Live it up in El Born
Bars in El Born—A Barcelona favourite
03/2022 - Sahar Saini
The El Born neighbourhood is one of the three neighbourhoods that make up the “Ciutat Vella” old city of Barcelona. Starting from the left looking from the sea is Raval, Gothic Quarter and lastly, Born. This neighbourhood has it all—cute shops, boho attitude, artisan shops, and a multitude of restaurants and the best bars. So here, I give you my personal list of favourite bars. Created with the help of local insiders, this El Born guide to bars will shed light on every place you need to pop into for a snazzy Barcelona experience. For a similar guide to the best restaurants in El Born, head on over to my blog: Restaurants in El Born—A Barcelona favourite. Let’s get into it then.
Paradiso
Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona
I was so confused when I stood outside Paradiso. I mean, I did hear that it was a speakeasy, but I had no idea just how hidden a bar could be. From the outside, it looked like a lowly pastrami sandwich bar (and it is), but with one flick of the prohibition curtains, you’re instantly transported to the most creative cocktail joint in the city.
The bartenders here are class, from the banter to the drinks. If you’re the type of person that wants their cocktail in a glass pipe, or with cotton candy and a rum-soaked cherry this bar is for you. However, be prepared for there is always a queue outside, especially on weekends.
Collage
Carrer dels Consellers, 4, 08003 Barcelona
I went here to catch a 1950’s chilled-out vibe in what’s been deemed an art and cocktail social club. Passionate bartenders churning out rare ingredients and top-notch classics are the talks of this bar. They also claim to customise a cocktail just for you! If you’re looking for a great experience gift then opt for the bar’s cocktail-making lessons! I recommend you to get there early because there are only 25-30 seats.
Creps al Born
Passeig del Born, 12, 08003 Barcelona
You’d never imagine a craft cocktail bar needing to add crepes to their menu. As weird as it sounds, this is one of the most popular bars in El Born, be it for food or cocktails. You’ll get arguably the best spirit list in town with some amazing twists on classics like the ‘Naughty Colada’ (rum, pistachio, coconut, pineapple, spices, and chocolate ice cream). Locals argue whether the sweet or savoury crepes are best, so why not try both?
No Sé
Passeig del Born, 21, 08003 Barcelona
This is a fashionable Milanese-style aperitivo spot. Most nights you’ll get a full-on buffet of Italian aperitivo with any drink order (I went for the cheap beer and ate away!) Ham wrapped crostini, insalata di riso (rice salad), mortadella, pasta, chorizo etc. And the drinks aren’t too bad either. Go here in the early evening to maximise people watching on the Passeig del Born.
Magic
Passeig de Picasso, 40, 08003 Barcelona
I went there looking for action in the El Born neighbourhood. This club with retro-pop and rock music is one of the best places to get sloppy in the entire city. The cover is usually way lower than its Barcelona counterparts and the drinks are stiff. Keep in mind that the target audience is people in their 30's and 40’s looking for a proper night out.
El Diset
Carrer Antic de Sant Joan, 3, 08003 Barcelona
Class and quality are your besties at this trendy wine bar packed with chatty locals. I was pointed in this direction as I was looking for the biggest local wine list in Barcelona. The cheese and ham platters are to die for and this is one of the best recommendations for a cute date night out for couples. Give the sea bass ceviche, jamon serrano, or pan con tomate a try with your drinks!
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