The Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona for Nightlife
Barcelona is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. From its modernist architecture, with landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, to its gastronomy and multiple leisure alternatives, the capital of Catalonia has something to offer for all types of travellers.
As far as nightlife is concerned, this city does not fall short in options. Partying in Barcelona allows you to get a more complete idea of what day-to-day life is like in the city, and to know its different facets.
Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona for Nightlife
If you plan to travel to Barcelona to go clubbing, you have to know that, as in the rest of Spain, the party starts well into the night, so getting to the bar early means that you will probably be alone at the bar.
In the same way, you must choose wisely between the best areas to stay in Barcelona to be near the clubs you want to visit, save time and money in taxis or public transport.
For example, if you want to know the alternative scene of Barcelona, staying at the Ciutat Vella, especially in the surroundings of the Raval, is a good option for you. On the other hand, the Eixample has the most varied nightlife in the Catalan capital, including gay clubs and bars.
In this article, we will discuss the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife according to your partying preferences. In the same way, we will mention historical venues, bars and nightclubs that you can not miss in each area of Barcelona.
Here’s a list with the best neighbourhoods and areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife.
1. Ciutat Vella (Raval, Barri Gòtic & Born Neighbourhoods): Stay in the Heart of Town
Ciutat Vella (which means “Old City” in Catalan) is the most historic area of Barcelona, where you can find neighbourhoods as representative of the city’s past as the Raval, Barri Gòtic or Gothic Quarter and the Born.
This district of narrow streets has the most central location of Barcelona and houses hipster and alternative bars, with interesting proposals that are very different to those in the modern neighbourhoods of the city.
Although Ciutat Vella is more about bars than clubs, it is still one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife because of its precopeo venues where you can start the night early with just a few “pre-drinks”, as well as tapas, hybrids of bars and clubs, and some proper clubs.
In addition, around the Raval, there are some gay or gay-friendly bars, the most alternative nightclubs in the area, and authentic ethnic restaurants.
The Ciutat Vella connects with the rest of the city through lines 1 (Catalunya, Urquinaona, Universitat), 2 (Paral.lel, Sant Antoni, Universitat), 3 (Catalunya, Liceu, Drassanes) and 4 (Urquinaona, Jaume I) of the metro, so you can start here with a few beers and then move on to the clubs of other districts of Barcelona, if you want to.
Keep in mind that the metro is open 24 hours during the weekends.
Best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Ciutat VellaWhere to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Ciutat Vella – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- Moog
- Mudanzas
- El Nus
- La Concha
- Madame Jasmine
- LP Bar
- Cassette Bar
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Petit Palace Boqueria Garden is located in a historic 19th-century building next to the La Boquería market, it is 10 metres from Las Ramblas, offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, and has iPads and free bicycles (subject to availability).
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Budget Option
Chic & Basic Born Boutique Hotel is in Barcelona’s trendy Born district, 250 m from the Picasso Museum. It features a gym, 24-hour reception, and air-conditioned rooms with colourful LED lighting and flat-screen TVs.
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Luxury Option
Barcelo Raval offers free Wi-Fi, a gym and a roof terrace with pool and panoramic views. Some rooms include a Nespresso coffee machine.
SEE ALL AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA
2. Port Olympic – For Some International Flair by the Beach
The Port Olympic area was built for the Olympic Games in 1992 and differs from the Ciutat Vella for its contemporary architecture, with buildings such as the Mapfre Tower and the Hotel Arts that are icons of Barcelona.
This marina, located between the beaches of Nova Icària and Barceloneta, is currently one of the main tourist centres of Barcelona.
In this area, there is always something to do. You can either go shopping in its shopping centres and stores, try the best seafood in its restaurants or just take a romantic walk through the harbour at sunset.
The nightlife of Port Olympic is among the liveliest in Barcelona. Because it is such a touristic place, it has a great variety of nightclubs and bars that are visited by people from all over the world, regardless of the season.
Port Olympic is one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife because of its welcoming venues and music variety. However, it must be taken into account that partying in this district is more expensive than in other districts of the city.
Port Olympic connects with the rest of the Catalan capital by line 4 of the metro (Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica) and by tram.
