Nightlife in Barcelona

I have been asked multiple times to put together a complete guide to the nightlife scene in Barcelona. 

I have spent thousands of hours going to the best pubs, bars, restaurants and events over my decade-plus in Barcelona (I Know poor me, right).

This is not just another list of the best old man pubs in Barcelona compiled by some keyboard warrior who never went out on a Saturday night in his life. This is a one-stop guide to the Barcelona nightlife scene. This article is written by Adam Brigante, a fifteen-year Barcelona party veteran and founder of the infamous Barcelona Pub Crawl.

I have my finger on the pulse of the Barcelona nightlife scene because that’s my job. I am here today to share that knowledge with you, you lucky little thing!

Barcelona can be hard to navigate because unlike most cities there is no set strip of cool bars. All the good places are dotted around the city in some of the most random places. 

TripAdvisor and other review sites are completely out of sink with this city leaving me shocked with some of their five-star recommendations after being to them.

My complete guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods, food, pubs, bars, madest nightclubs and the most unmissable festivals & tours. After this ten minute read, you will be bestowed with the knowledge that took me over ten years to acquire without all of the headaches of suffering all the shit places along the way. You can thank me after! 

The definitive guide to the nightlife in Barcelona.  Written by someone who has worked in the nightlife industry for over a decade! 

This nightlife in Barcelona guide will cover the best eats, pubs, bars, clubs, & tours.

• Nightlife in Barcelona guide overview
  • Neighbourhoods
    • El Gotico
    • El Born
    • Raval
    • El Poblenou
    • Barceloneta
    • L’Eixample
    • Gracia
    • Port Olímpic
  • Eating
    • La Pachuca
    • La Malandrina
    • Mosquito
    • La Xampanyeria
    • Sensi Tapas
    • Bivo
    • Kiosko Burger
    • NAP
    • Les Quinze Nits
    • La Fianna
    • Citrus
    • Cinc Sentits
    • Picnic
    • Al Atlas
  • Bars
    • Sub Rosa
    • Penny Bangers
    • Ocaña
    • Paradiso
    • Bar Marsella
    • Eclipse
  • Pubs
    • George Payne
    • The Bullman Irish Bar
  • Clubs
    • Opium
    • CDLC
    • Shoko
    • Catwalk
    • Jamboree
    • Otto Zutz Club
  • Tours
    • Pub Crawl Barcelona
    • Boat Party Barcelona
    • Bike Tour Barcelona
    • Walking tour Barcelona

The first part of my guide is a quick overview of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona, which might help you decide where to stay when you visit Barcelona. and what to expect from each neighborhood in case you plan on heading that way! Some neighborhoods offer more in the way of nightlife than others! That being said Barcelona has a great transportation network and its very easy and cheap to get  all over the city!

The beating heart of medieval Barcelona and where you would find the world-famous La Rambla.

Now the gothic quarter can be one of the trickiest places to navigate for anyone looking for decent nightlife spots as it is littered with full-on tourist traps serving expensive beer and lukewarm tapas for extortionist prices, I have heard some horror stories of people paying north of €15 for the pleasure of drinking a beer on one of the La Rambla terraces.

Now the Gothic Quarter is old and a lot of the streets are narrow and windy and it can seem a bit daunting to navigate, just put on your big boy/girl pants and get involved the nightlife in Barcelona is not going to come to you, you must venture to it!

This is a great places stay if you are visiting Barcelona as it is right slap bang in the centre!

Am from the ghetto so from time to time I don’t mind returning to one and El Raval is the ghetto of Barcelona if you don’t scare easy and you roll deep you should make it out alive, I can’t guarantee your wallet or purse will make it out with you but hold on tight and you never know!

If you have watched The Lion King I would compare El Raval to the Elephant graveyard where all the Jackals and Hyenas live waiting to pounce on any unsuspecting prey.

Now besides El Raval being full of human scum that would rob you soon as look at you, it does have a few decent places an armed man might dare to venture on the hunt for some decent nightlife in Barcelona.

The old fishing hub of Barcelona and now one of the busiest places to catch a bite to eat and a few drinks.

I would say that the nightlife in Barceloneta is more orientated for late meals and a few cheeky drinks before you head to another part of town.

The restaurants in this neighbourhood tend to open for daytime service then close until 8 pm before they reopen for the evening service.

Not only do I frequent the best nightlife spots in Barceloneta it is also the neighbourhood that I call home!

Gracia is known for its wide streets and future proof street planning. It is considered one of the safest places to stay while you are in Barcelona and has lots of really nice hotels and hostels. 

