Barcelona : bars
The land of dive bars, speakeasies and rooftop bars, our list of the best bars in Barcelona spans style, neighbourhood, vibe and specialty, so no matter where you are in the city, we’ve got you covered. If the Spanish know one thing, they know how to pour a drink - usually served in fish bowl glasses, you’ll never be short on spritz.
Libertine Bar at Casa Bonay
This dimly lit, dark and mysterious bar oozes of late night New York vibes. Libertine is definitely a place for people in the know, so it’s rarely overcrowded. Spend hours chilling and chatting with friends, sip on cocktails and enjoy the music later on into the evening, where it gets livelier as the night unfolds. We ended up at an after party on the next road - we’ll save that for another day.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
In the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample neighbourhood, Sips is high end but is also a place where you want to hang out. The vibe is upbeat and lively but thanks to a strict all-seating policy it never gets too chaotic. Here, there are no theatrics, with a focus solely on the cocktails - they let the drinks do the talking. Apparently this is currently the best bar in the world, we tested this theory and whist we’re not sure that’s true, it is definitely a really cool experience.
carr. de Muntaner, 108, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
A stand out bar in Eixample with an old-world, colonial feel – think stag heads, Persian carpets and vintage photographs lining the walls – this place definitely attracts some of the city’s ‘cooler’ crowd (including us of course). In summer, head to the terrace, and don’t miss an opportunity to visit the bathroom (yes the bathroom), where guests will find a DJ booth, photo booth, a wall of mirrors and a bar.
Passatge de la Concepció, 12, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
A small speakeasy vibe deep in the Gothic Quarter that looks like what could be a small supermarket - if you know us by now, you know we love this kind of vibe. It's a mixed crowd of locals and tourists, who are sociable and fun and they stream music 24/7 so great vibes are guaranteed. It’s one of those crazy places amidst the jungle of the Gothic Quarter that provides somewhere to unwind and just dance to the music.
Carrer Ample, 32, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Punch Room at the Edition Hotel is a cool speakeasy-like hotel cocktail bar and restaurant. We are always obsessed the interiors at The Edition Hotels (we’ve been to a fair few) and the dark wood interiors, green velvet sofas (so chic), gold framed artwork and dim lighting did not disappoint. The DJ usually plays low key cool house music in here for chilled vibes so head to the roof for a more upbeat atmosphere if that’s what you’re looking for.
Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Two Smucks
This five-star dive bar is a slick cocktail den in El Raval. A very loose and unserious environment that's great place to start the night. Usually you’ll find a cool young crowd, in this very casual place that's perfect for a low-key quiet drink during the week. On weekends, the crowd flows out into the streets, cocktails in hand.
C/ de Joaquín Costa, 52, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Hidden behind a fridge door inside a pastrami shop in the trendy El Born neighbourhood, this is Barcelona’s answer to the modern-day speakeasy. It seems the whole world has heard of this bar so it always has queues down the street. This is the El Born district, so everyone is also dressed up and ready to party but their strict door policy means the bar never gets too packed - win. Inside find modern mixology and small bites but we didn’t go to eat, we went to disco. Oh, and inside there’s a speakeasy within the speakeasy - seriously cool.
Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Another cool romantic speakeasy and modernist bar right in the heart of Eixample, which is basically a Parisian style bohemian cave. A cosy, dimly lit centric space with unique decor that feels like going back in time. Complete with velvet armchairs, dark frames and paintings, this is a dark and secluded spot that is ideal to have a relaxed drink or a rendezvous that lingers until the early hours.
C/ de València, 286, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
A sun-drenched hang out in the cool art district of Poblenou. Opening all day, grab a Gin and Tonic the size of your head from the bar and hang out pool side all evening, enjoying the pink hued sunsets whilst the DJ plays cool music into the night. The 360° panoramic views from up here at stunning.
Av. Diagonal, 205, Sant Martí, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
A type of alchemist's den full of fun and surprises. Inside you’ll find distorted mirrors and backlit shelves lined with jars with herbs inside - its giving cool but creepy ancient herbalist vibes.
C/ dels Mirallers, 5, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
This El Born party spot is apparently a favourite amongst the beautiful people of Barcelona. Here you’ll find Latin spirits and cool upbeat groovy vibes to dance to but it's not nearly as crazy as their sister bar Creps al Born. When it's open, the downstairs room is where the party gets down. Come here to dance the night away.
Pg. del Born, 13, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Dry Martini is Barcelona's cocktail bar that has become an icon throughout the cocktail world. It opened over 30 years ago and still maintains the true essence of Barcelona. Inside find little nooks to hide away in and low-slung leather banquettes and armchairs that make it a cosy and inviting place to linger for a few hours. We found it was an older crowd of regulars, tourists who’ve heard about the hype, and Martini lovers of course - their Dry Martini is apparently considered amongst the best in the city but we’re Espresso Martini kind of girls, which also hit just as good.
Carrer d'Aribau, 162, 166, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain