Ash
Written by Ash

Barcelona Nightlife Guide: Clubs, Areas, and Tips

| 89 comments

You’ll probably agree with me that tourists don’t come to Barcelona to go to bed early.

They also don’t come to get ripped off, screwed around, or stuck on an empty dance floor.

Read my comprehensive Barcelona nightlife guide for the city’s best clubs, drinking areas, night out habits, online club ticket options, and even a discount card to save up to 80% on line up prices.

Let’s go!

Why Buy Barcelona Club Tickets Online

I don’t have to tell you how annoying it is to be ready to party yet be stuck outside in a line. Luckily in Barcelona there is a super-convenient way to buy your tickets in advance online for many of the club nights.

Why should you do this?

  • You get the best market price and can save up to 30%.
  • You’re guaranteed to get in.
  • You get to skip the lines VIP-style.
  • You can show your tickets on any smartphone.

Got something more specific in mind? Have read below and you’ll find the majority of these Barcelona clubs and be bought in advance with an online discount using the buttons.

House Music

Pacha

Address: 38 Maritimo de la Barceloneta | Metro: Villa Olimpica (L4) | Website

Surely you’ve heard the name Pacha at least once in your life – we’re talking about the famous Pacha from Ibiza. Though the Barcelona version is hardly comparable to the Balearic behemoth it’s on the right track.

By day Pacha is a chill out spot for cocktails and beach-side people watching and by night it welcomes a variety of respected local and international DJs. The location and Ibiza-style ambiance are tough to beat.

Dress code: smart.

Prices: €15-20 depending on the night.

PACHA
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Opium

Age: 21-30 | 34 Maritimo de la Barceloneta | Metro: Villa Olimpica (L4) | Website

One of the best clubs in Barcelona for pure glamour – this beach club has a spectacular outdoor terrace and thanks to its massive popularity with tourists is the biggest meat market in Barcelona.

The sound system here is really something to be heard – perhaps that’s why Opium has hosted DJs like Avicii, Tiesto, and David Guetta.

Drink prices at Opium are above average at €15+ a cocktail – cushion the blow by getting to the Port Olimpic area around 1 am and finding some street promoters who can get you on a guest-list without cover.

Dress code: smart.

Prices: €15-20 depending on the night.

OPIUM
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Shoko

Address: 36 Maritimo de la Barceloneta | Metro: Villa Olimpica (L4) | Website

This slick house club that mixes in hip hop, R&B and reggae is in another prime spot along the seafront – that’s packed with tourists. There’s a great VIP room and sometimes they hire their own dancers/performers.

Don’t expect to pay any less than €10 for a drink – look for promoters in the area who’ll get you on guestlist.

Dress code: smart casual.

Prices: €10-20 depending on the night.

SHOKO
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La Terrazzza

Address: Poble Espanyol | Metro: Espanya (L1 or L3) | Website

An open air club at the top of a mountain? OK!

This historic Barcelona club found in picturesque Poble Espanyol is frequented by tourists and locals alike. This is debatably the best summer club in the city. People rave about how the house and techno music create a great atmosphere and how it’s almost like nightlife in Barcelona nature.

It’s easy to get advanced entry to the club finding promoters on the beach.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: €10-20 depending on the night.

LA TERRAZZZA
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Sutton

Address: 13 Carrer Tuset | Metro: Diagonal (L3 or L5) | Website

Sutton claims to be the most fashionable of all the nightclubs in Barcelona and is considered by locals to be quite pija (posh). Private rooms and suites sponsored by Moet champagne and the legions of immaculate beauties and playboys support this.

Their 2013 refurbishment brought one of the best sound systems in the city – house music with a touch of R&B is the name of the game here.

Dress code: smart.

Prices: €15.

🚌 Planning on a big out? Make sure you know how to get around Barcelona on public transport first.

Electronic Music Clubs

Razzmatazz

Address: 122 Carrer Almogavers | Metro: Marina (L1) | Website

This warehouse style behemoth popular with locals is found in an industrial area of Poble Nou. It’s the best club in Barcelona for sheer size and variety – for this reason I’ve dedicated an entire article to it.

Here there are five rooms where you can also get indie rock, techno, pop, or disco music – a night at Razzmatazz is like a night in five clubs! The massive roof terrace and bathroom DJ are something to be seen.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: entrance with a stiff drink is €17 at the door or €12 + fees advance purchase online.

