There’s nothing better than a chilled drink looking down on the summer chaos of a city.
The knowledge that just moments ago you were entangled in a mess of turbulent tourist traffic makes that mojito’s first dopamine hit to your body’s reward centre even more rewarding.
And if you’re like me? You want more.
Yes, it’s high season and here are the best rooftop bars in Barcelona.
The Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona
Remember that the Barcelona rooftop bar scene isn’t just for Instagram stars and Donald Trump wannabes – there are options for every taste and budget.
And though these appear ‘exclusive’ because most of them are in hotels, remember that you won’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy these rooftop bars.
Still wanna stay there? I’ve got links to the hottest summer deals, just click the buttons.
Hotel H1898: Bar Isabela
Area: Raval | La Rambla 109 | Metro: Liceu (L3) | Website
Of all the hotels in Barcelona with rooftop bars it’s only appropriate that we start at the city’s main tourist vein: La Rambla. This opposing structure built in 1881 used to be the headquarters for the General Tobacco Company of the Philippines.
125 years later builders have transformed it into one of Barcelona’s best luxury hotels. You’ll find the rooftop terrace on the 7th floor. From here you’ll get a superb 360º view of the city including the city’s tallest hill: Montjuic.
The space is divided up into a few sections with different vibes but we go for the magnificent cocktail bar where the star of the show is the Fiore d’Isabela: tequila, litchi, sugar, and hibiscus. You also can’t go wrong with a mojito.
The restaurant is one of the great romantic things to do in Barcelona while the chill out corner is a great place to soak up the sun on comfy cushions while eating delicious tapas.
Drink prices here, being a high-end hotel, are naturally more expensive than the mean in Barcelona. Expect to pay €10.00 for a glass of wine and €16.00-€20.00 for a cocktail.
Hours: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (high season the bar is open until midnight).
Hotel Pulitzer
Area: Raval | Calle Bergara 8 | Metro: Catalunya (L1/L3) | Website
From May 5th until the end of September this trendy terrace just a few steps away from Plaça de Catalunya is open every night. From Wednesday to Sunday they also organize concerts and DJ sets.
Here you find a mix of both after work drink people and tourists so whether you’re looking to meet people or network you’ll be in good company. Grab a seat at the large central table for either.
The intimate atmosphere here is given a lot of life by the myriad of plants and the tiny little lights. The bartenders will prepare you any range of cocktails for a comparatively wallet-friendly €10.00.
The tapas are simple and classic: cheeses, Spanish cold cuts, croquettes, patatas bravas and the signature, my favourite: the fried chicken sandwich.
Yes, the view isn’t as spectacular from up here (there’s no sea to see) but if you’re looking for a social few right in the centre this is the place to be.
Hours: October 28th to May 1st (12:00 pm until dusk, Saturday and Sunday, DJ set from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm), May to late September (6:00 pm to midnight, daily)
Barcelona Edition
Area: El Born | Av. de Francesc Cambó 14 | Metro: Jaume I (L3) | Website
This new 5 star hotel right by Santa Caterina market steps up to the plate to deliver some of the most convenient hours of any rooftop. If you need a morning or early afternoon fix (it’s open at 10:00 am) this is your stop.
It’s also one of the only year-round rooftop bars in Barcelona owing to a creative sliding-glass wall.
What really stood out for me were the creative Asian/South American fusion tapas dishes. If I wanted quality eats with my panoramic view of The Med this would be my choice.
Hours: 10:00 am to 10:00/11:00 pm or 12:00 am depending on season (all year).
W Hotel Rooftop Bar
Area: Barceloneta | Pl de la Rosa dels Vents 1 | Metro: Barceloneta (L3) | Website
If you’re looking for a luxury experience then I suggest either of the famous W Hotel’s bars/terraces.
WET Bar really picks up as the sun plunges into the Med. When the lights dim here the hammocks are cleared for a rooftop party with dance floor and local and international DJs spinning ‘unique rhythms’.
There’s also Eclipse Barcelona, and though not technically a roof terrace we’ll call it the highest rooftop bar in Barcelona since it’s 26 stories up and powered by DJ beats, inventive cocktails, and creative sushi fusion.
In both locations you’ll find the best sea view of the bunch.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday (6:00 pm to 2:30 am), Friday and Saturday (6:00 pm to 4:00 am).
Sundays also runs Brunch with a View from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
SkyBar at the Grand Central Hotel
Area: El Born | Via Laietana 30 | Metro: Jaume I (L3) | Website
This super-central 5 star hotel is generous enough to open its doors to non-guests in the spring and summer. This is truly a privileged location and if it were a little more secretive to local crowds it would be paradise.
