If you’re planning a Barcelona stag do let me first off say congrats on picking the right city.
Whether you’re relaxing in the Spanish sun, overtaking a friend at 70 km/h on the final lap at Messi’s favourite go kart track, or having the steak of your life before an epic beach club night you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Gentlemen, here’s the only Barcelona stag do guide you’ll ever need.
Barcelona Stag Do Advice
Locals love to complain of foreigners destroying the city – you won’t be doing yourselves any favours by being rowdy in public and may be denied entrance to some bars.
Practice common courtesy with bouncers and locals.
- Large groups in fancy dress may be turned away – always call/email ahead.
- Restaurant dinner hours are between 20:30 and 23:00 so plan accordingly.
- Get yourself one of Barcelona’s best discount transport cards to save money.
- The street beer sellers keep their cans in sewers – wipe them down or skip all together.
- Keep street noise down – locals have been known to dump water or throw vegetables!
- Most clubs don’t get bumping until after 2:00 am.
- Travel light because pickpockets are always on the prowl.
Finally, my best piece of advice: GET IN TOUCH WITH ME if you need any help.
Barcelona Stag Do Bars
Forget about Gracia’s picturesque squares or the bumping beer bars of Raval.
When we talk of Barcelona stag do bars I can only say: the more touristy, studenty, and spacious the better. If you’re in a small group there’s also the option of hitting one of Barcelona’s best rooftop bars.
Ovella Negra
Area: Raval | Carrer de les Sitges 5 | Metro: Universitat (purple line L2, red line L1)
A classic student hangout with communal bench seating.
If you need seating for 10+ in Barcelona it’s here. You’ll hardly go a minute without being spilled on by someone drinking cheap pints. Chow down on the free popcorn. Pool tables and foosball. It’s loud, obnoxious, and fun.
Try the 5 litre mini taps or panther milk (a secret recipe milk cocktail).
There’s a second location at Carrer de Zamora 78.
The George Payne
Area: Eixample | Plaça d’Urquinaona 5 | Metro: Urquinaona (red line L1, yellow line L4)
Yes, it’s an Irish pub.
It may not be at the top of any self-respecting Barcelona itinerary but you’ve got to admire it for a couple of things, mainly the sheer size of the bar and the screens and the variety of sport. You’ll find all the big Premiership matches here.
Their most famous offering is the blackout tray… it’s like they read your mind, innit?
Cocovail Beer Hall
Area: Eixample | Carrer d’Aragó 284 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia (L2/L3/L4)
Americans lusting for home? This one is for you.
What was once an old textile factory just around the corner from Casa Batllo got a face lift in 2016 – in the form of a pacific surfing concept American beer hall.
Here you’ll sup up 24 craft beers and accompany them with the best wings in Barcelona. It’s also a great place to watch NFL, all sorts of American sports, and European football.
Ice Barcelona
Area: Port Olimpic | Ramón Trías Fargas 2 | Metro: Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica (yellow line L4)
If you want something more memorable then hit an ice bar by the beach.
Put on an arctic jacket and sip on your favourite drink at -5 °C with ice sculptures. If it’s too cold just hit the terrace and contemplate your mate’s doomed marriage while looking out to the Mediterranean.
With cocktails in the area pushing €12.00 why not buck up an extra fiver for the experience?
Espit Chupitos
Area: El Gotico | Passeig de Colom 8 | Metro: Barceloneta (yellow line L4)
For those not in the know the word chupito is Spanish for shots.
If you need to kick things up a notch in a hurry (and fall down just as quick) then head for the place with over 600 shots. Pick at random from the convenient wall menu and let the whipped cream flow and the fire ignite.
There’s a second location at Carrer d’Aribau 77.
Barcelona Stag Do Clubs
If you have something very specific in mind do check out my Barcelona club guide – the following clubs I find are the most suited to large groups from abroad.
Opium
Area: Port Olimpic | Passeig Marítim 34 | Metro: Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica (yellow line L4)
What you get: class by the beach.
