Barcelona Bars, Clubs, and Nightlife

In Spain nightlife is a tradition. Folks drink late, dine late, and go out late, at times very late. In Barcelona the energy of the night keeps clubs open for partying until sunrise. From high-tech designer bars built in the 1980s to classic beach spots meant for socializing, the city offers plenty of places to party. To make sure patrons stay for the partying, often clubs offer deals including free entrance before a certain time (usually 1a.m.). In tourist zones, bars and restaurants often distribute coupons for additional discounts. We at Barcelona apartments.com have assembled a short list of places to checkout for a late night on the town. 

Poble Espanyol – Night bars and parties.  During the day Poble Espanyol is a cultural village populated with artisan shops, craftsman’s stalls, and street theater of Spain. By night the same village becomes the place to party at several small bars that offer drinks, Spanish pop music, and outside tables great for people watching. There are also several (more costly) venues within the walls but not part of the village itself. The choice is yours. (Avinguda Marquès de Comillas s/n Barcelona Tel: 93-508-63-00 or http://www.poble-espanyol.com/)

The Torres de Avila – The Poble Espanyol main entrance nightspot. This area was converted into a night spot by designers Alfredo Arribas and Javier Mariscal. It is perhaps height of post-modernism. (Poble Espanyol, Avinguda del Marques de Comillas, Barcelona. Tel: 34 934 249 309)

Mirablau – Cocktails with a city view. While Mirablau offers disco style dancing in a posh setting that is really not the reason to put it on any list. The main reason to seek out this spot - one of the most beautiful views of Barcelona the city lights, mountaintops and the sea. (Placa Doctor Andreu, Barcelona. Tel: 93 418 58 79 or http://www.mirablaubcn.com/)

El Xampanyet – Authentic old city cava and tapas. Located next to the Museu Picasso, this lovely family owned wine and tapas bar spot offers no frills excellence, friendly service and an easy going atmosphere. (Carrer Montcada 22, Barcelona. Tel: 34 933 197 003)

Elephant – Most modern and cool. This is the pace for crazy cocktails, awesome African-chic atmosphere complete with safari enclaves, and seasonal events.  (Passeig dels Til.lers 1, Tibidabo, Barcelona. Tel: 93 334 02 58 or http://www.elephantbcn.com/)

El Bosc de les Fades – Old town fairytale fun. Twinkling lights, artificial streams and arboreal enhancements create a fantasy atmosphere in Old Town. This is a place to enjoy clever drinks and quirky coffee concoctions. (Pasatge de la Banca 5 Barcelona Tel: 93 317 26 49)

Mirabe – City views with drinks. This popular, traditional bar is located where the funicular leaves for Tibidabo. Floor to ceiling windows provide everyone with fantastic views of Barcelona. During warmer months drinks are served from the terraced gardens. (C/Maunuel Arnus 2, Barcelona Tel: 93 434 00 35)

La Vinya del Senyor – Wine tasting & people watching. Located on the plaza across from the church of Santa Maria del Mar, this open-air people watching bar is perhaps one of the best spots for casual wine tasting with tapas as a bonus. (Plaça Santa Maria 5 Barcelona Tel: 93 310 33 79)

Barcelona Rouge – A late night rendezvous spot. Imagined from a, spy novel, this late-night club is accessed only by ringing the bell for entry. Once inside the atmosphere is slightly quirky. The velvet-lined entry hallway is framed with angels. The club is a comfortable spot featuring sofas, drinks, and animated conversations. (C. Poeta Cabanyes 21 Barcelona Tel: 93 442 49 85)

Zahara – Phone at the beach.  Located in Barceloneta, this lively bar has an outside terrace ideal for cocktails, and people watching as well as dinning. Just for fun sit inside on the sofas and you may order drinks by using a phone set into the seats.  (Passeig Joan de Borbo Barcelona Tel: 93 221 37 65)

Catwalk Club – Dance at the port. Also located in the Barceloneta area, the Catwalk is one of the city’s best known clubs offering a large dance floor framed by bars and seating. There’s a second floor for chilling out and international DJs spin all genres of music. (Calle Ramon Trias Fargas, 2 - 4 (base of Hotel Arts), Port Olimpico  Barcelona Tel: 93 224 07 40)

The One Club – Best techno music and lights. This is the club for techno lovers who plan to dance the night away because there is no chill-out space. Its futuristic atmosphere, techno and electro, combined with top flight sound makes for an intense club experience. (Avenida de Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 13 – 27 Poble Espanyol  Barcelona Tel: 90 290 92 89)

Row 14 Club - An indoor/outdoor experience.  Located just minutes from the airport, Club 14 offers a variety of party spaces including a dance floor, two outdoor chill-out areas and a bar. This is the place for dedicated ravers. The music is techno with international DJs each weekend. Here’s the deal. On Fridays and Saturdays the Club provides free coaches from Plaza Catalunya to the club.  (Autovia de Castelldefels C31 (Km. 186), 1 Viladecans Barcelona Tel: 93 206 30 34)

Note: This information was accurate at time of posting but bars and clubs often change status without notice. Please be sure to confirm details directly with the bar or club of your choice before making plans. Copyright 2012.

by Nancy Nelson-Duac