clubs host some of the city’s most thriving nightlife.

On a quiet street in the heart of the Barri Gòtic, the long-running Harlem Jazz Club is firmly established as one of the best bars in Barcelona  for live music. From a line-up of local and international acts, performances most nights of the week take in jazz, blues, soul, flamenco and samba in a relaxed and intimate space. Order drinks at the bar to enjoy during the show at a stage-side table. After the gig, stick around for DJ sets that fill the dance floor until the early hours. Bands usually hit the stage at around 10:30pm – check the website for details of the programme.

Location: Carrer de la Comtessa de Sobradiel, 8, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
Opening hours: 8pm-3am when open

In a casual and colourful space with a vaulted brick cellar, Craft Barcelona is one of the best beer bars in the city. Take your pick from a wide array of pilsners, ales, red beers and stouts, before settling in to enjoy a relaxing evening savouring selections both on tap and in bottles. Locals and visitors enjoy the regular live music and stand-up comedy sets, and if hunger pangs kick in, the menu of tapas, burgers and small plates is sure to satisfy.

Location: Carrer del Paradís, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona 
Opening hours: Daily 5:30pm-3am; Sun until 1am

Overlooking Somorrostro Beach and the yachts moored in the Port Olímpic marina, Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is a luxury hotel in an ideal beachside location for your visit to the city. Designer contemporary rooms and suites with sea views are complemented by a gourmet tapas restaurant and two stylish swimming pools, one being the centrepiece of ElCielo Rooftop terrace bar – our favourite destination in the entire city for enjoying the sunset, an ice-cold cocktail in hand.

Location: Avenida del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona
Opening hours: Daily 11am–10pm

Standing on a corner in the heart of the Raval neighbourhood since 1820, Bar Marsella is said to be the oldest in Barcelona. Decidedly timeworn, its tatty wood-panelled and mirrored interior, complete with peeling ceiling paint and cobweb-covered bottles, seemingly adds to the bar’s unique appeal for those looking to step back in time. Bohemian locals and visitors gather around tables under its dusty chandeliers to drink in the history and traditional vermouth, as well as the absinthe for which the bar is renowned – following in the footsteps of former regulars Gaudí, Picasso and Hemingway.

Location: Carrer de Sant Pau, 65, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona 
Opening hours: Sun & Tue-Thu 5pm–12am; Fri-Sat 5pm-1:30am 

Set overlooking the golden sands of Bogatell Beach in the Poblenou neighbourhood, Vai Moana is one of the best beach bars or xiringuitos in Barcelona and a great spot to relax with an ice cold drink as you watch the sun set over the sea. Stretch out on a sunbed or find a table in the Polynesian styled bar, then choose from the drinks selection of classic and signature cocktails – mojitos and frozen margaritas are some of our favourites, as well as perfectly chilled beers. Mediterranean tapas may tempt you from the food menu also offering dishes such as tacos, ceviche and freshly prepared paella.

Location: Avenida del Litoral, s/n, Q2, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
Opening hours: Daily 10am–2am

Occupying a diminutive, white-tiled space in Barcelona’s beachfront Poblenou neighbourhood, Masa Vins is the perfect place for wine enthusiasts. Relaxed enough to feel as if you’re actually in a friend’s kitchenette, arrive early to grab one of the less than a dozen tables before browsing the long wine list. An impressive selection features options available by the glass and the bottle, including some little-known labels. A creative menu of tapas, salads and tasty small plates is also served, and best relished when paired with natural wines recommended by the more than helpful staff.

Location: Carrer de Pallars, 154, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 6pm–12am; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am

Gin is always in vogue in Barcelona, and the perennially popular botanical spirit definitely takes centre stage in the refined and comfortable surroundings of Bobby Gin in the Gràcia neighbourhood. Dozens of bottles line shelves behind the bar where the engaging staff are more than happy to guide you to the ideal gin to suit your own particular taste. Citrus, herbal, floral and spice-infused varieties are mixed in gin and tonics and signature cocktails that are sure to awaken the senses and elevate your spirit – enjoy!

Location: Carrer de Francisco Giner, 47, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 7pm–2am; Fri-Sat 7pm–3am

For an unforgettable and charming bar ambience, make your way to the unique setting of Dr. Stravinsky in El Born. Looking for all the world like a 19th-century pharmacy, its walls are lined with numerous infusing jars and bottles and there is old-school laboratory equipment in abundance. Behind the marble topped bar, friendly mixologists create artisan cocktails using centuries-old techniques from a range of spirits, many of which are distilled in house. Consequently, you can relish drinks with outstanding flavours and freshness – the Camp Nou with syrup of dill, mallow and marigold mixed with gin and lime is exceptional.

Location: Carrer dels Mirallers, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona 
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 6pm-2:30am; Fri-Sun 5:30pm-3am

As you uncover the best bars in Barcelona, you’ll find that this city’s nightlife is as captivating as its art and architecture.