I think it is a bit far from the action but if that’s what you like, who am I to judge!

Food glorious food! I love it I cant honestly get enough good food. Inside me is the fattest kid in the world screaming to get out, I just wanna eat all day! Below are my choices for the best food places in Barcelona!

This is hands down the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and I have  been to Mexico! Well so has the owner he was born there and brought all his madres recipes with him on the plane over. 

What to eat?

Everything!!!! I mean it there is nothing on this menu that is not good! I am not a fan of nachos but wow did this place change my mind the nachos here are a different level mountains of goodness surrounded by homemade tortilla chips that are just a different level to anything I have ever eaten before.

The tacos are just gonna leave you wanting more until you eventually pop. Another thing here is the michelada’s they are traditional Mexican beer drinks mixed with chilli, tomato juice and lime they will blow you away and deffo worth a try! 

Just a warning here don’t make plans for later in the evening you will probably be going straight home to bed with one heavy Mexican food coma! 

When to go?

They are open from 2 PM till 2 AM i think the kitchen closes about 10 PM, get there early to avoid the lines this place is popular with anyone in the know in Barcelona for good reason the food is pow! 

Who should go?

No one should go cos I want it all! This place is perfect for small groups I think their biggest table fits max 6. Couples taking up space for six might attract dirty looks by those waiting to dine! People with big groups should look elsewhere as they simply can’t sit your group together here. 

Location

Carrer d’en Carabassa, 19, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

As with most nightlife places in Barcelona, it’s located down a little side street that you might think nothing was down. It is about a 5 min walk from La Rambla if that. 

Amazing meat at affordable prices, vegans are not welcome!

What to order

Have to go for the mixed grill in this place that comes with a few cuts of steak, the most delicious chorizo sausage and some banging black pudding! You get a choice of sides (salad, rice oven potatoes or cream potatoes) with all meals.

When to go

The place is always busy and does not accept bookings so I would suggest going early to beat the crowds!

Who should go

For everyone but like a lot of places in Barcelona, it is small and cannot really fit massive groups! Tables of 8 max!

Location

C/ de Pepe Rubianes, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Right next to the beach and great places to stop by after catching some rays! 

My absolute go-to place with friends when they visit, a blend of Asia meets Europe with this craft beer inspired dim sum dumpling house.

What to order
So many things are good on the menu but I would have to highly recommend the duck, Szechuan beef, mushrooms in butter, all the dumpling varieties and the bamboo (yes bamboo!) also an honourable mention to the belly pork. It is all designed for sharing so go with a crew and try everything.

As well as the food they have the most amazing selection of craft beer with beers from all around the world my favourite being the Lindemans Kriek cherry beer and the Tripel Karmeliet.
When to go  it’s open from 1 PM till midnight every day apart from Monday when they open from 7.30 PM till midnight. Just a little tip here this place gets mad busy around 9 PM. If you are unlucky enough to get there and it’s full you can add your name to the waiting list and go for a stroll around the block its a lovely little part of town.
Who should go
Ideal for groups of friends who like to talk shit and eat good food with great quality beers!

Location
Carrer dels Carders, 46, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Located off the busy Via Laietana you will find one of the best food/beer spots in the city. I love the vibe in this place it is such a cool place to have a bite to eat and a few beers before venturing on to experience some more nightlife in Barcelona! 

Get ready to step back in time! This place has been a Barcelona staple for decades and has not changed much over the years!

What to order

Tapas and sandwiches and some of the best cava in Barcelona! Try everything! I must recommend the rose cava is does the job and the black pudding sandwiches! and all the cold cut selections!

When to go

Daytime lunch spot! it is bad busy! or  later on in the evening

Who should go

Everyone but get ready to be bumping shoulders, it is small and jam-packed!

Location

Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Around the corner from Barceloneta Metro

Great spot for contemporary tapas, a bit of change from the old fried squid rings. Enjoy some romantic nightlife in Barcelona.

What to order

So many options here with an ever-evolving menu taking into consideration the season but definitely a place to have a bottle of wine with your meal they have a great selection of local and international wines to choose from.

When to go

This is a late evening meal place and a reservation would be advised as they are full most nights.

Who should go

This is definitely for the couples, nice meal, nice wine, nice relaxed atmosphere. 

Location

Carrer Ample, 24, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Just up the road from La Rambla, located around loads of cool little bars for a drink while you wait for your table or after your meal. 