The infinity pool here gives way to an amazing panoramic view that includes the skyscrapers along the beach, the cathedral, and a spectacular sea horizon formed by the Mediterranean. If you haven’t fallen in love with Barcelona (or the person next to you!) yet, this is the place to do it.
Sky Bar hosts a cocktail bar, chill out zone, and rooftop restaurant that offers tapas tasting menus. If you’re going to eat though you need to reserve in advance. E
From April to October non guests must pay a €16.00 cover (cocktail included) for access. From November to March it’s free access and there is live music in the afternoons.
Hours: 8:00 pm to midnight (April to October), 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (November to March)
Barcelo Raval: 360 Degrees
Area: Raval | Rambla del Raval 17-21 | Metro: Drassanes (L3) | Website
It’s a strange contrast going from the rough and ready Raval area to perfect peace at this Barcelona rooftop that finds itself on the 11th floor of the Barcelo Raval hotel.
Just take two steps outside of the elevator at look out to Tibidabo mountain: the fantastic 360º rooftop (aptly named Terraza 360) leaves no vista unviewed! So sip on some wine and sit back and enjoy the sunset show from any of the sun-loungers.
The rooftop terrace is open all year (when weather permits, so pretty much all the time!) even for non-guests. From April to November you’ll find DJ sets at their rooftop party series every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Again, cocktails are the star of the show here but you’re just as well going with a local sparkling white cava (€5.00-€6.00), a gin and tonic (€12.00), or a mojito (€10.00).
If you’re in the area on a Sunday between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm I recommend the brunch at B-Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
There’s also a year round swimming pool.
Hours: 11:00 am to 1:00 am (weather dependent)
Ohla Barcelona: New York Style
Area: El Gotico | Via Laietana 49 | Metro: Urquinaona (L1/L5) | Website
If you’ve had the pleasure of having a night out in the Big Apple, you’ll have a bit of déjà–vu visiting the rooftop bar at Hotel Ohla because of its exclusive but carefree vibe.
The bizarre eye-covered facade of the hotel seems to scrutinize passersby from its centrally located position of the famous Via Laietana. One of the most elegant hotels with rooftop bars in Barcelona would give no less – and they’ve got the terrace to match.
The view of the city’s rooftops are borderline voyeurish as is the glass-edged 13 meter long rooftop pool, giving the terrace a totally different vibe and a spectacular touch.
This Barcelona rooftop bar is divided into two spaces. The upper part hosts bar and the chill out area, with its charming white tables and armchairs. Lower down is where you’ll find the balcony and its well-seated panoramic view.
The bar serves champagne, wine, and classic cocktails with some creative tapas dishes and fresh salads (put together by Michelin starred chef Romain Fornell). Ironically, regardless of its elegance the drinks start at only €5.00.
Honorable Mentions
In Barcelona there are a ton of hotels that hide secrets on their roofs, and in fact it’s quite difficult to snuff out all of them. The ones I’ve put in this list are simply the ones I like best – it may not be the same for you.
Let’s start with another of the city’s most elegant hotels: Mandarin Hotel Barcelona. The Terrat del Mandarin Oriental (Passeig de Gràcia 38-40, metro Passeig de Gracia) is open from April to November and is available to non guests as well, albeit for a fine-dining type vibe.
For a slightly less formal evening that still warrants a sea view then try the Hotel Duquesa de Cardona (Passeig de Colon 12, metro Barceloneta). This intimate cocktail bar in Barcelona’s beachside neighbourhood is a classic post-beach spot.
There’s also Casa Bonay (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 700, metro Tetuan) which is designed in the form of a chringuito (essentially a beach bar) with plant-covered relax space.
Barcelona Rooftop Events + Activities
Rooftop bars in Barcelona are a virtual theater of events and activities.
You can check out jazz concerts, elevate your local cuisine game at cooking shows, or cannonball right into a rooftop party straight out of Wall Street.
If you’re looking for special occasions make sure you don’t miss:
- La Semana de las Terrazas (‘Rooftop Week’, page in Catalan so please use browser translator) – ten days of concerts, activities for children, yoga, cooking classes and much more. Events run in over 70 hotels with rooftop bars in Barcelona. Normally it runs in the first week of June and the majority of the events are free with drink purchase.
- Off Week – the week before Barcelona’s electronic music extravaganza in June, the legendary Sonar Festival, is a rooftop music festival to end all rooftop music festivals! Look out for exclusive DJ sets from some of the world’s top electronic artists, rooftop pool parties, and enough dancing to last you through the winter. In 2020 Off Week goes from June 18th-20th.
