Archive for the ‘Barcelona Tips’ Category

Barcelona is the most beautiful city of Spain. There are many different and cognitive museums. Barcelona has over 50 museums, which are covering a plethora of subjects including art, history, architecture, science, sports, war and maritime.

It  show permanent collections of works by artists such as Picasso, Joan Miró and Antoni Tàpies. At the Museum Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) you can see one of the world’s most important collections of Romanesque art.

On this page we’ve reviewed the most popular ones and provided you with links to their web sites for further information.
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Barcelona resident and Spotted by Locals contributor Bill Sinclair guides you to the bars most tourists will never stumble across, from basement dives to modernista masterpieces.

Bar Pastís

You’ll need to take a short stroll on the wild side to visit this tiny piece of post-war Marseilles in the Raval. You may encounter prostitutes, rent boys, trannies, and absinthe-addled addicts, artists and scribblers en route. (Think Jean Genet and be mindful of your belongings.) Courage mes amis – it’s worth it. Established in 1947 by an intrepid French female exile, this tiny, nicotine-patinated haunt hasn’t changed since, only accreted more layers. With Edith Piaf, accordion music or live musicians warbling in the background, this place reeks atmosphere. Taking a pastis here is like being on the set of a classic noir movie while waiting for Peter Lorre to make an entrance. Ideal spot for intimate assignations or selling secrets.
• Carrer Santa Mònica 4, barpastis.com. Open Sun-Thurs 7pm-2am, Fri, Sat 7pm-3am

Raïm

Set amid the warren of streets and squares that comprise the boho barrio of Gràcia, this former bodega, established in 1886, with its huge barrels, antique wood-panelled fridge and marble counter, is now an animated expression of the profound connections between Cuba andCatalonia. More than 20 different brands and vintages of rum are available and you can smell the mint they use for mashing mojitos. Photographs from pre- and post-revolution Cuba demand closer inspection while you knock back a seven-year-old oscuro. Amid the portraits of musos, you’ll find a large photo of a recumbent, half-naked Che, like a rock star, sipping on yerba mate. Gets rammed with a friendly clientele on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Carrer Progrés 48, raimbcn.com. Open daily 8pm-2.30am

Muy Buenas

Any visit to Barcelona would not be complete without visiting one of the city’s modernista (Catalan art nouveau) bars. While in the Raval barrio you could try the London Bar at Carrer Nou de la Rambla 34, or Casa Almirall (though be mindful the waiters here are unreformed Franquistas– Franco supporters) at Carrer de Joaquín Costa 33, and the lovingly restored sweetshop La Confiteria at Carrer de Sant Pau 128. But, here we are at Muy Buenas – with its gorgeously curved carved wood and etched-glass panels, murals and marble counter where the friendly Cuban staff will mash you a mean mojito. Not to be missed.
• Carrer del Carme 63, +34 93 442 5053. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-2am, Sun 7pm-2am

Cafè de l’Òpera

If you insist on taking a drink on the Ramblas, this is the only bar that should figure in your reckoning. Much older than it appears, it was remodelled as a modernista cafe-bar in 1929. Buñuel, Dalí and Lorca used to meet here for martinis; and architects, designers, painters, scribblers and musos still meet here for tertulias (public debates) in its chandeliered and mirrored, faded decadent ambience. Huge selection of bottled beers – including cannabis beer – and an extensive range of spirits. Great spot for people-watching. At its best at both ends of the day – for breakfast brandy and chocolate – and for a last one before going on to a club or wending home.
• La Rambla 74, +34 93 317 7585, cafeoperabcn.com. Open daily 8.30am-2.30am

La Caseta Del Migdia

You’ll find this gem hidden in the woods of Montjuïc after a 10-minute stroll from the nearest bus stop (55 bus) or a longer hike from the cable car. You’ll likely be hot and thirsty, but you’ll be very pleased you made the effort. This alfresco bar is easily the best spot in the city to view the sunset while quaffing on reasonably priced beers and cocktails. Candlelit tables, assorted chairs, and hammocks strung from the trees welcome a diverse and hip clientele. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a cabaret or a DJ set. Bring your own picnic, or try their barbecue which offers grilled chicken, butifarra (Catalan sausage) and sometimes sardines and vegetarian wraps, served with corn on the cob, salad and bread.
• Mirador del Migdia, +617 956572, lacaseta.org. Opening hours seasonal, check website for details