Port Olimpic – Best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlifeWhere to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Port Olympic – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- Pachá Barcelona
- Opium
- Shôko
- Catwalk
- Icebarcelona
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Hotel SB Icaria Barcelona offers a gym, sauna and outdoor pool with sun terrace and hot tub.
Rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TV.
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Budget Option
Unite Hostel Barcelona offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel features family rooms.
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Luxury Option
Hotel Arts Barcelona has 2 outdoor pools and luxury spa with panoramic city views. Hotel Arts offers a contemporary art collection and a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.
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3. Eixample: A Bit of Everything & Gay Area
Eixample comprises the area of the city with almost perfectly symmetrical grid-shaped streets. This district is structured around the Gran Vía de Les Corts Catalanes and Diagonal Avenue.
This district is located north of the Ciutat Vella and is considered the gay area of Barcelona par excellence, with bars and clubs for the LGBT community, which has earned it the nickname of “Gayxample”.
However, the Eixample has nightlife options for all types of visitors since it is one of the areas with the most variety in terms of theme parties, bars, clubs and afterparties.
In the Eixample, you can dance to the rhythm of Latin music such as salsa or bachata or move to the beat of the latest pop, electronic and urban genres such as hip hop.
Therefore, the Eixample is the best area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife for those looking for a variety of musical styles or groups of friends. In addition, staying in the Eixample allows you to be close to attractions such as the Sagrada Familia.
The Eixample connects with other districts of the Catalan capital through lines 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the metro.
Eixample – Best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlifeWhere to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Eixample – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- City Hall
- Arena Classic
- El Punto
- Átame
- Metro
- Mojito Club
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Gran Via is located in Barcelona’s Eixample district, next to Plaza de España and a 5-minute walk from Fira Exhibition Centre.
The city centre and Plaça de Catalunya are 5 metro stops away.
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4. Poblenou – Home of Razzmatazz
Poblenou is located west of Barcelona and, although in the past it was, mainly, an industrial area, it is currently one of the most trendy districts of the capital of Catalonia.
This district next to the beach is home to one of Barcelona’s best known and most iconic music venues: Razzmatazz.
Razzmatazz is a concert hall and club, where artists as important as Coldplay, Morrissey and Kanye West have performed.
Therefore, Poblenou is one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife and concerts.
In addition to Razzmatazz, Poblenou has classic tapa bars and craft beers, restaurants and horchaterías, shops devoted to horchata, a drink with a milk-like consistency that is made out of chufas (yellow nutsedges) and is great to recover from a hangover on hot summer days.
Poblenou connects with the other areas of Barcelona by tram and by line 4 of the metro.
Best areas to stay in Barcelona for clubbing – PoblenouWhere to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Near Razzmatazz – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- Razzmatazz
- El 58
- Arogueiria Poble Nou
- Bharma Bar
- L’Ovella Negra Barcelona
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
The minimalistic Hotel & Spa Villa Olimpica Suites is located in the Poble Nou district of Barcelona, a 15-minute walk from Bogatell beach. The property has a seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by lovely wooden decks and sun loungers.
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5. North of Diagonal Avenue – For the Upper-Class Treatment
The north side of Diagonal Avenue is home to some of the most exclusive clubs and bars in Barcelona, ideal for those who want to know the most luxurious side of the city.
The clubs in this usually have a dress code, so it will be necessary for you to get a good pair of shoes if you want to party in this area of Barcelona.
After all, it is not unusual to meet celebrities while clubbing in this part of the city.
To the north of Diagonal Avenue, there are also some shopping centres and tourist attractions such as the Palau Reial, making it a good area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife and sightseeing.
This area is also relatively close to the Camp Nou and connects with the main districts of Barcelona through line 3 of the metro.
Where to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – North of Diagonal Avenue – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- Sala Bikini
- Sutton
- Le Cyrano
- Solange Cocktails
Hand-picked hotels in this area
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Our Top Pick
The NH Barcelona Les Corts is located a 5-minute walk from the Les Corts metro station, it offers modern accommodation in Barcelona.
It has good access to the main places of interest in the city, such as the Camp Nou.
SEE ALL AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA
6. Poble-sec – For Tapas & Chill
Poble-sec belongs is part of the Sants-Montjuïc district and is located south of the Ciutat Vella. Today, it is a neighbourhood in full swing, with many bars and a relaxed atmosphere that is especially attractive for those seeking to get away from the most touristic areas.
