Top 5 rooftop bars in Barcelona

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One of the coolest things in Barcelona is seeing the city from a rooftop bar – the domes of the churches, the mountains in the background, the glistening sea, it really is a gorgeous city. In the past couple of years I have scouted out my favorite bars from which you can enjoy these views – so here we go: the 5 best kept secrets of Barcelona rooftop bars! Enjoy!

Rooftop bar of the Yurbban Trafalgar

A local friend introduced me to the Yurbban hotel´s terrace in Urquinaona. It´s centrally located, close the metro stop and has some really comfy couches around the bar. As so many other hotels in the city they also have a pool on the roof for their guests. This is the place to come when you want to chill with a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset. Staff needs to swipe their card in the elevator before you can go up to the 8^th floor.

Rooftop bar of the Soho House Barcelona

The Soho House is a club, so you kinda have to know somebody to get in and be able to enjoy the roof top, but it is amazing! They have knowledgeable bar tenders that can make you any drink you fancy. I´ve always thought there is something to say for mixologists who ask “what are you in the mood for?” and when you say “chocolate” they can come up with a creation that tastes like chocolate. If you are not a member nor know any, option 3, the hotel Duquesa de Cardona, has the same amazing view – just a few doors down on Passeig Colon.

Rooftop bar of the Duquesa de Cardona hotel

The Duquesa de Cardona is my absolute favorite bar in my neighbourhood. This is where I bring friends when I want to impress them with Barcelona. I like to get a table with high chairs – there is no better view of the palm tree lined Passeig Colon, the old port with its sailing boats, Maremagnum on its artificial island, the futuristic looking pedestrian bridge that leads to the mall and the Mediterranean sea all at once. To the sides you can see Montjuic mountain and Barceloneta. I like to order Gin-Tonics here, because they serve Le Tribute tonic (tasty! And pretty bottle!), not just the usual Schweppes. If you come during the day time, I strongly recommend you stay until it´s dark because these lights you absolutely cannot miss!

The Palace

One of my all-time favorite places in Barcelona is the Palace Hotel on Gran Via. Their rooftop terrace is an adventure of its own with its several levels of splendor. Right off the elevator you´ll see the bar in a classic luxury outdoor setting with plants everywhere, a little fountain and cosy sitting area. A few steps up from there you´ll find one of the hotel´s several pools, adjacent to a restaurant outlet.

On the other side is a long terrace with sun beds for anyone who came to Spain for a tan. At the end of that, just before the Greek goddess statue you´ll find some enormous stationary binoculars positioned perfectly to give you a closer look at architect Gaudi´s masterpiece: the cathedral Sagrada Familia. But my favorite part is up the stairs, to the highest terrace of the building from where you get the 360 degree view of Barcelona from the center.

1881

1881 is where I take guests when we are pressed for time and can´t afford to spend hours lingering over cocktails. Their rooftop bar is on top of the Museum of Catalan History right by the old port. It is split in two parts: one with the bar and tables and the other side which is usually empty except when they have rented it out for private functions. This space is open for visitors who just want to a picture of the great view over the old port, the W hotel, the old town and the mountain range from Montjuic to Tibidabo. Perfect spot for Selfies. Very instagrammable 😉

If you’re really just in it for the view, also check out my post on the 10 spots for the best views of Barcelona.

Do you have a roof top bar to add to the list? If you comment with suggestions, I promise I will try it out and write about it in a future post!