With a dance room chosen by world renown DJs like David Guetta, Avicii, and Jason Derulo it’s no wonder this fashionable club is the piece de resistance for international people looking to let loose. Multiple rooms with futuristic lighting. An all-out VIP room with pyrotechnics.
Moog
Area: Raval | Carrer de l’Arc del Teatre 3 | Metro: Drassanes (green line L3)
What you get: local debauchery.
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Rambla is this cosy, unpretentious club filled with locals. House, drum n’ bass, trance, and techno. Perfect for smaller groups who could care less about “living it up” and just wanna get sloppy.
The tiny upstairs room with indie music is a good respite.
La Terrrazza
Area: Montjuic | Francesc Ferrer I Guardia 0 S N | Metro: Poble Sec (green line L3)
What you get: deep-house on a mountain.
This open-air club in the replica town of Poble Espanyol finds itself atop Barcelona’s ‘local mountain’ Montjuic. Dance to the latest electronic jams under the stars in another international environment. The club is only open from May to September.
Barcelona Stag Do Activities
Of all the things to do on a stag do in Barcelona I would first recommend something more cultural: be sure to check out my list of 30 essential things to do in Barcelona.
Take a Tour of Camp Nou
Area: Les Corts | Carrer d’Aristides Maillol 12 | Metro: Les Corts (green line L3)
The second biggest association football stadium in the world and home to the impenetrable FC Barcelona is a must for football lovers.
See the museum with the team’s 22 league trophies and 4 Champions League titles, Messi’s golden boots, and tour the locker rooms, bench, and field.
Read my article on Camp Nou or get more tour information clicking the button below:
Another option? Seeing Messi up close getting tickets to the matches.
Go Go Karting at Indoor Karting
Area: Sant Feliu | Carrer de Laureà Miró 434 | Metro: n/a
It’s a bit outside of town but the bridges, tunnels, and multiple levels of this epic go kart track are tough to beat. From the preparation class to the qualifying laps to the full-on championship race this is pure adrenaline.
It’s not just for stag weekends in Barcelona, Messi goes here and Pique and Shakira celebrated a birthday party here.
Get in contact with them in advance for hotel pickup.
For more information consult their website.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Area: Collserola | Plaça del Tibidabo 3-4 | Metro: n/a (bus from Plaça Catalunya)
Of the many hangover cures found in the city the fresh air up on Tibidabo Mountain may be the best – the problem is, you might lose your lunch all the same riding the Talaia, one of the world’s scariest amusement park rides. Some of the vintage rides here are really something.
Read my article on Tibidabo Amusement park or get tickets clicking below:
Getting Around Town
Barcelona is an extremely accessible city with affordable, efficient public transport.
It’s recommended to get a discount transport pass online to save money and avoid the hassle of constantly buying tickets.
The Hola BCN
Most tourists go for the super simple Hola Barcelona Card.
The Hola BCN includes unlimited transport and return transport to the airport for around €7.00 a day. Pick between 48, 72, 96, and 120 hour validity.
You can buy them with a 10% discount in my new integrated web shop clicking the button below.
Limousine
It wouldn’t be a stag do in Barcelona without VIP treatment. For this reason you may want to consider this fantastic limo option: you’ll get a one hour tour of the city plus a free bar in the limousine and a VIP-IN nightlife card, a €26.95 value.
You’ll also get to skip the queues at clubs: not a bad deal for about €45.00 per person (8 passengers).
Click the button to check out your limo tour via Tiqets.
Costume Shops
It’s almost a given for stag weekends in Barcelona: dressing up and embarrassing the groom.
I suggest you do your costume shopping local – not only will you skip expensive baggage fees on most airlines but the fancy dress is cheaper in Spain.
Party Fiesta
Area: Passeig de Gracia | Carrer del Consell de Cent 343 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia (multiple lines)
This super-central novelty shop has over 30 stag do costumes from bacon to babies. Throw in the customary blow up dolls, glow bracelets, and silly signs and you’ve got a one stop shop for all your ridiculousness needs.