Remember, you readers are my eyes and ears so if you’ve had an experience or have a suggestion make sure to get in touch.
Another Round? In the Comments Below
OK, so I’ve given you a long list of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona but surely something is missing? If you need a little custom advice about your drinking spots or anything else regarding your Barcelona holiday…
I’m here 🙂
Also don’t be afraid to join the rooftop bar discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Anything goes!
You might be interested in:
-
Barcelona’s Best Gay Bars
Whether you’re just out for a couple cocktails or looking to make a night of it, we’ve got you covered with our list of Barcelona’s best gay bars.
-
The 22 Best Bars in Barcelona in 2023 for Epic Drinks & Food
Sip on an insider list full of cheap bars, cocktails, trendy spots, dives, outdoor drinks and more. Answer age old questions like: does one tip in Spain?
-
Sala Apolo: from Nasty Mondays to Churros con Chocolate
With all Barcelona’s sights and the stress of getting around town you may want a little nightlife break at Sala Apolo. OK, let’s make that a big nightlife break. Let’s take a look at how to visit one of Barcelona’s best clubs. Sala Apolo Barcelona First off, along with Razzmatazz it can only be described […]
-
May 28, 2022 at 7:22 pmHey Ash, this is my favorite travel blog by far, so thanks for putting so much effort into it, it’s truly brilliant. My brother and I are planning on visiting Barcelona Oct 17-21. Wondering if that’s too late in the year/too cold to experience most of these and the W Wet deck. Is stuff still going on outside in October? Also, we’re from the US where COVID is essentially taboo now (everything is wide open and back to normal), is that the case in Barcelona as well?
-
May 28, 2022 at 8:08 pm
Team MemberAshHey Shane, Really appreciate the kind words - we've been on the ropes since COVID and it's so great to see people back on this site and interacting. Gives us great motivation to keep pushing on! About the COVID stuff, it wasn't so much the case a few months ago... but now, walking through the city, it's pretty much back to normal. The only thing right now is the masks on public transit, but by the time you get here that might be gone as well. Put it this way - I was playing poker at the casino last night handling chips, no masks, everybody having a couple beers and chit chatting like it was 2019. As for the rooftop bars, you're right in that grey area unfortunately. I had a friend visiting from Seattle during this period about 4 years ago and the weather was still really good so the terraces stayed open. Other years the colder weather comes sooner and they shut down. Most of them play it by ear, so I'd check their websites about a week before you arrive and you'll probably have your answer. Cheers,-
June 4, 2022 at 3:17 pmThanks for the quick response Ash. After thinking it over, I’m going to aim to be in Barcelona more around the first weekend in September. Hopefully at that point the rooftops will still be open. Had another question for you - sometimes I feel like I never get the timing right in this city. Bars will be dead when I go or places will be closed. What is the ideal time to: (i) eat tapas and then (ii) go out for drinks where you’ll have maximum people out and it will be bustling? Also, what places would you recommend for good vibes and energy but not quite so loud/slammed that I have to shout for my friends to hear me (e.g. not all out club but not quiet romantic date bar… something in between)?
-
June 4, 2022 at 4:05 pm Team MemberAshHi Shane, First weekend of September they will for sure be open! Tapas and dinner in September is probably around 9:30 or 10:00 that you'll have places bustling. Takes a while to get used to haha... but yeah, if you're there at 7 or 8 it's gonna be dead. As for drinks I would say 10:30 or 11:00 to get started. Clubs you want to go around 1:00 am. For some in between places that have good vibes without being too overwhelming I'd check out Marula or Jamboree. You can still have a conversation but also a dance and meet people in these places... good mix of foreigners and locals too. I also really like the Pennybanger and Paradiso - they're a bit cozier but have great energy all the same. Cheers,
-
June 4, 2022 at 5:07 pmAwesome Ash! Thank you! By the way, you should start a newsletter or something for this site. I think a lot of people would enjoy it!
