Best Bars in Barcelona
If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed when in Barcelona, it’s that you’re always in for a good time thanks to the city’s wealth of bars.
The variety of places to drink here is truly unmatched. You’ll find cocktail venues, including some of the world’s most acclaimed, like the award-winning bar Paradiso and Sips. Alongside these are local haunts, like vermuterías, cava lounges, rooftop bars, and neighborhood bodegas, offering a little something for everyone.
Most Barcelona bar guides online focus on the big, touristy hotspots. That’s not to say these venues aren’t nice, but people who have a real appreciation for nice bars prefer quality over chaos.
They want to drink somewhere intimate and characterful, and have a night out they’ll remember for all the right reasons, rather than queuing for an hour and not being able to hear those they’re sitting with.
If you’d rather someone show you around some authentic bars and tapas spots, the Barcelona Taste runs small-group evening Barcelona food tours. However, for people with limited time, we’ve designed this helpful guide to the city’s bar scene, including the best bars in Barcelona, the different types of venues, tips, and more.
Different Kinds of Bars You’ll Find in Barcelona
There are all kinds of bars you’ll come across when visiting Barcelona. If your style is flavorful mixes in an elegant setting, experimental speakeasy-style cocktail venues such as Paradiso will be right up your street. Vermuterías sell local vermouths on tap while traditiona lwine bars serve up Catalan wines alongside simple snacks.
For incredible views, a rooftop bar in Barcelona is just what you need. Picture yourself sipping on a hotel terrace with views of the city’s skyline or the iconic Sagrada Família. Although pricier, the sunsets make up for it. If you’re interested in drinking with the locals, there are also endless neighborhood pubs where residents meet for a drink and a chat at the counter.
The Best Bars in Barcelona: Our Top Recommendations
World-Class Cocktail Bars
Paradiso
Photo credit: Paradiso
If you only visit one cocktail bar in Barcelona, make it Paradiso in El Born. Hidden behind a fridge door in a pastrami shop, this speakeasy isn’t just a local favorite, it has also been featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. In 2022, Paradiso won the World’s Best Bar award from them.
Every drink is crafted to perfection by the bartenders who put on a theatrical performance for every order. The menu is packed with standouts, from the tequila-based Brunch in the Moon to the creamy Galaxy made with Bulleit bourbon. You can’t book ahead, so it’s strictly first-come, first-served.
Best for: Spontaneous outings
Paradiso (€€€) – 08003 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 2:30 am and every Thursday to Sunday from 4:30 pm to 2:30 am.
Sips
Photo credit: Sips
Sips in Eixample is another award-winning Barcelona bar that has carved out its own identity. Instead of copying the typical upscale cocktail-bar vibe, it keeps things stripped back yet highly creative.
They’re widely known for their well-balanced, inventive drinks. One in particular is the minty, gin-based After Eight. The dress code is smart casual and strictly enforced, so be sure to follow it. Booking ahead during peak times is essential because it attracts a big crowd.
Best for: Drinks in a relaxed atmosphere
Sips (€€€) – 08036 Barcelona – Closed every Sunday and Monday, and open every Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 pm to 2:00 am.
Monk
Photo credit: Monk
Another speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Barcelona you’ll like is Monk in El Born. Its secret location at the back of a supermarket delivers a discreet feel. With its neo-Gothic interior and quirky lighting, it’s no surprise the place has built a big reputation over the years.
Their team isn’t afraid to experiment with bold ideas when it comes to drinks. The Glass is Dry is a good example of this, mixing smooth vodka with crisp sherry for a quirky twist. The staff are friendly and offer solid recommendations if you’re unsure what to choose. You don’t usually need a reservation here, as you can often find a seat.
Best for: pre-drinks early in the evening
Monk (€€) – 08003 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am, Friday from 6:00 pm to 3:00 am, Saturday from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am, and every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Classic Vermuterías & Wine Bars
Vermuteria Santa Caterina
Photo credit: Vermuteria Santa Caterina
Out of all the vermuterías in Barcelona, Vermuteria Santa Caterina in Sant Pere is one of the finest. It has that classic vermutería character. Think wooden barrels scattered around, creating an inviting environment for some drinks with friends.
Standing at the bar, sharing drinks and snacks is how a typical night looks here. Of course, vermouth is the specialty, especially their sweet, homemade version. It pairs nicely with some of their tasty tapas, such as the pungent pimientos de padrón.
Best for: Drinks with friends
Vermuteria Santa Caterina(€€) – 08003 Barcelona – Closed every Monday and Tuesday and open every Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.
AmoVino
Photo credit: AmoVino
If you’re looking for some cool wine bars in Barcelona, look no further than AmoVino in Eixample. This cozy spot focuses on Catalan wines but also offers plenty of choices from around the world. Their four-part setup, which includes a bar, tasting room, restaurant, and wine shop, gives visitors multiple ways to spend their visit.
Grab some tapas and share them with your crew while exploring their eclectic selection of whites, reds, rosés, sweet, and sparkling wines. The fruity Rebeldes from Catalonia is a standout that goes down nicely with a side of the crispy patatas bravas.
