Barcelona is one of Europe’s most visited destinations for many reasons. From its modernist architecture, with iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, to its haute cuisine and multiple entertainment options, the capital of Catalonia has something for everyone. And this cosmopolitan city does not slow down when the sun fades. Hence, you can choose from many eclectic bars, historical venues, and trendy clubs. But which are the best areas to stay in Barcelona for nightlife? Also, what kind of bars and clubs can you find in each neighborhood? We have all the answers below!
Accommodation Options in Barcelona
Barcelona’s nightlife doesn’t play by the rules. Twisted alleyways and nondescript doors hide party spots where the city dances until dawn. The heart of this after-dark revelry beats in areas like El Raval and the Gothic Quarter.
Gaudí’s city has some iconic party venues. For example, Macarena Club is an all-time hit, with techno beats gathering loyal crowds despite its compact size. In contrast, at Razzmatazz, you can dance through five rooms playing different music genres, from indie-rock to electronic music, till 6 AM. However, everyone knows Razzmatazz more as a concert venue that welcomes international acts constantly.
When it comes to clubbing, Pachá Barcelona is worth checking out for its stunning views of the beach and live DJ sets. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a queer-friendly spot, head to the Gaixample, an area within the Eixample district of Barcelona. This area is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, with gay bars, queer clubs and events.
Another reason to visit Barcelona for nightlife is that the metro works 24 hours a day on weekends. Hence, you can get from the hotel to the clubs easily. Likewise, the city is, for the most part, a safe place.
Like in the rest of Spain, la fiesta in Barcelona starts very late. People in the city usually go out for dinner around 9-9:30 pm, then for pre-drinks or precopeo. After that, they head to a bar for a few drinks and light dancing. So, clubs tend to get going at about 2 a.m. This information will be helpful so you won’t be alone in the club for hours.
What Is the Best Area to Stay in Barcelona for Nightlife?
The best area for nightlife in Barcelona is the Ciutat Vella since it hosts a wide range of venues of all kinds. Formed by three neighborhoods (El Raval, Gothic Quarter, and El Born), this historic district is home to iconic bars and clubs. Among the best clubs in this area, there’s Macarena Club Barcelona, an electronic music venue, and several live music venues like Sidecar. Most of the best-rated hotels in Barcelona also happen to be located here.
Find available accommodation in Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.
Best Hotels in Ciutat Vella
- Best luxury hotel: Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel
- Best midrange hotel: Park Hotel
- Best budget hotel: The Moods Catedral Hostal Boutique
- Best party hostel: Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona
- Best tourist apartments: Inside Barcelona Apartments Esparteria
Top Areas in Barcelona to Go Clubbing: A Summary
Picking between the best areas to stay in Barcelona will depend on the type of party you prefer. For alternative bars, indie, and rock concert venues, look no further than Ciutat Vella, which includes Raval and the Gothic Quarter. Meanwhile, for gay-friendly and LGBTQIA+ venues in Barcelona, there’s no better place than Eixample, also known as Gayxample. However, there are other areas of the city with different appeals. Here’s a list of the top neighborhoods in Barcelona for nightlife.
- Port Olímpic has some of the biggest and most famous clubs in Barcelona. This marina area stands out for being a very touristy place. Hence, even if you travel alone, you’ll likely make friends from other parts of the world while partying in the area. The most popular clubs in Port Olímpic include Opium and Pachá Barcelona.
- Meanwhile, in nearby Poblenou, you’ll find one of Barcelona’s most renowned music venues: Razzmatazz. Artists such as Coldplay and Morrisey have performed at Razzmatazz and club at some point in their careers. Hence, this industrial area is a great place to stay in Barcelona for music lovers.
- North of Diagonal Avenue, you’ll find some of Barcelona’s most exclusive clubs and bars. Expect dress codes, celebrities, and slightly overpriced cocktails in this part of the city. Some popular venues North of Diagonal Avenue are Sala Bikini, Kahala Barcelona, Sutton, and Le Cyrano.
Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona for Nightlife: District by District
1. Ciutat Vella (Raval, Barri Gòtic & Born Neighbourhoods)
Best area to party in the heart of Barcelona
Ciutat Vella (or “Old City in Catalan) gathers the historical neighborhoods of Barcelona. This area is in the heart of the city and has clubs and bars for all tastes, including concert venues and alternative and gay-friendly places.
Ciutat Vella, Barcelona’s old town, reigns supreme for clubbing. This district includes three iconic neighborhoods: Raval, Barri Gòtic or Gothic Quarter, and El Born. Ciutat Vella is also in the city’s heart, so it is the best location in Barcelona for sightseeing.
You’ll find Macarena Club in El Raval, notorious in the electronic scene since its 1990 opening. Many people refer to Macarena as the only club in the center of Barcelona with high-quality electronic music. Meanwhile, within Barri Gòtic’s labyrinthine streets lies the Harlem Jazz Club, a haven of jazz, blues, and flamenco since 1987.
