Barcelona: A cultural haven of a city set by the sea with endless sunny days and balmy nights. Home to eccentric speakeasy bars, stunning rooftop bars and an impressive club scene. Restaurants ranged from sushi hotspots to dining on high with incredible views and of course to all the tapas you can eat. From my favourite haunts, where I’ve been sipping sangria in for 20 years. To the newest eclectic bars serving up creative crafted cocktails that dreams are made of. Discover the best bars and restaurants in Barcelona where you can dance, dine and eat while visiting this brilliant beautiful city. For where to stay and top tips for your stay click here.
Where to Eat, Drink and Dance in Barcelona
Best Restaurants in Barcelona
First off, a disclaimer: I’m no foodie. I’m all about the views and vibes, which is why I’m obsessed with rooftops. That said, I wouldn’t recommend a place just because it’s pretty or has an electric atmosphere if the food isn’t up to scratch. Trust me, I’ve had a few bad meals here (one even gave me food poisoning!). However, the spots below are the ones I’ve returned to time and time again – because they truly get it right.
Carpe Diem CDLC Restaurant
I mention Carpe Diem later as a fantastic bar and club, but it is also a brilliant beachside restaurant specialising in sushi, comfy sofas and sun filled days.
Whether you’re there for a lazy lunch or a late dinner, it’s the perfect spot. Set amidst palm trees and the sound of ocean waves you will want to stay and savour your surroundings. The roof opens and closes as needed, adding to the laid-back vibe. It’s on the pricier side, but as their name suggests, ‘Seize the day’ – I’d seize their sushi any day.
Alice Secret Garden
Alice Secret Garden is an eclectic quirky garden restaurant, just as you’d expect from an Alice in Wonderland inspired restaurant. Patio style furniture, toadstool benches and signs scattered around such as ‘speakeasy & drink me’. or that ‘all guests must be approved my the cat’.
Make sure to try the ‘Bravas Alice’ on the menu (and as my niece is called Alice, I had to order them for her!). With quirky cocktails and a great atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or an afternoon natter with a friend or even a mad hatter! Inside has a speakeasy vibe, still carrying the rabbit hole theme should the weather not be playing playing ball or even crochet!
Terrassa Martínez
Just a short taxi ride from the city centre, Terrassa Martinez became my hangover saviour after a lively work night out. Paella and sangria had never tasted so good, and the sweeping views over the town were the perfect backdrop to a much-needed recovery.
Eight years later, I returned, and it was as good I remembered. They’ve expanded since then, which is fantastic for business but with it, the sense of exclusivity has faded. This time, I didn’t think to request or book a table with the best view, as it seemed like everyone had one but not so now. So, top tip for those obsessed with views, book and ask for the area left as you walk in as that’s where the magic truly lies of the views over Barcelona.
If you are getting a taxi then either prebook your return or pour another wine while you wait as it can be a bit of a wait. Worth it though!
Petit Tapas
Petit Tapas was chosen and booked by a dear friend @thegirltraveldiaries I knew it would be gorgeous yet understated, authentic with fabulous food like her! And it was the perfect Spanish setting for our evening of tapas and tequila! I can’t wait for my next visit!
If you can’t get a table here, next door you’ll find another option, though I can’t personally recommend it just yet. it is on my list to try. Sensi Tapas shares the same motto as its neighbour, Petit Tapas and has decorated its walls with scenes of Barcelona, certainly worth a try!
Chiringuito
Chiringuito, the Spanish word for Beach Bar, is a staple you’ll find scattered along the shores of Barcelona and many other coastal spots in Spain. While the food may not always be spectacular, it’s reliably decent and perfectly fitting for a casual beachside meal. As is often the case with these laid-back spots, the toilets might not be so decent!
The real charm of a Chiringuito is the simplicity, relaxed atmosphere, the sea breeze on your face, and the sound of waves in the background. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak up the Barcelona sunshine, especially with a cocktail or two!
Best Bars in Barcelona from Speakeasies to Beach Bars:
As the drinking culture in Barcelona suggests, it’s all about enjoying a drink, not getting drunk. Barcelona is home to some brilliant bars, from sensational rooftops to quirky speakeasies through to boujee beach bars. Here’s a selection of my favourite spots for you, whether you’re after a chilled cocktail with a view or a vibrant night out!