-
-
-
-
-
July 16, 2021 at 10:41 amAny suggestions for a variety of restaurants, normal relax eateries to some recommended nice restaurant
-
July 17, 2021 at 10:52 am Team MemberAshHi George, Apologies if I'm not clear on this but were you referring to restaurants in general or restaurant roof tops? First of all I'd direct you to our list of best restaurants in Barcelona and best tapas in Barcelona because there are just a ton of amazing options. If I'm looking to relax I'm probably sitting at the inside terrace at Bitacora (Spanish classics) or at Xiringuito Escriba, which has amazing paella and is right along the seafront. If you want to take it up a notch there's Season, 7 Portes, or Sensi Tapas. Cheers,
-
-
February 7, 2020 at 11:56 pmHi Ash, We are going to be landing at Barcelona airport at about 10:55 am and won't be able to access our apartment (Ronda de Sant Pere) until about 3 pm. I wanted to get lunch on a rooftop bar somewhere in that area as we will likely be hungry upon arrival. We will have two children with us age 2 and 6. Looking for a suggestion of a place that will be open, have a nice view and I wouldn't be uncomfortable bringing children to. (our luggage will not be with us-stored at the property manager office) Thanks, Andrea
-
February 8, 2020 at 12:55 pm Team MemberAshHi Andrea, Most of the rooftop bars are closed in low season... when will you be visiting? At the moment the only ones I know that are open are the Hotel H1898 (kind of upscale, doesn't seem so good for kids) or the Barcelona Edition... I would recommend the latter as it'll be quite close to where you're staying :) Cheers, Ash
-
-
August 20, 2019 at 6:05 pmhi! Can we see Font Magica night light show from any rooftop bars? Can we see the Mercè 24 Sept Piromusical from the Crowne Plaza Fira or other nearby hotel? (I realize we may not hear music-but sound does travel) What areas roof bars can we see Opening night Mercè Fireworks at Beach this year? Thanks!
-
August 21, 2019 at 1:11 pm Team MemberAshHi Carol, As far as I know there isn't a roof top bar to see the fountain show... you can go to the top of Las Arenas shopping centre and some of the restaurants there but it'll be very far away. The Piromusical is also in the same place so there aren't a lot of great options... that said, the fireworks are much bigger so you should be able to see it from afar. The Crowne Plaza Fira if they have a rooftop would be perfect! For the beach fireworks you could go to the W Hotel, Skybar, or 1881 Sagardi. Cheers, Ash
-
August 21, 2019 at 6:36 pmThank you. Do you know what time & where opening Mercè processional will be 20 September? Or the Castelleras 21 or 24 September? Can’t find an event schedule online yet.
-
August 22, 2019 at 8:51 am Team MemberAshHi Carol, Yes, I have been checking almost daily but they're slow in posting! Keep your eyes peeled in my September article for the full information as it comes available :) Ash
-
-
-
-
July 30, 2019 at 2:30 pmHi great blog, Looking for a bit of guidance. Going to Barcelona in September for a hen do. We are staying at a villa 25 mins outside of Barcelona and want to spend Saturday night from about 8pm onwards in the city. We are a group of 17 looking to have a fun night and want to experience different bars (not too expensive or fancy). It won’t be a typical cheesy hen do night! Could you recommend good lively bars that would suit these numbers that could perhaps be booked in advance? Thanks any info is helpful! X
-
July 31, 2019 at 8:40 am Team MemberAshHi Claire, Thanks for the kind words :) I'll first steer you to my post on stag dos in Barcelona which in some ways is the same kind of vibe/info you'll be looking for. I wanted to do a hen do article but the keyword is much stronger for the lads on this one haha. Anyway, you'll get some great bar and restaurant ideas there as well as activities. For lively bars that would be tolerant of a massive group I'm thinking of the Oveja Negra, the George Payne, or any of the beachside clubs like Pacha or Opium.... though if you're not looking for much fancy, maybe some dive bars, go down by the docks at the Port Olimpic there is an area with maybe 10-12 bars which aren't pretentious at all, play pop hits, and generally get a bit messy late into the evening. Please let me know if you had anything more specific in mind! Cheers, Ash Were you looking for a dance club or just a normal bar?
-
July 31, 2019 at 12:41 pmThank you so much for this info it’s so helpful! We were thinking of maybe starting off about 8 at a roof top bar for some sophisticated drinks and then just moving on to bar hoping. It would be bars we are looking for open till about 3 that are lively not so much looking to go to a club! Any extra info you can think of based on this would be good, although you have been very helpful so far. Thanks Claire
-
August 1, 2019 at 7:36 am Team MemberAshHi Claire, OK great, that's certainly helpful information! Keep in mind that a lot of standard bars won't be open until 3 am and that you'll have to go to a few places which are more like clubs. I would recommend El Paraigua, Marula, Nevermind, or maybe even Milano Bar for this type of vibe. Cheers, Ash
-
-
-
-
July 22, 2019 at 7:20 amHi, great blog! we will be near Sagrada Familia in August. Would you suggest going to la Barcelonta for roof-top bars or is there any around Sagrada? Thanks!!!
