Why does Barcelona have some of the best rooftop bars in Europe? Because of the unique architecture of this Mediterranean gem of a city. The strict urban planning laws regulating the heights of buildings for Barcelona may be a pain for property developers, but they make for some awesome views! The best place to soak up the sunset is from these rooftop bars and sky lounges around the city. Looking to impress a date, snap some insta-worthy views or simply kick back with a cocktail by an infinity pool? Here is your guide to the BEST Barcelona rooftop bars.
Are you looking for that perfect rooftop bar? Not sure what to order or wear? Don´t panic; we have it all packed into this ultimate guide, hand selected for you!
THE WINNERS: BEST 13 BARCELONA ROOFTOP BARS
1. Arola at the Hotel Arts
Carrer de la Marina 19-21, Vila Olímpica
Located in the iconic Hotel Arts by the Port Olympic harbor, it is clear that this rooftop bar belongs to one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in Barcelona. The extraordinary location of the hotel combines city and sea views, and the level of service is second to none. You will feel like a pampered superstar the moment you enter the tinted glass doors!
Fancy a liquid lunch? The P41 Bar & Coctelarium features cocktails by the award-winning mixologist Diego Baud, creations both as spectacular to see as to taste.
Best leave the flip-flops at home - the Hotel Arts is a favorite haunt of celebrities and VIPs, so dress to impress!
The cocktail to order: Try ‘Dancing with Almonds’ for a twist on a vodka cocktail - strawberry puree, almond, lemon juice, and lavender foam.
WINNER: Service
2. 1881 per Sagardi
Plaça de Pau Vila 3, Barceloneta
If you see a surprising amount of visitors trickling into the History Museum on a sunny Saturday afternoon, don’t be fooled - the museum is the secret access to one of the best Barcelona rooftop bars! You enter the museum, go straight to the lift and head up to the fourth floor. 1881 Per Sagardi is a top-class restaurant located just above the Museu d'Història de Catalunya.
Not hungry? Go straight to the Terrassa de les Indianes. Here you can soak up views of the Barceloneta harbor from comfy sun loungers. Only the fourth floor you say? That's why this rooftop terrace is an excellent spot for people-watching!
Are you coming straight from the beach at Port Vell? Shake the sand off and hope for the best - it's an upmarket rooftop experience, but casual dress is okay.
The cocktail to order: Lemon drop martini
WINNER - Chilled vibes
3. Terrat at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia 38-40, Eixample
If you’re looking for luxury and feeling flush, then head on down to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Passeig de Gràcia. The favorite of a high-flying international crowd, this high-class establishment is located in the heart of the upmarket shopping district right next to Tiffany and Co.
On the top floor with 360-degree views around Barcelona, the Terrat is the height of sophistication, and on a warm afternoon, you can enjoy stunning views from the dipping pool. If you want to eat, expect to pay high prices: the menu is a Peruvian-Japanese fusion by the Michelin star chef Gastón Acurio.
Any downside? The hedge around the pool blocks the view!
What to order: Pisco Spicy - pisco, mango, passion fruit, chili (though be warned, it costs 20 euros!).
WINNER - Atmosphere
4. Terraza 360° at Barceló Raval
Rambla del Raval 17, El Raval
In the heart of
Barcelona’s trendiest neighborhood, this hidden gem boasts some of the best views in the city. You can even use the handy binoculars to scan the cityscape! The atmosphere is upbeat, and the prices are reasonable. Just off the Rambla de Raval, it is the perfect stop-off if you are exploring this
quirky and vibrant corner of the city. During summer months guest DJs will pump up the atmosphere from Thursday through Sunday.
The vibe is casual, but the rooftop bar can turn into a late night party, so dress prepared!
What to order: Why not try the hotel's craft beer?
WINNER - Music
5. La Isabela at Hotel 1898
La Rambla 109, Liceu
Most savvy locals would tell you to avoid bars on the touristy Las Ramblas, but make an exception for La Isabela at the top of Hotel 1898 - one of the most sophisticated Barcelona rooftop bars. Step back in time and enjoy the elegant atmosphere, white linen, and impeccable service. Unless you are staying in the hotel, don’t be tempted by the sparkling pool, it's for hotel guests only, unfortunately!
There is a dress code, so bring out your Sunday best.
What to order: For a new twist on an old-fashioned classic, try the Ginger Julip Peroni - Jengibre Bourbon Buffalo Trace, Ginger, Mint, and Lime.
WINNER - Classiest
6. Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central
Via Laietana 30, Gothic Quarter
It's all in the name - hit Cloud 9 at the Sky Bar, on the rooftop of the Grand Hotel Central, where you can kick back with a signature cocktail and soak up the views. This bar wins for the convenience of location, snug between the historic neighborhoods of El Born and El Gotico. Be warned though, cocktails cost around 14 euros, and the chairs aren’t as comfortable as they look!
The rooftop is a favorite spot to start the night, so evening dress is recommended.
What to order: The Vermut Sour was a hit - Vermouth rosé, lemongrass, lime, and white egg.
WINNER - Location
7. Pulitzer Hotel Terrace
Carrer de Bergara 8, Eixample
This is THE city spot for after work drinks. Rooftop lovers flock to their #BuenasTardesPulitzer sessions, and it is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. What this roof terrace lacks in sea views it makes up for with fantastic prices (10 euros for a cocktail!) and pumped up atmosphere. It gets pretty packed at the weekend, so get there early to find a cozy corner among the plants and fairy lights!