This is not the cheapest place on the list but you would be hard-pressed to find a cheap restaurant in a location like this anywhere in the world. It is no means super expensive, you get what you pay for.

It has one of the nicest terraces in the city overlooking the busy street Passeig de Joan de Borbó.

They have a mixed Mediterranean menu serving a range of Italian pasta, thin-crust pizza and also local paella.

What to order

I love the pasta here it is top-notch, I have sampled most of the menu and it honestly is all great! They also have a big wine menu with an impressively stocked cellar. 

My star dish described by a beautiful red-headed waitress on my first trip to Bivio as the “orgasm dessert” is the ferrero rocher mousse, All I can say is the woman sure does know a good orgasm when she has one, absolutely delish. 

When to go

Open midday to midnight daily this place is an ideal evening meal venue with the beach, bars and great clubs just a short walk away.

Who should go

Such a great place for so many people to go, they cater for small and big groups alike.

Location

Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 60, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

One of the biggest restaurants on the main strip heading towards the busiest beach in the city. You might see a lot of tourist traps on this street, this place is not one of them. 

Forget about what you know about good burgers, this is about to knock your favourite burger place of its top spot.

They have been making gourmet burgers here before they were even popular.

What to order

Well with it being a burger place….. They have plenty of burgers to choose from, you can even create your own. I would recommend the classic EL BACOA burger on a brioche bun.

I ain’t the biggest burger fan but I always have time for a burger from this place! The rustic fries are also good amazeballs.

The meat on these burgers almost tastes like your eating a steak a million miles away from anything I have had before.

When to go

It has a well-deserved reputation for being the best burger in Barcelona and it is bust most of the time, all good things come to those who wait in line!

Who should go

All are welcome even the lads on tour get ya burger and either eat inside or on the go!

They are massive like so you will probably wanna find somewhere to sit down instead of getting it everywhere trying to eat it while you walk!

Location

Av. del Marquès de l’Argentera, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Right on the edge of El Born located just over the road from the main city centre train station Estación de Francia this is a perfect place to go on your walk home from the beach before the night starts. 

My favorite pizza place in the whole city! When you get to the front door you will see a the flames from a massive wood burning pizza oven that  does the pizzas here justice! Everything is authentic and the pizza is the best I have ever had! Pizza has to got be the heart and soul of any good night life scene in any city in the world!

What to order

All the pizzas here are fantastic

When to go

Ideal to go before you head out for a few drink!

Who should go

They have seating for mid to large size groups

Location

Carrer del Baluard, 69, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Located right next to Barceloneta beach!

A classic in the Barcelona restaurant scene though this place might look expensive from the outside it is one of the best value places in Barcelona.

What to order

This menu is extensive and has something for everyone but I have got to say you need to choose their chorizo patatas bravas as a starter and the shoulder of Lamb as a main is my absolute favourite!

This is another place where it’s straight home to bed after.

They also do jugs of wine and sangria which are worth a try and so cheap!

When to go

This place is always open and they do a special menu del dia on the weekdays in the afternoon I think it’s 10 euros for a three-course meal and a glass of wine!
I do prefer to come in the evenings whenever friends or family come to visit me.

Who should go

Ideal for everyone, they have big tables inside and tables of 4 on the terrace so any group size can be provided for.

Location

Plaça Reial, 6, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Located in Plaça Reial, I swear you could just spend the whole night in this Plaça and never need to go anywhere else. 

You will spot Les Quinze Nits easily as it will be the place with the line leading right into the middle of Plaça Reial, do not let this put you off as it moves quickly and is definitely worth the wait, I have never waited more than 10 mins and I have been here loads of times over the years. You cannot make a reservation. 

You might look at the terrace of white linen and nicely laid out tables and think it’s above your budget you would be so wrong.

Ideal for a romantic meal and a bottle of wine with that special someone.

What to order

The duck magret and the beef fillet mignon are my top choices here both cooked to perfection. The menu is extensive and there really is something for everyone. Great wines and cocktails also.

When to go

Ideal for a late evening meal after aromatic stroll threw El Borne. It can like most good places get busy on the weekends so booking in advance would be advised.

Who should go

This place is for all the lovers out there but would be also nice for a group of girls who fancy a classy meal on one of their nights out in Barcelona.

Location

Carrer de Manresa, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Located a stone’s throw away from Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar this romantic dinner venue is ideal for couples. 

I love this restaurant and have been coming here for years thought it is quite pricey the food is great! The place screams class and is a really nice treat. I always bring either one person or small groups of friends here to enjoy a nice meal and an even nicer bottle of wine! Try to grab a window seat!

