Our best ever guide to the bars and Nightclubs you really must visit when you visit Barcelona. If you ever wondered where you can meet other English speaking tourists in Barcelona, check out this post.
I must confess that I have overindulged a bit when partying in Barcelona. The city has that fantastic vibe about it that just makes you want to go a little wild. When it comes to a night on the town, Barcelona will have you covered. Start off in a small tapas bar, enjoy live music at a traditional Irish bar and then head to the nightclubs until the early hours. In this post, I am going to share with you some of my favorite places in Barcelona for a great night out. We will be looking at the best bars and nightclubs for tourist in Barcelona. This guide will focus on bars and nightclubs where you can mingle with fellow tourists that will speak your language. So let’s start with the Irish bars first.
The best Irish Bars in Barcelona
For those looking for a taste of home, or just a friendly atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with an Irish bar. Barcelona has plenty of them, and they’re usually packed with people watching sports, playing trivia, or listening to live music. Also, you will be able to enjoy a pint of Ireland’s best export, Guinness. Here is my pick of some of the best Irish bars in Barcelona for tourists:
- Flaherty’s Irish Bar: This is one of the most famous Irish bars in Barcelona, located right next to La Rambla. It has a large terrace, a spacious interior, and a great selection of beers and food. You can watch all the major sports events on the big screens, or join the pub quiz or bingo nights. Flaherty’s Irish Bar is located in the Gothic Quarter and a great place to meet up with other tourists.
- The George Payne: This is another popular Irish bar, located near Plaça Urquinaona. It has a modern and stylish decor, and a huge bar with 22 taps of beer and cider. You can also enjoy cocktails, shots, and Irish coffee. The George Payne has a stage for live music and comedy, and a basement with pool tables and dart boards. The George Payne is in the Eixample district.
- The Wild Rover: This is a cozy and authentic Irish pub, located near the beach. It has a wooden interior, a fireplace, and a friendly staff. You can choose from a variety of beers, whiskeys, and gins, or try the homemade sangria. The Wild Rover has live music every night, and a happy hour from 5 to 8 pm. The Wild Rover is in the Barceloneta neighborhood, just outside the main city centre.
It might seem odd visiting an Irish bar in the heart of Catalonia’s cultural capital. However, they really are some of the best bars to meet and mingle with other tourists visiting Barcelona. Most will have live music, all will have a great friendly vibe. The one thing I notice about Irish bars is that, for some strange reason, everyone seems to end up more drunk compared to other bars in the city. Anyway, the above bars, a great first stop to get you in the mood for a great night out in Barcelona.
International Bars in Barcelona
If you’re looking for a more diverse and cosmopolitan vibe, you can check out some of the international bars in Barcelona. These are bars that cater to different cultures and tastes, and offer a wide range of drinks and food. Here are some of the best international bars in Barcelona for tourists:
- Belushi’s: This is a lively and fun bar, located near Plaça Catalunya. It’s part of a hostel, so you’ll find a lot of backpackers and travelers here. You can enjoy burgers, nachos, wings, and other snacks, along with beers, cocktails, and shots. Belushi’s has a big screen for sports, a pool table, and a stage for live music and karaoke. A great place to meet fellow tourists and the bar has a very american vibe to it. Belushi’s is at the start of the Eixample district, 5 minutes from the top of La Rambla.
- Chupitos: A unique and original bar, located near the port. It specializes in shots, and has over 500 different kinds to choose from. You can find anything from classics like tequila and vodka, to exotic and crazy concoctions like fire, absinthe, and chocolate. Some of the shots come with props, costumes, or challenges, so be prepared for a wild night. Chupitos is in the Gothic Quarter.
- Marmalade: This is a chic and elegant bar, located near the Raval. It has a retro and glamorous decor, with velvet sofas, chandeliers, and mirrors. You can sip on cocktails, wines, and spirits, or try the tapas, burgers, and salads. Marmalade has a pool table, a library, and a DJ booth, and hosts events like burlesque shows, swing nights, and art exhibitions. Marmalade can be found in the Raval neighborhood.
Recommended Cocktail Bars in Barcelona
Those seeking a more sophisticated and refined experience, you can visit some of the cocktail bars in Barcelona. These are bars that offer high-quality and creative drinks, made by expert bartenders. You can find classic and modern cocktails, as well as signature creations, using fresh and local ingredients. Here are some of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona for tourists:
- Paradiso: This is a hidden and secret bar, located behind a fridge door in a pastrami shop. It’s one of the best bars in the world, according to the World’s 50 Best Bars list. It has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, and a stunning decor, with wood, leather, and plants. Taste sime amazing cocktails, served in original and surprising ways, like in a beeswax pear, a treasure chest, or a smoking pipe. Paradiso is in the Born area.
