Cool Bars in Barcelona

I love a good cocktail, beer or the local cava. Barcelona, a city that pulses with energy, culture, and nightlife, is home to some of the most vibrant bars in Europe. Whether you're looking for breathtaking rooftop views or a lively sports bar to cheer on your favorite team, Barcelona has it all. Here's our guide to the best bars in the city.

Sips

Ranked as the best bar in Europe and a top bar in the world, Sips is a cocktail lover’s paradise. Located on Muntaner Street in l’Eixample, this bar offers beautifully stunning drinks from Marc Alvarez and Simone Caporale. The atmosphere is sleek and modern. While some of the cocktails were too sweet for my taste, the presentation is incredible, and they offer some of the best customer service in town. Reservations are encouraged, but they do accept walk-ins. Pricing is around €15-20 per cocktail.

Paradiso

Hidden behind a pastrami shop in El Born, Paradiso is a speakeasy and another one labeled as one of the world’s best bars. They offer creative cocktails with amazing presentations, with specialties like coffee-flavored clouds and banana foam. They don’t take reservations in advance but use a QR code to sign up for the queue.  More information can be found here. Cocktails are priced between €15-34.

El Nacional

This is one of my favorite spots off Passeig de Gràcia. El Nacional is more than just a bar – it’s more like an upscale dining hall with a variety of bars and restaurants all under one roof for a truly unique gastronomic experience. You can find a classic cocktail, glass of cava or craft beer making it a perfect spot for a night out. The elegant interior adds to its charm.

Pro Tip: I probably shouldn’t say that I also use this spot for a free (and clean) bathroom if I’m shopping in the area! Why does Europe have so few bathrooms for public use?? I don’t want to pay €2 for a bathroom stop!

Tandem

If you are looking for a cozy cocktail bar, head to Tandem in l’Eixample district for an intimate ambience. Curl up in a leather club chair and feel like a local. There is no menu as the bartenders work with each guest to tailor a drink to your taste. While they don’t create truly custom cocktails, they do have a wide array of drinks under their belt and craft bespoke cocktails for each guest. I love the speakeasy style and intimate feel. Cocktails are typically €12.

Story

We stumbled across this hidden gem in El Born with its laid-back vibe and “no coffee here” sign. Story is the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city with cava, creative cocktails and more. They offer an amazing food menu as well as a large library in-house if you would like to read while you relax. The staff is friendly and welcoming to both locals and tourists.

Our Favorite Rooftop Bars in Barcelona

45 Times Barcelona Hotel

Situated on the 10th floor of the 45 Times Hotel, the Sky Bar overlooks Plaça de Catalunya with sweeping views of the city. You can sip a cocktail or enjoy a light snack by the pool. We loved a pitcher of cava sangria to share (best bang for the buck) and the pizzas were good for a shared snack. The views are incredible from the sea to Sagrada Familia.

360° Terrace at Barceló Raval

True to its name, this rooftop bar provides a full-circle view of Barcelona, including iconic landmarks like Montjuïc and the Mediterranean Sea. It's perfect for sunset cocktails and Instagram-worthy moments. The Terrace fills up fast due to its location just off La Rambla and offers a solarium and pool for guests.

El Cercle

Located in the trendy El Born neighborhood, El Cercle combines a stylish rooftop with delicious drinks and tapas. The restaurant isn’t located in a tall building but offers beautiful views of the Gothic Quarter. We enjoyed a relaxing evening sipping cava under the twinkling lights on the rooftop. This is a full restaurant and offers a wide selection of wines and cava.

Hotel Ohla

I walked by this iconic “eyes” façade dozens of times before heading up to Hotel Ohla’s rooftop bar. The terrace offers a pool exclusively for guests with a chic lounge area for the public from 1 pm to close. Hotel Ohla’s key location offers panoramic views of the Barcelona skyline with signature cocktails. It’s a pricier stop with cava by the bottle and 4-star service.

Our Favorite Sports Bars in Barcelona

Coco Vail Beer Hall

As an American looking for craft beer, Coco Vail hits the spot. With 24 beers on tap and an American-style menu offering chicken wings, this bar is a perfect spot for watching sports on the big screens. They have communal tables too, which means no one leaves like strangers.

Flaherty’s Irish Pub

I’ve never had a bad time in an Irish pub. You too, right? We headed to Flaherty’s for the 2 am Super Bowl game. They have several TVs around the bar, offering comfort food and lots of beer. Located near Las Ramblas, it’s a great spot to kick back, play some darts and feel at home. Don’t worry, Flaherty’s seems to never close with breakfast offered until 2 pm and a Sunday roast each week from 1 pm.

Seven Sports Bar

Seven Sports Bar is the go-to spot for sports fans in Barcelona. Known for its hearty burgers and wide selection of beers, this bar creates a lively atmosphere for watching live games. Whether you're a football fanatic (Americans: read soccer) or just looking for a fun night out, Seven Sports Bar has you covered.

Barcelona's bar scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for everyone. Whether you're sipping cocktails on the rooftop or cheering on your favorite team, these bars promise unforgettable experiences. Which one will you visit first? Let me know, and I can help you plan your night out for the best bars in Barcelona! Comment below.

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