Best for: Wine tastings
AmoVino (€€) – 08011 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, and closed every Sunday.
Sin Mala Uva Tapas & Wine Bar
Photo credit: Sin Mala Uva Tapas & Wine Bar
Adding to the list of Eixample’s wine bars, make sure to check out Sin Mala Uva Tapas & Wine Bar while you’re in the area. The interior feels homely, with exposed brick walls, open windows, and a peaceful terrace. Combine that with a wine list of more than 200 options, 20 of which are available by the glass, and wine lovers are in for a treat.
The wine selection changes regularly, keeping things exciting for visitors, but the refreshing Mestres, Coquet Brut Nature ’20 D.O. Cava is one you’ll definitely enjoy after a warm summer’s day. A sip of this with some bitter olives serves as a delightful combo.
Best for: Drinks on a sunny day
Sin Mala Uva Tapas & Wine Bar(€) – 08025 Barcelona – Open every Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm and closed every Sunday.
Rooftop Bars With a View
RoofTop Ohla Barcelona
Photo credit: RoofTop Ohla Barcelona
Catch an incredible view of the Barcelona Cathedral while having drinks on the 8th floor of the Ohla Hotel at RoofTop Ohla in the Gothic Quarter. With a modern atmosphere, a swimming pool, and a solid mix of drinks, including tasty cocktails, it’s a great location to kick back and take in the city from above.
The cocktails are the real highlight here, especially the sweet, minty mojitos that hit the spot after a day of exploring. There’s no minimum spend, but you’ll want to reserve a table, because the view alone makes this place highly sought-after.
Best for: Drinks after a day of sightseeing
RoofTop Ohla Barcelona (€€€) – 08003 Barcelona – Open every Sunday to Thursday from 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Friday and Saturday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Mood Rooftop Bar
Photo credit: Mood Rooftop Bar
Located on the roof of the One Hotel, Moode Rooftop Bar in Eixample is a top choice for watching the sunset with a drink. The outdoor area is beautifully arranged with plush seating and contemporary furnishings. Add in the sweeping views of the city skyline, and it’s understandable why it always gets labeled as one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona.
The cocktail list here is also fantastic, with the zesty Biscottino, made with chamomile pisco, limoncello, and biscuit liqueur, being a favorite for many. Since One Hotel is a popular place to stay, don’t forget to book a table in advance, as you’ll have to compete with other guests.
Mood Rooftop Bar (€€€) – 08037 Barcelona – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Best for: Sunset drinks
Skyline 24 Rooftop
Photo credit: Skyline 24 Rooftop
Atop the Melia Hotel in Sant Martí, Skyline 24 Rooftop is a little outside the center, so it doesn’t get as much attention, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a true hidden gem, with chic interiors and a bright, airy layout. From the top, you’ll get wonderful views of this gorgeous pocket of Barcelona all to yourself.
Be sure to try one of their fruity mixed drinks, like the sour apple martinis, which will have you wanting more after the first sip. Like most of Barcelona’s rooftop bars, it’s best to reserve a table ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Best for: Romantic drinks
Skyline 24 Rooftop (€€€) – 08005 Barcelona – Open every day from 6:00 pm to 12:30 am.
Neighbourhood Bars Locals Love
Bloc 34
Photo credit: Bloc 34
Bloc 34 in Gràcia is a true local neighborhood bar in Barcelona. This cocktail bar has that classic hole-in-the-wall vibe. The staff are welcoming, the music is spot-on, and locals still visit for their evening beers after a long day of work.
Cocktails take center stage at Bloc 34, but their other drinks are just as worth trying. The cerveza list in particular will excite those fond of beer, with light Estrellas and citrussy IPA Complots.
Best for: Late-night drinks
Block 34 (€€) – 08012 Barcelona – Closed every Sunday and Monday, open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 1:30 pm, Thursday from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am, and every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Bar Leo
When you’re in Barceloneta, make it a point to stop by Bar Leo for chill drinks and yummy bites. This venue has a real local vibe, with photos on the walls, colored lights overhead, and residents standing waiting for their drinks, ready to strike up a conversation.
Bar Leo keeps things simple, from the menu to the decor, which looks much the same as it has for decades. Don’t expect fancy cocktails. It’s all about dry vermouths, ice-cold local beers like Estrella, and tapas plates like briny anchovies.
Best for: Tapas and drinks
Bar Leo (€) – 08003 Barcelona, Spain – Open every Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and closed every Tuesday.
Bodega Fermín
Photo credit: Bodega Fermín
Sticking to the Barceloneta district, Bodega Fermín is a quaint tavern loved by many in the area. A small, intimate bar, yet often crowded, filled with people chatting, drinking, and eating from open to close, it’s a true Catalan bodega everyone should experience.
Pull up a seat at the outdoor area and order a few rounds from their selection of microbrewery beers. The Dougall’s Pale Ale stands out with its hoppy flavor profile, offering a unique taste that every beer drinker will appreciate.