Meanwhile, in the Born neighborhood, you’ll get to Miramelindo Bar, a picture-perfect cocktail venue from 1998. This bar’s decoration pays homage to surrealism with a retro atmosphere.
Another significant venue near Ciutat Vella is Sala Apolo, a concert venue that hosts parties regularly. Churros Con Chocolate, a campy LGBTQIA+ event, takes place in Sala Apolo on a monthly Sunday.
Ciutat Vella is the best area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife because it has something for everybody. This area showcases the history of the city and applauds authenticity. So, you’ll find some iconic venues and landmarks in the district. Moreover, it is a mandatory stop during a first trip to Barcelona.
Also, lines 1, 3, and 4 of the metro have stations across this district.
Best Hotels in Ciutat Vella
Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel
The Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel, is located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a short walk from the Plaça Catalunya metro station. This elegantly designed property features a Mediterranean restaurant, a cafeteria, a terrace with a bar, and a rooftop pool.
Catalonia Catedral
The Catalonia Catedral is set in a traditional Modernist building 100 meters from Barcelona Cathedral. It offers free use of Smartphones, Wi-Fi access, a rooftop seasonal pool, and a Japanese-style terrace and garden.
Park Hotel
Park Hotel is located in Barcelona’s trendy Born district and offers stylish accommodation just a 10-minute walk from Barceloneta Beach, opposite Estació de França Station. Reception is open 24 hours a day. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
The Moods Catedral Hostal Boutique
Set in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter beside the city’s old Roman walls, The Moods Catedral is an adult-only hotel 100 meters from Barcelona Cathedral and 100 meters from Jaume I Metro Station. It offers bright, modern rooms with free WiFi.
Inside Barcelona Apartments Esparteria
These stylish apartments are located in Barcelona’s El Born district, 3 minutes’ walk from the Picasso Museum. Each apartment offers free Wi-Fi and flat-screen satellite TV.
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona
Situated just off Las Ramblas in Plaça Reial Square, the Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona offers a lively atmosphere with daily parties and air-conditioned dormitories. There is free WiFi throughout.
2. Port Olímpic
International flair by the beach
To party in some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs, there’s no better area than Port Olímpic. This area is by the sea and hosts renowned clubs like Pachá Barcelona and Opium that welcome many night owls from all over Europe.
Port Olímpic is the epicenter of Barcelona’s nightlife. Nestled in eastern Barcelona, the district gained fame after hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics. After all, this area, next to the Barceloneta beach, was created for the Olympics.
Among the most renowned venues in Port Olímpic, you’ll find Opium and Pachá Barcelona, an offshoot of the legendary Ibiza club. This hotspot boasts killer tunes from world-renowned DJs and is especially popular among tourists. Hence, even if you travel to Barcelona alone, you’ll likely make friends from other cities and countries in this area.
Close to Pachá lies another nightlife gem: Catwalk Club. This club caters to fans of hip-hop and R&B and even hosts some theme nights. In addition to its main dance floor, Catwalk has VIP sections.
Besides the clubs mentioned, Shoko Barcelona tops Port Olímpic’s list of must-visit nighttime venues. With its classy Asian-themed decor, Shoko offers partygoers a curated balance of music, food, and dance on its two floors.
This area connects with the rest of the city via the metro line 4 and the city’s tram service. Port Olímpic also hosts some of the top hotels in Barcelona.
Best Hotels in Port Olímpic
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Overlooking Barceloneta Beach and Barcelona city center, this design hotel has two outdoor pools and a luxury spa with city views. Hotel Arts offers an art collection and a restaurant with 2 Michelin stars.
H10 Marina Barcelona
H10 Marina Hotel Barcelona is a 10-minute’ walk from Barcelona’s Olympic Port. It offers a gym, spa, and free Wi-Fi. The rooftop pool and sun terrace offer fantastic city and sea views.
ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell
Located in Barcelona, 900 meters from Port Olímpic, ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell features private parking and free WiFi access. The hotel has an outdoor pool and children’s playground, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
Unite Hostel Barcelona
Set in Barcelona, 400 meters from Nova Icaria, Unite Hostel Barcelona offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen.
3. Eixample
a bit of everything + gay scene
L’Eixample‘s nightlife has something for everybody. The area especially stands out for its gay clubs and bars, which have earned it the nickname ‘gayxample.’
L’Eixample is between the historic Ciutat Vella to its south and Gràcia to its north.
Born in the 19th century during a significant urban expansion plan and designed by Ildefons Cerdà, Eixample is home to some of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces. These landmarks include the ever-impressive Sagrada Familia, an unfinished modernist temple, one of Europe’s most visited attractions. Other buildings designed by Gaidí, like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, are also in Eixample.
This area has a great nightlife scene. In L’Eixample, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. These establishments often have themes or focus on a specific type of music. Therefore, this is a great area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife if you travel in a group. I guarantee all your friends will find at least one place they like in this area.
