Barcelona is a city steeped in history and its long-running nightlife venues are no exception. Collectively they’ve created a scene that includes a diverse range of nightlife options for clubbers from around the world to enjoy. The city of Barcelona sleeps, but it definitely doesn’t do it at night (that’s what siestas are for).
As you may have heard, there are many brilliant things to do in Barcelona, but exploring its nightlife scene must be one of the absolute best. If you’re planning on going out and throwing some incredible shapes, there’s no shortage of excellent venues with dance floors ripe for an extravagant boogie here.
Looking for more information on Barcelona nightclubs? Check out our club guides below.
Don’t forget – we also have a free mobile app that you can download here. Use the app to see who’s spinning, sign up for guestlists, buy tickets, and book bottle service!
Barcelona Nightlife FAQ
What are the hottest clubs in Barcelona?
The best nightclubs in Barcelona currently are:
- Pacha Barcelona
- Razzmatazz
- MOOG
- Opium Barcelona
- Shoko Barcelona
- Eclipse Barcelona
- La Terrazza
- Marcarena Club
- Bikini Barcelona
- Arena Madre
- Bling Bling
- Otto Zutz
Is Barcelona a party city?
It’s no secret that Barcelona is one of the biggest party towns in Europe, and is especially famous for its electronic music scene. Each year in the spring, the Sonár music festival attracts the biggest DJs from the world of techno, house and more, as well as attracting upwards of 100,000 eager party-goers.
What are the best EDM clubs in Barcelona?
Most clubs in Barcelona will play electronic music – Pacha, Opium, Razzmatazz, Moog, Shoko.
What are the best day drinking spots / dayparties in Barcelona?
The best spots to grab a drink with a photo worthy view in Barcelona:
- Pulitzer Terrace
- Ohla Chillout Terrace
- Yurbban Trafalgar Rooftop
- Terraza Colon
- La Dolce Vitae
- La Terraza
- B-Pool Bar
What part of Barcelona has the best nightlife?
Port Olimpic has some of the hottest nightclubs in Barcelona.
For a more upmarket experience put on your best glad rags and hail a cab for the Port Olimpic. This is the place to be in summer! Here a string of upmarket lounge bars, such as CDLC, Shoko and Bestial attract a well-heeled cosmopolitan crowd to sip cocktails on their beach terraces before everyone moves indoors to get down and dirty on the dancefloor. Most of these places close at 3am unfortunately but the infamous Opium, plus Pacha and Catwalk keep going until 6am – of these Opium has the strongest claim to be the best club in the city, and is reliably packed to the rafters.
For a memorable way to kick off any night at the Port Olimpic we suggest you start by dropping by the Ice Bar, for a dip in their sub-zero chamber. Everything in the chamber is frozen, and even the glasses are made of ice! Their terrace is also a cool place to hang out with a cocktail and you are right by all the clubs for heading out afterwards.
Finally, down from all the posh lounge clubs is the Moll Mestral strip, on the harbour itself. Sophisticated it ain’t… a row of free entry bars and clubs that belt out everything from salsa to techno, interspersed with the odd fast food stand. It’s a good reminder though why it pays to be prepared and sort out your nightlife plan beforehand.
What are the best gay clubs/bars in Barcelona?
Having been the birthplace of the LGBTQ movement in Spain, Barcelona is a hot favourite for gay travellers moving across Europe. It has a rich history, fabulous sights, a gorgeous beach and a super hot nightlife.
There is so much variety across the city for when you’re hitting the town. You don’t even need to be the biggest party animal. You can be fairly chilled and still find a comfy corner to spend the evening. Bear in mind, the Spanish do things quite late, so if you’re planning an evening out and about, be sure to factor in an afternoon dolly nap siesta! The best gay bars in Barcelona:
- Moeem
- El Cangrejo
- Punto
- Mykonos
- La Chapelle
- Museum
- Botanic Bar Cafe
- Bacon Bear Bar
- Versailles
- Bianco & Nero
- Sky Bar by Axel
- Elcangrejo Eixample
- Chiringuito Begay Beach Bar
- Boys Bar Barcelona
- GinGin
What time do clubs close in Barcelona?
Nightlife in Barcelona typically doesn’t get started until midnight. Many clubs are open until 6 AM!
What are the best music festivals in Barcelona?
The best annual music festivals in or around Barcelona include:
- Sonar Festival
- Primavera Sound
- DGTL Barcelona
- Barcelona Beach Festival
- Brunch in the Park
- Cruilla Barcelona
- Off Sonar
- Vida Festival
- Rock Fest Barcelona
Is weed legal in Barcelona?
Marijuana is not legal in Barcelona. The personalized use of marijuana has been decriminalized, but trafficking, selling, or carrying cannabis is a crime. You will need to join a cannabis club in order to acquire weed legally, which is obviously difficult for tourists.
Because using marijuana has been decriminalized, if you are able to get some on the black market and smoke it discretely you will likely be okay.
What drink is Barcelona known for?
Cava. During your stay in Barcelona, you are guaranteed to see locals enjoying a glass or two of Cava at a bar or restaurant. Whilst we usually associate Spain with sangria, Cava is arguably Barcelona’s most popular drink.
Can you drink in public /on the Beach in Barcelona?
No it is not legal to drink in public or on the beach.