-
July 22, 2019 at 10:48 am Team MemberAshHi Vinuta, Sagrada Familia is nowhere near Barceloneta so I'm not sure what you're getting at ;) Did you want something close to your hotel? Other than the W Hotel I don't know any in that area. Ash
-
July 22, 2019 at 10:48 am Team MemberAshBy area I mean Barceloneta btw.
-
July 23, 2019 at 7:29 amOk thanks! We are in the area around Sagrada but we are planning to go to the beach or La Rambla are a couple of evenings. So wanted to know if there are good rooftop bars around Sagrada itself or do we check them out in La Rambla/beach area.
-
July 23, 2019 at 12:39 pm Team MemberAshHi Vinutha, I haven't been to many around Sagrada though there is the classic one with an amazing view of the church at the Ayre Hotel. This would be the only one I could recommend in the area. Most of the others are in the Gothic Quarter or Eixample. Cheers, Ash
-
July 25, 2019 at 8:05 amThanks for the info Ash! Helpful as always! :)
-
July 25, 2019 at 10:43 am Team MemberAshNo problem Vinutha! :)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
July 3, 2019 at 8:59 pmHi there, i'm staying in Sant Marta next week and would love some recommendations for, of course - Churros and somewhere to eat delicious local grub that wont cost the earth. Thanks
-
July 3, 2019 at 8:58 pmHi there, i'm staying in Sant Marta next week and would love some recommendations for, of course - Churros and somewhere to eat delicious local grub that wont cost the earth. Thanks
-
July 4, 2019 at 8:44 am Team MemberAshHi Louise, Are you staying at the Santa Marta Hotel? Or the neighbourhood of San Marti? I don't quite get it. For churros I've got an entire article dedicated to them - the closest to the San Marti neighbourhood would be Churreria Laietana. For delicious local grub I again have a post dedicated to the best restaurants in Barcelona as well as one talking about local fare. The restaurant run has a '€' rating by price... in general if I don't want to spend much but eat well I go to Tasqueta del Blai, Tasca el Corral, La Paradeta, or Can Maño. Hope this helps :) Ash
-
-
June 17, 2019 at 8:22 pmHi, thanks so much for this blog, its so interesting and informative. We r coming to Barcelona June 30-July 2. leaving for Granada on July 3. We r 11 people, 5 adults and 6 kids ranging from 13-17. Are the kids alllowed in the rooftop bars? What is the age range? And do we need advance reservations? Thanks For your help
-
June 18, 2019 at 11:55 am Team MemberAshHi Ami, And thank you so much for the kind words on the blog, I am happy to help :) I would say that this is dependent on the bars. I remember seeing kids at one or two but honestly I can't remember which! I would double check with the places by sending them a message on social media just in case. I have never made reservations for any of the places and only been turned away once, when I arrived quite late in the evening at Hotel Grand Central... that said, with 11 people I would always contact them in advance to make sure! That's a pretty big crowd you've got there :) Ash
-
-
June 5, 2019 at 3:59 amHi Ash, It looks like we can book a table at La Isabela through the Hotel's website. I assume based on reading the above this is different from the chill out corner, for which we can't book reservations? I see that your preference is the chill out corner...we'll be in Barcelona in early July, do you think we'll wait a long time for a table if we opt for the chill area - thinking of going on either a Thursday or Saturday? Also, would the tapas suffice for dinner, or should we plan dinner for somewhere else nearby? Thanks, Danielle
-
June 5, 2019 at 8:32 am Team MemberAshHi Danielle, As far as I know the chill out corner is just a space for a drink and to take in the view, which is first some first served. In early July you run the risk of waiting though there is a fair bit of turnover with these seats, people coming up for one and then leaving... you'd probably be fine on a Thursday in the late afternoon. I would prefer that to the Saturday. Honestly the tapas portions are quite small and if you're used to fairly big meals I wouldn't count on being full! It would plan for dinner nearby. A good option would be El Louro since it's amazing high quality modern tapas with great service. It's literally one of a kind on La Rambla because pretty much the rest of the restaurants there are tourist traps. I was so impressed when the owner came by to ask how my meal was (and showed a type of friendly service extended to foreigners rarely seen in Spain) that we got to chatting and I even asked him to help me set up a no money down reservation system for my blog readers... here is a link if you're interested: https://visitarebarcellona.typeform.com/to/rgus9G I should let you know that they give me a small commission per diner but that this money helps me pay for rising server costs and the time (which is now pushing 3-4 hours a day responding to requests! amazing) I invest. You also can't go wrong with nearby restaurants like El Nacional, Ciudad Condal, or Quinze Nits. Hope this helps :) Ash
-
