Barcelona is home to some of the highest rated and coolest bars in the world.
We are talking secret doorways, desserts served with your cocktails, old fashioned unheard of locations, and bars made completely from ice.
Whether it be a cocktail, some traditional sangria, a good old beer or purely the entertainment of a spectacular venue, read on to find the best bars in Barcelona.
The top 9 coolest bars in Barcelona
It’s no secret that Barcelona has some of the best nightlife around. If you find yourself out on the city streets at night, you’re highly likely to come across some pretty lively bars. Below are a few of the best ones to look out for.
Paradiso: ‘The pastrami bar which hides a secret’
Paradiso was ranked 19th in the world’s best 50 bars. The owner, Giacomo Giannotti, and his team spent the good part of a year designing this menu, and speaks for itself.
In Paradiso, you will walk into what appears to be a pastrami bar, in which you can walk through the cabaret entrance which is disguised as a refrigerator, into the incredible dark and mysterious bar.
The cocktails in Paradiso are presented in the most theatrical way. Ensuring that the presentation is unbeatable, Paradiso is the place to go for an unforgettable experience.
Address: Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona
The Antic Theatre: The Palau de la Música’s fun neighbour!
The Antic Theatre can be found next to the Palau de la Música Catalana, it is filled with locals and serves very reasonably priced drinks, serving beers at 2€ and wine at 3€. Although a small and hidden bar in Barcelona, they have a garden area and inside terrace giving you an incredible view of the enormous courtyard.
The perfect location on a hot day, they provide everything from live music, to poetry and theatre.
Address: Carrer de Verdaguer i Callís, 12
Creps al Born: Cocktails and a crepe?
Creps al Born provide you with the fascinating combination of the finest alcoholic beverages and cocktails served with delicious French crepes.
Creps al Born is a local pick, located in the heart of El Born. They serve everything from classic cocktails to their own signature cocktails, created by professional mixologists, as well as both sweet and savoury pancakes and are renowned for their cheery and friendly staff, and unique and cosy atmosphere.
Address: Passeig del Born, 12, 08003 Barcelona
Bobby’s Free: You can only enter with the secret password…
Bobby’s Free looks from the outside as your everyday barbershop, when you enter, you won’t see any drinks or bar stools. In Bobby’s Free, you have to provide the ‘barber’s’ secret passport to enter, which changes every month. Don’t worry, this can be found on their Instagram and Facebook!
Once in their bar, you’ll see that it has a classic 1920s prohibition vibe, with an outrageous selection of gins and cocktails to try. They are in easy access for all you G&T lovers, you can find them close to both the Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya.
Address: Carrer de Pau Claris, 85
Bar Mariatchi: The very first clandestine bar in the city!
Located in the backstreets of the Gothic Quarter, Bar Mariatchi was one of the first clandestine bars to open in the entire city. Squatters would occupy buildings which owners could no longer afford to run and transform them into underground drinking dens.
Today, there’s no chance of finding yourself at the centre of a police raid like in the past! Its tagline is ‘bad parties, worse hangovers’, and it regularly hosts musicians for some live events alongside some tasty drinks.
It’s definitely one of the bars in Barcelona with the most street cred.
Address: Carrer dels Còdols, 14
El Bosc de les Fades: Fancy a fairytale?
El Bosc de les Fades is less of a bar and more of an enchanting forest, making you feel like you just fell into a fairytale. In fact, the name of the bar literally translates to ‘The Forest of the Fairies’. The place is surrounded by leafy trees and mythical creatures, and they serve everything from coffees to delicious mojitos.
El Bosc de les Fades can be found just a short walk from La Rambla, in the Museu de Cera, Barcelona’s famous wax museum. For a unique and magical experience, el Bosc de las Fades is the place for you.
Address: Passatge Banca 5, 08002 Barcelona
Manchester Bar: Bucket hats at the ready…
If you’ve ever visited Manchester then you can probably guess what this bar entails… bucket hats, parkas at the ready. This place is your go- to for the Mancunian music scene, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Manchester Bar is decorated with iconic black and yellow stripes of the Haçienda, an old Mancunian club from the 80s and 90s.
In this bar, you can enjoy whatever beverage you like, whilst jamming to the likes of The Stone Roses, Joy Division and Happy Mondays. Both tourists and locals love this little hidden gem in Barcelona, and whether it be solely a cheap drink or some Mancunian culture education you’re after, this is the place for you.
Address: Carrer de Milans 5, 08002 Barcelona
IceBarcelona: Subzero temperatures on the beach in Barcelona?
Barcelona is not the place you would imagine to experience subzero temperatures, but in the IceBarcelona, your surroundings will be maintaining -5ºC (20ºF). You may sit and relax with your cocktail, surrounded by ice sculptures and furniture made with ice.
A ticket price to this bar includes a warm coat, gloves and a drink, meaning you don’t have to worry about ruining your party outfit. This place is a hit amongst both tourists and locals, and the most unusual part about this bar is that it is actually located on the beach… if you want your heart warming in subzero fun, this is the place for you.
Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 38 A, 08005 Barcelona
Futballárium: Football Fanatics prepare yourselves
Barcelona is nonetheless a football mad city, Futballárium is literally a bar which is entirely dedicated to the sport. They have memorabilia plastered on every wall, making them a football lover’s dream.
Futballárium is a family- owned business and a relaxed venue in which you can enjoy both delicious food and a wide range of beers, whilst of course watching whatever live football is showing at the time.
They are situated in Les Corts, just a couple of steps away from FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium (which we recommend visiting), this is not one you want to miss if you’re into football!
Address: Carrer de Benavent 7, 08028 Barcelona
These are a just a few of the best bars in Barcelona to try out. The city is teeming with incredible things to do and places to visit, check out some of our other posts below for more places to explore:
