The Top 15 Bars in Barcelona

By

Lindsey Zimmerman

Updated on 06/26/19

Tapas bar in Barcelona — You can't visit Barcelona and NOT eat at as many tapas bars as possible.
piola666/Getty Images

There's no bar scene in the world quite like that of Barcelona. As one of Europe's chicest and most cosmopolitan cities, the Catalan capital boasts hundreds of trendy new gastropubs and tapas bars, many of which stand side-by-side with the no-frills watering holes that local families have proudly run for decades or even centuries. Suffice it to say that no matter what type of scene you're after, there's a perfect Barcelona bar for you. We're counting down 15 of the top bars in Barcelona in no particular order so you can find a spot you'll love.

01 of 15

Top Traditional Tapas Bar: Bar La Plata

Bar La Plata Barcelona — Bar La Plata

Address

Carrer de la Mercè, 28, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 611 64 76 88

Web Visit website

If it's not broken, don't fix it. That seems to be the unofficial motto of Bar La Plata, which has been serving the same four tapas ever since opening its doors in 1945. As Barcelona's ultimate no-frills bar in the Gothic Quarter, it's earned a well-deserved place in the city's history.

What to Order: Get a round of the only four tapas on the menu — vinegar-cured sardines, fried anchovies, tomato salad, and butifarra sausage — and wash it all down with rustic wine poured straight from the barrel.

02 of 15

Top Modern Tapas Bar: Bormuth

Bormuth

Address

Plaça Comercial, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 933 10 21 86

Web Visit website

So often, trendy new additions to Barcelona's bar scene seem to steal a piece of the city's soul. That's not the case with Bormuth, which seamlessly blends the recipes generations of Spaniards know and love with a trendy, contemporary vibe, making it a place for everyone to feel at home.

What to Order: Go with their famous fried eggplant with a glass of vermouth.

03 of 15

Top Craft Beer Bar: Homo Sibaris

HomoSibaris beers — HomoSibaris

Address

Plaça d'Osca, 4, 08014 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 931 85 66 93

Web Visit website

Barcelona has embraced the craft beer trend with open arms, with Homo Sibaris being a forerunner on the artisanal brew scene. With a vibrant local atmosphere and a fabulous on-tap selection, it's a must for craft beer newbies and connoisseurs alike.

What to Order: Available beers change somewhat regularly, but their friendly bar staff will be happy to help you find something that aligns with your tastes.

04 of 15

Top Traditional Wine Bar: Bodegas Maestrazgo

Bodega Maestrazgo wine cellar — Bodega Maestrazgo

Address

C/ de Sant Pere Més Baix, 90, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 933 10 26 73

Web Visit website

With a commitment to supporting small, local producers and providing friendly, professional service, it's no wonder that Bodegas Maestrazgo has been going strong for more than 60 years. As the oldest locally owned wine shop in Barcelona, it's a place to relax and enjoy good wine in good company.

What to Order: Go local and order a wine from one of Catalonia's 11 denominación de origen wine regions.

Continue to 5 of 15 below.

05 of 15

Top Modern Wine Bar: El Diset

Pouring wine — Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

Address

Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 932 68 19 87

Web Visit website

A sleek, low-lit wine bar in the heart of one of Barcelona's most happening districts, El Diset is the trendy, contemporary spot of your dreams.

What to Order: Come for the excellent variety of Catalan wines (which make up 90 percent of their selection); stay for the tasty torradas (thin, crispy toasts piled high with delicious toppings).

06 of 15

Top Live Music Bar: Big Bang Bar

Big Bang Bar

Address

Carrer d'En Botella, 7, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

A one time 19th century tavern, the locale that houses Big Bang Bar now draws rock and roll fans from near and far to the bar's unrivaled live performances from Wednesday through Sunday every week. It's not just limited to rock, though — jazz lovers will want to check out their Friday night jam sessions.

What to Order: Order up one of the fairly priced beers from their excellent selection to sip as you enjoy the show.

07 of 15

Top Flamenco Bar: Los Tarantos

Address

Pl. Reial, 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 933 04 12 10

Web Visit website

It's hard to find authentic flamenco in Barcelona, and while Los Tarantos does draw its fair share of tourists, even locals are known to be captivated by the passionate, awe-inspiring performances by world-renowned artists at this intimate venue.

What to Order: Get a delicious homemade cocktail from the bar — then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

08 of 15

Top Vermouth Bar: Morro Fi

Morro Fi olives — Morro Fi

Address

C. del Consell de Cent, 171, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Web Visit website

Vermouth isn't just for adorable Spanish grandpas anymore. Thanks in part to Morro Fi — a contemporary vermutería opened by three foodie friends — this tasty traditional aperitif has won the hearts of Barcelona's younger generation as well.

What to Order: Their house blend of vermouth is the bar's signature drink. Try it with some salty olives or gourmet tinned anchovies.

Continue to 9 of 15 below.

09 of 15

Top Cava Bar: La Vinya del Senyor

La Vinya del Senyor

Address

Plaça de Santa Maria, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 933 10 33 79

Web Visit website

As if the absolutely stunning location facing the Santa Maria del Mar church wasn't enough, La Vinya del Senyor boasts one of the most extensive wine lists in Barcelona, including a respectable selection of cava (Spain's answer to champagne).

What to Order: The ultimate Barcelona experience is all yours here: a crisp glass of cava and a charcuterie plate, best enjoyed while sitting out on the sunny terrace.

10 of 15

Top Cocktail Bar: Gatsby

Gatsby Barcelona bar — Gatsby Barcelona

Address

Carrer de Tuset, 19, 08006 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 937 00 44 53

Web Visit website

Time travel may not be possible (yet), but until it is, you'll have to get your roaring 20's fix at Gatsby. This colorful, happening cocktail bar lives up to its name with all the glitz and glamour of the 1920s with all the Instagram-worthiness of the 21st century.

What to Order: Any one of their signature cocktails is an excellent choice. If you're with a group, consider one of their large-batch cocktails (made for sharing) inspired by the characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel.

11 of 15

Top Rooftop Bar: Skybar

Grand Hotel Central's rooftop bar — Grand Hotel Central

Address

Via Laietana, 30, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 932 95 79 00

Web Visit website

Skybar provides the quintessential travel experience: signature drinks among a cool crowd with a bird's-eye view of one of Europe's most charming cities.

What to Order: Beer and wine are reasonably priced, but for the full experience, go with a cocktail.

12 of 15

Top Beach Bar: Ice Barcelona

Wine at Ice Barcelona — Ice Barcelona

Address

entrada por la playa, Calle Ramón Trias Fargas, 2, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 932 24 16 25

Web Visit website

Ice isn't your standard beach bar. Namely because the entire interior lounge is decorated completely with — you guessed it — ice. It's the perfect place to beat the heat in Barcelona's scorching summers, but if the 23 F temperatures get to be too much, their sunny outdoor terrace area overlooking Barceloneta Beach is completely ice-free.

What to Order: Go with one of the cocktails from their curated menu, each one specially mixed to withstand the chilly temperatures.

Continue to 13 of 15 below.

13 of 15

Top Sangria Bar: Casa Lolea

Sangria at Casa Lolea — Casa Lolea

Address

Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 936 24 10 16

Web Visit website

Surprisingly, it's hard to find good sangria in Spain — it's generally thought of as a touristy drink, and most of it is pretty low quality. That's not the case at Casa Lolea, whose famous polka-dotted bottles of the popular wine cocktail have won the hearts (and taste buds) of thousands of locals.

What to Order: In addition to their iconic house sangria, their newer rosé variety is delicious as well.

14 of 15

Top Tiki Bar: Kahala

Kahala Barcelona — Kahala

Address

Avinguda Diagonal, 537, 08029 Barcelona, Spain

Phone +34 934 30 90 26

Web Visit website

Escape to the tropics without leaving Barcelona. Kahala will make you feel as if you've been whisked away to Hawaii with its island-inspired furnishing and colorful tropical cocktails, some of which come served in a coconut for the full effect.

What to Order: The Coco Loco rum cocktail captures the essence of summer with every sip. For something fruitier, go with the Piña Tropical.

15 of 15

Top Unique Bar: El Bosc de les Fades

interior of el bosc de les fades a forest themed cafe — TripSavvy / Daniel Gioia

Address

Passatge de la Banca, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Web Visit website

A true fairytale paradise, El Bosc de les Fades, is more than just a bar — it's a fantasy forest complete with twisting trees, friendly woodland creatures, and thunder sound effects.

What to Order: Go for an ice cold beer accompanied by one of their tasty homemade tapas.

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15 Great Bars in Barcelona You Need to Check Out