Yet, what sets Eixample apart is its many gay bars and LGBT clubs. Hence, there’s a part of the neighborhood known as Gayxample, centered around Carrer Diputació, between Carrer Balmes and Carrer Muntaner. Some of the most visited venues in the Gayxample include Átame, Metro, and Arena Classic. There are also gay hotels and gay-friendly accommodations in this area, like the Axel Hotel.
Like the rest of the areas mentioned in this guide, Eixample has a few metro stations that connect it to other parts of Barcelona. In particular, the Passeig de Gràcia station operates lines 2, 3, and 4 of the metro.
Best Hotels in Eixample
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Set on Barcelona’s fashionable Passeig de Gràcia, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is within a 5-minute’ walk of Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The hotel features a spa, rooftop pool, indoor pool, fitness center, wonderful city views, and 24-hour room service.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona
This design hotel is right next to Plaza Catalunya in the center of Barcelona. It has a rooftop garden terrace and offers free high-speed WiFi.
Hotel Omnium
Set in Barcelona, 2.1 km from Somorrostro Beach, Hotel Omnium offers accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a concierge service, a tour desk, and free WiFi throughout the property.
TOC Hostel Barcelona
Set in the heart of Barcelona, just 700 meters from Plaza Catalunya Square, TOC Hostel Barcelona offers an outdoor pool and a terrace.
4. Poblenou
hOME OF RAZZMATAZZ
Poblenou offers a more authentic side of the Barcelona nightlife scene. In this neighborhood, you’ll find some of the best tapas bars in the city.
If you’re hunting for a nightlife scene that’s both lit and authentic, Poblenou is the spot for you. This northeast district might seem less touristy than others, but that’s what makes it so great.
Poblenou, positioned east of the city center, hugs the Mediterranean coast. This once-industrial barrio underwent a massive transformation back in the 1990s, thanks to events like the 1992 Olympics, and has since become THE place for artists and hipsters.
Razzmatazz is the reigning king of Poblenou’s club scene and has stayed at the top since its birth in 2000. With five rooms to choose from, you’ll be partying to live music or DJ sets while sipping on cocktails.
The neighborhood’s main artery, Rambla del Poblenou, boasts an impressive lineup of local joints dishing up delicious tapas and fresh seafood galore.
Hosting small galleries, funky studios, and fantastic local events like Poblenou Open Night, there’s always something artsy going down in this neighborhood. But that’s not all; Poblenou is also home to beautiful beaches. Take a break from the party to soak up some sun and enjoy the relaxing Mediterranean vibes.
This neighborhood has its own metro station, Poblenou (line 4). This metro line connects with Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample neighborhood and La Barceloneta beach.
Best Hotels in Poblenou
Hotel & Spa Villa Olimpica Suites
This minimalist hotel is situated in the Poble Nou district of Barcelona, 15 minutes’ by foot from Bogatell Beach. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by wooden decking and loungers.
NH Barcelona Diagonal Center
This design hotel is 15 minutes’ from the beach, in the 22@ business area of Barcelona’s Poble Nou district. Bogatell Metro Station, 350 meters away, connects with central Barcelona in 25 minutes.
Twentytú Hostel
This modern, eco-friendly hostel offers a terrace with city views and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is set 10 minutes’ walk from Nova Icaría Beach and the Olympic Port.
5. North of Diagonal Avenue
to party with the v.i.pS
If you want to visit the most exclusive nightclubs in Barcelona, you should stay in the area North of Diagonal Avenue.
The area north of Diagonal Avenue stands out for its exclusive nightlife.
You can find celebrities’ favorite club in this part of Barcelona: Sutton. The first thing that strikes anyone when they see Sutton Club is its sheer size and luxury. This beast of a club, with five bars and room for 1,500 people, is at Carrer de Tuset. And it’s safe to say Sutton makes an unforgettable impression.
Likewise, Luz de Gas is on Carrer de Muntaner. This concert venue has an old-world charm spliced with modern coolness. Famous musicians rub elbows with a diverse crowd who know their music inside out.
The luxurious feel of this area also extends to its accommodation options. Hence, you can find several 5-star hotels with views and stunning hotels with pools in this part of Barcelona.
And when it comes to public transportation, the Line 3 of the metro serves this area. Stations nearby include Diagonal, Les Corts, and Maria Cristina.
Best Hotels North of Diagonal Avenue
Hotel SOFIA Barcelona, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel Sofia Barcelona is set on Barcelona’s Diagonal Avenue. It features free WiFi throughout, on-site restaurants, and stunning city views. Guests have free access to a bright, modern, 24-hour gym with various equipment.
AC Hotel Irla by Marriott
The AC Hotel Irla is located 200 meters from Diagonal and Francesc Macià Square. The hotel has stylish, comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and 24-hour reception.
Free Hostels Barcelona
Free Hostels Barcelona is located in central Barcelona, 700 meters from Hospital Clinic Metro, offering free WiFi access. Gaudi’s La Pedrera Building is a 23-minute walk away.
