Best Bars and Lounges in Barcelona

With affordable flights becoming increasingly available, Barcelona is transforming into a top choice when it comes to vacation destinations. In addition to the ever-increasing number of culturally-rich art galleries, fascinating museums and impressive tourist attractions, Barcelona is also home to a wide variety of bars and lounges that easily rival some of the best in the world.

Whilst you could spend hours hopping from bar to bar in the lively Las Ramblas part of Barcelona, there are many other hidden lounges to be found in the ancient Gothic Quarter of the city. On the other hand, if you want to be surrounded by the cool locals, your best bet is to head to the Port Olimpic and Port Vell areas where you’ll find a superb collection of chic cocktail bars and wine lounges.

Whatever bar scene you’re in to, you’re sure to have an amazing night out in Barcelona. If you’re planning on visiting the capital of Catalonia soon and don’t know which hotspots are worth your time, take a look at our list of the best bars and lounges in Barcelona, guaranteed to make your vacation one to remember.

Sor Rita, El Gòtic
The cocktail bar that makes kitsch cool, Sor Rita screams “tacky!” from head to toe, yet is widely regarded as one of the trendiest places to drink in Barcelona. The décor features a unique combination of gaudy leopard print rugs on the walls, high heels nailed to the ceiling, lamps made out of Barbie doll heads and antique mirrors put together in such a way that it actually comes across as fashionable, as strange as it sounds.

The music played inside the bar is just as outmoded as the décor, with the sounds of old Spanish artists and groups mixed with popular international favorites, such as Abba and Elvis, floating through the air.

Sor Rita hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the week, so you’re always sure of a different experience – no matter how many times you go. Visit on a Monday night and you’ll have the chance to sip on a cocktail whilst having your future told via Tarot cards, all for only €12. Visit on a Tuesday night and you’ll be able to enjoy a drink for €5 whilst also taking advantage of an all-you-can-eat buffet which is included in the price.

Despite its popularity and chic atmosphere, this bar offers remarkably reasonable drink prices, with bottled beer for €2 and large cocktails for €6.50. There is also a small selection of tapas-style bar food available to snack on which is priced equally fairly.

L'Entresòl, Gràcia
Known as the coolest bar in Gràcia, L’Entresòl is without a doubt the place to see and be seen. On any night of the week, this bar will host some of Barcelona’s most beautiful locals, with a handful of famous faces making an appearance whenever they’re in town, too. A world away from the ironically dated décor of Sor Rita, the interiors of L’Entresòl ooze haut couture from every pore.

The walls are decorated in the finest wallpaper printed with a bold, geometric design, whilst the bar itself is styled in a contrasting shade of hot pink which is way more “cool fashionista” than “Barbie doll”. The mix of classic and contemporary dance tunes is constantly updated, meaning the music is never as much as a minute behind the times. You can play it cool and listen to the tunes whilst you sup or let your hair down and take it to the dance floor and sashay your stuff.

The varied and comprehensive drinks menu will leave you feeling intoxicated before even a drop of alcohol passes your lips. Whilst the large collection of G&Ts takes center stage, there is a wide variety of other cocktails available, in addition to wines and beers. The most appealing aspect of L’Entresòl is certainly the fact that it only visited by those “in the know”, meaning you’ll always get a seat, even on a Saturday night.

Monvínic, Diputació
Founded in 2008 with the aim of becoming an international benchmark for spreading wine culture, Monvínic is a must-visit for discerning wine lovers. Developed by a strong team of knowledgeable sommeliers, the bar’s extensive wine list features a staggering selection of international labels, with something to suit each and every palate.

Every day, the sommelier team at Monvínic hand picks between 40 and 50 different wines from all four corners of the world, which visitors can enjoy by the glass or the half glass. Thanks to this service, there’ll always be new and interesting sensations just waiting for you to discover at Monvínic.

To enjoy alongside the wines, Monvínic provides a range of modern tapas which have been inspired by traditional Catalan recipes. These dishes change according to what ingredients are in season, so you’re always sure of top quality, fresh cuisine. The interior design is best described as contemporary elegance, with simple wooden tables, full-length mirrors and minimal color.

Despite its sophisticated décor, classy atmosphere and refined clientele, Monvínic stands by one of the promises it declared when it first opened its doors – to offer the wines at reasonable prices in order to make drinking them as pleasurable as possible. This honorable value makes Monvínic accessible to everyone, whatever your budget.

360° Terrace, Rambla del Raval
When it comes to a bar with a view, you can’t beat 360° Terrace. Situated inside the four-star Barceló Raval hotel, this open-air bar overlooks the city from its prestigious 11th floor location, allowing you to see the Catalonia capital like never before. Not wanting to distract from the amazing surroundings, the décor is stylishly simple, with black metal furniture, white stand-up lamps and glass barriers allowing for optimal viewing opportunities.

With the city lights twinkling below you like constellations in the night sky, you’ll be forgiven for being preoccupied with the incredible view and taking longer than normal to decide what you’d like to drink. If you can tear your eyes away from the unsurpassable vistas long enough, you’ll be presented with a fabulous list of drinks, ranging from shots, mixed drinks and cocktails to wines, champagnes and beers.

As you’d expect from such a privileged location, the prices at 360° Terrace are relatively expensive, which makes it unsuitable if you’re just looking for somewhere to have a quick drink. On the other hand, if you’re searching for an ultra-romantic place that’s sure to impress, 360° Terrace ticks all the boxes, so save up and splash out on that special someone when you get the chance.

Dry Martini, Eixample
The legendary cocktail bar that’s firmly stamped as one of the finest on the planet, Dry Martini is home to some of the very best mixologists the world has ever seen. Whether you choose something standard from the menu or ask the experts behind the bar to make something unique to suit your palate, you’re sure to be left awe-struck by the offerings here.

Dry Martini is decorated in a vintage speakeasy style, with a long antique-looking bar lined by a number of matching chairs which are full of eager drinkers on any given night of the week. Whilst there is always plenty of chatting, gossip and activity going on along the public side of the bar, the best action takes place behind it where the bartenders put on an extraordinary show, guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

With the talents only the most highly skilled mixologists could possess, the brilliant barmen act out more complex choreography sets than ever imaginable, all the while creating a series of cocktails which are truly fabulous from start to finish. Before you leave, you need to indulge in the bar’s signature cocktail – the dry martini. Said to be the very best in the whole of Barcelona, this benchmark cocktail is mixed to perfection each and every time.

When it comes down to nightlife, Barcelona really does have it all. From heady music-pumping nightclubs and sophisticated cocktail bars to intimate local bars and lavish wine lounges, there’s something for everyone in this city.