There are two more locations: Pintor Fortuny 6 and at the L’illa Diagonal shopping centre.
Atucom Barcelona
Area: Passeig de Gracia | Carrer de Roger de Llúria 27 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia (multiple lines)
This second Barcelona costume shop has a local feel and is more of a Halloween and Carnival destination: the makeup and masks here are really something. Really central. Its Donald Trump masks are a big seller.
Where to Eat
Barcelona is a foodie town so you should have no problem finding some quality food.
I’ve compiled a list of Barcelona’s best restaurants to help you along, but here are a few recommendations that could be a great idea for a stag do.
Patagonia Beef and Wine
Area: Passeig de Gracia | Gran Via 660 | Metro: Passeig de Gracia (multiple lines)
Nothing says a stag do like a big hunk of quality meat. Here you get melt in your mouth Argentinian steaks for a fraction of London prices. Pair it with a great Malbec and grilled veg or chips. Simple, elegant. Legend has it the meat is so tender you can cut it with a fork.
Try the traditional empanadas for a starter and make sure you book in advance.
Cerveceria Catalana
Area: Eixample | Carrer de Mallorca 236 | Metro: Diagonal (multiple lines)
This classic tapas and beer joint oozes culture. It’s a massive place that’s very accommodating to groups so get the sharing tapas platters to get a great taste of local Catalan cuisine. Exceptional service and fresh seafood, and did I mention local craft beer?
If you can’t get in try its sister restaurant Ciudad Condal.
Milk Bar and Bistro
Area: El Gotico | Calle Gignas 21 | Metro: Jaume I (yellow line L4)
When the hangover bells begin chiming you’ll be glad you’ve got this arrow in your quiver. The full English with chorizo hash is a great option but you’ll also find classic American pancakes. If you’re more leaning towards lunch they’ve got a great burger.
Try either of their top notch smoothies or bloody marys, or both!
Where to Stay
There’s no sense blowing the budget on taxis to get back home is there? The classic Barcelona stag do needs only one thing when considering where to stay: proximity.
Staying in the centre is a must for its vicinity to bars and clubs: go with El Gotico or El Born to allow yourselves the option to stumble home if necessary.
Check out my article on Barcelona’s best hostels for a good idea: make sure to stagger the bookings though because many won’t want to host stag dos.
You may also want to check out my article on the best area to stay in Barcelona.
Looking for a big house for the whole group? Airbnb is the only place.
Need More Barcelona Stag Do Info? Comment Below
If this wasn’t enough info to get your Barcelona stag do off the ground then make sure you harass me senseless in the comments below – there’s no question too ridiculous!
Also, I am constantly trying to improve this resource so know that any comments or criticisms will be welcomed 😉
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May 2, 2023 at 5:17 pmHi there - do you have any advice on a good private boat rental for a 2-3hr cruise for a group of 12 stags? I've seen some providers have a drinks restriction (i.e. 2 drinks per person) so was hoping to find one without such a definitive restriction which might put a handbrake on the vibe (responsible drinking obviously a given...) Thanks in advance, really appreciate your great website with lots of good advice
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May 6, 2023 at 6:07 pmHi James, Thanks for the kind words :) Unfortunately for liability purposes these 'handbrakes' are not just self-imposed rules that companies can institute or not - it's government mandated policy that cannot be ignored. In other words, you'll never find anybody that will 'advertise' the ability to take more than two drinks out on the water, let alone get them to give you a verbal 'OK' once you're on site. So I just wouldn't know. Other than sneaking the booze on yourselves I don't know what to say. I wouldn't do this though as if anything goes wrong it's on you and you could be paying through the nose should anything happen. Speaking of 'responsible drinking obviously a given' though... for stag do standards, wouldn't two drinks over two hours be... responsible? ;) Cheers,
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April 4, 2023 at 3:54 pmHi Ash, was just looking for advice on where abouts to stay, we want very close to the bars etc so we can stumble in from a night out and not have to pay for taxis, wheres the best area to stay for that and wheres the best place to drink for 3-4 lads aged 20-21?
