Let’s face it, a late afternoon drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona is the ultimate way to relax after a day spent exploring the city. Because, after all, what’s better than an ice-cold drink while looking down on the summer chaos of the Catalan capital?
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.
So here is the definitive list of 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 Kardashian 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.
This is one of the best things to do at night in Barcelona, period.
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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. Built in 1881, this imposing structure 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 (in high season, the bar is open until midnight).
Sercotel Rosellón
Area: Sagrada Familia | Carrer del Rosselló 390 | Metro: Sagrada Familia (L2) | Website
A visit to the Sagrada Familia should be firmly planted right at the top of any Barcelona itinerary. Otherwise, no visit to Catalonia can be considered complete.That said, you’ll be far from the only one with the same idea.
As a result, you’re likely to encounter long lines and crowds of tourists falling over themselves to grab a peek at Gaudi’s masterpiece. So, if you’re looking for a chill spot to take a breather while enjoying the sights of the Sagrada Família, you gotta check out the terrace right in front of it.
This place offers prime seating where you can sit back, relax, and indulge in some delicious bites and sips from their food and drink menus. They’ve got a solid selection of food to choose from, including bar snacks, sammies, tapas, and sweets that won’t break the bank.
And if you’re looking to kick it up a notch, they’ve got tons of seating options with all kinds of cozy vibes – think deck chairs, loungers, and sofas aplenty. All with incredible views of Barcelona’s number one attraction.
Sounds like a win to me:)
Hours: 1 pm – 8 pm (Apr – Nov)
🍷 Want to sample the best local wines? Book one of Barcelona’s best wine tours from €30.00.
Hotel Pulitzer: Pulitzer Terrace
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 after-work locals 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: Nov-Apr (closed), May/Jun (Mon-Fri 5 pm – 11 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm -11 pm), Jul/Aug (5 pm -11 pm), Sep/Oct (Mon-Fri 5 pm -11 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm-11 pm)
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 11:00 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 am – 12 am (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 a 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.
*As of April 2023, Eclipse is closed for a complete renovation. Check the website for updates.
Hours: Mon -Thu (11 am – 6 pm), Fri-Sun (11 am – 8 pm).
Brunch with a View – Available on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
🧑🎨 Want more of Gaudi? Unlock his masterpieces with the top Gaudi tours in Barcelona.
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.
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: Open year-round – 9 am – 9 pm (hotel guests), 1 pm – 9 pm (external guests)
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 to look up 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 the Barcelona 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 brunch at B-Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
There’s also a year-round swimming pool.
Hours: 11 am – 1 am (weather dependent)
Ohla Barcelona: Rooftop
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 is borderline voyeurist, 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 a 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.
Hours: 3 pm – 12 am (year-round)
Barcelona Terrace Bars Honourable 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 on 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 relaxation space.
Barcelona Rooftop Events + Activities
Rooftop bars in Barcelona are a virtual theatre 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 purchases.
- 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 Barcelona.
- 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.
Ready for another round at Barcelona’s Best Rooftop Bars?
OK, so I’ve given you a list of all of my favourite 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 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 travellers.
Until then, enjoy the views at Barcelona’s best rooftop bars.
Bottoms up🍹
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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
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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
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May 19, 2019 at 7:02 amHi! Loving your blog, got so many great ideas for my upcoming Barcelona trip! I will be in Barcelona June 12-15, and I saw you said Off Week is at this time. Our plans are very tentative, so if we tried to go to one of the rooftop bars you recommended, do you think Off Week will make it hard to get in? Thanks so much for all the tips!
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July 10, 2019 at 7:06 pmHi Wondering if you know any events happening during off week in mid-july? There is a festival but im trying to see if there is anything outside of those events?