Poble Sec stands out in a special way for its devotion to tapas. In the streets of this charming neighbourhood, you can find delicious croquetas, toasts, ham and Spanish tortillas that are usually accompanied by beer, wine or sangría.
Poble Sec is the home of the Sala Apolo, an old theatre converted into a nightclub and concert hall where events with different themes take place almost daily.
This area is also very hipster-friendly, as it has alternative style bars with affordable prices that blend with its typical Barcelona neighbourhood vibe and create an interesting contrast.
Poble-sec is among the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife and is connected by lines 1, 2 and 3 of the metro.
Poble Sec – Best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlifeWhere to stay in Barcelona for nightlife – Poble Sec – Click here to see all hotels on a map
Some of the nightlife located in this area includes:
- Sala Apolo
- Bar Seco
- Gran Bodega Saltó
- Lia d’en Vicius
Hand-picked hotels in this area
SEE ALL AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THIS AREA
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|ES| Dónde dormir en Barcelona para vida nocturna
WHERE TO STAY in BARCELONA
SD › Barcelona › Best Places to Stay
Updated: March 1, 2023
By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Hotels in Barcelona
• 5-star: El Palace
• 4-star: Mercer
• 3-star: Sixties Ramblas
• For Couples: Hotel Bagues
• For Families: Grand Central
• Hotel Pool: Grand Central
• Near Beach: Hotel Arts
• Airport: Sleep&Fly
• Cruise Port: Grand Marina
• Kitchen Suite: Citadines Ramblas
• Best New Hotel: Casa Sagnier
El Palace is the best luxury hotel in Barcelona. Central location and great for first time visitors.
The Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona
- Barcelona Hotel Map
- Best Hotels in Barcelona
- Best Hotels for Families in Barcelona
I love Barcelona. What a great city. It’s expansive but its city center is compact, walkable, and an absolute delight to make your base for a short or long term stay. Many of the best things to do in Barcelona are centrally located, but there are some that require a short metro ride, so your choice of neighborhoods to stay in will make a difference in what you see and how you get there.
Many of the best Barcelona hotels are dotted around the upscale Eixample neighborhood, though central Barri Gòtic and El Born also have their share of 4 and 5-star accommodations. Gràcia and Poblenou both have a good range of family-friendly accommodation, though the two neighborhoods are farther away from most of Barcelona’s attractions. Poble Sec, El Raval, and Barceloneta all offer reasonably central midrange and budget accommodation.
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Barri Gòtic is Barcelona’s historical and geographical center. A tangle of medieval streets and plazas, this part of the city has been inhabited since Roman times and is home to the city’s Gothic cathedral. Barri Gòtic is within a 20-minute walk from numerous attractions and most other neighborhoods of interest. This part of the city attracts the tourist crowds, and with good reason: it’s an all-rounder, with great dining, shopping, and numerous places to stay.
Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian thoroughfare, La Rambla, separates Barri Gòtic from the edgy, arty neighborhood of El Raval. Formerly one of the roughest parts of town, El Raval has shed most of its negative image through gradual gentrification, though its independent character is still very much on display, along with quirky stores, independent boutiques, and bars.
On the other side of Barri Gòtic is El Born, another maze of medieval streets with popular attractions of its own, ranging from the highbrow Picasso Museum to the family-friendly Chocolate Museum.
There are plenty of tapas bars and boutiques in this area, as well as a vast park that separates El Born from the hip neighborhood of Poblenou.
Bordering the Old City to the northwest is Eixample: the expansive, upscale neighborhood whose bright, tree-lined avenues are a complete contrast to the Ciutat Vella’s dark and narrow streets. Here you’ll find most of Barcelona’s striking Modernist buildings, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, as well as the most upscale shopping. At the southwestern edge of Eixample is the sub-neighborhood Sant Antoni, a foodie enclave, with contemporary tapas bars, fusion restaurants, and buzzy nightlife.
Further northwest, between Eixample and the hills, is Gràcia – a village within a city. A largely residential neighborhood populated with young families and arty types, it’s home to Gaudi’s popular Park Güell.
The trendy neighborhood of Poble Sec is adjacent to El Raval along the Avinguda del Paral·lel, lined with numerous upscale restaurants and lively bars, and stretches across the base of Montjuïc hill.