RAZZMATAZZ
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Sala Apolo

Address: 113 Carrer Nou de la Rambla | Metro: Parallel (L3) | Website

The second biggest of the top nightclubs in Barcelona is set in an old, stylish theater and packs a party punch. Though on weekends this two dance floor disco is primarily a techno, electro, and bass club it also hosts rock gigs and a variety of other themed nights.

This might be your best bet for weekday fun with the ever popular Nasty Mondays (rock, pop, indie, garage, electro rock) and Crappy Tuesdays (post punk, rock, indie, electro beats) pumping out tunes for a decidely young local crowd.

Dress code: they say dress codes are stupid.

Prices: entrance with drink is €18 at the door or €15 advance purchase online.

Moog

Address: 3 Carrer de l’Arc del Teatre | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website

Moog is a tiny club with a big reputation so one might even call it the grenade of Barcelona nightlife: small but explosive! Lovers of underground electro and techno with an intimate vibe and a bit of an older crowd can find a home here – at a reasonable price.

The upstairs room surrounded by mirrors on the walls plays great alternative, indie, and retro pop songs which is a nice break from the pounding of the main room.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: usually €10 at the door but cheaper buying on their official site.

MOOG
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elrow

Address: Autovia Castelldefels – C31 | Metro: n/a | Website

Born from the creators of the Monegros Festival (in the desert near Zaragoza), elrow is the stuff after-party legends are made of and is only for truly dedicated clubbers. First of all, it’s out by the airport in a place called Viladecans and you need a bus or taxi to get there.

The benefit of being by the airport? It goes super late – from 10 pm to 10 am. In fact they say elrow only truly shines at first sunlight. Try if you dare!

Dress code: casual.

Prices: depending on the night it’s €30 +.

City Hall

Address: 2-4 Rambla de Catalunya | Metro: Catalunya (L1 or L3) | Website

This cozy club built in one of Barcelona’s most historic theaters is a must for any fan of less commercial electronic music. Its super central location next to Placa Catalunya makes it a convenient option for tourists.

Thursdays are perhaps the best night with resident Italian DJ Luca Fabiani.

Dress code: smart casual.

Prices: €15-20 depending on the night.

CITY HALL
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Commercial Music Clubs

Jamboree

Address: 17 Placa Reial | Metro: Liceu or Drassanes (L3) | Website

One of the most touristy clubs around so it’s a great place to meet new people. Before 12 you’ll find live jazz there but as the night goes on and crowds build it becomes a big mix of hip hop, Latin, and 80s and 90s rock music.

Impossible to miss off La Rambla in Barcelona nightlife hub Plaça Reial.

Dress code: casual.

Price: €10-15 but free before 2 flagging down a promoter in the vicinity.

Sidecar

Address: 7 Placa Reil | Metro: Liceu or Drassanes (L3) | Website

Another club in the middle of Placa Reil that that’s fed primarily by tourists and nearby hostels. Sidecar often has live rock music before the clubbing night begins – from then on it’s an eclectic mix of popular dance, indie, and rock and roll music.

Dress code: casual.

Price: €10-15 but free before 2 flagging down a promoter in the vicinity.

La Fira

Address: 171 Carrer de Provença | Metro: Hospital Clinic (L5) | Website

The name La Fira means The Fair and it’s easy to see why – this bizarre booze boutique was decorated using equipment from an old German funfair. You won’t know whether it’s one of their 150 spirits getting to your head or whether you’re looking into a vintage distorted mirror 😉

A mix of Anglo and Spanish/Latino pop gets people dancing in a giant gazebo and cages which becomes ever more entertaining after trips to the the shot bar.

Fair games, roundabouts, and fortune tellers make it one of the most unique night clubs in Barcelona.

Dress code: smart casual.

Prices: €10+ depending on the night.

Magic

Address: 40 Passeig Picasso | Metro: Barceloneta (L4) |  Website

One of the top clubs in Barcelona for rock music, hell it’s probably the only full on rock club in Barcelona – born in the 70’s, thrived in the 90’s, and according to their website living a second youth in the present day.

Here you’ll hit the dance floor to a mix of indie music and classic rock. It’s easy to meet people due to it’s unpretentious atmosphere and decent drink prices.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: around €10.

Plataforma

Address: 145 Carrer Nou de la Rambla | Metro: Parallel (L3) | Website

Another tiny but fun little club that packs a punch.  The very basic decor is deceiving because it’s actually a great place to have fun. Weekends have a mix of commercial and Spanish music, while Thursdays have drum and bass.

