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The Best Nightclubs in Barcelona, Spain

Music stage
Music stage | Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

Barcelona has a reputation (for better or worse) as a party city, with a thriving nightlife that attracts music lovers and partygoers from across the world to Spain. It is home to a number of great clubs playing everything from afrobeat to post-punk, but the city’s true musical love is without a doubt electro and techno. These are the best dance floors in the Catalan capital.

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Razzmatazz, for the best and biggest in Barcelona

Razzmatazz – the king of Barcelona’s nightclubs – is actually five venues in one. The Loft is one of the best places in town to hear techno, electro and dubstep, while Lolita plays a mixture of house, electropop, nu-disco and electronica. Indie lovers should head to the Razz Club, the Pop Bar is your go-to for classic pop and the Rex Room is the venue’s main dance floor and live-music stage, which has welcomed the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit and Calvin Harris.

MOOG, for electronic music

Get your live music fix

MOOG is Barcelona’s ultimate electronic music venue. Among the most well-regarded nightclubs in Spain, this place has a Berlin underground feel, except under the Mediterranean sun. Open 365 days a year, MOOG helped introduce electronic music to the city back in the mid-1990s when it opened, and it continues to host some of the biggest names in the electro, house and techno scene throughout the year.

Sala Apolo, for a mix of genres

This former theatre, which dates back to the early 20th century, is one of Barcelona’s most authentic nightclubs, playing a mixture of different genres throughout the week. Nasty Mondays is an event that’s all about rock, pop, indie, garage and electro-rock, whilst the colourful Cupcake party on Thursdays is for those who love vintage pop hits. On weekends, the Nitsa party is the famously dark, cramped and sweaty hang-out of electronic music lovers. Located close to Barcelona’s historical showbiz heart of Avinguda del Paral·lel, this spot also hosts concerts by international bands.

Pacha Barcelona, for a waterfront party

Party like you’re in Ibiza at Pacha, Barcelona, located by the waterfront in Port Olímpic. With a big name like Pacha, one of Ibiza’s legendary clubs, comes big acts – and many of the hottest DJs of dance, electro and house have played at the venue. Elsewhere, on Sundays, enjoy slightly different sounds, including hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton. You’ll want to dress up to visit Pacha Barcelona, as it’s not shy of a little glamour.

Opium Barcelona, for exclusivity

Opium Barcelona, just a few doors down from Pacha on Barceloneta Beach, is a sophisticated nightclub with one of the strictest dress codes in the city. High heels, designer labels and magnums of champagne are all part of the atmosphere at this exclusive club, which has attracted a few celebrities on occasion. The dance floor features white-satin couches, chrome-and-glass tables and sleek modern decor, and the chic crowds dance to the beat of mainstream electronic music.

Marula Café, for a laid-back vibe

An alternative to the city’s electronic music scene, Marula Café, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, is a cosy and dark venue that plays R&B, soul, afrobeat and jazz. The nightclub has a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly vibe, attracting as many residents as tourists. In addition to the club nights, live music is a regular occurrence.

Shôko Barcelona, for a chic venue on the seaside

Shôko, right on Barceloneta’s seafront promenade, is a lounge club and restaurant decorated with glamorous Asian-influenced decor. The ambience is cosmopolitan and chic, but keep in mind that you’ll find more tourists than Barcelona locals here. Music is mostly hip-hop, commercial hits and DJ sets, but there are also different parties throughout the week – be sure to check out its website for upcoming events.

Jamboree Live Music, for jazz music

Jazz players

Jamboree is among the best jazz clubs in the city, with live performances almost every day. It’s also one of the hottest places for hip-hop, R&B and funk. This underground club, in the popular Plaça Reial just off La Rambla, attracts a mixed crowd including some serious music lovers and acclaimed jazz musicians.

Sidecar Factory Club, for underground rock

Sidecar Factory Club, in Plaça Reial, captures the true essence of Barcelona nightlife. This underground rock club, is popular with residents who love classic rock and indie; it hosts live concerts, DJ sets and Anti-Karaoke nights, where you can sing along to the likes of AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and David Bowie. Space is limited, so get here early.

Macarena Club, for avoiding big crowds

Macarena Club, tucked away in the backstreets of the Gothic Quarter, is a popular electro and house nightclub famous for having one of the smallest guest capacities in town – just 80 people are allowed in at any given time. Its size allows you to get up close and personal with the DJs, who play minimal, techno and house from a booth in the middle of the dance floor.

Les Enfants, for a prime location and disco music

Known as ‘Disco Enfants’, this laid-back but wildly popular nightclub has been party central for Barcelona residents since 1965. It is located off Nou de la Rambla, so is easily accessible by public transport, and boasts two dance floors to suit every taste. On one, you can find the best disco music from the 60s and 70s and a sprinkling of Latin, while the second plays pop, indie and club classics.

Plataforma, for a top drum and bass night

Jazz music

Arrive early to squeeze into this small but buzzing club loved by locals. Hidden away in a residential area on the Nou de la Rambla, Plataforma has been hosting packed parties since 1992. Crowds can expect to hear rock, 80s classics, reggae and even the odd live band – but it’s best known for Thursday’s heaving drum and bass night when you can expect queues down the street.

Magic, for a laid-back dancefloor

No need to dress up to hit the dancefloor at Magic. This much-loved nightclub, close to the Jaume I metro station on Passeig de Picasso, is all about great tunes, reasonably priced drinks and local DJs. It has two dancefloors, a lively atmosphere and is known for playing the likes of Queen, Arctic Monkeys and Madonna. Better still, entry is free all night on a Thursday and before 1am on Friday and Saturday night.

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