Heading to Barcelona? Here’s a local’s selection of three of the best bars to visit in El Born, Barcelona’s cultural hub, which you can’t miss on your next trip.
Paradiso
One of the best bars to visit in El Born? How about the world…
Dubbed the world’s best bar in 2022, this secret bar never fails to impress. Imagine walking into an unsuspecting pastrami shop only to look into the fridge and find a hidden bar set in a cosy jungle cavern-like oasis. You’ll be met with a warm welcome from the world-class staff as you make your way to your table framed by Gaudi-inspired architecture. While you take in the dreamlike atmosphere, you’ll be offered a starlit menu full of drinks, each cocktail offering a carnival for the senses. Paradiso also wins points for its sustainability. Focused on a zero-waste mission, the bar explains what they are doing to help the environment at their annual Paradiso Sustainability Summit.
The vibe – A formal and sublime unique experience
Address: Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Bar Sauvage
LED lights and a queue snaking down Passeig del Born, Bar Sauvage has a widespread reputation as one of the best bars to visit in El Born. Perhaps because it sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the rest of the trendy but ordinary aesthetic venues. Where you might expect to find cute and “instagramable” drinks, Bar Sauvage takes another route, offering crude but humorous beverages. Edible flowers and dry ice decorations are swapped for their own branded condoms and instead of choosing appetizing titles for their drinks, names such as their iconic ‘Milf Punch’ make up their menu. If you’ve got an appetite, don’t hesitate to order a bite of locally sourced Peruvian & Mexican street food. Help support local farmers and the bar’s mission to minimize food waste! Before you leave head downstairs to their trendy dancefloor to boogie with the DJ or live artist performing.
The vibe – Non-traditional and iconic bar meets dancefloor
Address: Pg. del Born, 13, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Traditional Cocktails at Space Cowboy by Alice Auckland
Space Cowboy
The cowboy doors swing open, and the music starts. If you are looking for a fun but easy-going bar with a chill atmosphere, definitely head to Space Cowboy. As the name suggests their theme is space alien meets cowboy. Hence, the venue is decorated to make you feel like a space explorer yourself. In addition to their delicious space-themed cocktails, the bar offers a wide range of traditional drinks and Tex-Mex snacks for fair prices. Offering comedy shows, karaoke, live music and themed nights, Space Cowboy caters to everyone. It is the perfect place to, as their slogan goes ‘Space the f*** out!’ As well as walk-ins, the bar also takes reservations and can serve as a venue for large groups of people. So it’s the perfect place to celebrate an occasion!
The vibe – A fun and casual setting ideal for students and travellers to let their hair down and dance the night away.
Address: C/ dels Carders, 31, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Conclusion
When exploring Barcelona’s cultural hub, El Born, don’t miss out on these amazing spots. From the formal and unique experience at Paradiso to the iconic and non-traditional vibe at Bar Sauvage, and the fun, casual atmosphere at Space Cowboy, these are truly the best bars to visit in El Born.
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