Carpe Diem – CDLC
I’m including Carpe Diem – CDLC as a must-visit bar, even though it’s more of a restaurant that transforms into a club. Boujee by the beach, this spot is perfect for lazy sunny days when you just need a sofa and sangria. I’ve been coming here for 20 years, and a trip to Barcelona isn’t complete without kicking off my shoes and sinking into those iconic red sofas.
Whatever the season or time of day, this place has it all: daylight views of the sea, a summer vibe that’s open to the elements and in winter, it becomes cosy and enclosed. This is a treat with prices reflecting the opulent vibe.
W Hotel Bar & Wetdeck
The W hotel bar is the perfect spot for bubbles by the beach, partying on high or summer DJ sessions at their Wet Deck. This opulent hotel brings that iconic Ibiza vibe to Barcelona. Enjoy their ground floor hotel bar all year round, which spills out into the sunshine – perfect for basking in all the bubbles. Head upstairs to the 26th floor for the Eclipse rooftop bar. However, as it’s enclosed, it doesn’t technically fit my ‘rooftop’ criteria! Thankfully, it’s being refurbished in 2025, as I found the space a bit dated.
Lastly, every summer Sunday features the exclusive ‘Wet Deck’ parties. With DJs, dancing, and a glamorous atmosphere, it channels the spirit of O Beach, Ibiza. It’s not cheap, but if you love a lively party scene, you’ll love this.
Bobbys Free Speakeasy Bar
Looking for a secret speakeasy date night bar then Bobby’s Free is for you. Walk into their barber shop with the password you can find on their Instagram page or as in my case, have some banter with the doorman who gives clues to guess it! He will then unlock a door behind the mirror which leads to a velvet red curtain. Pull back and peak through you will find prohibition inspired bar.
You will be met and seated with at the bar or in a table depending on your preference and their availability. You can’t book so be prepared to queue if it is late or the weekend. I found the little alcove a snug space perfect for a more intimate catch up. Fancy some fun? Then choose the bar and be mesmerised by the skill of the staff as they pour, swirl and garnish their masterpieces. They may even throw in some shots for you – I can neither confirm or deny this happened to us!
This bar is a must if in Barcelona – especially if the weather isn’t serving up rooftop opportunities. Start your night here, stay all night or slope in for a nightcap cocktail that is creatively packs a punch! Fully recommend the Hawai cocktail!
Monk Bar Barcelona
This might be my favourite non rooftop bar in Barcelona, Monk Bar has a mix of everything. Wander through a small supermarket to find the entrance of this beautiful bar. BUT don’t stop there (unless you are on date night and want to chat!) as at the back there is an electric vibrant club, with a church setting.
The music is on point, the staff super fun – helping me make my own cocktail! Just a great vibe. I did find it was predominately full of tourists but that added to the fun!
Orient Express Bar
Orient Express Bar is the perfect date night experience or something quirky and fun with the girls. There are actually two bars across the street from each other, each offering its own unique vibe. One is ‘The Waiting Room’, a small quirky spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for settling in and enjoying a drink. The other is set inside an actual train, perfect for a cosy, intimate choice for a date night. However it only offers hour-long slots so if you have to choose definitely the waiting room. Though you may be waiting to get in as they don’t take reservations which as it’s a bit out of the way from the main drinking area you won’t have loads of other options if you don’t want to queue. But do… it is so worth it!
Where you’re sat determines which country you’re ‘in’ and more importantly, what country your passport would be! I was gutted to find myself in China. Especially as my friend actually got his nationality of Argentina passport by fluke. Thankfully, the staff quickly sorted it out for me and soon enough, I had a UK passport. However, I recently discovered I’m actually dual nationality, so I could have been Irish too! (If you know someone who might be eligible click here as it’s quite a process but such a privilege.
Back to the experience at this bar; you then decide your cocktail via a quiz on a phone in front of you. You can choose to be surprised and not know what’s coming via the train. Not usually a fan of surprises I decided to embrace the vibe and I won! Mine was probably one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had! ‘The Thief’ FYI! I even got to steal my little duck it came with! And if you are really nice to the staff they will lend you their hat! Thanks to Sis!
Open in the evenings, it gets busier as the night goes on, especially on weekends, so as mentioned be prepared for a queue. The bar is snug but if you can bear the extra wait, it’s definitely worth it for a spot at the main bar. Here you’ll be treated to the unique sight of a train bringing your drinks right in front of you. I was obsessed.
