This blog post was originally posted on November 10, 2014 and was updated on February 2, 2018.

Typical nightlife in Spain is not for the faint-hearted. Buzzing venues and animated streets, infinitely long nights, and a seemingly tireless crowd...

These are the things that make Spain a huge party destination, and Barcelona, obviously, is no exception. A little something for everyone, read on for some of the best and most mythical bars, clubs and fiestas! Furthermore, be sure you are in the know about where to party in Barcelona.

Razzmatazz

One of the city’s biggest clubs can be found in an old warehouse in the industrial Poble Nou area of Barcelona. With five different rooms, planning a night out in Razzmatazz means a serious commitment to partying. Though it seems natural, make sure you don’t get there too late! Lines are known to get outrageous. If you’re looking for where to party in Barcelona, you’ve finally found it!

Address: Carrer del Almogàvers, 122

Sala Apolo

This former theatre is a favorite of Barcelona’s young, alternative and hipster crowd. The venue itself is a classic. The DJ stands center stage as an energetic crowd from below moves to the beats. Furthermore, a calmer one above watches from raised plush booths and seats. From their pop-rock Nasty Mondays party to their internationally famed Nitsa electronic weekends it’s all go! There is something going on here every night of the weekend.

Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113

Macarena

Underground house and techno, quality non-commercial dance music, dark, packed and sweaty. These are the best ways to describe Macarena! An old Flamenco tavern converted into an alternative gem right off La Rambla. The main DJ booth sits smack-dab in the center of this tiny sweatbox. Not to mention, the whole party seems to revolve around the hypnotic beats created there. If you’re around in the summertime, be sure to check out Macarena Beach. This is when they basically move the party to the edge of the water near Parc Forum.

Address: Carrer Nou de Sant Francesc, 5

Moog

Another electronic and techno-obsessed club is the tiny but fierce Moog. The sunken dance floor has surely been witness to many an epic night, where locals return again and again to one of their favorite spots for good quality electronic music.

Address: Carrer Arc del Teatre, 3

Magic Club

Facing the Citadel Park and unfittingly in one of the Born’s poshest areas is Magic, a mythical, diehard rock and roll joint. The cave-like dance floor is almost always packed and sweaty, as the tougher crowd of Barcelona throw themselves around to Iggy Pop, Velvet Underground, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the like.

Address: Passeig de Picasso, 40

La Terraza

One of the first open-air clubs in Barcelona, La Terraza has been going strong for nearly 20 years with their summertime party at Poble Espanyol in Montjuic. Between the months of May and September, enjoy the many spaces from lounge areas to packed dance floors, and of course, a consistently impressive lineup of international DJs, under the stars.

Address: Avinguda Marques de Comillars, 13

Marula Cafe

Despite the innocent name, Marula Cafe is anything but. On a street leading up to the Plaça de George Orwell (more commonly known as la Plaça del Trippy for its infamous history as a junky hangout) is the Gothic Quarter’s answer to groovy, funky, soulful nightlife. For those who prefer to pass on the popular electronic scene in Barcelona, this is your place to go to get down.

Address: Carrer dels Escudellers, 49

Plaça Reial

To name just one venue in Plaça Reial would be a sin. There are too many spots to party in this beautifully immense square of the Gothic. Early drinks, outdoor dinner, a jazz concert, a late Spanish night: it’s all here.

• Sidecar Factory Club (Plaça Reial, 7) is one of Barcelona’s most adored venues, from their Anti-Karaoke nights to their passion for live music and finding new, local talent.
• Jamboree (Plaça Reial, 17) is known for fantastic jazz concerts, and later into the night, good hip-hop, funk and blues.
• Ocaña (Plaça Reial, 13-15), one of the newer spots, is notable not only for an insanely cool atmosphere but also the impressive artistic and creative decor that permeates the entirety of this enormous venue…it offers everything from a terrace, a restaurant, several different bar spaces, and an underground disco with an immense dance floor.