What to See in Barcelona: A Stellar 3 Night Itinerary
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A vibrant city that never sleeps, Barcelona is a party mecca which boasts a long list of buzzing nightlife venues that appeal to all types of travellers. Here locals take a siesta in the afternoon and party until sunrise, as this European gem offers partygoers an unrivalled set of top-notch clubs, cocktail bars, and entertainment options that are sure to end in some legendary late-night revelry.
With so many nightlife attractions in Barcelona to choose from, it can be a challenge to find the best ones to visit. With over 300 million visitors per year to HotelsCombined, we’ve done our research on Barcelona’s attractions and have created a 3-night itinerary where you can sample some of the top nightlife the city has to offer.
From delicious tapas restaurants and lively Flamenco shows in the evening to trendy gin and tonic cocktail bars and world-class DJ’s spinning late into the night, follow our suggested itinerary to get a taste of Barcelona’s enticing dining and nightlife scene to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday experience.
Night 1: Party at the Legendary Razzmatazz Club
Evening:
Start your evening by catching one of Barcelona’s famous sunsets at the breathtaking Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint on Turó de la Rovira, where you can set up a picnic and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s sparkling skyline. A feast for the eyes, the viewpoint is accessed by the Metro, but the bus gets you the closest. For dinner, try Barcelona’s most popular and authentic cuisine at Quimet i Quimet, the city’s most treasured and iconic tapas bar. Nestled in Poble Sec, it is a charming standing-room only restaurant where you can indulge on some of the tastiest seafood tapas in the city alongside the locals. If you still need more fuel for your epic night out, book a reservation at the Catalan restaurant La Llesca. A 25-minute Metro ride away, the restaurant is located at the foot of the iconic Sagrada Familia where you can fill up on mouth-watering traditional cuisine at an authentic family-run restaurant where you’ll find a warm ambience and friendly service.
Night:
Get the night started by wandering through the bustling Gràcia district only a 10-minute stroll away and popping into Bloody Mary Cocktail Lounge where you’ll find chill vibes, unique cocktails, and a cheery atmosphere. Head next door for a more lively ambience at the Old Fashioned – Gin Tonic & Cocktail Bar to sip on one of Barcelona’s popular bespoke cocktails. An intimate bar packed with revellers, you’ll find friendly bartenders whipping up delicious blends of garnishes and bitters in their extensive list of craft cocktails and variations of gin and tonic. Only 10 minutes from Plaza Catalunya and 5 minutes from the Marina Metro station, end your night at the world-famous Razzmatazz nightclub where you’re spoiled for choice in this huge venue. Boasting five different club spaces that play an array of top music genres and host popular performers, both locals and tourists are known to dance the night away in this legendary hotspot.
Things to do in Barcelona at Night
Bunkers del CarmelPerched high above the city on the hill of Turó de la Rovira, this area was originally built as anti-aircraft fortifications during the Spanish Civil War in 1938. Following the war, the bunkers were largely left abandoned until the 2000s when they received a renovation to appeal to travellers and are now considered the best spot in the city to get a panoramic bird’s eye view of Barcelona’s skyline.
El Poble-secEl Poble-sec, or “Dry Town”, is a hidden gem in Barcelona’s nightlife scene. An excellent neighbourhood for exploration, El Poble-sec boasts a variety of authentic theatres, music bars, and cabaret clubs. Evolving into a popular hotspot, late night partygoers will enjoy the top restaurants and bars that offer everything from live music to beautiful locales. Quirky and enticing, the high-quality nightlife options in this area are not to be missed.
Observatori FabraThe first observatory of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona, Observatori Fabra is perched high at over 400 metres above sea level. Dating back to 1904, this southward facing historical gem offers visitors a chance to see stunning views of the city at night. Dine at the outdoor restaurant where you can have dinner with the stars, get a guided tour of the facility and see various planets through their awe-inspiring telescope.
Opium BarcelonaEasily a top favourite for locals, Opium Barcelona is one of Barcelona’s most famous clubs situated in the swanky Port Olimpic Strip. An impressive resume of world famous DJ’s and the likes of top performers, Opium is consistently filled with the most exclusive and best-dressed people in the city. An international crowd mixed with a glitzy atmosphere and a large dance floor, the party here doesn’t typically end until sunrise.
