Experience Barcelona's nightlife and dance the night away

There are a few basic things you need to be aware of before you start planning a night out in Barcelona, as unless you’re used to the Spanish party culture, there might be a few things that will take you by surprise.

No matter where you are from, it is likely that nightlife starts earlier than it does in Barcelona. On weekends, bars start filling up around midnight, after people have had a leisurely dinner starting at 9 or 10 pm. Barcelona’s nightclubs don’t get busy until bars shut, which tends to be around 3 am. Most clubs will be open until at least 6 am, if not later. So, to make the most of Barcelona’s nightlife make sure you’re both well rested and well fed before heading out.

As a rule, Barcelona is a pretty safe place to be, but when you’re out drinking you do need to be aware of pickpockets. Take all the common-sense precautions you would anywhere, and you should be fine. Don’t leave your things unattended, look out for your friends, keep to well-lit streets, and take the advice of locals.

The dress code here is pretty laid-back, but you should still be relatively smart. That means no flip-flops or beachwear. Guys should go for dark shoes rather than light ones and avoid trainers like the plague. For women, heels aren’t common at most of Barcelona’s clubs, except the fanciest ones. The beachfront clubs generally have smart dress codes, with dresses for women and collared shirts for guys.

Be aware that the metro only runs all night on Saturdays. On weekdays it stops running at midnight and on Fridays at 2 am. After that, there are limited night buses, and taxis are always a good option. Bear in mind that there have been issues with apps like Uber and Cabify in the city, so make sure you check if they’re currently operating before you go.

Mark your maps because Barcelona’s exciting neighbourhoods sure know how to pull out the stops when it comes to delivering a fun night out. Not sure where to start? With so many options to choose from, it’s best to head to places that match your preferred style of night out.

Start your night off enjoying a drink at the rooftop bar of Barceló Raval while looking out across the neighbourhood’s edgy and eclectic streets. Next, head to the La Boquería market for some late-night tapas. Once you have got into the party spirit, discover Barcelona’s alternative side and head to bars like Marsella, one of the oldest in the city (and an old haunt of Picasso and Hemingway) for a nostalgic and authentic atmosphere. The area is also the perfect place to enjoy the city’s diverse mix of bars, clubs, and late-night venues, especially if you like to party till dawn. 

El Born is an ideal place to go for those who want to soak up Barcelona's nightlife in all its facets. Home to chic bars, stylish lounges, and intimate venues, this mediaeval corner of the city is the perfect place for a relaxed evening of cocktails or tapas. Why not make a night of it and go from bar to bar trying all the delicious tapas dishes as you go?

The Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona's nightlife, where the old world juxtaposes the new in a buzzing maze of narrow streets. Soak up the eclectic vibe alongside the lively crowd of travellers and locals who enjoy the atmospheric bars hidden in the backstreets and the high-energy clubs in historic buildings. If you are a fan of flamenco, the Gothic Quarter is one of the city’s best places to catch a show. In fact, you can find plenty of Barcelona nightlife attractions here to keep the party going until the early hours.

If you are looking for more exclusive, upscale venues to enjoy the Barcelona nightlife, Eixample is the place to be. Enjoy an evening stroll along its wide, open streets before heading to one of its high-end cocktail bars or sleek lounges for a drink and a bite to eat. Expect a trendy and cosmopolitan vibe making it the place in Barcelona to enjoy expertly crafted drinks before heading out to another area to dance until dawn.

For those searching for an authentic Catalan experience when it comes to Barcelona nightlife, Poble Sec offers a more local, down-to-earth vibe. Here it is not about a crazy night out but relaxed vibes. The area is famous for its laid-back tapas bars with their great food and wine. It is a warm and welcoming area of Barcelona where you can feel like a local while you dine. 

Barcelona clubbing is just one of the many ways to while the night away and where better to do so than the iconic Port Olímpic seafront? This waterfront area is packed with large nightclubs, beachfront bars, and seafood restaurants. Join in the crowds dancing to international DJs at nightclubs like Opium with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. If clubbing in Barcelona is not your scene you can still enjoy an evening at the beach at one of the many beach bars along the promenade.