Bar Marsella on Carrer de Sant Pau in Raval has run since 1820 as Barcelona's oldest bar, with flaking paint walls, dust-covered absinthe bottles and the green-fairy ritual served with sugar cube and ice water.
TipTuesday to Sunday from 17:00; absinthe starts at 5.30 euros and is served with the spoon-sugar-cube ritual. Cash only is faster than card.
Bar Pastís on Carrer de Santa Mònica in Raval has run since 1947 as a tiny French-music shrine, with walls covered in Édith Piaf posters, French chanson on the speakers and pastís as the house pour.
TipLive music Sun to Thu around 23:00 in a super-small format. The room seats maybe 20; arrive early or stand at the door.
Tinta Roja on Carrer de la Creu dels Molers in Poble Sec is the Argentine cabaret-themed bar-teatro founded in 1998, with red velvet drapes, antique furniture and tango shows Thursday to Sunday.
TipConcerts and dance performances Thu to Sun nights in the back Gardel room. Wednesday evenings run an open tango class; arrive 21:00 for the warm-up.
Boadas on Carrer dels Tallers off La Rambla has run since 1933 as Spain's oldest cocktail bar, founded by Cuban-born Catalan Miguel Boadas who learned the trade at Hemingway's Floridita in Havana.
TipStanding room mostly; the bow-tied bartenders throw cocktails behind the small bar. No menu, just ask for what you want.
Ocaña on Plaça Reial is the cafe-bar-club complex that occupies a corner of the square, with a street-terrace cafe, the Apotheke basement cocktail bar and a small late-night club running together.
TipApotheke downstairs is the cocktail room and runs DJ sets late; the terrace is the easy afternoon drink with the Plaça Reial in view.
Sor Rita on Carrer de la Mercè in the Gothic Quarter is the Almodóvar-styled queer-friendly bar with leopard-print wallpaper, high heels nailed to the ceiling and a different themed event every night of the week.
TipMonday cocktails and tarot, Tuesday open buffet for 6 euros, Thursday free karaoke with a dressing-up box. Walk-in; gets packed late.
Bar‑hop Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with a local guide, exploring authentic neighbourhood bars for tapas and drinks. A social, small‑group night out, just like locals d...
The best catamaran party in Barcelona with music, swimming in the sea, Spanish tapas, drinks, the best experience in Barcelona with views of the skyline.