Best Bars in Barcelona
Orient Express Bar
I walked into the Orient Express completely forgetting its concept—though the name is a dead giveaway, isn’t it? After a short wait at the door, I stepped inside and was immediately transported to the Orient Express itself. I sat in the middle section, but you can choose any seat since drinks are served via a train that travels across the bar. Looking up, I noticed my station was Athens, and the passport on my table indicated I was Venezuelan. Imagine traveling all the way from Venezuela to Athens—such a wanderer, right?
I later noticed the Istanbul sign across from me. But hey, I wasn’t about to chase Istanbul while in Barcelona!
A waiter explained the concept: my passport had spaces to stamp the drinks I chose. You order through a screen, and in addition to classic cocktails, you can answer a few questions to get a surprise drink based on a character. I chose Agatha Christie, my surprise character. When my drink arrived, it came with a typewriter as a prop—each character drink comes with a themed object. Just as the typewriter arrived, a whistle blew, signaling the arrival of my drink, complete with a butterfly garnish. Everything, from the staff’s uniforms resembling train attendants to the quirky surprises, immerses you in the theme, transporting you far from your current surroundings.
At a nearby table, a group of British girls seemed shocked when the bill arrived, which made me nervous. But it turned out the prices were comparable to upscale bars in Turkey. While the drinks are pricier than Barcelona’s usual spots (almost double), the immersive experience makes it worth it. Back home, a similar concept bar would easily cost twice as much.
Creps Al Born
At first, I wondered, “What’s a crepe shop doing in a bar scene?” But then I remembered this was a recommendation from Mimoza, whom I follow on Instagram. Located right in the square of El Born, I couldn’t resist stepping in, especially since it was Halloween, and the place had light decorations—not overdone, just festive enough.
They serve both classic and unique cocktails, which you can pair with sweet or savory crepes. I sat at the bar, where the staff were incredibly welcoming and fun, even getting into the Halloween spirit themselves. The cocktail I ordered (probably the first on the menu, though I can’t remember the name) was delicious. Afterward, as it started to rain, I switched to wine. I loved the small details, like the Batman stickers on glasses and themed napkins.
The space isn’t huge, but it never felt overcrowded, at least during my visit between 9 PM and midnight. They often offer a complimentary shot, which adds to the charm. It’s a cozy spot I’d happily return to on my next trip to Barcelona.
Farola Cocktail Bar
El Born is one of the best areas for nightlife, so I returned to try another spot, Farola. This place has a slightly more upscale vibe but is priced similarly to Creps Al Born. I ordered a cocktail and a side of potatoes, which were delicious. Interestingly, though the potatoes had a price on the menu, they were listed as complimentary on the bill—perhaps a perk for ordering a cocktail?
The crowd here consisted mostly of couples, but being solo didn’t feel out of place. The bar has plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, but it starts filling up quickly after 10 PM. I enjoyed my cocktail and would visit again.
Just around the corner is Paradiso, a bar ranked among the world’s top 50. I tried to check it out but learned that you need to register via WhatsApp and wait for your turn. With a 75-minute wait time, I decided to skip it, but a smart approach would be to register and hang out at another bar while you wait. Paradiso’s entrance is hidden behind a retro-style fridge in Pastrami Bar—a typical speakeasy. There are a few more of these hidden bars in Barcelona, which I plan to explore next time.
Casa Almirall
Close to the Museum of Modern Art in Raval, Casa Almirall is a historic bar established in 1860. While I’m not a huge fan of the Raval area, its proximity to the museum made it worth a visit. The clientele appeared to be mostly locals, many of whom seemed to know the elderly owner personally.
The bar has a relaxed vibe, offering a few tapas options, though most people were enjoying beer. If you’re looking for a laid-back spot in the area, it’s a good choice.
A quick anecdote: I accidentally dropped my credit card while paying here. Thankfully, the cashier noticed and returned it to me. It’s moments like these that remind me that despite hearing about negative experiences, there are still plenty of good people out there.
Antic Teatre
The café, recommended by locals, is a relaxed, affordable spot decorated with string lights. It is also a place where theater plays and cultural programmes are held.
When I first tried to visit last summer, there was a line outside—likely because of a special event or the venue’s popularity during the warmer months. On this visit, I enjoyed a beer and some snacks in the courtyard, which is perfect for long conversations. A great choice if you’re looking for something low-key and authentic.
Bar Estudiantil
Located right across from the university, Bar Estudiantil is popular with students for its affordable prices and lively atmosphere. On a previous visit, I decided to check it out despite the crowd, and I was glad I did. With its open-air seating and energetic vibe, it’s a great spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day. The buzz of the street adds to the charm, making it an ideal spot for people-watching.
You might want to read my articles “Where to Eat in Barcelona” and “Best Cafes in Barcelona“.
