Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wine & Cava Bars
A growing number of wine bars scattered around the city provide a showcase for the great
produce from Spain and beyond. Vine-minded spots such as
Monvínic
serve a huge selec-
tion of wines by the glass, with a particular focus on stellar new vintages. A big part of the
experience is having a few bites while you drink. Expect sharing plates, platters of cheese
and charcuterie, and plenty of tapas.
Cava
bars tend to be more about the festive ambience than the actual drinking of
cava
, a
sparkling white or rosé, most of which is produced in Catalonia's Penedès region. At the
more famous
cava
bars you'll have to nudge your way through the garrulous crowds and en-
joy your bubbly standing up. Two of the most famous
cava
bars are
El Xampanyet
in La
Ribera and
Can Paixano
in Barceloneta.
Rooftop & Hotel Bars
Barcelona has a handful of rooftop bars that provide an enchanting view over the city.
Depending on the neighbourhood, the vista may take in the rooftops of the old city, the
curving beachfront or the entire expanse of the city centre with the Collserola Hills and Ti-
bidabo in the distance. Most of these drinking spots are perched atop high-end hotels, but
are not solely the domain of visiting foreigners. An increasing number of style-minded
bar-
celonins
are drawn to these spaces. Late in the evening you'll find a mostly local crowd.
A few top picks:
Barceló Raval
Boasts dramatic 360-degree views from its rooftop terrace; its location in
Raval makes it a good place to start off the night before heading to nearby nightspots.
La Isabala
On the 7th floor terrace of Hotel 1898, this handsomely designed summertime
spot is a peaceful oasis from the Rambla down below.
Eclipse Lounge
Not a rooftop bar, but high up nonetheless on the 26th floor of the water-
front hotel W Barcelona, with panoramic views.
Mirablau
At the foot of Tibidabo, this open-air spot is a city icon, famous for its unrivalled
view over the city.
Beach Bars
During summer small wooden beach bars, affectionately known as
chiringuitos,
open up
along the strand, from Barceloneta all the way up to Platja de la Nova Mar Bella. Here you
can dip your toes in the sand and nurse a cocktail while watching the city at play against the
backdrop of the deep blue Mediterranean. Ambient grooves add to the laid-back environ-