Poble Sec itself has no attractions to speak of, besides a street full of tapas bars, but it makes an ideal base for exploring Montjuïc’s stellar art museums and hilltop fortress via cable car and on foot.
Montjuïc, meaning Jewish Mountain, is a gorgeous hilltop named for the medieval Jewish cemetery found here. The hilltop is relatively flat and mostly parkland filled with lush botanical gardens, art museums, a 17th-century fortress, and sweeping views over the port. There are few hotels and restaurants in Montjuïc; it’s a very quiet space. Most of the hotels and all of the restaurants are on the northern slope bordering Poble Sec.
From Montjuïc, a second cable car traverses Barcelona’s yachting marina, connecting to Barceloneta, a former fishing village, known for its seafood-heavy tapas bars and restaurants, as well as Barcelona’s liveliest beach. Barceloneta is also an easy walk from both El Born and Barri Gòtic, making it easy to combine sightseeing in Barcelona’s center with a day at the beach.
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Further northeast up the coast and bordering Barceloneta is Poblenou – all cutting edge architecture, pumping nightlife, and beaches. (It has five.) Poblenou is quite far from the city’s main attractions, but ideal if you’re looking for a beach holiday combined with intensive clubbing.
The Best Places to Stay in Barcelona
The Hotel Bagues is the best boutique hotel in Barcelona and has a great central location in El Raval.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Barcelona
El Palace • Cotton House • Mandarin Oriental • Casa Fuster- Best Boutique Hotels in Barcelona
Hotel Bagues • Mercer • Neri- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Barcelona
Praktik Rambla • Chic & Basic Born Boutique Hotel • Itaca Hostel • Hostal Oliva- Best Hotels for Families in Barcelona
Grand Hotel Central • Aparthotel Arai • Eurostars Grand Marina- Top TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)
Seventy Barcelona • Catalonia Magdalenes • h20 Madison • Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel • Hotel 1898Best Areas in Barcelona for…
The Citadines Ramblas is a great choice in central Barcelona if you need a kitchen or kitchenette.
- Best Neighborhood in Barcelona for a Local Vibe: El Raval
Dynamic, bohemian, and ethnically diverse, El Raval is Barcelona’s counterculture neighborhood with a highly independent character. Notorious as the city’s former red light district, it retains some of its former edginess, though these days it’s more known for its art, youthful vibe, and independent shops.- Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona to Stay for First Timers: Barri Gòtic, Eixample
If it’s your first time in Barcelona, then you probably want to base yourself near the heavyweight attractions. For Modernist architecture, including the incomparable Sagrada Familia, Eixample is your best bet. For exploring the heart of the city, Barri Gòtic is ideal, especially since it’s an easy walk to El Born, El Raval and Eixample, and a short metro ride to attractions further out on Montjuïc and Gràcia.- Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Beaches: Barceloneta, Poblenou
Barceloneta has the closest beach to the center of Barcelona, within easy walking distance from La Rambla.It’s also Barcelona’s longest beach, and popular with families. Poblenou, further northeast, has a string of five clean beaches, separated by breakwaters; these are further away from the city’s other attractions, though.
La Rambla is a tree-lined pedestrian street that runs through central Barcelona for 1 km. It connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. La Rambla is the boundary between the quarters of Barri Gòtic, to the east, and El Raval, to the west.
- Best Neighborhood in Barcelona for Walking: Barri Gòtic
This maze of tiny lanes and streets, a number of them closed off to cars, is a real joy to explore on foot and get lost in, with much of Barcelona’s beautiful, centuries-old architecture to discover along the way. That said, El Born, Barri Gòtic’s neighbor, is another extremely walkable part of the Old City.- Safest Areas of Barcelona
Barcelona’s safest areas tend to be the more affluent neighborhoods, such as Eixample, Poble Sec and Poblenou.Though many of Barcelona’s neighborhoods are generally safe to walk around at any time of day, it’s a good idea to watch out for pickpockets in particularly crowded places.