As far as my Barcelona nightlife guide goes this is as ‘local’ as it gets – girls, a local has told me it’s the easiest place to get approached by guys so if you’re looking for a souvenir this might be the place.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: around €10.

Costa Breve

Address: 230 Carrer d’Aribau | Metro: Diagonal (L3 or L4) | Website

Another popular spot for classic and more recent commercial music frequented by locals – mostly university students. Grab a great cocktail at one of the three different bars and sit down on one of the many comfy couches.

This is also a great place for value as their Thursday night ‘university special’ has €2 drinks and €40 bottles.

Dress code: smart casual.

Prices: €10.

COSTA BREVE
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Latin Music Clubs

Sala Bikini

Address: 547 Avinguda Diagonal | Metro: Maria Cristina (L3) |  Website

Barcelona’s oldest club served its first drink in 1953 and today is one of the biggest Latin clubs in the city.

Though Sala Bikini is famous for salsa, samba, and bachata their main room has one of the biggest dance floors in Barcelona and also mixes in more contemporary music.

Dress code: casual/alternative.

Prices: depending on the night you’ll pay about €10-20 (drink included).

Mojito Club

Address: 217 Carrer del Rossellò | Metro: Diagonal (L3 or L5) | Website

Another place with Latin music of all kinds from salsa to merengue to reggaeton. Mojito Club is small but chic and often offers live music, not to mention it’s one of the only nightclubs in Barcelona that offers free dance classes – which often give performances later in the evening!

A good place for open-minded people and good energy.

Dress code: smart casual.

Prices: €10-15.

Funk and Hip Hop Clubs

Marula Cafe

Address: Carrer dels Escudellers 49 | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website

If you ever wanted to be young in the 70’s and get down to some funk, foul, disco, and similar grooves you’ll fall in love with Marula immediately. I’m fond of this place because it reminds me a bit of going out in Soho at Madame Jojo’s in London (RIP).

This old school club is where people go to dance without the pretentiousness and fancy get-ups, yet at the same time there’s a certain throwback class that would separate it from other casual clubs.  The nights alternate between live music and DJs.

Dress code: casual.

Prices: €14.00.

Otto Zutz Club

Address: 15 Calle Lincoln | Metro: Fontana (L3) | Website

One of the best clubs in Barcelona for fun with no pretentiousness. This three floor club has been around for 30 years and is a real hit with young locals – go here if you’re up for hip hop, R&B, or funk tunes though upstairs usually has Spanish music.

Dress code: normal to smart and elegant. Athletic clothes are pushing it here so be careful. It gets packed so don’t wear long sleeves in the summer time!

Prices: free if you wander around outside and find a promoter.

OTTO ZUTZ
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Dress Code at Barcelona Clubs

Barcelona is a pretty chill city so there’s no need to go totally crazy. That said, following these general rules will make sure you avoid issues getting into the city’s best clubs.

  • Don’t wear beach attire or sports clothing.
  • Dark shoes which aren’t trainers are recommended.
  • Check each individual club website before going to be sure.

Barcelona Nightlife Areas

The majority of club seekers end up wandering around the Gothic Quarter: here you’ll find an endless amount of cool bars, pizza and kebab restaurants, and tourists out for a good time.

Two streets full of bars here are Carrer Ample and Carrer de la Mercè.

For a cheaper approach to pre-drinking you may want to head to the rough and ready Raval neighbourhood. Among its colourful streets you’ll find dive bars, hipster spots, and ethnic restaurants.

Walk along Carrer de Joaquín Costa for a good cross section.

Etiquette with Barcelona Bouncers

First off even the best clubs in Barcelona have smug bouncers that’ll treat you like they’re doing you a favour. If you’re trying to get in to a club consider the following:

  • Not showing any signs of being drunk.
  • Being almost over-dressed for the place.
  • Being impossibly friendly, patient, and quiet while in line.
  • Not being too male or too guiri (American, British, Irish etc.).
  • Never drink in line.

Pickpockets

Be on your guard when you’re out. Barcelona has a large pickpocket problem that targets young, drunk tourists. People trying to sell you things or shake your hand or even hug you, especially on La Rambla, are up to no good.

Your best bet to avoid this is taking a taxi from right outside the club.

Drinking in Public in Barcelona

Contrary to popular belief drinking in public is illegal in Barcelona.