There´s live music five nights a week, so wear your dancing shoes!
What to order: Get giggly with a Strawberry Cooler - Aperol, Campari, strawberry, Cointreau, and cava.
WINNER - Vibes
8. La Terraza at Villa Emilia
Carrer de Calàbria 115, San Antoni
For a more intimate experience, try La Terraza at Villa Emilia. This rooftop bar is a cozy oasis with a view. Best known for its vermouth afternoons (between 12 pm and 2 pm) and barbeque Saturdays, this rooftop bar radiates an enchanting atmosphere. Where better to spend romantic evenings tinkling flutes of champagne among the stars?
Quickest access to the terrace is in smart dress.
WINNER - Intimacy
Visit of Montserrat with Lunch and Wine-Tasting
9. Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Passeig de Joan de Borbó 54, Barceloneta
A hidden treasure in the beachside neighborhood of Barceloneta. Finally, a Barcelona rooftop terrace that doesn't break the bank! One of the best kept secrets among the Barcelona rooftop bars. At this modest and friendly 3 star hotel, head up to their snug but laid-back rooftop bar, where you can kick back with a cool drink and enjoy some insta-worthy sunsets! Best of all? Beers are only 3 euros!
Easy access to the rooftop if you spruce up, but it's a chilled out vibe.
What to order: Mojitos are cheap and cheerful.
WINNER - Price
10. Ohla Chillout Terrace at Ohla Hotel
Via Laietana 49, El Born
Ooh la indeed! The swanky penthouse bar atop this luxury boutique hotel will not disappoint. One of the most exclusive Barcelona rooftop bars, the panoramic views span the cityscape all the way to the shimmering sea. You may be clinking your cava glass with some high-flyers, so expect to pay steep prices and dress up the Ohla rooftop terrace Barcelona. Don’t forget your sunnies and towel for maximum chilling in the rooftop swimming pool!
What to order: Rum tastes better sky high: try a Mulata Mojito - rum, lime infused with mint, vanilla sugar, chartreuse, soda, and pure chocolate liquor!
WINNER - Best Pool
11. B-Bar at B-Hotel
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 389-391, Plaza España
This under-the-radar sky lounge is the perfect spot to head to with friends. Located just next to Plaza España, the bar serves up first-rate cocktails, and the head-banging crowd is ready to dance the day away. Hey, and it is right next to Montjüic! What better place to knock back a few mimosas over a boozy brunch then hit Electronic Picnic?
Leave the trunks and bikini at home - the pool is for guests only!
What to order: Gin & tonics are the favorites at the B-Bar
WINNER - Instagrammable
12. Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel
Carrer de Trafalgar 30, Eixample
Do you like your drinks with a view? If you’re looking for a rooftop that combines affordable drinks, fantastic views and chilled out vibes, the Yurbban is the one for you! Head up to the 8th floor of this majestic hotel and leave the bustle of Barcelona behind. Locals and expats alike flock to this fashionable watering hole for after work drinks. Stretch out on a lounger with your book, or snap sunset selfies with friends, the Yurbban caters for everyone.
Be warned though, the glittering turquoise pool is for guests only!
What to order: Sangria sundowners are the way forward at the Yurbban.
WINNER - All-Rounder
Barcelona Tours to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell
13. Alaire at Hotel Condes de Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia 73, Eixample
The Condes is famous for its summer jazz evenings. Of all the Barcelona rooftop bars, this one is a
sleek and sophisticated alfresco experience. The perfect place to watch the sunset after exploring all of
Barcelona's romantic spots, the views will add a special something! After all, whiskey tastes better at a height, don’t you agree?
WINNER - SOPHISTICATION
Got a taste for the high life? Some other awesome rooftop bars which deserve Honorable Mentions:
RUNNERS UP
15. Duquesa de Cardona
Passeig de Colom 12, Barceloneta
The rooftop for all seasons! This beautiful 19th Century hotel has blankets and heaters to keep you warm for those open air evenings.
16. Ayre Hotel Rosellon
Carrer del Rosselló 390, Sagrada Familia
Is that the
Sagrada Familia? For views of Barcelona’s iconic Gaudi masterpiece, this rooftop terrace is unparalleled.
17. The Barcelona EDITION
Av. de Francesc Cambó 14, El Born
Thanks to the former owner of NYC’s legendary nightclub Studio P54, this is one of the coolest sky lounges in town.
18. Sky Bar at Iberostar Paseo de Gracia
Plaça de Catalunya 10
There is a new rooftop bar in town! It just opened in 2018, and we have “high” expectations for this new bar in the sky.
19. Arenas de Barcelona
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 373 - 385, Plaça España
Once a former bull-fighting ring, now a shopping mall. If you have a head for heights and you like your steak served sky high, have lunch at one of the restaurants on their awesome roof terrace.
20. Marea Baja
Avenida de les Drassanes 6, El Raval
Oysters with a side of sunset you say? This is the classic order at this exclusive rooftop bar, where the service and panoramic views are guaranteed.
21. W Hotel
Plaça Rosa del Vents 1, Barceloneta
Everyone in Barcelona has heard of the W Hotel, and many of you may know its legendary Wet Deck poolside parties! Join celebrity stars under the stars, knocking back innovative cocktails and swaying to the beat.
Ready to hit those Barcelona rooftop bars? Here is a handy map to get you sky high!