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July 11, 2019 at 10:43 am Team MemberAshHi Felix, I haven't attended any of these events in about 5-6 years so not sure I have my hand on the pulse of what's going on... but the list of Off Sonar events can be found here. Hope you find what you're looking for :) Cheers, Ash
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May 19, 2019 at 3:26 pm Team MemberAshHi Pooja, Thanks so much for the kind words, I am glad to help! :) Let's see, in all in high season it'll be a bit more crowded but I can't see this alone being the reason you don't get in! My only advice would be to go as early as possible or call in advance to make sure. I have gone to roof terraces many times and was only told it was full one time... this was at the peak in August with 30 degree heat. Ash
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May 8, 2019 at 5:16 pmhey Ash, came across your page today and I have been glued to it all day reading about everything, have recently booked a trip to Barcelona this august with my boyfriend, we have never been before and after reading your page I am so excited to come. we have booked our hotel sb glow, when looking at the distance to most things, this showing up on maps is roughly between 45mins to an hour to walk to most places, I know metro seems to be a great option, was wondering though if you could recommend from the area we are staying at hotel sb glow " sant marti" area in maps. do you think we will get on ok here with being first timers? I am concerned it is a bit out of the centre now looking at distance or if we should avoid walking around anywhere near here? any advice wouild be appreciated. thanks :)
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May 9, 2019 at 12:53 pm Team MemberAshHi Jade, Thanks so much for the kind words :) First of all let me say that no matter where you are Barcelona is such a walkable city due to the nice weather and pedestrian friendly streets. Sure, you'll be 45 minutes walking out from most attractions but this isn't a bad thing... if you're active people it won't be a big deal. Also know that it is a city very well connected by metro and bus... if you don't want to walk all you have to do is walk 100 m to Glories metro station and you'll have the whole city at your fingertips in 15-20 minutes. These streets are also very safe so there's no need to worry. In all I can't see this being a problem for you :) Ash
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May 1, 2019 at 5:36 pmHi Ash, This blog is amazing! I am using it to plan a trip soon. Quick Q - do you need to book in advance to drink at these rooftop bars or can you just turn up? Thanks
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May 2, 2019 at 11:00 am Team MemberAshHi Es, Thanks so much for the kind words :) I have never booked to go to any of them and always just turn up... however, on weekends and holidays if you want a table I would call in advance to see if they take reservations. Many don't but some do. Ash
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March 30, 2019 at 5:03 amHi Ash, Your website is great! I just discovered it today and using it to plan. I'll be there in June and thanks to you I have just realised I will be there for part of Off week. Do you know if these events attract a varied age group? We are in our 40s. Thanks Sally
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March 30, 2019 at 10:32 am Team MemberAshHi Sally, Thanks for the kind words! While it'll definitely be more of a 20s/30s crowd it is definitely not unheard of to see people in their 40s at these events... I wouldn't worry about it, just go and have fun because it's how old you feel inside that counts anyway ;) Ash
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October 4, 2018 at 12:10 pmHi Ash, your site is amazing. I have used it to plan my entire trip to Barcelona - thank you! I would like to know if there is a rooftop bar that would be suitable at the end of November? It would be lovely to get the views over the city but we don't want to freeze to death! Thank you.
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October 4, 2018 at 7:07 pm Team MemberAshHi Hannah, To my knowledge almost all of them will be closed around this time :( I think your best bet is the H1898 since it's so super central... whether or not they have blankets or not I don't know though I'm sure they'd put a few heaters as it gets quite cold. Ash
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March 28, 2018 at 1:37 pmLove your blog! We’re in Barcelona now staying in the L’Xaimple neighborhood. Are there any good rooftop bars in L’Exaimple? Thanks!
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March 28, 2018 at 8:46 pm Team MemberAshHi Marie, Thanks for the compliments :) I haven’t been but your best bet in Eixample is La terrazza at Via Emília. It’s smaller and not as flashy but may do the trick. Make sure you check the opening though as some don’t open until easter weekend or after. Also keep in mind that Pulitzer and Grand Central are both close to Eixample depending on what part you’re staying in. Ash
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