There are some cities where having a casual drink with friends is not the same unless you do it outside. I went on an adventure to find the best rooftop bars in Barcelona this summer for a mature crowd. I’ve had my share of partying until the sun comes up but those days are far behind me. I’d much prefer toasting with friends at sunset over hiding from the sunrise these days because I stayed out way too late. There are many places all around Barcelona to enjoy tapas and grab some fabulous cocktails. But there are a few that provide picture perfect views of the sunset with sultry music to create the mood than the rooftop bars in Barcelona. Let’s get you there!
With only a few days in Barcelona, I had to conjure up my best bar hopping skills as I hit the streets in search of the perfect cocktails to punctuate my visit. Full transparency, I didn’t make it to all of them. I barely even scratched the surface. Apparently I am a bit rusty on the bar hopping and there are an unbelievable amount of rooftop bars in Barcelona. I’ve listed my top picks (ones I visited and a couple I did not). Tough choices had to be made to be efficient. I’ve divided the bar hopping by neighborhood in this post so you can maximize your time in the city and perhaps do a bit better than I did. I’m sure your visit to Barcelona won’t be all about drinking. With this strategy, you can catch a few sites along the way to indulge in adult libations.
Rooftops with a Mediterranean View
Anytime I can see the water, I’m in my happy pace. A few iconic brands have prime real estate on the Mediterranean. While not all have traditional rooftop bars, there’s at least one standout in my view. That’s the Sofitel. Of course, I would imagine the rooftop at Hotel Arts next door to the Sofitel is pretty spectacular but you have to be a guest of the hotel to experience it from what I understand.
El Cielo Rooftop at the Sofitel Hotel gives you a little bit of everything from this rooftop. The space is large, the seating plentiful and the view is dreamy. Not many rooftops provide the Mediterranean as the backdrop so this one is special. Friday from 5pm to 11pm, there is a live DJ spinning the latest hits while Saturday you can indulge in the champagne sunset party. For big budget ballers, order your favorite cavier or shellfish to top off the evening. Small touches like a photo op frame make this one of the most instagram friendly rooftops in the city. While the full sunset is obscured by the buildings, you won’t miss it with the amazing unobstructed view of the sea while sipping your favorite libation.
AZUL Rooftop Barceloneta. If your plans take you to the beach, you are likely to find yourself in Barceloneta. Here you will find a lot of places providing drinks to satisfy your cravings but Azul is one that you will want to add to your must visit list. The Barceloneta area is pretty popular which means there is almost always a crowd at this outpost. This spot has a few different rooms that ultimately give you a 360 view from the Mediterranean to sunset over the city. Come for drinks and stay for dinner to truly experience this location.
Wet Deck. This one is located in one of the most iconic hotels in the area: W Hotel. You’ll notice the towering facade long before you get to the to hotel. On Friday nights, the WetBar is the place to be. Now this is more of a party scene. So you are up for that kind of vibe, make your way to the Wet deck of the W Hotel after 8pm for one of the sexiest parties on the beach. I had to skip out on this one but I hear it is great party for those looking to party their way into the evening.
Rooftops in the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is undeniably the heartbeat of Barcelona. From the ground, curious visitors navigate the labyrinth of alleys and piazzas to get closer to this historic city. But the rooftops in this area, give you a very different look of Barcelona. From some of the terraces you can see across to the Sea. Those with the best rooftops have taken this vantage point to a totally different level.
Le Terraza del Central. Located in the Grand Central Hotel, this rooftop combines sunbaskers with city gazers seamlessly. Here you get an unobstructed view to the south and east of the city. The cocktail menu includes refreshing concoctions such as the Volcano or the Isla Tortuga. A drink will set you back about 17 Euro but are well worth the caloric intake. A limited number of sun beds are available for hotel guests only. If you don’t want to eat or drink there is a mandatory spend. It was 16 Euro during my visit but this cost is offset if you purchase food or drinks.
L’Àtic at Hotel Colón. Across the piazza from the Barcelona Cathedral is Hotel Colón. Join the line at the front door to get access to one of the most notable rooftop bars in the city. This rooftop benefits from an unbeatable position directly in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. If you are an early drinker, prepare to sit in the sun. There is very little cover on this deck to protect you from the heat of the sun. You might soon overlook the burn of the sun to indulge in the famous Copa de Sangria that this spot is known. Come closer to sunset for an amazing view of the cathedral at dusk with the sunset. It’s a great way to kick off an evening of dancing the night away.
The Roof at the Edition Hotel. Known for a sexy scene all over the world, the roof top here does not disappoint. Emerge from the dark elevators to gaze over Barcelona from one of the coolest rooftops around. The bar sits in the middle and divides the sun seekers from the drinkers although no one said you couldn’t have a bit of libations while soaking up the sun. This rooftop feels intimate and provides a perfect backdrop for some iconic photos of the city. You can even get a peek at the rooftops of the Grand Central and Hotel Colon from here.
The drinks were delightful and if you are watching your alcohol intake, they also fresh juices, coffee and tea all available. While daily food service begins at 12:00, this rooftop offers a Saturday brunch service featuring Asian inspired dishes that you don’t want to miss.
Views of Sagrada Familia
In all fairness, you can see Sagrada Familia from almost anywhere in the city. The towering peaks along with the always there construction cranes stand tall against the cityscape. I first visited Barcelona in 1997 and this landmark was under construction then. During my most recent visit in summer of 2024, the cranes were still there but the church looks so different. Nonetheless, capturing a view of this historic basilica from a rooftop bar should top your list of Barcelona experiences.
Mood Rooftop at Hotel One. If you need a break from all of the high end shopping on Passage Garcia, step around the corner from the Prada store near La Pedreda to Hotel One. The view here is a bit of a distance from La Sagrada Familia but the scene here is really nice. Lots of shade and amazing drinks. They have oysters on the menu and a few other palate pleasing items to help you get over your afternoon hunger pains. The service was outstanding and the drinks definitely hit the spot. A calm and peaceful stop away from the crowd.
Terraza Sercotel Rosellon. You can’t beat the views of Sagrada Familia from this hotel. It’s the closest rooftop bar to this iconic landmark making it a top destination for travelers looking to get up close to the basilica. If you are staying at the hotel, you are in luck. You get access to the rooftop whenever you want. For visitors, it’s pretty difficult to get in. You need to make reservations well in advance to secure your spot on this rooftop deck. There are no “walk-ins welcome”. My lack of planning meant that I missed sipping sangria in front of the Sagrada Familia but can imagine the view just looking at the location.
Tope. This rooftop bar at The Hoxton Hotel is a great place to quench your thirst and hunger while wandering around the city. The Hoxton Hotels are known for their scene stealing locations and this one definitely fits the brand. The rooftop has some of the best views of the city and they also have great food. There are a range of tacos on the menu to satisfy your hunger needs while you grab that perfect picture of the city. Of course that means you also get a view of Sagrada Familia which is definitely a bonus.
The rooftop bar scene in Barcelona seems endless. I thought this list would be easy to create and I was sooo wrong. Of course, identifying the best is pretty hard to do as they all offer something a bit different. From views of sunsets over the city to looking out over the Mediterranean you can have it all in Barcelona. My advice is to keep it simple. Stay in a hotel with a great rooftop bar in the part of Barcelona where you will spend the most of your time, then pop into a few other spots near landmarks to break up a day of touring around. There is no way you can go wrong in Barcelona.
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