- Unsafe Areas of Barcelona
Parts of El Raval, and the Sants area around the train station, north of Montjuïc, can be a bit sketchy at night. It’s also best to avoid tiny, deserted streets in Barri Gòtic and El Born late at night, and stick to well-lit streets with more people. Opportunistic pickpockets operate along La Rambla and the La Boqueria food market, and parts of Barri Gòtic, El Born, and El Raval can get really lively in the evenings with drunken bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The fantastic Casa Fuster hotel in Gracia.
The 9 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona for Tourists
1. Barri Gòtic
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Barcelona, you can’t get more central than the medieval Barri Gòtic – the city’s historical heart.
Amidst the Gothic Quarter’s narrow, maze-like streets, you’ll find a dense concentration of tapas bars, restaurants, small boutiques (particularly along Carrer dels Banys Nous), charming plazas, such as Plaça Reial, and beautiful landmarks, such as the Pont Gòtic on Carrer Bisbe – and remnants of Roman ruins peek out from beneath Baroque and Gothic buildings. The Gothic Quarter is bordered to the southwest by La Rambla – Barcelona’s most famous (and largely pedestrianized) boulevard, perpetually crowded with locals, visitors, street performers, and vendors. There are plenty of mediocre tourist traps here, with the exception of tapas stalls around the popular La Boqueria food market, but there’s excellent food just a block or two off La Rambla, from simple tapas bars to sophisticated, contemporary dining. The Gothic Quarter’s main draw is its ambiance; other attractions include the impressive Gothic cathedral, the Museu d’Historia de Barcelona, and several appealing churches. There are some excellent boutique hotels here, along with numerous budget options.
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- Best Hotels: Mercer • Neri • Ohla • Sonder DO Plaça Reial
- Best Midrange Hotel: Gran Hotel Barcino
2. El Raval
Adjacent to Barri Gòtic, El Raval is an up-and-coming melting pot of a neighborhood that’s done a lot to shed its seedy reputation as Barcelona’s former red light district – though it still pays to watch your wallet. These days El Raval attracts bohemian types, artists, and foodies, and is home both to the MACBA contemporary art museum and Palau Güell, one of Gaudí’s lesser-known buildings. For the best vintage fashion boutiques and quirky arts and crafts shops, head for Carrer Tallers and Carrer de Riera Baixa. El Raval is also known for global cuisine, hip tapas bars, and vegetarian restaurants, with the densest dining clusters around Carrer del Dr. Nou, Carrer Pintor Fortuny, and Carrer Joaquin Costa. El Raval has some of the best-value accommodation in central Barcelona, along with one-of-a-kind boutique hotels and a couple of luxurious options.
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- Best Hotels: Bagues • Hotel 1898 • Barceló Raval
- Best Midrange Hotel: Sixties Ramblas
3. El Born
El Born is part of the Ciutat Vella (Old City), separated from the Barri Gòtic by the Via Laietana. It consists of a maze of tiny streets that are a little quieter than its neighbor, but not at all short of attractions. The Picasso Museum is here, as is the Museum of World Cultures, Chocolate Museum, and the European Museum of Modern Art – as well as the stunning modernist masterpiece of Palau de la Música Catalana. It’s a shorter walk to Barceloneta’s beach than from Barri Gòtic, though its streets are still dense with tapas bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and vintage fashion boutiques. The area around Plaça Comercial is your best bet for contemporary dining, while Plaça de Santa Maria and Passeig del Born are better for traditional restaurants and bars. To the northeast, El Born is bordered by the zoo, lakes, and fountains of the vast Parc de la Ciutadella.
Accommodation is a mix of imaginative boutique hotels, family-friendly midrange options, and several good cheap hotels.
- Best Hotels: Grand Hotel Central • K+K Hotel Picasso
- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels: Chic & Basic Boutique Hotel • Moods Catedral Hostal Boutique
4. Eixample
North of El Raval, Barri Gòtic, and El Born is the expansive, elegant Eixample neighborhood; its wide, straight boulevards lined with some of the city’s best luxury hotels and Barcelona’s most impressive Modernist architecture. Gaudi’s most renowned buildings – La Pedrera and Casa Battló – are found off the main thoroughfare, Passeig de Gràcia, while the iconic Sagrada Familia church is a couple of blocks north of Avinguna Diagonal. Beside Gaudi’s works, other Modernist masterpieces worth seeking out include the Castell Dels Tres Dragons by his contemporary, Lluís Domènech I Montaner. Nicknamed “Quadrat d’Or” (Golden Square) for its high-end shopping; Eixample is home to many designer stores along the Passeig de Gràcia.