RazzmatazzConsistently ranking in the top club destinations in Barcelona, Razzmatazz offers five different venues, including the Razz Club, Lo.Li.Ta, Pop Bar, The Loft, and Rex Room, all boasting a variety of live music from notable DJ’s. Every square inch of this club is packed with young partygoers dancing the night away, and on special nights big artists use this club as a concert venue.
Night 2: Catch a Live Flamenco Show
Evening:
Founded in 1970, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona is an internationally renowned venue that serves as the focal point of Barcelona’s flamenco scene. Located in La Rambla, you can catch a once-in-a-lifetime one-hour live performance interpreted through an energetic mix of vocals, guitar, and dance. After soaking in all the excitement of the flamenco show, take either a 20-minute scenic stroll or catch a taxi to Monvínic, a classy wine bar in the heart of the L’Eixample district. Choose from an impressive selection of international and high-quality wines and pair it with delicious tapas, cheese, and caviar dishes. Just a 3-minute walk away, El Nacional is a unique modernist cafe-theatre that boasts four restaurants and four bars in one. The first of its kind, fill your stomach with a range of grilled meats, freshly caught fish, and tapas in this one-of-a-kind 19th-century refurbished building.
Night:
Take a 10-minute stroll to Boadas Cocktails, one of the city’s oldest cocktail bars. Open since 1933, this intimate Barcelona institution is located just a few steps from the bustling tourist area La Rambla. Soak in the classic art deco ambience while tuxedo-laden bartenders perfectly craft one of the 60 different cocktails they specialise in. Afterwards, catch a 12-minute taxi or hop on a 20-minute Metro ride to Slow Barcelona, a sophisticated lounge bar and nightclub where you can enjoy an impressive range of gins and original cocktails amongst vintage decor as a variety of high-energy, eclectic music pumps through the venue. Only a quick 6-minute walk away, kick your night into high gear and join in the massive party atmosphere at Luz de Gas, a renovated music hall that boasts an energetic revolving lineup of live music and international artists, where you’ll find both locals and visitors alike dancing to the funky beats until dawn.
Things to do in Barcelona at Night
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes BarcelonaConsidered the best flamenco show in Barcelona, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is a historical venue on the popular La Rambla. A vibrant blend of rhythm and colour, these traditional Spanish performances are a captivating combination of guitars, dancing, and passion. Showcasing the top performers since 1970, this is the place to go for an authentic flamenco show experience.
Gràcia DistrictBoasting its own unique personality, Gràcia is lined with charming streets and lively plazas without the crowds. With a large variety of bars, visitors are never too far from a perfectly crafted cocktail. Here the bars are mostly filled with locals, as this diverse Catalan quarter is a fashionable residential district that is popular for its colourful identity and flavours where you can find good quality and affordable places to get your party on.
La RamblaConsidered the epicentre of tourist activity, La Rambla is a series of narrow streets in the medieval Old Town where travellers will find a vibrant mix of street performers wowing passerby’s as they head to their favourite restaurants, bars and clubs. While the area is busiest during the day, by night partygoers will find restaurants spilling over with customers fueling up with delicious tapas and other authentic cuisines.
El NacionalSpread across an impressive 789 square metres, El Nacional is a must-see for foodies. Dating back to 1870, this former textile factory has transformed into a modern masterpiece of architecture with four drinking spots that include an oyster, cocktail, craft beer, and a speciality wine bar. Browse through 4 diverse restaurants that range from cured meats to fresh seafood, and you are sure to leave with a happy heart and stomach.
Sutton Club BarcelonaWell known for its celebrity-laden crowd, Sutton Club Barcelona has earned a reputation as one of the most exclusive clubs in the city. Beloved for its stunning interior, a new refurbishment has seen this club transform into a venue with elegant and glamorous decor that hosts a robust lineup of world-famous DJ’s. Home to an abundance of memorable nights, its spacious dance floor and VIP area has seen the likes of famous celebrities.