That said, police won’t bother you unless you’re drawing attention to yourselves. Feel free to buy one of the €1.00 street beers from the sellers – locals do this to save a ton on money clubbing in Barcelona.

Just make sure you wipe them as sometimes the cans have been hidden in ‘unsavory’ places.

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See a tear-jerking Barcelona flamenco show from €16.00.

Looking for the Best Barcelona Nightlife?

Prepped to jump head first into the Barcelona nightlife maelstrom? If you think I’ve missed something or wanna take a shot at me for suggesting something rotten let me have it in the comments below.

As always I’m here to answer any of your questions so fire away.

89 comments
  • September 5, 2022 at 11:02 pm
    Lavone Heinicke
    This webpage does not show up appropriately on my android - you might wanna try and fix that
  • August 28, 2022 at 8:28 pm
    Richie
    Hi Ash. Many thanks for the really informative guide. I’ve put together a long list of potential spots for our up coming visit! Could I ask you a quick question about the dress code for Clubs and Late Bars please: I’ve read in a few places that the dress code is quite strict around not allowing Sneakers of any kind (not even smart minimalist sneakers) and even shoes should be ‘dark’….surely this can’t still be the case in 2022?! It just seems so old fashioned and…odd. Thanks in advance 👍
    • August 29, 2022 at 10:16 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Richie, Thanks for the kind words :) A lot of clubs just put that to scare people a bit and make sure they don't show up dressed like the beach. In general, just make sure you're not dressed like you're going for a swim and you should be fine - though the big three clubs by the beach (Opium, Pacha, and Shoko) have been known to be a bit strict. That's the only area I've had troubles. I think beyond this, just making sure you're not being loud and causing trouble in a group, all that 'lads on tour' crap, and you should be fine. Cheers,
  • July 31, 2022 at 4:50 pm
    Clare
    Hi Ash, just wondering what clubs/bars would be open on a Sunday or Monday night?
    • August 1, 2022 at 11:59 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Clare, A lot of the main clubs are open on at least one of these nights. The main ones down at the port like Opium and Pacha run seven days a week in summer due to high tourist traffic. If that's not your thing, I'd be looking at either Razzmatazz, Jamboree, or Apolo :) Cheers,
  • July 31, 2022 at 4:22 pm
    Shane
    Hey Ash, thanks for the awesome club guide. I recently heard about El Row from a British friend as well and thought it sounded fun for late late night. However, I checked on Google Maps and it appears to be "Temporarily closed". Since you are "boots on the ground" I was wondering if you've been there lately or can confirm it's still open post-pandemic.
    • August 1, 2022 at 11:57 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Shane, The Barcelona event was typically New Year's Eve so I'm assuming as part of their 2022 relaunch you'll see one there. That said, though El Row is most definitely back... it's in Ibiza, Budapest, Chicago etc. but not yet Barcelona. I would keep an eye on the official El Row website to see if it ever comes back to these parts. Cheers,
  • May 13, 2022 at 11:53 am
    Hannah
    Hi, I think I noticed previously on this page there was mention of a nightlife discount card which meant you could get into any club if you had bought the card, does this no longer exist/ you no longer advocate for it?
    • May 13, 2022 at 2:05 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Hannah, Unfortunately the Barcelona Night Card has been cancelled post-COVID. They're probably trying to run some new numbers and see if they can repackage it. Not sure if anything else is coming down the pipe, though I'll be sure to update things should there be a similar pass in the future. Cheers,
  • April 2, 2022 at 3:58 pm
    Riccardo
    Hey Ash :) Just wanted to also ask you if you have been on the VIP Nightlife Tour in Barcelona? What was your experience? In terms of: a) was it worth it? b) how old were the other people more or less? c) how many people go on the tour more or less? Thank you :)
    • April 3, 2022 at 4:27 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Riccardo, Unfortunately I have never taken the tour... I have taken a few pub crawls but since I am not a big clubber I haven't done the VIP Nightlife one. That said, I have a friend who did it and tells me that the average age is quite young, let's say 23 to 27 with a few younger and older thrown in. Before COVID they used to have 20 or 30 people per tour but right now it's anybody's guess :( Cheers,
  • March 24, 2022 at 6:47 pm
    Muteba Gizenga
