Best Bars in Barcelona — Where Locals Actually Drink (2025)

El Born · €

A legendary cava bar in the heart of El Born, open since 1929. The house cava is served in ceramic jugs, the anchovies are among the finest in Spain, and the azulejos-covered walls transport you back to old Barcelona. Arrive early or queue.

Poble Sec · €

A tiny, standing-room-only bar in Poble Sec that is among Spain's most celebrated tapas experiences. Every surface is lined with bottles of conservas, vermouth and tinned seafood. The montaditos — open-faced tapas combinations — are works of creative genius.

El Born · €€

A quintessential El Born bar with vermouth, pintxos and an energetic local atmosphere. Bar del Pla sits right at the border of the Gothic Quarter and El Born and embodies the spirit of casual, convivial Barcelona eating.

Sant Antoni · €€

A beloved neighbourhood wine bar in the heart of Sant Antoni, stocked with hundreds of natural and biodynamic bottles. The tapas menu is short, seasonal and excellent — anchovies, tortilla, charcuterie boards — chosen to complement whatever is being poured.

El Raval · €

Barcelona's oldest bar, open since 1820 in the heart of El Raval. The shelves are lined with dust-covered bottles of absinthe, the walls are nicotine-stained and the owner moves at his own pace. Order absinthe with sugar cube and spoon — the ritual is the point.

El Born · €€€

Consistently ranked among the world's 50 best bars. Enter through a pastrami fridge — the hidden door opens to a speakeasy cocktail bar with an ever-changing menu of inventive, story-driven drinks. Reservations essential on weekends.

Eixample · €€€

A Barcelona institution since 1978 — Javier de las Muelas' legendary cocktail bar has been pouring the city's best gin martinis for decades. White-jacketed bartenders, mahogany bar, art deco mirrors and a cocktail menu thicker than most books.

El Raval · €€

Opened in 1933 and barely changed since. This triangular standing bar near the Rambla has been pouring daiquiris and sidecars since Hemingway's era. No seats, no pretence — just well-made classic cocktails at a marble counter watched over by the same family for three generations.

Barceloneta · €€€€

On the 26th floor of the W Barcelona hotel, Eclipse offers 270-degree views over the Mediterranean, the Barceloneta beach and the city skyline. Come at sunset — the light on the water is worth the €18 cocktail. Smart casual required.

Gothic Quarter · €€€

A rooftop terrace above the Gothic Quarter with unobstructed views of the Barcelona skyline and Montjuïc. Less exclusive than the W hotel bars, which means you can usually get a table without a reservation on weekday evenings. Good gin and tonics and a relaxed crowd.

Tibidabo · €€

At the foot of Tibidabo, Mirablau has the most complete panoramic view of Barcelona — the entire city spreads below you from the Mediterranean to Montjuïc. Take the FGC train to Peu del Funicular, then the Funicular de Tibidabo. The view justifies the journey.

Eixample · €€€

Martini's rooftop terrace on Passeig de Gràcia opens Thursday to Saturday only, which keeps the crowd sophisticated and the queue manageable. Views run straight up the Eixample grid to Tibidabo — one of the cleanest city views in Barcelona. Classic Martini cocktails.