Night 3: Visit One of the Oldest Absinthe Bars
Evening:
Start your evening watching the sun melt into the sky in a kaleidoscope of pink and orange at Eclipse, a glass-fronted cocktail lounge on the 26th floor of the W Hotel, a prime location to soak in the postcard-worthy coastline views of the Mediterranean Sea. After catching the epic views, grab a taxi for a 17-minute ride or a 27-minute Metro to the two-floor Vinitus restaurant in the L’Eixample district. Situated in a neighbourhood known for its variety of colourful high-end restaurants mixing traditional, modern and experimental gastronomy, Vinitus is where foodie fanatics will be in heaven as they can choose from an impressive range of affordable, yet delicious, tapas prepared on the spot. A 13-minute walk or an 8-minute bus ride away, move on to Bar Lobo, a chic hangout in the El Raval neighborhood nestled right against the popular La Rambla, offering a taste of market fresh Spanish home-cooking and refreshing cocktails on a stunning open terrace.
Night:
Only a 9-minute walk away, head to Bar Marsella also in the El Raval neighbourhood for an introduction to one of the oldest absinthe bars in Barcelona. In business since 1820, here you can enjoy a bubbly atmosphere where Picasso and Hemingway were once patrons as you sip on the famous spirit as the crowd rolls in. Hop in a 20-minute taxi ride to the Gràcia district to find Otto Zutz, a bold and modern nightclub that is favoured by the trendy and sophisticated crowd only five minutes from the Fontana Metro stop. From 80’s to hip-hop, R&B and house music, dance the night away with an energetic non-stop mix of clubbers partying in its three levels of bars filled with impressive audiovisual displays of lights. After you’ve danced up an appetite, take a 14-minute walk over to Xurreria Trebol, a 24-hour family-owned churro stand serving up fresh, piping hot cones of sugary churros filled with creamy caramel sauce or chocolate dip, sure to fill that sweet late-night craving.
Things to do in Barcelona at Night
El RavalThe perfect area for a lively night out, El Raval boasts some of the most popular cocktail clubs in the city. An edgy area filled with charisma, the neighbourhood has now developed into a trendy cultural and dining hotspot where partiers can enjoy everything from laid-back, authentic tapas bars to legendary nightclubs buzzing with energy.
Xurreria TrebolChurros, or “xurros” in Catalan, are Spanish fried dough pastry treats that are hard to resist. Sugary and filling, these Spanish doughnuts are a beloved dessert. Xurreria Trebol is a family-run shop that is open 24-hours a day, perfect for late night revellers that make it the perfect post-party pit stop. The oldest churro shop in town, here you can choose from a variation of flavours like original, chocolate and cinnamon.
El XampanyetFamily run since the 1930’s, El Xampanyet is an intimate and friendly tapas bar that packs a lot of punch for its size. Situated near the Picasso Museum, it maintains an old-world vibe with charming blue coloured tiles and an authentic antique ambience, where you can sip on Cava and dine on delicious quality tapas. Friendly service mixed with affordable prices, this historic gem is where you can have a proper Spanish experience.
Carpe Diem Lounge ClubLocated on a prime piece of beachfront property along Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta, Carpe Diem Lounge Club is an exclusive club for serious partygoers. Brimming with energetic revellers and a buzzing social scene, visitors will find a non-stop crowd partying into the wee hours of the night. With a unique Moroccan and Balinese theme, dance the night away to high-energy house and electronica music.
Espit ChupitosThe perfect pre-party bar, Espit Chupitos is a tiny shot bar bursting with personality. Offering more than 200 different shots at an affordable price, partygoers are truly spoiled for choice. An international and high-energy crowd, here you will see bartenders serve up these tiny concoctions in a performance style fashion that includes flaming and fiery displays over the bar that only adds to the unique ambience.Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a hotspot for tourist activity throughout the year, so it’s best to book accommodation early to ensure you can make the most of the city’s pulsating nightlife during your stay. At HotelsCombined, we see many travellers looking for a hotel that gives them convenient access to the city’s best nightlife attractions. Be it dining or dancing in the wee hours, visitors will find top hotels located amongst a handful of vibrant neighbourhoods ideal for sampling Barcelona’s eclectic mix of activities after dark.
