Barcelona Bars
The Best Bars I Visited in Barcelona
Barcelona has some of the coolest, most unique bars I’ve ever been to. From hidden speakeasies to fully immersive themed bars, every place had its own vibe, and honestly, the drinks were just as impressive as the aesthetics. If you’re looking for amazing cocktails and a fun night out, here are the best bars I checked out while in Barcelona!
Dr. Stravinsky
Of course, I have to start with Dr. Stravinsky—one of the top 10 bars in the world. This spot is tucked away on a quiet street in El Born, and it has a very intimate, almost apothecary-style atmosphere. The bartenders are super skilled, making elaborate, handcrafted cocktails right in front of you.
We got there at 11:55 PM, and my birthday was literally minutes away. They let us in at 11:59 PM, and as soon as the clock hit midnight, everyone wished me a happy birthday and even sang to me! We got seats at the bar, which was perfect because we got to watch the entire process of them making our drinks. We witnessed the bartenders' expertise firsthand, complete with impressive tricks and personalized touches. I had one called Date Me, which was the perfect mix of sweet and fruity. The staff was also really nice—they even gave us extra chocolate when we asked!
Mariposa Negra
This bar was such a vibe. Mariposa Negra has a dark, artsy theme, and the drinks were just as cool as the decor. Mariposa Negra also has a place next door where you can make your own pottery, which makes this bar even more cool. You can go next door, make your own item, and then drink at the bar!
The presentation of each cocktail was insane—one of the standouts was Kafka Moka, which came in a custom-designed cup (like they all do) with black spots. They even used charcoal to make it look like the paint was dripping into the drink. The level of detail in everything was crazy, and the drinks themselves were just as impressive as they looked. Definitely a must-visit!
Monk Speakeasy
Now, this one was so fun. From the outside, Monk Speakeasy looks like a tiny supermarket. Once you walk past the “storefront,” you step into a hidden bar filled with vibrant colors, neon lights, and quirky decor. Many of the decor is related to a church- like behind the bar looks like a church altar, and theres a couple stained glass pieces around the bar. We just got beer and wine here, but honestly, it was more about the experience than the drinks. And on the way out, there was a mirror maze, which made the whole thing even cooler.
Space Cowboy
As the name suggests, Space Cowboy is a mix between a wild west saloon and an alien spaceship, and somehow, it works. The whole place had a very laid-back but fun atmosphere, with neon lights, cowboy-inspired decor, and a great music selection. We just got beer, wine and some shots here, but the overall vibe made it well worth the visit. The aesthetics in space cowboy were unreal, and I would definitely recommend anyone to go here to see the interesting concept!
Orient Express & El Vagón
These two bars take themed experiences to a whole new level.
🚂 Orient Express Train Station – This one is designed like an old-school train station. When you sit down, you get a passport that acts as the menu. You pick your drink, stamp your passport, and then your drink arrives via mini train tracks running along the bar. I got the Taichi Mojito, and it was so refreshing.
🚆 El Vagón – This bar is located across the street from Orient Express, but to get in, you need to buy a ticket (€20 per person, which includes a drink). Once inside, it feels like you’re sitting in an actual moving train car, and the drinks are all inspired by forgotten professions. I got “The Golden Shovel” with ice cream and charcoal, and it ended up being one of my favorite drinks of the trip.
Whether you try one or both of the Orient Express bars, I would highly recommend you to check it out, this was one of the most unique bar experiences!
Paradiso (The One That Disappointed Me)
I was SO excited to go to Paradiso, another top 10 bar in the world, but let me tell you—it was a nightmare trying to get in.
We signed up for the online waitlist, which told us one hour. Cool, we went off and came back, only for the guy at the door to tell us we had to wait another hour—even though our time was already up. Okay, fine. We came back again 10 minutes late, and suddenly, we had to get in a separate line. THEN, after making us wait in line, the same guy told us we weren’t getting in anyway. Even the other people waiting were saying that what he did was not good.
Honestly, I still really wanted to check it out, but after that experience, I can’t recommend it. There are so many other incredible bars in Barcelona with way better service.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona’s bar scene is absolutely next level. Whether you’re into elaborate cocktail experiences, themed speakeasies, or just cool spots with great vibes, there’s something for everyone. I had the best time exploring these places, and I’m already dreaming of coming back to check out more.
Cheers! 🍸✨