El Born Area: Paradiso, Creps, Stereo 88, Savannah
El Born isn’t a bar, it’s a vibrant neighbourhood in Barcelona. Home to some of the city’s best cocktail bars. If you can’t decide where to go out, head down to this square and take your pick!
Dancing at Crepes El Born, electric energy of Savananah and the lively beats of Stereo 88, this area offers the perfect mix of places to drink, dance, and dine. reservations aren’t taken so get there early for a prime spot! remembering that this is Spain – early is about midnight!
Bar Sauvage was another favourite with dancing downstairs and open until 3am on the weekends. Perfect to keep the party vibe going! Just be sure you are safe walking around that late – it a phone thief dream area! Read more about that here.
Its here you will also find the famed Paradiso. Winner of the best bar in the world in 2022. You will also find the most insane queues but also a genius system for managing demand. Arrive early scan the QR quote on the board outside and join the queue virtually! Or…. scan this picture!! You can thank me later!
Top Rooftop Bars that are a must in Barcelona
Barcelona is undeniably one of the best cities in the world for rooftop bars. With breathtaking views from nearly every hotel rooftop, you cant move for looking up and spotting a new one! To help you decide where to go I’ve handpicked a few of my absolute favourites. For a full guide to the best rooftop bars in Barcelona, click here.
Sercotel Rossello Rooftop Bar – Best for views of Familia Sagrada
Sercotel Rossello Rooftop Bar is an absolute classic rooftop in Barcelona. The only rooftop that can command up close and personal views of Familia Sagrada. Booking is essential, more on how here.
L’Attic Rooftop at Hotel Colon – Best for views of Barcelona Cathedral
Another of Barcelona’s renowned rooftop bars, L’Attic at Hotel Colón is a must-visit. If you’re after breathtaking views of the Barcelona Cathedral, this is the spot. As it’s a popular destination and booking isn’t available, it’s crucial to arrive early, especially during peak season. Click here for more details
ElCielo Rooftop Terrace – Best by the beach
Even though I visited out of season, I instantly fell for the ElCielo Rooftop Terrace. The space is generous, and the vibe is perfect for a relaxed evening. While the ocean views might be a bit limited when it’s busy, it’s still a must visit come summer when the vibe turns lively! Click here for more.
La Dolce Vitae – Best for a Lazy Lunch
La Dolce Vitae; classy, classic, and the perfect spot for champagne (or cava!) lovers. This rooftop offers sweeping views, exquisite food, and the ideal setting for a long, leisurely lunch. Click here for more.
The Roof, Edition Hotel – Best for cocktails and catch ups
Picture comfy sofas, cute stools, great cocktails and catch ups. It’s also the perfect spot to grab your book and enjoy some peaceful solo time. An afternoon haven for those seeking a laid-back escape. Click here for more.
Nightclubs in Barcelona
The nightlife in Barcelona is typical of many Spanish cities – you eat late, drink even later, and dance until morning! However if that is a bit too late for you many bars stay open until 2 or 3 am on the weekends and become dancing havens, so you might find you don’t need to hit a club at all. Personally, I prefer the bars, they’re more fun, personal and less overwhelming . But, if you’re in the mood to keep going till sunrise or if music is your thing, Barcelona has no shortage of clubs to carry on the party.
The iconic clubbing scene is centred around the beach, where you’ll find hotspots like Ku (formally acha), Opium, Carpe Diem, Latin Palace, and Shoko. These clubs tend to attract a younger crowd, and it’s pretty obvious, they’re the ones prepared to queue! If you’re heading there in summer, be sure to book in advance or be prepared for a wait.
As the balmy summer nights stretch into morning, the party often spills out onto the beach, where revellers continue to dance as the sun rises. Yes, I can confirm this from a work trip! It is an experience.
Final thoughts on eating, drinking and dancing in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of my favourite cities – set by the sea, yet brimming with all the urban perks you could wish for. From authentic tapas spots to sky-high rooftop bars and boujee hangouts, Barcelona truly has something for everyone. With its fantastic temperatures and proximity to London, it’s no wonder its such a popular destination. I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect spot! DM me if I can help any more. Or check out which hotel to stay in here.