Barcelona is an energetic city both by day and by night. Nightlife starts late with most Catalans sitting down for dinner at 21.00 or 22.00 and the revelry continues until the early hours of the morning. You might begin to appreciate the concept of ‘siesta’ when you stay here even if just for the weekend. The energy of Barcelona is contagious, and most of the best bars in Barcelona stay open until 1.00 or 3.00 and clubs keep people dancing until dawn
Top 10 Best Bars in Barcelona
Guests often ask us for bar recommendations and boy, have we had discussions about which bar should make it onto that list! Recommending a good bar is a tricky business as there are simply so many bars that warrant a mention, but here are our top 10 best bars in Barcelona.
Our top 10 Bars in Barcelona doesn’t include hotel lobby bars of which there are many good ones in Barcelona including the Mandarin Hotel, the Lounge at the W and the Hotel Arts Lobby.
So, and in no particular order, here are the top 10 best bars in Barcelona!
Sips
Voted the best cocktail bar in the world in 2023, Sips was created by industry titans Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez. Its pastel pink and green decor makes this the perfect early evening spot as fading daylight changes the vibe and turns the bar dark and sultry. Pioneering techniques and wondrous creations make for head turning elixirs and an unforgettable experience. Watch out for the Primordial – a blend of 12-year-old Scotch, Ruby Port and pera nashi served in clasped hands…
Location: Carrer de Muntaner 108, Barcelona
Opening Hours: Tues – Sat: 18.30 – 02.00, Sun/Mon: Closed
Boadas
Almost everyone will walk along las Ramblas as some point during a visit to Barcelona, so if you find yourself there at the end of the day, pop over to Carrer Tallers 1 and kick off your evening. Boadas is the cocktail bar where even the ‘camareros’ dress up in tuxedos for the occasion of serving you your favourite cocktail. This bar is popular with locals and has been since it first opened in 1933. It is steeped in history and retains much of its old-world charm. Boadas has considerable style so you may want to dress up for the occasion. This is not a big place, and securing a stool at the bar is a win to watch the mixologists in action.
Location: Carrer Tallers 1, Barcelona
Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs 12.00 – 2.00, Fri & Sat 12.00 – 3.00, Closed Sun
Old Fashioned
Old fashioned is a lot of fun if only because of how it serves up its drinks! This is drinking speakeasy style. Work attire for the staff is classic, and no other bar in Barcelona quite hits the mark in terms of imaginative drink presentation. The menu has all the classics you would expect, such as Mojitos and Manhattans; some served up in extraordinarily unique glasses. The barmen create their own mixes too – so if you want to veer off the classic track, you can try a Japan Democracy or Femme Fatal. Great atmosphere, excellent service and well worth the trip out to Gracia.
Location: Calle Santa Teresa nº 1, Gràcia, Barcelona,
Opening Hours: Mon: 17.00 – 2.00, Tue: 12.00 – 2.00, Wed- Thu: 12.00 – 2.00, Fri & Sun: 12.00 – 3.00, Sat: 17.00 – 3.00
Tandem
This bar is brave enough to take on the challenge of serving drinks to match each customer’s taste. With no standard menu available, you have no choice but to get into the details with your bartender. A very intimate environment, although initially it might seem a little austere. Staff are very well trained and know their drinks. A great place to kick back and chill out. Start your evening quiet, relaxed and away from the madding crowd. We like it because the drinks are always a surprise and hit the spot perfectly.
Location: Aribau 86, Barcelona
Opening Hours: 12.30 – 2.00
Biercab
A list of bars would not be complete without at least one craft beer bar. Barcelona has a fantastic reputation for craft beer and this particular bar has made it on to the Top 50 Craft Beer Bars in the World. The culture of craft beer started in Barcelona many years ago just after the Olympics and is still going strong today.
We have selected Birecab mainly for the variety of beers available, it has 30 rotating taps and has a wide variety of bottled beer. The staff are very involved and love to talk about the work they do to develop & store these beers so you will even get a lesson while you gulp.
Location: Carrer Muntaner 55, Barcelona
Opening Times: Everyday: 12.00 – 00.00
The Pulitzer Rooftop Terrace
Sitting back and sipping a refreshing drink on a roof terrace after a busy day in the city is the ultimate in sophistication. There are a wide variety of roof terraces in Barcelona, and we especially like this terrace because of the party atmosphere, the view and because of its music programme – every Thursday, Friday and Saturday it has something new and live. We also like that things kick off early here at 18.00 and so you don’t have to have a late-night to have a great night!
Location: Hotel Pulitzer, Barcelona
Opening Times: 18.00 – 00.00
Les Gens Que J’aime
Truly a unique spot in the heart of Barcelona. This is for romantics and lovers. The words intimate, quirky and quaint will come to mind when you descend the stairs into the sepulchural main bar. The music tends towards blues and soulful but always upbeat and not sentimental.
Like all special things, it’s not easy to find, so make sure to look for the street number. The service is professional and friendly, and there is a full bar of beers, spirits and cocktails. For something a little different, the house speciality is the the resident Tarot Card Reader. What are you waiting for? Find your future at Les Gens Que J’aime!
Location: Carrer Valencia 286, Barcelona
Opening Times: Sun – Thurs: 18.00 – 2.30, Fri/Sat: 19.00 – 3.00
Xixbar & Gin Corner
Everywhere serves gin & tonic these days! The Dutch are responsible for the gin, the British for the tonic, but without a doubt, the Spanish have made it the drink it is today. Xixbar & Gin Corner has the largest variety of gins in Barcelona and probably the largest anywhere.
Not only does it make the best, truly THE BEST G&T in Barcelona it perfects so many different cocktails that this place should really come with a health warning. We love it, though. It’s small in size but massive in reputation and quality. One of our favourite tapas restaurants; Lolita Taperia, is just across the road so you could make a whole night of it at Xixbar & Gin Corner! Go – you will not regret it… until the morning
Location: Carrer Rocafort, 19, Barcelona
Opening Times: 18.00 – 02.30
Dux Bar
Tucked away in the heart of the el Born district, Dux boasts low lighting, groovy decor, low vaulted ceilings and its very special USP – home infused gin. Botanicals and infusions include orange, nutmeg, cardamom and even wasabi! Step inside for a G&T like no other. Surely a rival for Xixbar, this recent arrival on the Barcelona bar scene is already wowing locals and tourists alike. Get there early, the Dux Bar is always busy and they don’t take bookings!
Location: Carrer dels Vigatans, 13, Barcelona
Opening Times: 19.00 – 02.30
Paradiso
Garlanded with awards since its opening in 2015, Paradiso hides, speakeasy style, behind a re-purposed fridge door in a humble sandwich shop. Step inside though and a world of sophistication and luxury awaits. Started by Tuscan, Giacomo Giannotti, Paradiso is currently (on some lists) the No 1 bar in the whole wide world and its unique tropical interior will transport you, in concert with it’s highly professional team of bartenders, to a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Barcelona. Paradiso host a variety of special events and you may be tempted by the likes of ‘The Macallan Experience’, a scotch whisky themed 90 minutes featuring 6 cocktails and 6 dishes…
Location: Carrer Rera Palau, 4, Barcelona
Opening Times: 15.00 – 02.00