Accommodation leans towards luxury and boutique hotels, with few budget options.
- Best Hotels: Cotton House Hotel • Mandarin Oriental • El Palace • Majestic • Sir Victor • Claris GL
- Best Midrange Hotel: Praktik Rambla
5. Montjuïc
Rising above the port and the sea, ‘Jewish Mountain’ has been the symbol of Barcelona since ancient times. The fortress at the top of the hill is a superb lookout point with tremendous views over the city, and Montjuïc’s landscaped parks and gardens are ideal for hours of wandering. Also on the hill are the Olympic stadium and two of the city’s heavyweight art museums: Fundació Miró and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – the latter housed inside the impressive Palau Nacional. The fortress, parks, and Fundació Miró are easily reachable via funicular and cablecar from Paral·lel metro stop, though the main approach to Montjuïc is from Plaça Espanya. Grand buildings from the 1929 International Exhibition line the pedestrian boulevard that leads to the Magic Fountain; in the summer months, there is a sound-and-light show here in the evenings.
Beyond, escalators take you up to Palau Nacional. There is only one high-end hotel on Montjuïc, in a scenic spot near the final stop of the cable car that takes you over Barcelona’s harbor.
- Best Hotel: Miramar
- Best Midrange Hotel: Brummell
6. Gràcia
Once a separate village, Gràcia eventually became part of Barcelona, though it retains a low-key, bohemian vibe. This quiet neighborhood, home to young families, artists and new arrivals in Barcelona, sits between Eixample and the hills to the north of the city. Gràcia’s biggest attraction is Parc Güell, one of Gaudí’s biggest Modernist works – an imaginatively landscaped, hilly park full of colorful tilework creations. Gràcia is also known for its independent fashion stores, many of them clustered along Carrer de Bonavista, while Carrer de Asturies and the adjoining Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla are lined with hip bars, ethnic restaurants and quirky shops. Accommodation consists largely of budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
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- Best Hotels: Casa Fuster • Pol & Grace Hotel
- Best Midrange Hotels: Sonder La Casa del Sol • BCN Urbaness Hotels Bonavista
7. Barceloneta
Barceloneta Beach and the excellent W Hotel in the background.
Formerly the old fishermen’s quarter, Barceloneta sits a short walk away from the southern end of La Rambla, south of El Born and next to the marina filled with yachts of the global glitterati. This largely working class neighborhood manages to maintain its down to earth vibe, and its narrow streets are lined with low-key neighborhood tapas, bodegas, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Barceloneta’s big attraction is its wide, sandy beach that stretches for miles, its bustling promenade always busy with families, joggers, and rollerbladers. The Barcelona Aquarium, next to the marina, is popular with families and schoolchildren, and the cable car that crosses Barcelona’s harbor to reach Montjuïc departs from near the beach.
Accommodation in Barceloneta is limited to a handful of budget and midrange hotels, with one excellent high-end hotel at the south end of the beach.
- Best Hotels: Hotel Arts • W Hotel • h20 Port Vell
- Best Midrange Hotel: Hotel 54 Barceloneta
8. Poble Sec
Spead along the foothills of Montjuïc and across Avenida de Paral·lel from El Raval and Sant Antoni, Poble Sec is a young and trendy neighborhood. It’s ideal for visiting attractions on the hill and has an excellent dining scene and nightlife, with a high concentration of live music venues and tapas bars lining the leafy Carrer de Blai. Hotels here are mostly in the midrange category, with a few budget spots.
- Best Hotel: Barcelona Apolo
- Best Midrange Hotel: Hostal Apolo
9. Poblenou
Just north of Barceloneta, along the coast, Poblenou is an old industrial district where the decrepit warehouses have given way to sleek office buildings, contemporary design hotels, industrial-scale nightclubs, and trendy beach bars.
