El Raval
The dimly lit ship-like interior, with low wooden beams and cocktail shakers and literature displayed in glass cabinets, is just a taster at this elegant…
Must-see nightlife in Catalonia
Barcelona
Named after the prized cocktail ingredient, this mojito-loving spot has an upstairs bar where you can peruse the first-rate house-infused gins (over 20 on…
Girona
Baroque-style gilt mirrors, luscious cocktails and intimate tables for two make this a sultry night among the cobbled lanes of Girona's medieval town…
Barcelona
Bamboo fish and pots of herbs dangle from the ceiling at this barefoot-chic beach bar on Platja de la Barceloneta – a stylish setting for fresh juices,…
El Raval
In business since 1860, this unchanged corner bar is dark and intriguing, with Modernista decor and a mixed clientele. There are some great original…
Sitges
This lively spot is mobbed every night in summer. Lovely bar staff serve drinks that pack a punch, the DJ spins non-stop club hits and, perhaps best of…
Barcelona
At this fun, smart cocktail bar with vintage style (tiled floors, marble bar), wines are all natural and from Catalonia, while subtly creative cocktails (…
Barcelona
A glass cabinet piled high with ripe cheese (over 50 varieties), sourced from small-scale European producers, entices you into this small, white, cleverly…
Barcelona
With two adjoining if smallish dance spaces, Platforma feels like a clandestine location in an otherwise quiet residential street. Inside this friendly,…
L'Eixample
Summer seats on the corner terrace of this wide-open bar attract guys hopping between the area’s gay bars. Inside, metallic horse-saddle stools are lined…
La Rambla & Barri Gòtic
An old-school cafe filled with both locals and visitors, La Pallaresa specialises in crispy xurros for dipping in thick hot chocolate and whipped cream,…
Barcelona
Neighbourhood fave Bar Calders bills itself as a wine bar, with a range of Catalan drops gracing its selection (glass €2 to €4). At weekends it's…
La Rambla & Barri Gòtic
Named after the lift (elevator) doors that serve as the front entrance, this clandestine drinking hideout – with its brick ceilings, vintage mirrors and…
L'Eixample
A terrific, friendly little stone-walled spot for South American-style tapas and unusual wines, where local regulars linger over the likes of patates…
Sitges
Strung around a shimmering metallic-effect pool, this breezy-chic rooftop hotel bar is Sitges' ultimate sundowner spot, sporting fabulous wraparound views…
Barcelona
This joyful bar feels a bit like a lost cabin in the woods with its wood-panelled walls, tiled floors and old sporting photos. Once you've wedged yourself…
Girona
Wine, late nights and uncompromisingly good Ibérico ham: together at last. Nocturnal grazers will find heaven at this gourmet-focused wine bar, which…
L'Eixample
To be sure of a little Catalan-Irish craic, this barn-sized, storming pub beloved by locals and expats is just the ticket. Traditional Irish music…
El Raval
This enticing corner bar near the MACBA is one of several standout stops along the student-jammed run of Carrer de Joaquín Costa. It puts together some…
La Ribera
A spacious tavern in a Gothic building, this remains a classic on Passeig del Born for mixed drinks, enjoyed to the sounds of soft jazz and soul. Try for…
El Raval
Good things come in small packages, as this dark, teeny cocktail bar shows. The bold black decor lures in a largely student set for personalised cocktails…
La Ribera
While it sometimes hosts live acts in its sweaty basement, Magic is basically a straightforward, subterranean club blasting rock, indie, mainstream dance…
El Raval
Once a haunt of visiting US Navy boys, this exercise in Americana kitsch is the perfect way to finish an evening – if you can squeeze in. All sorts of odd…
Barcelona
Cold brews, flat whites and even your classic cafè amb llet (€1.50 to €4) are artfully crafted with beans from inland Costa Rica at laid-back Onna. Inside…
Barcelona
With weekend parties, rotating art exhibits, vintage decor and jazzy geometric-print walls, La Federica has become a favourite of the local LGBTQI+ scene…
Barcelona
Even the music hasn’t changed since this place got going in 1980. Those longing for rock ‘n’ roll crowd into this animated bar, listen to old hits and…
The Catalan Pyrenees
This neon-lit, stone-walled cocktail bar makes an enjoyably edgy contrast to La Seu d'Urgell's medieval centre. The wonderful liquid mixes (€5 to €8) will…
Sitges
Follow the sounds of sultry R & B and hypnotic house towards this cocktail-fuelled club, just back from Aiguadolç marina (a 20-minute walk east from…
El Raval
A wonderfully low-key yet stylish bar on a street full of them, this busy industrial-chic place has excellent mojitos (€5 to €7), a fashionable crowd and…
Barcelona
This home of ron y son (rum and sound) has been going since 1992. A mixed crowd of Cubans and fans of the Caribbean island come to drink mojitos and shake…
La Rambla & Barri Gòtic
This long-running cafe – dating back to the 19th century – serves up thick, rich chocolate with doughy, sugar-covered xurros (churros in Spanish), as well…
L'Eixample
A long corridor leads to the dance floor of this venerable and popular club, located in a former 19th-century theatre. Music styles, from house and techno…
The Catalan Pyrenees
This sun-drenched bicycle-themed spot northwest of the historic centre serves the best cappuccino in town. It's a favourite gathering spot for a post-ride…
El Raval
Part of the recent explosion in the craft-beer scene, this cosy, beamed tavern has been given a new lease on life and now has 14 taps, featuring Spanish…
La Rambla & Barri Gòtic
You won’t believe this was once a tile-lined Andalucian flamenco musos’ bar. Now it's a dark, intimate dance space: sit at the bar, meet people around you…
Sitges
This cocktail-driven bar exudes nostalgia with its old-timey soundtrack, vintage furnishings and bygone Hollywood stars crowding its walls. A selection of…
L'Eixample
Spinning pop hits from all decades, Arena Classic has a spacious dance floor and attracts a fun LGBTQI+ crowd. There are various lesbian nights, including…
Barcelona
An almost entirely barcelonin crowd spills out into the street from Bar Leo, a hole-in-the-wall drinking spot plastered with images of late Andalucian…
Barcelona
A busy, classic Sant Gervasi meeting place, Marcel has an old-world feel, with a wood bar, black-and-white floor tiles, high windows and uncomplicated…
Cadaqués
With its cluster of terrace tables gazing out on Port Doguer, bohemian Mut is an excellent spot for vermouth and cocktails. There's also a chalkboard menu…
