Barcelona Bars & Nightlife

Cool cocktail bars are the hallmark of up-and-coming neighborhoods, so locals were surprised that it took so long for a place like Bitter to open up in Sant Antoni. Tardiness aside, there's not much to complain about here—the menu is fully stocked with well-crafted cocktails that are inventive but still utterly drinkable, like the grapefruit margarita, a London mule (like the Moscow version but with gin), and a refreshing grape-centric drink called the Indian Summer. There's a lovely little tapas menu, too, to keep you from getting too wobbly.

Mirablau is a favorite for its prime Tibidabo mountain location, which affords an amazing, panoramic view of Barcelona. Grab a cocktail and a seat next to the huge window overlooking the city—a tough spot to beat.

Founded in 1820, Bar Marsella is famous for having served the likes of Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí, and Picasso. Today, the crowd skews young and university. Its specialty is still abstinthe—i.e. no-joke, strong drinks.

Mamainé is on the small side, but it has a really great, relaxed vibe, and it's in a charming neighborhood. It sort of goes without saying that this is where you'll find the best mojitos in all of Barcelona.

When GP wandered into this bar a few years ago with some friends, she ended up staying all night. Its dark, old-fashioned décor makes it reminiscent of a library in the coolest way. Plus, it has great drinks and good music.