The Best Bars In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Typical buildings in Barcelona
Typical buildings in Barcelona | Photo by Marco Da Silva on Unsplash
Rebecca Wilkinson

Stretching from the touristy area of Las Ramblas to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to Ronda de Sant Pere, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the heart of the old part of the city. The life, history and culture is reflected not only in its plentiful daytime sites, but in its friendly and inviting bars. Here we explore the best bars in this enchanting area.

Zona d’Ombra

After falling in love with wine on a tour of Venice, a couple of friends established Zone d’Ombra with the hope of bringing this extensive and delicious Italian wine selection to the heart of Barcelona. The Italian culture is prominent in Zone d’ombra, whose drinks menu includes Italian wines, Spanish wines and Italian aperitifs. Once a shop selling wine, and now a locally famous wine bar, Zona d’Ombra is a treat for those searching for ecological wines and superb tapas. Drink by the glass or even by the bottle in this excellent wine bar.

Sub Rosa Cocktail Bar

Sub Rosa is a bustling bar full of character. There’s an attic-like aesthetic taking guests back a century, and walls scattered with sometimes unnerving pictures of ghostly women. Guests flock here for an alternative and cosmopolitan ambiance, and more so, the fantastic selection of strong and creative fruit cocktails.

Bar Pastís

For a bit of French spirit, head to Bar Pastís and relax to some soothing French music, drink typically French beverages and imagine yourself transported to the South of France. It may be small, but Bar Pastís regularly has intimate gigs and music almost every night. Serving guests its own label absinthe and pastis, draft beer, and a tempting selection of French wines, there’s something for everyone.

Bar Lobo

Bar Lobo has it all – tempting tapas and delicious drinks. In a stunning location in the center of Barcelona, with an inviting terrace on the square, Bar Lobo boasts food made from the freshest of local market produce, giving guests a taste of Spanish home-cooking in a modern and sophisticated bar environment. For quality dishes, including top-notch beef burgers, Bar Lobo is a fantastic choice for simple cuisine with modern and international influences. So once you’re done feasting on steak tartar with French fries, or rice wok sautéed with mushrooms and ginger, stick around for drinks and musical entertainment.

Ocaña

A beautiful, multipurpose venue, previously described as a piece of art in itself, Ocaña is perfectly located just off the Plaça Real. It plays host to a number of corporate and sponsored events, paying homage to its air of sophistication and elegance. Ocaña maintains its stunning 1850s architecture and has noble wood furnishings, complete with period pieces of furniture, and displays of art from local artists. Restaurant and meeting place by day, bar and club by night, Ocaña has not only fantastic cuisine, but an inviting selection of drinks.

L’Ascensor

This fantastic little cocktail bar invites guests in through its old and authentic wooden lift, into a characterful little bar bustling with a young and lively crowd. Guests can enjoy the wooden decor whilst sipping a fantastic and creative cocktail with help from the friendly bartenders. Not only does L’Ascensor serve some of the city’s best cocktails, there is also a good wine list. This busy but not overcrowded bar is a fantastic place to relax and mingle with some unique people.

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