Poblenou has the city’s best and cleanest beaches, and is particularly popular with businessmen and night owls looking to party. Poblenou is Barcelona’s best neighborhood for clubbing, with many clubs found along Carrer dels Almogàvers. The main thoroughfare is the pedestrianized boulevard of Rambla de Poblenou; the streets jutting off it is where you’ll find a mix of traditional restaurants and cafes, as well as hip cocktail bars, specialist coffee shops and contemporary fusion eateries. Poblenou’s one downside is that it’s quite far from most of Barcelona’s attractions. There’s a good range of family-friendly midrange and high-end hotels, as well as a few budget options and a couple of 5-star hotels here.
- Best Hotel: The Level at Meliá Sky
- Best Midrange Hotel: ibis Styles Bogatell
Barcelona Beach Hotels
The W Hotel and the beaches of Barceloneta – a distinct area of its own but still an easy walk to the main tourist neighborhoods of central Barcelona.
The Best Barcelona Hotels on the Beach
- Hotel Arts
- W Hotel
- h20 Port Vell
- Pullman Skipper
- Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Read More
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Barcelona nightclubs – nightlife for tourists 2023
Have you been enchanted by the capital of Catalonia during a day trip to Barcelona? Get ready! At night, an even more intense program awaits you. The passionate temperament of the Spaniards dictates a vibrant lifestyle that reveals the secrets of Barcelona’s nightlife.
Photo: Barcelona at night. Source: https://weatlas.com
Familiar parks, beaches and architectural ensembles will sparkle with new colors – this is Barcelona at night! And what is special about nightclubs in Barcelona? When is the best time to visit them? What’s the cover charge? We tell.
Barcelona nightclubs: interesting facts
- On certain days you can have fun in Spanish clubs almost free of charge. In many establishments, admission is free until one in the morning. Prices for the entertainment program depend on the season and performing performers.
- Walking around the city, do not refuse flyers. Many of them give the right to free admission or discounts on cocktails. Flyers can be found in shops, cafes, and also near clubs.
- Do you like to dance until the morning? Then Spain will seem to you an extremely hospitable country.
Here you will find a huge number of establishments that are open until 6 am.
- Barcelona clubs are distinguished by a variety of styles. Why don’t you go to an English bar for a beer tasting. And lovers of Spanish wines will be doubly lucky. The prices for drinks are loyal and include a hearty snack in the price.
- Fans of passive recreation will find it just right to relax in entertainment centers with summer terraces. For example, you can visit summer clubs with an open terrace overlooking the sea or discos with lounge areas.
- It is best to start your journey through the evening city from the Gothic Quarter. It is considered the epicenter of Barcelona’s nightlife, where the most popular discos are located.
Source: https://ispaniagid.ru
Relaxing in a Barcelona club, be on the lookout: there are many pickpockets and scammers, whose favorite place is nightlife. Don’t leave your phone and wallet on the table and check your bill carefully.
Nightclubs and bars for all tastes
Jamboree
This is an iconic place that will appeal to lovers of quality music. The first melodies sounded in the bar back in 1960, since then it has occupied a leading position among the popular places in the city. Jamboree’s main program is jazz music. Famous performers such as Ella Fitzgerald have performed here. Therefore, the institution was awarded the status of cultural heritage of Spain.
Jazz concerts can be found here 3 times a week: on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performances begin at 23:00. The entrance fee depends on the invited artist. As a bonus, the establishment provides guests with one free drink. And if you feel like a change of scenery, head to the second floor, where fiery Latin rhythms are played.
Eclipse
Arrange a night of dancing and at the same time admire the panorama of the central streets and quarters on the 26th floor of the hotel-sailboat, where the trendy club Eclipse is located. This is an institution where you can enjoy signature cocktails, take pictures against the backdrop of stained-glass windows. Famous people of Barcelona often spend time here. Please note that Eclipse is open until 3 am. The entrance will cost 20 euros, you can go for free only according to the list.
Source: https://tournavigator.pro
Shoko
Considered a trendsetter in the capital of Catalonia. For 6 years, the best fashion parties have been held here. The institution is located on the Barceloneta beach and has halls with different themes. For example, it is better to arrange a date in a bamboo hall, and a VIP lounge is suitable for a friendly gathering. In the menu you will find dishes of oriental and Mediterranean cuisine.
Event format and music in Shoko
depends on the season and day. On weekdays, local DJs play here, and on weekends and during the summer season you can often hear guest musicians.