Best for: Outdoor beers
Bodega Fermín (€€) – 08003 Barcelona, Spain – Open every Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am and every Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
How to Drink Like a Local in Barcelona
Timing
Timing is everything when drinking in Barcelona. While here, you’ll want to do as the locals do, and that means hitting the vermouth bars around midday or late afternoon. If you’re heading out for cocktails to some of the best bars in Barcelona, you can hold off until 8:00 or 9:00 pm when things get lively. The same goes for most neighborhood taverns and lounges.
What to order
Rather than sticking to the drinks you know, consider trying some local favorites. Morro Fi and Casa Mariol are two popular types of vermouth. Cordoniu and Freixenet are among the leading cava producers everyone likes, and Priorat reds and Penedès whites are both highly regarded wines.
Gin and tonic is a commonly ordered drink, with Hendricks and Gin Mare being two of the main go-tos. When it comes to cocktails, a refreshing glass of sangria or a Negroni will help you get accustomed to Barcelona’s bar scene.
Bar-hopping etiquette
Unlike certain cities, where sticking to one bar is the norm, things work a little differently in Barcelona. There’s a huge bar-hopping culture here that encourages multiple stops in one evening rather than camping at a table all night. You’ll easily stop by a handful of bars for a few rounds of drinks along with tapas to share.
Reservations & queues
Not every venue requires a reservation in Barcelona, but some do, especially famous cocktail bars that everyone wants to visit. Some may allow walk-ins if you get there early, but it’s better to reserve a table just to be on the same side. You don’t really need to book a table at neighborhood bars, as they often operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Respectful nightlife
The local government has really clamped down on rowdy pub crawls and street drinking in Barcelona over the past few years. Fortunately, this hasn’t really affected the nightlife all that much. Locals still keep things going the way they like it through conversation, food, and a relaxed pace, aligning exactly with the Barcelona Taste philosophy.
Local Tips for the Best Experience
- For a real taste of Barcelona’s nightlife, mix up your itinerary to include a multitude of venues. Maybe start with a big-name cocktail bar, then move on to a smaller vermutería or neighborhood bar to end the night.
- It’s best to stick to one neighborhood each day of your trip and bounce between a few venues. This will allow you to really get a feel for each district and see multiple sides of the bar scene here. For example, spend an evening in El Born, and the next day explore the Gothic Quarter.
- If you’re set on visiting a particular bar, make sure to double-check the opening hours before visiting. Oftentimes, bars have later opening hours or close early at the start of the week.
- Pickpockets can be an issue in Barcelona. Take necessary measures to protect your belongings, even in touristy areas at night, as these are prime locations where thieves like to operate.
A Few Words About Exploring Bars with The Barcelona Taste
To really immerse yourself in Barcelona’s bar culture, joining a small-group, local-led tour by companies like the Barcelona Taste is the best way to do it. These packages often pair tapas and drinks across independent venues, offering a true local experience.
The Barcelona Taste works exclusively with family-owned restaurants and bars that stay clear of the typical overhyped touristy spots and dive deeper into more cultural haunts. Even after your tour is finished, our guides will be more than happy to give you some recommendations on the best bars in Barcelona to visit for the rest of your trip.
Barcelona has a bar for every interest, accommodating different preferences. You’ll find everything from low-alcohol options to beverages for non-drinkers, proving that bars aren’t just for those who like to drink alcohol. If you’re interested in visiting some of Barcelona’s top bars, you can see all our tours here.
Sources:
The Barcelona Taste. (n.d.). Barcelona food tours. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://thebarcelonataste.com/barcelona-food-tours/
Paradiso. (n.d.). Paradiso cocktail bar. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://paradiso.cat/en/
Sips Barcelona. (n.d.). Sips Drinkery House. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://sips.barcelona/drinkery-house/
Monk Barcelona. (n.d.). Monk Barcelona. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://monkbarcelona.com/
Vermuterías C. (n.d.). Vermuterías. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://linktr.ee/vermuteriasc
AmoVino. (n.d.). AmoVino Wine Bar. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://amovino.es/
Sin Mala Uva. (n.d.). Sin Mala Uva Tapas & Wine Bar. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://sinmalauva.com/
Ohla Hotel Barcelona. (n.d.). Rooftop Ohla. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.ohlabarcelona.com/en/rooftop
The One Barcelona Hotels. (n.d.). The One Barcelona – Restaurants & Bars. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.hotelstheone.com/en/barcelona-hotels/the-one-barcelona/restaurants
Melia Barcelona Sky. (n.d.). Meliá Barcelona Sky Hotel. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.melia.com/es/hoteles/espana/barcelona/melia-barcelona-sky
Bloc 34 Bar (Instagram). (n.d.). Bloc 34 Bar – Instagram. Retrieved December 3, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/bloc34bar/#
Bar Leo Barceloneta (Instagram). (n.d.). Bar Leo – Instagram. Retrieved December 3, 2025, fromhttps://www.instagram.com/barleobarceloneta/?hl=en
Bodega Fermín (Facebook). (n.d.). Bodega Fermín – Facebook. Retrieved December 3, 2025, fromhttps://www.facebook.com/bodegafermin