    Hello Ash. i'm 22 years old black male looking to enjoy Barcelona's nightlife. I have not been able to go out because of school but now i have more free time and i wish to make friends and meet hot chicks ! I usually go out solo as it gives me freedom of movement. Money is no problem at all. For my music's taste it is mainly Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B (of all languages. i speak english, french and some spanish by the way) and raggaeton. I also really love Spanish/Latin music, so no problem hitting local clubs. my no go zone are Rock, Electro, techno and the like . I am eager to read your recomendations based on my tastes and situation. I love clubs that tend to reach maximum capacity on a nightly basis. hope to hear from you soon.
    • March 25, 2022 at 11:15 am
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Muteba, Thanks for writing :) Honestly, I'm a bit over the hill so take this advice with a grain of salt - I would head to the clubs at Plaça Reial. Sidecar and Jamboree usually have hip hop nights and it's a solid mix of foreigners and locals, mostly young and looking to party. I can't comment on whether they'll be full to capacity like they once were (we're still a bit in COVID mode) but they should be picking up a bit this spring. Hope this helps!
  • March 19, 2022 at 6:33 pm
    Ela
    Hi! we are 30 years old and we are looking for clubs for people about our age (25+). We prefer house music. Is Pacha, Shoko and Opium will be ok? I also heard about Sutton and Bling Bling. What do you recommend us?
    • March 19, 2022 at 6:43 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Ela, Honestly Pacha, Shoko, and Opium will be OK age-wise but being in the same area right by the beach/port they're quite touristy, and let's just say there's some shady characters around there - I even had a friend get her bag stolen there. If you want to party with tourists this is a fine option, but just be on your guard. If you're looking for a unique experience I always recommend Razzmatazz. My favourite house music place is Moog though... but then again I prefer my clubs to be smaller and more intimate. Sutton is also fine if you're looking for something a bit more posh :) Really depends on your tastes! Cheers,
      • March 19, 2022 at 10:37 pm
        Ela
        Thanks Ash for your quick reply :) elegant club will be ok, we prefer party with spanish people than turist because we also are turist :) we afraid about of the age of people - we don"t want to party with very young people because we are 30 ;) can you recommend any places to "before the party" - bars with shots, drinks and music?
        • March 20, 2022 at 11:53 am
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Ela, Haha yes I understand you ;) I am also in a similar situation when it comes to clubbing. If you want to meet Spanish people and have a local vibe then it has to be Razz, Sutton, Moog, or maybe even Apolo (though this crowd can get quite young). If you're looking for shots/beer/cheap drinks/music there are some nice bars like the Ovella Negra or Nevermind... or maybe even the George Payne as they have good deals for 'pre drinkng'. There's also a bar specifically for shots called Espit Chupitos and it'll be right near Sutton... but be careful ;)
          • March 20, 2022 at 10:53 pm
            Ela
            Thank you very much :)
            • March 21, 2022 at 4:54 pm
              ashley
              Team Member
              Ash
              Any time :)
  • February 26, 2022 at 1:59 pm
    Riccardo
    Hi Ash! Thanks for all the amazing tips! :) I am busy planning a trip in April :D What would you recommend for a 20yr old male solo traveler looking for an awesome night out in Barcelona (some drinks, making friends, meeting some girls) on a budget?
    • March 2, 2022 at 4:13 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Riccardo, If you're on a budget then I would make sure I go to the Oveja Negra, which is a huge bar that's full of students and has really cheap prices, pool tables, large beers etc. The bench seating is a great place to meet people. As for clubs I would definitely either go to Razzmatazz or Apolo as these are probably the best place to meet people your age. The prices aren't great but you can always dip outside for a 'cerveza beer' outside. There's less of these sellers these days but if you find them you can have a drink for just €1. Cheers,
      • March 26, 2022 at 2:03 pm
        Riccardo
        Thank you so much Ash! You're a great help -- absolutely love reading your content! :D
        • March 29, 2022 at 5:30 pm
          ashley
          Team Member
          Ash
          Thanks so much Riccardo!
  • October 13, 2021 at 7:49 pm
    Mr.P
    Hi! I was just wondering, since it’s getting a bit colder outside, is there a cloakrooms inside the nightclubs where you can leave your jacket etc?
    • October 17, 2021 at 12:37 pm
      ashley
      Team Member
      Ash
      Hi Mr. P, Typically there are cloakrooms however during COVID times they are unfortunately not available at the moment... I'd pack a light jacket and try to cab there with friends to minimize being outside. Hopefully they re-open these cloakrooms soon! Cheers,
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