The best sky bars in Barcelona

Pub crawl Barcelona best sky bars in Barcelona

Hotel 1898 – Terraza La Isabela

Positioned in the heart of the city and named for the Philippine island of La Isabela, this terrace offers a 360° view of Las Ramblas and the Gothic District. Undoubtedly it is one of the more expensive rooftop restaurants/bars in the city, however the setting is simply luxurious and surprisingly tranquil considering how centrally located the terrace is.

The acclaimed chef Carles Boronat is behind the simple, yet traditional menu that proves to be a perfect introduction to classic Catalan dishes. Large spaces between tables gives you a sense of privacy that isn’t often found in crowded terraces and the comfortable lounge chairs and beds are perfect for relaxing with good company and even better cocktails.

Whilst the swimming pool is restricted to guests, the bar and restaurant are fully available to the public through a simple reservation.

Pulitzer Hotel – Pulitzer Terrace

Open from May through to September, the Pulitzer Terrace is a lush and vibrant escape from the bustling city, found only a minute’s walk away from Plaça de Catalunya. A variety of colourful plants gives the terrace the feeling of a desert oasis and whilst the views aren’t particularly amazing from up here, the atmosphere certainly is.

There are a variety of top quality bands and DJ’s regularly performing, ranging from relaxing singer-songwriters to crowd-pleasing electronic acts. Also worth noting is the wide selection of unique cocktails and snacks. The Pulitzer closes at midnight and isn’t a club, so it’s rather suited for an evening of pre-drinks before making your way into the city for a night out. However, doors open at 6:30pm meaning you can still catch some sun on the terrace.

Fortunately the entrance is free and no reservation is required, however the terrace does operate on a first come, first served basis so be prepared to wait!

Grand Hotel Central – Skybar

Perhaps the highlight of this list, the Skybar boasts an impressive infinity pool that overlooks the trendy and upcoming El Born neighborhood – the perfect setting for a bar like this. Deck chairs and wooden booths line the terrace, partly shielded by a large canopy which is useful for greatly needed shade on a hot summer’s day or coziness in the (unlikely) event of rain.

Well-mannered and welcoming staff lead to a pleasant atmosphere, whilst the reasonable prices for traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine truly make visiting the Skybar a worthwhile experience. Also, the radiant lighting of the terrance is very modern touch, illuminating the area in a warm glow which only adds to the character of this stunning location.

Available to Grand Hotel Central guests throughout the day and open to the public from 8pm onwards, reservation is not required however due to the popularity of the Skybar it is definitely recommended.

The W Hotel – The Wet Deck

Though much closer to the ground than the other entries, it is definitely the most exciting and lively terrace in Barcelona. A full sized stage and DJ setup means that the Sunday night parties that last throughout summer make for a lively and energetic night out and the close proximity to La Barceloneta beach is a great feature for anyone who wants a break from the often crowed deck.

International and well-regarded DJ’s are regularly booked for these Sunday night events, who will typically perform well into the early hours. Expect extravagance in the form of go-go dancers and bright neon lights but also a chilled-out and spacious seating arrangement, where you can cool down with the help of a very convenient sea breeze.

If you have a room at the W then you can access the deck and pool at any point without a problem, if not then you need to check the website for tickets to events that are public.

Barceló Raval – Terraza 360°

The Barceló Hotel 360° offers an expansive panorama like no other – overlooking the Rambla Raval, it’s central location and breathtaking vistas are simply unrivaled. Binoculars are available at the top level, so you can examine the detail of daily life in one of the most interesting areas of the city.

Though the bar is small, the prices are quite reasonable for such a stunning place. DJ’s are usually playing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April to November, meaning that the terrace isn’t exclusively a summer venue. Another highlight is the 15ft pool and sundeck, which is far more suited for an evening of rest and relaxation than partying.

The terrace is open to the public all year round, from 6pm to midnight. No reservation required!

Hotel Palauet – Roof Terrace

With a chic design and bohemian attitude, the “Little Palace” terrace lives up to it’s name. The building itself is a listed, art-nouveau feat of architectural splendor dating back to 1902 and the rooftop Finnish spa adds an extra element of class to this already exquisite location.

The hotel can be found on the Passeig De Gracia – an affluent main street in the Eixample that is surrounded by boutique shops and top class restaurants, as well as two of Antoni Gaudi’s greatest buildings. The delicate wicker chairs and crisp white sun-beds really gives the terrace a relaxed feel – the perfect place for an artist to unwind or focus.

Sadly, this classy spot is only available to the hotel guests, however it’s a very good reason to book a room at La Palauet.

Hotel Duquesa de Cardona – La Terrassa del Duquesa

This charming terrace can be found on the edge of the Gothic District, overlooking the port and providing spectacular views of one of the most vibrant areas of the city. It is a very spacious area, with lots of green everywhere and elegantly designed decking that makes the place feel both modern and rustic.

The Rooftop Bar is open all year round and only closed in the event of rain. It also serves as a restaurant which has many positive reviews, especially in regards to the grill. The blue-tiled swimming pool is both large and deep, meaning no queues and a very suitable place to relax, whilst looking out to the ocean.

Open to the public and hotel guests alike, there is no preferential treatment for certain customers – the service is excellent and the area is open from 12am until 11pm.