Barcelona Pipa Club

This bar is dedicated to pipe smoking and has a Sherlock Holmes theme, so you’ll have fun playing Sherlock when looking for this hideaway in the palm-dotted, arcaded Plaça Reial in the Barri Gòtic. Find the entrance, press the correct button and the door will unlock. Enter, climb three flights of stairs, walk in, take a left and you’ll discover a snug bar with banquettes, comfy armchairs and complimentary newspapers. You’ll also find a pool room, dining room, pipe-smokers’ lounge, concert room which hosts jazz gigs and milonga classes, and a permanent exhibition of pipes in various stages of manufacture. One of the few bars that still has a 6am licence.
• Plaça Reial 3, +34 93 302 4732, bpipaclub.com/gourmet.htm. Open Sun-Thurs 11pm-5am, Fri, Sat 11pm-6am

El Jardí

This scruffy, tree-frocked alfresco bar offers daytime shade and quiet – an oasis of calm not far from the madness that is the Ramblas. No traffic, no music, no TV, no slot machines. All you’ll hear is birdsong, church bells, other people’s conversations and the coffee machine. To find it, look for the white camel parked in the entrance to a small clothes and accessories market – you’ll have to endure a frenetic sensory assault of strobes and neon – head to the back and climb a few stairs. Draught and bottled beers, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, snacks and free Wi-Fi available. Be careful not to confuse this place with the terrace bar in the grounds of the national library.
• Carrer de la Portaferrissa 17, +34 93 342 9935. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm

Cocktail Bar Juanra Falces

Though having shaken, stirred and served locals classy concoctions for 32 years, the proud owner of this bar has recently changed the name from Gimlet to end confusion with another bar of the same name. An intimate, art deco space, with a polished mahogany counter and wood-panelled walls, offers visitors with sophisticated tastes an elegant, cool ambience in which to savour whisky sours, white Russians, black Russians, daiquiris and gimlets (PI Philip Marlowe’s favoured tipple). Soothed with soft jazz, this spot affords welcome urbane relief from the often loud, drunken antics in the streets of the nearby Born area. The place is often packed after midnight, though with a discerning, adult clientele.
• Carrer del Rec 24, +34 93 310 1027. Open Sun, Mon 10pm-3am, Tues-Sat 8pm-3am

Les Gens Que J’Aime

Take care when you enter this dimly lit basement bar in the Eixample – your eyes will need a few seconds to adjust to the lack of light – otherwise you may tumble down the steep steps. Lovers, the curious and the indecisive meet here for cocktails or a beer and spiritual guidance. If you understand Spanish or French the resident fortune-teller and tarot card reader will reveal missed opportunities and future challenges in the ambience of a candlelit, red velvet 1920s bordello-like lounge. With jazz and soft soul just loud enough to prevent you listening in on your neighbours’ whispered secrets and promises, this is one of the most atmospheric bars in the centre. Gwyneth Paltrow popped in once, and stayed all night.
• Carrer de València 286, +34 93 215 6879. Open Sun-Thurs 6pm-2.30am, Fri, Sat 6pm-3am

Tinta Roja

If you enjoy tango, you’ll love this temple in Poble Sec to the world’s most seductive art form. Order at the bar and step through two quirkily decorated linked rooms. You’ll be amazed. The Carlos Gardel concert room at the back is a wonderful, over-the-top take on a 1940s Buenos Aires dance hall – complete with erotic paintings and prints. You can watch contemporary dance from around the globe on a large screen. Cocktails based on caña legui (a sugar cane liqueur) for €7, and yerba mate available. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a live tango gig, a trapeze artist, or the intriguing Poetry Brothel spoken-word collective. If you’re peckish, they serve tuna, meat and vegetable empanadas.
• Carrer de la Creu dels Molers 17, +34 93 443 3243,telefonica.net/web2/tintaroja. Open Thurs 8.30pm-2am, Fri, Sat 8.30pm-3am

“The 10 best barrio bars in Barcelona” by Bill Sinclair –  http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/jun/08/barcelona-top-10-barrio-bars

Don’t miss out next social party on Thursday 1st December at 20!!

“Be Social Afterworks” takes place every 1st and 3rd Thursday of month. They are a perfect oportunity to socialize after work, extend your circle of friends, practice languages or make business neetworking.During the event you will have a group composed by great musicians playing a set of good Soul & Funk. The golden boy and virtuous American trumpetist Nicholas Talvola and one of the best soul singer of the local scene and great guitarrist Gianni Scianne.

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Barcelona is a stunning city that is full of historic and entertaining sites. If you simply walk down any street in Barcelona you’ll stumble upon hidden gems and wonders. Whether you have a guided tour or a self-guided tour, you’ll be sure to be amazed.

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