La Rambla
Tourists flock to La Rambla for its central location, vibrant mix of entertainment, and authentic Spanish cuisine, where both locals and visitors can indulge in a range of affordable tapas hotspots.
Tourists flock to La Rambla for its central location, vibrant mix of entertainment, and authentic Spanish cuisine, where both locals and visitors can indulge in a range of affordable tapas hotspots.
El Born
Slightly more sophisticated and less touristy, El Born is a central neighbourhood popular with a fashionable crowd and late night revellers bar hopping from popular restaurants to bars boasting a festive ambience.
Slightly more sophisticated and less touristy, El Born is a central neighbourhood popular with a fashionable crowd and late night revellers bar hopping from popular restaurants to bars boasting a festive ambience.
Gràcia
Offering small streets and lively plazas, Gràcia is a colourful district with a bohemian edge, boasting a great range of diverse drinking spots and eateries.
Offering small streets and lively plazas, Gràcia is a colourful district with a bohemian edge, boasting a great range of diverse drinking spots and eateries.
El Barri Gòtic
Popular with an international crowd, El Barri Gòtic is home to narrow cobblestone streets and 14th-century medieval architecture blended amongst friendly and inviting bars, restaurants, and clubs located in the heart of Barcelona.
Popular with an international crowd, El Barri Gòtic is home to narrow cobblestone streets and 14th-century medieval architecture blended amongst friendly and inviting bars, restaurants, and clubs located in the heart of Barcelona.
L’Eixample
From classy wine bars to high-end restaurants, L’Eixample is an expansive 19th-century modernist neighbourhood with an abundance of nightlife attractions, seeing a young international crowd enticed by the myriad of upmarket bars, restaurants, and clubs.
From classy wine bars to high-end restaurants, L’Eixample is an expansive 19th-century modernist neighbourhood with an abundance of nightlife attractions, seeing a young international crowd enticed by the myriad of upmarket bars, restaurants, and clubs.
El Raval
Popular for its cocktail bars and trendy charisma, El Raval is a bustling neighbourhood with a broad range of nightlife choices, from tapas bars to after-hours clubs.
Popular for its cocktail bars and trendy charisma, El Raval is a bustling neighbourhood with a broad range of nightlife choices, from tapas bars to after-hours clubs.
El Poble-sec
Lined with some of the best restaurants and bars, El Poble-sec is filled with entertainment venues that offer anything from live entertainment to sophisticated cocktail lounges, with easy access to the city centre.
Lined with some of the best restaurants and bars, El Poble-sec is filled with entertainment venues that offer anything from live entertainment to sophisticated cocktail lounges, with easy access to the city centre.
Where is your favourite place to experience nightlife in Barcelona?
A buzzing city that boasts a variety of nightlife attractions, travellers can partake in Barcelona’s enticing party scene all year-round. A city full of night owls, travellers can party from sunset to sunrise hopping around to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and clubs. From must-see flamenco shows to heart thumping clubs and low-key lounges, there are a variety of options for all kinds of night revellers. Taste Barcelona’s range of flavours with authentic tapas dishes, join in the buzz of the gin and tonic craft cocktail trend and fulfil your sweet tooth craving with sugary churros.
At HotelsCombined, we see a lot of travellers opting for night venues in the heart of Barcelona city centre that provide a combination of lively ambience and quintessential Spanish flair. Whether it’s a vibrant cocktail list, an energetic crowd, a buzzing music scene, or easy access to local transportation, the most popular nightlife hot spots usually boast one or more of these captivating qualities.
Where is your favourite place to experience nightlife in Barcelona? Let us know if you’ve partied in Barcelona and which nightlife venue you can’t pass up when visiting the city.
References
Chapels
1. Graceland Wedding Chapel
2. Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel
3. Little Church of the West
4. Chapel of the Bells
Dining
Top of the World
Adventure
Helicopter Tour
Party
Fremont Street
Sightseeing
Neon Museum
Showtime
Cirque du Soleil
Mon Ami Gabi
Bootleg Canyon Zipline
Pool Parties
Grand Canyon National Park
Mac King Comedy Magic Show
