Barcelona, famous for its stunning architecture, lively culture, and delicious cuisine, is also well-known for its beautiful rooftop bars and terraces. During my Christmas visit to the city, I had the pleasure of exploring some of the Barcelona’s best rooftop bars and terraces. As a travel enthusiast, I am always looking for new and exciting ways to experience the culture and beauty of a city, and these bars certainly did not disappoint. I chose these bars for their convenient locations, spectacular views, and unique ambiance. Each one provided me with an unforgettable experience.
My Choices of Barcelona’s Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces
Below is the list of my favourite rooftop bars. They are all located in the centre of Barcelona and close to iconic landmarks, famous tourist sites, and popular neighbourhoods. You can reach them via the city’s public transportation.
- Rooftop Bar Hotel Barcelona Edition
- Rooftop Arenas de Barcelona
- Rooftop Bar Hotel Ohla Barcelona
- La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel
- Rooftop Bar Grand Hotel Central
Rooftop Bar Hotel Barcelona Edition
The first rooftop bar that I discovered was the Rooftop Bar Hotel Barcelona Edition, located in the trendy neighbourhood of El Born. The EDITION terrace is beautiful, with an intimate oasis and wooden parquet. It offers innovative seasonal dishes that mix Latin American cuisine with Asian flavours. The drink menu includes cocktails and healthy options such as natural juices, smoothies, kombuchas, and mocktails.
In addition to the panoramic views over Barcelona, I spotted the colourful roof of the Mercat de Santa Caterina, a lively local market nearby. The market offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, try new foods, and experience the city’s vibrance. Besides, the Parc de la Ciutadella is also a few walk minutes away.
Rooftop Arenas de Barcelona
The second rooftop bar on my list was the Rooftop Arenas de Barcelona on top of the Arenas de Barcelona Shopping Center right next to Plaza de España. The shopping centre is not so attractive, but the impressive rooftop with fantastic 360º views over Barcelona is a must-see. It was the sunset moment as I was atop it, therefore I took many iconic photos with Plaza de España, the Venetian Towers, and the National Museum of Art (MNAC) in the background.
Meanwhile, the rooftop has several restaurants offering everything from Mediterranean cuisine, grilled food, tapas, Asian food, to Italian restaurants. And, of course, they offer cocktails as well.
La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel
The third rooftop bar on my list was the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Majestic, another chic and sophisticated venue that provides beautiful city views, including vistas over la Sagrada Familia and Montjuic. The bar has a similar feel to the previous one, with a lovely lounge vibe and a small pool.
The chef up at La Dolce Vitae is a Michelin chef. Its signature snack is a collection of innovative small bites, around 19 Euros, not cheap but worth a try. On weekdays the bar is more crowded with a festive atmosphere.
The rooftop bar is between the two famous sites, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, and on the luxury shopping street Passeig de Gràcia.
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Ohla Barcelona
Next up was the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Ohla Barcelona, which has a chic and friendly ambiance. Peasant terrace comes with a glass-walled swimming pool, lounge areas, front-row bar stools. The bar serves top cocktails.
I loved being surrounded by the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while taking in the stunning views of the city, especially the sunset view of Cathedral. Gothic Quarter, the nearby neighbourhood, is just within the walk distance. A short walk away is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Sagrada Familia, a basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central
Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central has a similar feel to the previous ones, with greenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Light snacks and full meals are available, and a range of cocktails and drinks are on the menu. But the best thing about Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central is the fantastic rooftop infinity pool.
During summertime, the Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central is exclusive to guests staying at the hotel, non-guests are welcome after 8 pm when the rooftop bar is open for live music. In winter, the terrace should be available for the public because I was there in the late afternoon on a weekday. Despite the chilly weather, the birds seem to be enjoying their aquatic playground, adding a lively and captivating touch to the hotel’s already stunning view. While sipping a cocktail, I watched this unique scene unfolding atop the hotel’s rooftop pool.
I had views of the Cathedral of Barcelona from the Sky Bar rooftop terrace. In addition, the Picasso Museum and Moco Museum Barcelona are within a few minutes of walk. The Gothic Quarter, with its old streets and historic buildings, is also a short walk away and is a perfect place to start exploring the city.
Sip in Style and Experience Barcelona’s Skyline
Barcelona’s Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces offer a privileged glimpse of the city’s charm and are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Whether you’re looking for a chic and sophisticated ambiance or a lively and energetic one, these rooftop bars have something to offer for everyone. So, the next time you visit Barcelona, check out one of these elevated locations and experience the city from a new perspective.