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April 9, 2023 at 11:52 pmHey Joe, You're going to want to stay in the Gothic Quarter for this, though it really depends where you're planning on ending up. Some of the major clubs are right there, but some are also 30-40 minute walks. As for best place to drink...hit up Clubhaus. It's got everything and most of all I know they're actually friendly with stag dos, while most of Barcelona bars really hate that kind of stuff. Also, as a sort of pregame I'd go to Ovella Negra. Tons of students in there, international crowd, super cheap beer. Cheers,
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March 13, 2023 at 9:24 pmHi Ash Yeah some really good info on here. I’m going next month 27th-30th April with 25 lads. Best places for bars/ clubs? Ideally somewhere to soak up local cuisine/ culture but from reading the comments it’s hard with some many people. We’ve been looking to book CDLC Barcelona for the food and club - Thoughts? Cheers
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March 17, 2023 at 1:27 amHi Danny, Honestly, with groups that big I'd stagger the entries to any bar or club and not draw too much attention with the fancy dress and all that. I'd really suggest Clubhaus as I know the owner and he told me they not only let stag dos in, but actively welcome them. It's a really cool space that works as a club, games room, bar, you name it. CDLC honestly I've never been to but I hear they're doing renovations right now so it should be sparkling. Another option in that area is Opium. It does the trick for big groups but none of the places in that area really give you local cuisine/culture. Sadly, local cuisine and culture don't really jive with stag dos... I can't even think of a legit authentic place to recommend. I'd stick with the big places above and then break down into smaller groups for the cuisine part. The best tapas restaurants in Barcelona can't go wrong. Cheers,
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July 27, 2022 at 10:36 pmHi, I have organised a stag do for 13 in Barcelona for the 5th august this year, I was wondering how strict are they with stag costumes? Presumably it will be hard to be let into bars and clubs if the stag if in a costume ? Plus what would be the best place to head to for a group of 13 for good drinks and shots. Thanks
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July 28, 2022 at 11:02 amHi Nathan, Generally stag costumes are looked down on at most of the 'normal' clubs or any clubs with dress code. In fact, nobody in Barcelona has much tolerance for this... there's so much of it going on. That said, I would definitely head to Clubhaus. It's a cocktail bar, games room, and club all in one... they've got great food too. Huge space, international vibe, and the owner told me to quote "send me stag dos, cuz I can handle them"... that said, I'm not recommending it just because they can roll with big groups/stag dos. It's legitimately a unique, fun, quality space. Cheers,
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March 6, 2020 at 7:00 pmHey Ash, Great article! Just looking for some advise on where to eat for a group of 20 people on the Saturday night? I'm thinking maybe a pizzeria or something relatively easy for a large group. We've got the standard 'free entry' to some clubs on the Friday and Saturday but keen to get your thoughts on ones that aren't anti-stag but also accommodating to a few tastes/styles? Also, we have the Nou Camp tour booked but don't have any transport booked for it? Are taxi's easy enough or better getting public transport? Thanks
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March 7, 2020 at 11:05 amHi Rob! About dinner, if you want some pizza check out Spaccanapoli in the Born quarter, they have a large room that can accomodate you all. A part from pizza they have delicious italian food such as meatballs or pasta. Another option could be the CoCoVail, they serve hamburgers and the best chicken wings in town. They won't mind if you are a bit loud. If you are up for some paella you can try out the closed menu at Bodega Joan, they also have a big back room that could accomodate you all (you will be required not to bother other guests). As for the after dinner you should probably head off to the Port Olimpic and check out Opium or Pacha. You can easily get to Camp Nou by subway (line 5 or 3), but if it is the 20 of you, you could also book 5 cabs. Get the FreeNow App it is easy to use and they have a lot of drivers. Enjoy your stay!
