The Best Bars In Barcelonas Gothic Quarter

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

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.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.