There are few occasions when we go out at night in Barcelona and do not find a place to have a few drinks. Barcelona breathes the Spanish guitar, but also and perhaps above all, it is an artistic and bohemian city with many good bars to discover. Here we have listed some favorites.
Most of the bars will close at 3 am but if you would like to carry on you can check out our post on nightclubs in Barcelona.
Hidden between a café and its neon light signs. Any person who passes in front of this bar would pass by. However, in doing so, you will miss one of the most mythical bars in Barcelona. If you have never been to a jazz bar in New York, than this could be the best representation of how to imagine them: waiters with bow ties, red velvet, a group of musicians who have already seen their best years (do not be fooled) and some of the best cocktails you’ve drunk in your life. A classic that we hope will last for many more years! What drink to ask for, what the master mixologist recommends.
Ronda Universitat, 35, Barcelona
Located in the CENTER area
London Bar is actually a pub, but a pub that has been open since 1910 and where people like Dalí, Picasso and Hemingway regularly came. The decor is kept the same which gives a nostalgic kind of glamor of the old days. It is also used as a meeting place, with live music on stage in the back of the bar.
Located in the Raval area close to Las ramblas
An incredible, classic and pretentious bar with great cocktails but very expensive. The kind of bar that is visited by the rich and famous among us. Huge wine cellar, good selection of cigars, definitely the place to go if someone else is paying!
El Cangrejo (Raval)
Here the drinks are not served with the best tequila nor the best rum and nor are they served by any waiter with a bow tie. The only time the waiters of the Cangrejo were wearing a bow tie was at carnivals and it was practically the only thing they wore. A space where people let themselves be carried away on good vibes. Here you can find your boss dancing to the rhythm of Britney Spears and no one will say anything the following Monday. Rafaela Carral, Camilo Sesto, Queen and Carmen de Mairena participate in some of the drags shows that are presented in this bar if you arrive before midnight.
Montserrat, 9, Barcelona, 08001
Ciutat Vella (Raval) close to the Ramblas
Probably one of the better Irish pubs in Barcelona. There is always a nice vibe of young people having fun. Really great night guaranteed especially when people start singing Karaoke. Lots of students and many different nationalities but nice too for the older ones among us. You can also come here for good food (burgers etc …)
Plaza Urquinaona, 5, 08010 Barcelona
Close to Plaza Cataluña
Few hotel bars in the world like the Palace. Before entering, the scenery is something like you only see in movies. If he wanted to take his tuxedo out of the closet, or she, the very elegant heels, then this could be the place to show. It is the most elegant spot in town, without a doubt. The bar of the Majestic, with its regular customers every afternoon is a magical place . The best thing about this bar is not the soft sofa nor its rugs or the environment that embrace you but the Jazz music. Joan Valls, the hotel manager, is a huge jazz fan, talking to him about music is a gift that hotel guests take home in memory. Some days of the week, there is live music at the bar. Valls the hotel manager plays in the orchestra. Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 2:00.
Average price: 12 euros a cocktail.
Before Julio Iglesias had grey hair this bar was opened already to serve amazing gin & tónics. It does not have the charm of the high zone and there are things in the decoration that are not fully understood and yes, the guys at the bar could be a little kinder. However, here are gins with homemade essences that can not be tried anywhere else in Barcelona. They are entirely devoted to this drink and that said gin tónic lovers, appreciate it. They also have a store for those who are really very “addicted”. Average price per cocktail 12€ Open from 18.30 till 2.30
Close to Sala Apolo , Poble Sec / Raval
Bar Marsella
Another classic. This place is well known for the absinthe they serve. Does it mean that the service is very good aswell , no not really but they serve the absinthe perfectly. Two absences of Marsella and the night can take you where you never imagined going. There are people who remember very fun nights after going to Marsella and there are people who do not remember anything at all after been at the Marsella bar. In one night there is a before and an after bar Marsella. Hours: from 21 to 3 h.
Close to Las Ramblas , Raval area
El copetin
Another classic. Cuban, Colombian, Dominican music and all the other Latin rhythms with flavor. The popular drink here is the mojito. It is not known what the secret ingredient is but they are very good and after two there is no one who remains seated. Here you come to dance and have fun. There have been seen people with two bricks as feet dance like Shakira. Fun night guaranteed.
Passeig del Born, 19, 08003 Barcelona
Gothic area
Such sincerity, in Barcelona, is to be applauded. Here you can go to have an aperitif before dinner or take the digestive after dinner. The tables in the back are perfect for a bit of romance. There are always interesting people in this place.
