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Our advice when looking for an interesting bar in Barcelona is to avoid the tourist targeted premises along the main thoroughfares. Step away from the main streets and explore the narrow cobbled side and back streets, especially the areas on either side of Las Ramblas. Not only will you find a place with more character in the form of ancient taverns and Spanish hospitality, you won’t be paying exorbitant prices for your beer either.
It’s quite common in Barcelona and in Spain in general that you pay when you’re finished your drink rather than when you order them. If a bar is particularly busy they may want you to pay up front but don’t be surprised if you’re not. You’ll notice that most people don’t just go to a bar to drink, but to enjoy some tapas or snacks over a chat. You’ll notice that a lot of bars we’ve reviewed don’t sound at all like a British pub or American style bar, but we assure you that you’ll enjoy the different ambiance offered in bars in Barcelona.
Leticia
C/Còdols 21 (93 302 00 74).
Metro stop: Drassanes.
Leticia has a friendly and relaxed ambiance with attentive staff. While enjoying a drink, feast your eyes on the miniature art exhibitions, play chess and chill out to gentle trip hop music and jazz. There’s a good range of simple dishes to snack on, home-made cakes, an assortment of teas and reasonably priced cocktails. Leticia is open from 7pm until 2.30am.
Els Quatre Gats
C/Montsió 3 bis (93 302 41 40).
Metro stop: Catalunya
This turn of the century artist hangout is a must-see during your visit to Barcelona. Pay close attention to the design of the menu – it’s claimed to be Picasso’s first commission. Els Quatre Gats was originally used as a textile warehouse until it was restored and reopened in the 1980s. The walls are lined with reproductions by contemporary artists of the original paintings and it’s still one of the most popular stops on the Barcelona city tour. Els Quatre Gats is open from 9am until 2am.
Café de l’Opera
La Rambla 74 (93 317 75 85).
Metro stop: Liceu.
As the name would suggest, this is a popular haunt of opera goers who tend to hang out here after a show. The famous café is the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona is an elegant setting in which to start the day with a good breakfast or perhaps drop in for an early evening drink. A good selection of tapas and beers is available. Café de l’Opera is open from 8am until 2.30am.
Benidorm
Joaquim Costa 39 (93 317 80 52).
Metro stop: Plaça Catalunya.
Originally named Olivia, Barcelona’s cozy Benidorm bar in the El Raval district is a favourite of many. Known for its buzzing atmosphere and good music, from electronic rhythm to dance, Benidorm is the ideal place to start off your evening. There is no cover charge and drinks are reasonably priced. Benidorm is open from 9pm until 3am.
El Copetin
Pg. Del Born, 18 (93/317-7585).
Metro stop: Barce
This small Cuban style bar in the El Borne district, serves up the best Mojito cocktails in Barcelona. In fact, all the cocktails are fabulous here. Dimly lit, enjoy a drink is this romantic spot.
Marsella Bar
Carrer de Sant Pau 65 (93/ 442-7263).
Metro stop: Passeig de Gràcia
Open since 1820, it is Barcelona’s oldest bar. It is thought that Marsella was one of Picasso and Hemingway’s drinking haunts. So, if you’re looking for an authentic bar to drink Absinthe, Barcelona’s Marsella Bar is the one! You’ll find it hidden away in the old quarter of Las Ramblas. The classic interior has 19th Century decor with a faded mirrored bar and large chandeliers.
Order a glass from the bar for 3.50€ and they will bring you a brandy snifter full of potent absinthe, a sugar cube and a spoon. Place the sugar into the drink, get it wet and then light it on fire for thirty seconds. After the sugar starts to break down mix it into the Absinthe until it dissolves. You should also have a small bottle of water from the bar to drip in some to dilute the potency. One glass of this is probably enough to sample for the first time user. I warn you it is strong so take it easy and enjoy!
Café Zurich
Carrer de Pelai 39 (93/377 97 53).
Boasting one of Barcelona’s largest café terraces, Café Zurich is ideally situated for watching the comings and goings of the Las Ramblas district. One of the busiest bars in the city it is reputedly one of the city’s top meeting points. Café Zurich is on the corner of Plaça Catalunya.
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