Opium Mar
One of the most prestigious clubs in Barcelona is located in a picturesque place, on the coast. The luxurious location and ultra-modern design make it possible to create a decent level of parties here. In addition, Opium Mar has the largest beach terrace among other clubs. During the day, a restaurant is open on its territory, and at night the institution turns into a trendy disco.
Source: https://barcelonatm.ru
Entrance to Opium Mar depends on the DJs performing. Often you can find world-class stars here. Crossing the threshold, be prepared for demanding face control. Dress smartly and expensively, sporty style will be completely out of place.
Sor Rita
If you like the atmosphere of an art cafe and creative interiors, then be sure to check out the Sor Rita bar. The spirit of creative chaos reigns here: zebra and leopard tapestries, shoes on the ceiling, neon lamps, barbies and kens. Interior of Sor Rita
is reminiscent of Pedro Almodóvar’s films, spiced with dizzying melodies from 80s hits. For visitors, the bar arranges evenings dedicated to individual alcoholic drinks. For example, on Thursday you will have a night of gin.
Bombon
The establishment was created especially for lovers of incendiary Caribbean dances. Here you can enjoy delicious Venezuelan dishes and mojito cocktails for only 3 euros. On Fridays and Saturdays, Bombon hosts live music concerts. And on Wednesdays, visitors are taught salsa for free.
Source: https://happyinspain.com
Before visiting clubs and bars, we recommend that you go on a tour of Barcelona with a guide who will show you many more nightlife places where you can have a good and inexpensive time.
Barcelona nightlife: secrets, visits and passwords
Barcelona nightlife is interesting and sophisticated. Andrei Marquez, promoter of the best nightclubs in Barcelona, told all the secrets and details of the city’s nightlife, and also shared the secrets of how to get into the best entertainment venues and not pay a penny.
Andrei Marquez
Barcelona Nightlife
Where to spend an evening in Barcelona should not be a problem. The Spaniards are probably the most hedonistic people in the world, so the number of pubs, restaurants, discos per square kilometer is off scale here.
Of course, the nightlife of Moscow, London or Ibiza with its fireworks of endless drive is still out of reach, but every year Barcelona offers more and more diverse ways to entertain yourself at night.
About party days
Barcelona is probably unique in this respect. The nightlife here is in full swing 365 days a year, 7 days a week. From Monday to Thursday the parties do not stop, and these days you can find interesting offers, the clubs are full. And on weekends, the billboards of Barcelona clubs are full of popular names, and the eyes run wide from the opportunities presented.
Party time
Spaniards eat late, drink late and go out late. Don’t be surprised if on weekends until 01:00 – 02:00 at night the clubs are still almost empty. No, the Spaniards have not gone home, they are only leaving them, and Barcelona will walk until 6 in the morning. Until then, everyone is having noisy pre-parties:
- in bars
- on hotel terraces
- houses
About the best places for parties
Clubs in Barcelona are much more modest than in Moscow, glamor and pathos are zero, but still there is face control and a dress code. The main party area is the Vila Olímpica area. There on the coast:
- are the best nightclubs in Barcelona (Opium Mar, Shoko, Pacha) with access to the beach
- many bars
- steep hotel terraces where everyone can walk
And the second zone is the Diagonal area. There are also good clubs in Barcelona – Bling Bling, Sutton. But I prefer Vila Olimpica.
You can see the best hotels in the Villa Olimpica area at using the link on Booking.com.
Dress code and face control
All decent clubs in Barcelona have a dress code. You will not be able to enter the club in shorts / T-shirts / flip flops, as well as sneakers, sneakers. It is very important not to look like you just left the gym or came from the beach. Elegant – classic version – what you need.
Dress code for guys means:
- closed shoes (shoes, moccasins)
- shirts and jackets
- stylish trousers or jeans
Girls:
- dresses, skirts
- desirable heels
- jeans
- blouses
The main thing is to look stylish.
How to enter the best clubs in Barcelona for free
As a rule, entrance to all clubs in Barcelona is paid, 15-25 euros, depending on the club and party. But every day club promoters open guest lists for free admission of their guests to many establishments.
Basically, the policy of paid entry is designed for tourists, locals always go through the lists.
You can get free access to almost all the best clubs in Barcelona, having previously signed up in the guest list “Andrey”.
What is a guest list and how to get there – read here.
- How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
- How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
- Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
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We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.