- Dr. Stravinsky: A quirky and innovative bar, located in a former candy shop. It has a laboratory theme, with flasks, beakers, and distillers. Enjoy watching the bartenders make your drinks, using homemade and organic products, like herbs, fruits, and spices. You can find cocktails inspired by chemistry, alchemy, and art, like the Nitro Daiquiri, the Philosopher’s Stone, or the Mona Lisa. Dr. Stravinsky is also in the Born area.
- Dry Martini: A more classic and elegant bar, located near Passeig de Gràcia. It’s one of the most iconic and historic bars in Barcelona, dating back to 1978. It has a British and gentlemanly style, with leather armchairs, paintings, and books. Enjoy the best martinis in town, as well as other cocktails, wines, and spirits. Dry Martini has a counter that keeps track of the number of martinis served, which is over a million by now. Dry Martini is in the Eixample district.
Other Bars and Nightlife in Barcelona
Any visitor to Barcelona that is looking for something different and alternative, you can explore some of the other bars and nightlife options in Barcelona. These are bars that have a special charm, a unique concept, or a hidden location. You can find bars with terraces, live music, art, games, and more. Here is a selectionof some of the best bars and nightlife in Barcelona for tourists:
- Antic Teatre: This is a more cultural and artistic bar, located in an old theater. It has a beautiful and bohemian terrace, under a canopy of trees. Enjoy beers, wines, and vermouths, or try the homemade lemonade. Antic Teatre has a stage for theater, dance, and music performances, and a gallery for exhibitions and workshops. Antic Teatre is in the Gothic Quarter.
- Bar Marsella: A legendary and historic bar, located in the Raval. It’s the oldest bar in Barcelona, founded in 1820. It has a decadent and mysterious decor, with dusty bottles, mirrors, and paintings. You can drink absinthe, the green fairy, which was popular among artists and writers like Picasso, Hemingway, and Dalí. Bar Marsella has a piano, a jukebox, and a cabaret, and hosts events like poetry readings, concerts, and parties. Bar Marsella is in the Raval neighborhood.
- Bunkers del Carmel: This is not a bar, but a viewpoint, located on top of a hill. It’s one of the best places to see the sunset and the night skyline of Barcelona. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the sea. Bunkers del Carmel is a former anti-aircraft battery, built during the Spanish Civil War. It’s now a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially on weekends. Bunkers del Carmel is in the Carmel neighborhood.
Barcelona’s best Nightclubs to visit
After Trying the above bars, you might be ready to sample some of the best nightclubs in Barcelona. The city’s nightclubs offers the best high-quality sound systems, amazing light shows, and world-class DJs. You can find nightclubs for different music genres, from electronic to hip-hop to reggaeton. Here is my pick of the best nightclubs in Barcelona for tourists:
- Razzmatazz: This is one of the biggest and most famous nightclubs in Barcelona, spread over five rooms and playing a variety of music from rock to techno. You can find different vibes and atmospheres in each room, and enjoy live concerts, festivals, and parties. Razzmatazz is in the Poblenou area.
- Opium: A popular beachfront club that attracts locals and tourists alike. Opium has a great atmosphere and plays a mix of electronic, commercial, and R&B music. You can also enjoy the terrace, the restaurant, and the VIP area. Opium is in the Port Olimpic area, just down from the end of La Rambla.
- Pacha: This is part of a global chain of nightclubs, known for its luxurious atmosphere, beautiful people, and top-notch DJs. Pacha plays a mix of electronic and commercial music, and hosts themed nights and events. Pacha is in the Port Olimpic area.
- Sala Apolo: This is an iconic club located in an old theatre and has a unique atmosphere. Sala Apolo plays everything from indie to reggae to electronic music, and hosts concerts, festivals, and parties. Sala Apolo is located in the Poble Sec area.
- La Terrrazza: This is an open-air club located in the beautiful gardens of Poble Espanyol. La Terrrazza has a unique atmosphere and plays a mix of electronic and underground music.
Conclusion
This is my personal pick of the best bars and nightlife for tourists in Barcelona. You really won’t go wrong with the above bars and clubs. It will also give you a chance to meet other tourists visiting Barcelona and meet new friends. Most of the bars in this post will have English-speaking tourists, so you should be able to communicate with other people that are also enjoying a night out.
As with all cities, you need to be careful when walking home, especially if you plan to consume alcohol. My advice is to keep to busy roads, well lit areas, and don’t take valuables that you don’t need. Furthermore, don’t let anyone approach you, there are many pick pockets that use all types of tactics on people that look like they are a bit drunk. So, we hope you have a great time in Barcelona and enjoy the city’s fantastic nightlife.
