Bar culture is an integral part of the lifestyle in Barcelona. From the old cervecerías that have been around for generations to the sleek new gastrobars popping up around town, bars are a dime a dozen in Barcelona. However, not all of them are created equal.

With so many bar choices in the bustling city, how can you narrow it down to find the best? Luckily, we’re here to help! In no particular order, here are our top 10 picks for the best bars in Barcelona that are sure to be a hit.

1. Bar del Pla

If you’re looking for simplicity at its finest, this is the place for you. Bar del Pla prides itself on its proud legacy of traditional cooking. Their tapas menu changes seasonally to allow for the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you’re sure be pleasantly surprised no matter what time of year you come. A true neighborhood favorite, this is one of those cozy, comfortable places where you’ll immediately feel at home.

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 2

2. Bodega Maestrazgo

Love wine? Love drinking wine among locals at a bar they’ve loved for generations? Head on over to Bodega Maestrazgo, a quaint little shop with so much to offer in the world of wine. As the oldest wine shop in Barcelona, it’s been going strong for more than 60 years. Order one of their many fabulous wines by the glass and settle in for a relaxing evening. Not sure which to choose? Their friendly, helpful staff will be more than happy to help you find your next favorite vino! 

Address: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Baix, 90

3. El Rincón del Cava

You can’t leave Barcelona without trying cava! This crisp, bubbly sparkling wine is an equally delicious (and less expensive) alternative to champagne, and most of it is produced right here in Catalonia. All that being said, there’s no better place to drink cava like a local than at El Rincón del Cava. As one of our favorite bars in Barcelona that specializes in the bubbly drink, they serve fantastic cava and equally delicious food at incredible prices. Who said popping open the bubbly had to be an expensive affair?

Address: Carrer de Blasco de Garay, 53

4. Quimet y Quimet

Vermouth isn’t just for abuelos anymore. The rich fortified wine is making a comeback in a big way among Barcelona’s younger generation! If you really want to drink it like a local, head to Quimet y Quimet. One of the most charming and timeless bars in Barcelona, not much has changed here in the century it’s been open. Its old-school charm, freshly flowing vermouth and tasty montaditos make this classic establishment a must-visit!

Address: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25

5. Número Nueve

As much as we love the more traditional bars in Barcelona, sometimes we’re craving something a bit more modern. Número Nueve delivers on that front, serving up some of the most delicious cocktails in the historic Born neighborhood. Their menu ranges from classic cocktails to innovative mixed drinks you won’t find anywhere else. On top of that, they also serve fabulous food! This is the perfect place to enjoy anything from drinks to a sit-down meal in an elegant, cosmopolitan setting.

Address: Carrer de la Vidrieria, 9

6. Rosal 34

The Basque Country is said to be one of the best foodie destinations in Spain. However, if you can’t make it to San Sebastian, you can get your fix of Basque-style tapas (known as pintxos) right here in Barcelona! Rosal 34 specializes in this unique, casual way of dining and does it better than any of the other pintxos bars in Barcelona. Modern yet cozy with fabulous food to boot, this place is a must-stop on your evening tapas crawl around the city.

Address: Carrer del Roser, 34

7. Bodegas Cal Pep

Tucked away in the back streets of Gracia, you’ll stumble across this iconic local favorite. Walking into Cal Pep will transport you back to a time before modern gastrobars started taking over, when locals still met up at their neighborhood bars in Barcelona to catch up over rounds of vermouth. Some of the regulars have been coming here for ages, and they’re always willing to share some of their fascinating stories with newcomers. Grab a spot at the bar and settle in!

Address: Carrer Verdi, 141

8. El Bosc de les Fades

Looking for a magical fairytale adventure? It’s actually possible at El Bosc de les Fades! As one of the most unique bars in Barcelona, its name (which translates to “the forest of fairies”) is just the start of an incredible fantasy adventure. You’ll feel as if you’ve been whisked away to an enchanted forest filled with flowing streams, the sounds of thunder and lightning, twinkling lights—and great cocktails, of course!

Address: Passatge de la Banca, 7

9. El Diset

You’ll find one of the trendiest wine bars in Barcelona tucked away in the winding streets of the Born neighborhood. El Diset specializes in local wines from Catalonia, all of which they serve by the glass. The food is fabulous as well and pairs beautifully with their hand-picked wines. With its low lighting and elegant, minimalist interior, this is the perfect place for a date or a casual drink with friends.

Address: Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3

10. Bar La Plata

With just four tapas on the menu, you might think there’s something missing at Bar La Plata. However, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, as each of their dishes is always prepared to perfection! After all, with more than 70 years of experience serving up their tasty tapas, they’ve managed to perfect each recipe down to the smallest detail. As one of the most emblematic bars in Barcelona, it’s always packed with locals devouring their tapas along with wine straight from the barrel.

Address: Carrer del Mercé, 28

Want even more insights into local culture? Explore two icons of Catalan heritage—the Montserrat Monastery and cava—in one perfectly planned day on our Montserrat & Cava Winery Tour: Day Trip from Barcelona with Lunch.