What to order

My favorite thing here is the duck with pistachio crust and this asparagus with goats cheese. I always order lots of smaller things. Everything is so good.

When to go

This is a really nice evening spot, you can take a nice walk to a local bar after. 

Who should go

Ideal for small groups or couples

Location

Pg. de Gràcia, 44, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Located on the second floor of a Passeige de Gracia building! try grab a window seat! (I think i said that already)

I took my farther here for his 60th birthday and it was more than just a meal it was an entire experience. Now boy is it expensive i think the meal came to over 250 euros for two people, we opted for the wine paring with each of the seven courses (as you do) and I cannot fault it. We left full and satisfied and took in a few cocktails at a bar not to far away.

What to order

It is a set menu that changes with the seasons

When to go

it is a must book in advance type of place, very limited seating and only one turnover a night.

Who should go

small groups / couples for very special occasions

Location

C/ d’Entença, 60, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Located up in Eixample easy to find and has lots of nice bars walking distance.

This little unknown Moroccan sandwich shop in Barcelona is, in my opinion, the best everyone raves on about another place called Bo de B, it didn’t even make it on my guide.

What to order

The sandwiches here are massive they are packed with whatever ingredients you want (chicken, beef or tuna) and then topped with french fries. Believe me, they are huge and only €2.50

When to go

It’s open all day from midday till 2 AM, be aware during Ramadan they are only open in the evening. Perfect place to go post-bar or pre-club!

Who should go

All welcome! not for romantics nights!

Location

Rambla del Raval, 30, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

On the main street and probably the only safe one in El Raval, this hole in the wall has limited seating and is usually full. Take to go and sit out on Rambla Del Raval or the park around the corner.

As I said I am not going to bombard you with choices am gonna keep it plain and simple here are three bars I would recommend for the best night in Barcelona.

Not everyone is gonna agree but these are places I go to regular and have a good night.

A trendy little Cocktail bar that will have you wanting more and more until you hit the floor!

What to order

They serve the most banging frozen daiquiris in a whole bunch of flavours, they are honestly the easiest thing to drink and if you’re feeling a bit delicate from the night before will sort that hangover right out.

When to go

I would say this is definitely a pre-gamer before the club type of place or for a few cheeky cocktails after an evening meal or even before it!

Who should go

Ideal for small groups of friends or couples. No lads on tour allowed! 

Location

Carrer d’en Rauric, 23, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

This little gem is located down a piss stinking alley (like most good places in Barcelona).

Just off Carrer Ferran don’t let the alley or the smell of it put you off, take a deep breath and hold it till you get inside.

It is what some people would label as cosey when they mean a very small little place it probably has a license for 20 people but squeezes in 50 odd.

I love the style of this place with its dark gothic twist on shabby chic.

The staff are all super friendly and seem to be having a little party themselves!

The vibe and energy of this place make it one of the best places for nightlife in Barcelona. 

I actually use to live right over the road from this place and we knew the head bartender there pretty well and on the weekends he would send us over frozen daiquiris when we were lying hungover in bed!

What to order

Boasting the best Guinness in town the Irish and Mancunian owners really do take pride in, making sure several glasses are tasted daily (poor them) to ensure the quality of the product! They also have a great cocktail menu and if you feeling a bit peckish, fresh quick bites and snacks are made daily.

When to go

This bar is a great idea for after an evening meal with friends or family. I have spent many a night sitting here from 8 PM till they closed at 2 in the morning.

Who should go

A great place for everyone and all types of groups even if you’re by yourself you will be sure to find someone to have a chat with sitting at the bar!

Location

Carrer Ample, 35, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Penny Bangers is located on Carrer Ample just off Las Ramblas but it feels a million miles away from all that hustle and bustle. 

This is their second bar venture the first being a bar named 32 that was just over the road. 

This place is a staple for the ex-pat community in Barcelona that want something different than your ordinary run of the mill Irish Pub. 

The interior is quite large for a Gotico bar and has a few different seating areas large enough for a group of friends that you can snag if you get there handy enough. 

The walls are covered in bespoke artwork put together by the owners and the whole place feels like you’re stepping into someone’s home filled with bits and pieces of mismatched furniture that somehow all fits together nicely. 

What to order

They have a wide selection of just about everything, to me, nothing really stands out, you are here for the location more than anything so grab a Caña and chill out and watch the nightlife unfold.

