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Sun / Jan 24
Since its rejuvenation after the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona has risen from a provincial port town into one of the world’s most popular destinations – particularly because of its nightlife, which is every bit as colorful and inspiring as the architecture of the city’s most famous citizen, Antoni Gaudí.
For every tourist who makes the pilgrimage to Barcelona just to see the fruits of the Modernista movement Gaudí championed, there are just as many, if not more, visitors and residents who take advantage of the beach life, liberal attitudes, and all-night fiestas of the Catalan capital.
Not surprisingly, weekends see the most action when every cerveseria (bar) and restaurant reverberates with the noisy chatter of customers hustling for seats and service, while every dance floor in the city is packed from 3am until dawn.
Like the rest of their Spanish compatriots, Catalans love to party – and although these hard-working folk rarely find time for a siesta, that doesn’t stop them from setting out late in the evening and staying out until the sun comes up.
During the day, the city hums with countless things to do whether it’s riding waves, finding cool events, listening to live music at a concert or just lounging at any number of restaurants.
With its variety of people and nightlife, Barcelona really is a perfect playground for partygoers whether they’re interested in dancing under the stars at exclusive venues or alternative clubs, sipping cocktails in chic lounges, hanging out in street cafés, or just wandering and people-watching.
Regardless of how one chooses to party, however, one thing is certain – there’s no such thing as an early night in Barcelona, and both visitors and residents quickly become acquainted with the Spanish sunrise.
Sports? Pub crawls? Rowdy bars? Good beer? Then check out these suggestions from Lucas:
Exclusive hotspots? Chic crowds? Bottle service? Posh shopping? Then check out these suggestions from Adriana:
Eclectic crowds? Authentic bars? Live music? Nothing mainstream? Then check out these suggestions from Jonah:
Amazing drink deals? Unpretentious crowds? Karaoke with friends? Dancing all night? Then check out these suggestions from Emma:
Barcelona’s oldest district is by no means its dullest, and thanks to its winding medieval streets and star attractions like La Seu Cathedral and Plaça del Rei, residents and visitors of all ages and nationalities keep Barri Gòtic buzzing both day and night.
Rife with pubs, bars, and restaurants, the neighborhood offers plenty of options from cozy local haunts to Irish pubs designed with travelers in mind. The epicenter of the neighborhood is the
... read full Barri Gòtic descriptionBarcelona’s oldest district is by no means its dullest, and thanks to its winding medieval streets and star attractions like La Seu Cathedral and Plaça del Rei, residents and visitors of all ages and nationalities keep Barri Gòtic buzzing both day and night.
Rife with pubs, bars, and restaurants, the neighborhood offers plenty of options from cozy local haunts to Irish pubs designed with travelers in mind. The epicenter of the neighborhood is the
... read full Barri Gòtic descriptionDespite El Raval’s reputation as one of Barcelona’s shabbiest and most intimidating districts, it undoubtedly boasts some of the trendiest bars in town.
Populated by a diverse mix of immigrants, tattooed skateboarders, and hipsters, the area offers plenty of café terraces and avant-garde hangouts at which to spend a leisurely afternoon of people-watching.
The El Raval parade continues after dark as the nightly pilgrimage of clubbers makes its way from
... read full El Raval descriptionThe sprawling area of L’Eixample – which literally means “The Addition” – was tacked onto Barcelona to house the city’s growing population once the Old Town ran out of space.
Not surprisingly, then, the district is primarily residential and, due to its vast size, somewhat difficult to classify socially.
Although it may not be the best place for barhopping, L’Eixample is home to several swanky restaurants and bars, as well as the popular City Hall club
... read full L'Eixample descriptionThough similar to Barri Gòtic in its medieval appearance, La Ribera distinguishes itself through its bohemian flavor, largely created by the artsy, intellectual residents and visitors that frequent it.
Diverse and full of options for both day and night, the Ribera area hosts hip cafés and classy bars, independent art galleries and fashion boutiques, and top cultural attractions like the Picasso Museum and Parc de la Ciutadella.
Although La Ribera offers
... read full La Ribera / El Born descriptionOne of the most popular spots in Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach in Barceloneta provides an expanse of sand that offers plenty in the way of sunbathing, swimming, water sports, beach games, or just relaxing with a pitcher of sangria at one of the many chiringuitos(beach bars).
As the sun sets and the daytime throngs ebb with the tide, another throng of fashionably-attired couples and groups shows up to begin a night at the upscale seafront lounges and
... read full Port Olimpic / Barceloneta descriptionThanks to a flourishing creative and social scene, the residential Gràcia neighborhood has enjoyed an increasingly hip reputation and exudes a unique vibe. Indeed, the area’s laid-back squares and village atmosphere defy its location in the middle of a metropolis of five million people.
Any given day finds students and hippies lounging on benches with their sangria, and kids and dogs running riot in the streets as their young-at-heart parents/ owners
... read full Gràcia description