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February 6, 2020 at 4:15 pmHi Ash We will be a stag of 20ish men, between 30-60 in age so won’t be overly rowdy. What are your thoughts on going to placa Reial? Also is it acceptable to drink on the beach during the day? Do you have any contacts for a private tour guide who could show us a few bars at night? Web site is great for information, helped loads. Thanks
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February 7, 2020 at 11:57 amHi Craig, Plaça Reial is massive and the bars in this way follow suit in size... you could easily get 20+ people in many of the bars there like Ocaña or Jamboree (later on, as it's a club). It's definitely one of the better places to go with a crowd like this. As for the drinking on the beach it's technically illegal though everybody does it. You shouldn't have any problems as long as you're behaving yourselves. There will be flocks of illegal beer sellers everywhere on the beach and in the old town. It's totally socially acceptable to buy from them and even locals do. About the tours... we're actually in the process of hiring somebody right now. Also, I've been to known to lead a few custom tours myself... feel free to drop me an email at: [email protected] with number of guests, what kind of bars you'd like, time, budget, if you need a meal etc. and I'd be happy to see what I can do. Cheers, Ash
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January 30, 2020 at 5:42 pmHey Ash, great article. We are a stag group of 23 coming to Barcelona in April. Looking for a restaurant on/close to the beach where we can spend a long Friday afternoon eating and drinking on the day we arrive. Any recommendations for somewhere that would be OK to accommodate a group of that size? Keen to sample local cuisine but also somewhere that will be fine for us to drink throughout the afternoon.
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January 31, 2020 at 10:56 amHi Bill, Glad you like the article! Let me first say that in general local cuisine type places, at least the authentic ones, generally frown upon big groups on stag dos... so you're going to have to go some of the touristy places at the Port Olimpic along the beach. The ones that come to mind are Opium and Pacha... both will have food menus and are pretty good bars in their own right. Near there you'll also have the casino and down at by the boats there are an innumerable number of bars, which will actually be shut down soon because the whole area is being redeveloped. Head to that area and you'll be spoiled for choice. If you wanted something a bit more authentic but that could accomodate big groups I'd head up the coast about 600 meters to the Xiringuito Escriba restaurant and get some paella and tapas there. Fantastic. Just make sure you reserve for a group that big. Cheers, Ash
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January 10, 2020 at 8:52 pmHey Ash, we are going on a stag between the 7-10 Feb. Can you recommend any bars for 6 Nations rugby and a Barcelona game on the Sunday?
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January 10, 2020 at 10:29 pmHi Chris, No problem! I would check out the George Payne pub as they'll likely be playing it. Other options would be Flahrety's pub just off La Rambla or perhaps even the Ovella Negra, though not being an English/Irish establishment you're more likely to see football than rugby. I'd simply look these pubs up on Facebook and send them a message to be sure. Cheers, Ash
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September 2, 2019 at 11:38 amLooking for a restuarant (not too expensive) to eat at on or near the beach, 13 guys....at about 4pm... any suggestions...a few I've looked at are way too posh looking or you can't book a table!!.. thanks in advance
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September 3, 2019 at 12:23 pmHi Dom, I would look into Xiringuito Escriba as it's the only beachside establishment I'd recommend for a really good meal and the space to accommodate you guys :) Cheers, Ash
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August 7, 2019 at 3:53 pmHi Ash Great site with really good info. I’m off to Barca at the weekend for a stag do. What are the clubs and bars like with just the stag in fancy dress? Will he be alright getting in? Or will it be best doing the fancy dress in the day and going out in normal clothes at night? Thanks
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August 8, 2019 at 8:15 amHi Stuart, It's tough for me to say as I haven't been a part of any stag do in Barcelona... what I do know is that in general big groups of rowdy lads (especially foreign ones) have a bad reputation in the city and you'd probably not want to attraction this kind of attention or risk being turned away by bouncers. I'd leave the fancy dress stuff for during the day so you can have your pick of the litter for clubs (the ones above) without worry in the evening :) Cheers, Ash
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