When to go

This place is open all day and all night till about 2 AM. It is deffo a good place for a drink before the club as it is located right next to Jamboree one of my favourite clubs that I will be talking about later in my guide of the nightlife in Barcelona.

Who should go

It is huge so this is one for big groups of friends out celebrating that cannot be accommodated by the usually small bars of Barcelona!

Location

Plaça Reial, 13-15, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

A huge place in one of the best locations in Barcelona right in Plaça Reial, with a massive terrace that you might be lucky enough to sit on if you can get there early enough. Nothing better than sitting on this terrace watching the madness of Barcelona unfold. 

What to order

You are spoilt for choice for top cocktails in this bar including all the usual classics and a list of contemporary creations of their own. Everything is made with premium spirits and ingredients.

When to go

Evening place that’s always busy, get ready to wait in line but I can tell you from experience the wait is most definitely worth it.

Who should go

This place due to its small size is ideal for small groups of friends or couples.

Location

Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

You would be forgiven for thinking you were waiting in line for a New York style deli, but when the larder door open in the back of this deli you are transported to one of the top modern gastronomic cocktail bars in the city.

Walking through the doors of Bar Marsella, you would think you have stepped back in time, it is said to be Barcelona’s first bar and counts Picasso, Dali and Hemingway as former patrons.

What to order

They are famed here for their absinthe and it is the original absinthe bar of Barcelona.

When to go

They open from 11 AM – 1 AM daily here. This is a nice place to go for a digestif and a chat with friends after a heavy meal.

Who should go

Great for groups of friends as there is plenty of seats and tables in varying formations.

Location

Location

Carrer de Sant Pau, 65, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Just around the corner from Rambla de Raval on one of the main streets that connect Raval with La Rambla. The place looks old and its interior design has not been touched in over 100 years.

Located on the 26th floor of the iconic W hotel, it boasts an impressive view of the coastline of Barcelona and some very nice cocktails. Yeah, it is expensive but you only live once!

What to order

Not going to lie, it is expensive but it is nice to splash out every now and then! I love the cocktails here.

When to go

Opens at 6 PM till late, this place gets very busy around 9 PM so I would suggest getting there early to beat the crowd.

Who should go

Great for couples and small groups of friends, they do have some biggest seating areas but they can be hard to snag.

Location

The W Hotel (26 floor) Moll Oriental, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Do it for the gram! You cannot beat this location for a great photo opportunity while in Barcelona the building sure is some impressive architecture and the view from the bar itself is just wow!

We all need a pub in our life, whether it’s for that early morning fry up, the weekend roast or an unmissable sporting events pubs have their place here in Barcelona.

I have a few of the best pubs in the Barcelona nightlife scene that will sort you out!

There are so many great night clubs in Barcelona to suit all tastes! Below are a few of my favorites and some of the best on the Barcelona nightlife scene!

This has to be the main attraction when it comes to clubs in Barcelona, with world-famous international DJ’s playing regular, this beachside super club is the place to be seen on the weekend.

What to order

Beers and mixed drinks, they are about 8 – 15 euros each

When to go

It’s open all day as a restaraunt and the club starts to get busy around midnight!

Who should go

Anyone who loves to dance the night away

Location

Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Right on the beach!

A great beach club that is a little bit more upscale than the rest.

What to order

Whatever you fancy, this place has great beds you can sit at if you get a bottle, ideal for groups of friends.

When to go

Another beach club that is open all day for food and gets pumping around midnight!

Who should go

For the older crowd 30+ they are are stricter here on who they let in! No kids or students!

Location

Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Right on the beach!

This is one of my favourite beach clubs in Barcelona

What to order

Whatever you can offord! The clubs in Barcelona are not cheap!

When to go

Late till late!

Who should go

A younger fun crowd!

Location

Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 36, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

On the beach you cannot miss it!

Great club with a rooftop that loops out to sea!

What to order

It’s a club good luck getting to the bar!

When to go

Late till late!

Who should go

Everyone who loves to dance!

Location

Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, 2-4, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Right next to the Casino!

What to order

It is a club in Barcelona it ain’t mad expensive but don’t be thinking you’re back home in Wetherspoons. It ain’t cheap here but it is probably one of the cheapest clubs in Barcelona

When to go

This club is only small so it always feels quite busy giving it a great atmosphere most nights of the week the weekends are especially busy maybe a bit too bust but that’s club life baby!

Who should go

Great for everyone but the doorman like most don’t like lads on tour (me either) so stay away! No turds are allowed.

Location

Plaça Reial, 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Sick location right in the centre of Barcelona

COMING SOON