Tourism in Barcelona

Bars

Barcelona has an extremely large list of Bars so don’t try having a drink in each of them 🙂

Here are some tips regarding bars in Barcelona:

A smoking ban was implemented last in Spain, however it is not a ‘strict’ smoking ban as in the majority of the bars, the owner can choose whether smoking is allowed so in fact you will find a very small number of bars and restaurants were the smoking ban is applied.

Most bars close between 2 (Sun – Thu) and 3 am (Fri – Sat) although clubs stay open until 5am.

Also, be aware that Spanish people go out quite late, so don’t expect many people before 11pm, so if you plan going to a club, don’t go before 12 or 1am as there will be a handful of people.

Alcohol is cheaper than some other countries although is getting more and more expensive. However, if you come from Ireland, UK or Scandinavian countries, you will still find it very cheap.

Bottle of beer could be up to €4, although it depends on the bar and the area this is located. Spirits and mixed drinks cost around €6 (although you may pay up to €12). However, be aware that the amount of alcohol served depends on the waiter/waitress as there is no ‘standard’ measure so you can always try asking for an extra shot. Waiters and waitresses are quite generous so even if they don’t give you an extra shot, the amount of alcohol served is usually more than enough.

Most of the clubs and discotheques have a cover charge which could be up to €12 (price often includes a drink). One piece of advice: bouncers may not allow you entrance for whatever reason (the way you dress, place is packed, you are too drunk, …), DO NOT argue, it is pointless and you may get into trouble, so just turn around and go somewhere else.

Estrella Damm, San Miguel and Voll-Damm (7.2º) are the local beers. Among them, Estrella is the most popular one.

If you fancy a pint of Guinness, don’t forget to visit any of the Irish pubs in Barcelona.

Also, check out the list of Bars and Clubs in Barcelona

So, just let us know which is your favourite bar in Barcelona once you come back.

Summer Activities

Most of the inhabitants of Barcelona take their holidays in July and August and they run away in the search of beaches and fun. However, there are some that we remain and we want also to have fun!!

Here are a couple of nice options:

Mercè 2006 Festival

Barcelona’s summer festival will take place from the 22nd to the 25th of September with more than 800 events planned. These include 183 concerts, castellers (human castles), street parade, Fotomercè photo competition, Cursa de la Mercè (10k run competition), etc. Although the dates of the festival are from the 22nd to the 25th, the organized events will start on the 17th of September until the 1st of October.

For further details click here or go to any tourist office for a complete programme of events.

Unfortunately, most of the links regarding the Mercè 2006 festival are just in Catalan and Spanish so you may need some Spanish or Catalan classes.

Jazz in Barcelona
Next 24th of September starts the 16th Festival de l’Hora del Jazz-Memorial Tete Montoliu. In order to bring Jazz to people, a total of 8 free Jazz concerts will be performed at Plaça Rius i Taulet during the month of September.

Concerts will be performed at 12 and 13h at Plaça Rius i Taulet. Click here for further details, although the English version has not been update so you have to refer to the Spanish or Catalan section (this is an excellent oportunity to improve your Catalan or Spanish 🙂 ).

Jazz at the Parc de la Ciutadella
You like Jazz? and for free?!? If the answer is YES, read carefully. During August a total of 9 Jazz concerts will be performed at the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Programme:
Wednesday 2nd of August: VJ Unión
Friday4th of August: Conxita Ribas Quartet
Wednesday 9th of August: Miguel Angel Cordero Quintet
Friday 11th of August: Jon Robles Trio
Wednesday 16th of August: Lluís Coloma Trio
Friday 18th of August: Anna Luna Quartet
Wednesday 23rd of August: La Latin Soul Band
Friday 25th of August: Joan Abril Quartet
Wednesday 30th of August: Jordi Matas TrioSETEMBRE
Friday 1st of September: Ana Cisneros Quinteto

* All concerts begin at 10pm.

Accomodation

There are different factors to consider when looking for accomodation.

First of all is the location: I would recommend staying close city centre (Plaça Catalunya) so it is not necessary to take the public transport. La Rambla and its surrounding areas (Barri Gotic, el Raval, St. Pere and el Borne) have a high concentration of hotels and hostels however can be noisy as they are usually crowded and over-rated. Also, you should be specially careful with pickpockets.

My favourite area is L’Eixample. It is walking distance from Plaça Catalunya, safer, less crowded and the quality of the hotels and hostels is higher for a lower price so where possible, I would recommend L’Eixample. However, be aware that L’Eixample is a big area so try always to stay as close as possible to Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia.

Once the area has been decided, you should decide which kind of accommodation: hotels, pensiones (similar to B&Bs), hostels or apartments. Of course it depends on what you are looking for, on your budget and probably on the age of the person looking for accomodation. These last two are usually related as the younger you are, the less money you have 🙂

Hostels are generally good in Barcelona. One of the most famous ones is probably Kabul although there are lots of hostels around the Ramblas. Pensiones are also a cheap option and the quality is pretty good. Again there are lots of Pensiones around the Ramblas.

If you are looking for a higher standard, you should go to a Hotel. Quality of the hotels in Barcelona is generally good so a 3* hotel is more than enough. Of course there are 4 and 5 star hotels, however the price is usually quite expensive.

Last option, and this is probably my favourite is an apartment. It is the best option for families and groups of friends as it is usually cheaper than hotels (of course it depends on the number of people) as they allow you to do whatever you want. It may be tricky getting an apartment in city centre but if you don’t mind taking public transport or walking, you may stay slightly away from city centre for a very reasonable price.

Click here for hotels in Barcelona.

Irish Pubs in Barcelona

It is true that there are Irish Pubs all over the world, so we could easily say that any city can be measured by the Irish Pubs. Based on that, I have to say that Barcelona is probably on top of the list as there are almost 20 Irish pubs in the city.

Although there is a smoking ban in Spain, it is not as strict as the smoking ban in Ireland or the UK as basically it is up to each bar to decide whether they want to be a smoking or non-smoking area so of course all go the latest so you will not have to go outside for a smoke.

It is true that Guinness does travel well and that if you want a real pint of Guinness you should go to Ireland, but you can still find a nice pint of the black stuff in Barcelona.

Michael Collins Barcelona

Michael Collins

Probably one of the best Irish bar in Barcelona. Located just beside the Sagrada Familia.Live music from Friday to Saturday from 23h and Sunday from 21h. All the sport you want (GAA, rugby, Premier league and of course F.C. Barcelona). If you are looking for good craic, Michael Collins is your place.

Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Familia, 4
Metro: L5 or L2 (Sagrada Familia, L2 )
Opening hours: Daily from 12 noon until 3am.

Molly’s Fair

Located on Ferran Street, just beside Les Rambles (Metro L3 – Liceu). Nice Irish bar to stop by for a Guinness. Really good atmosphere and great location. So if you are in city centre and looking for GAA, rugby, the premiership or simply a quiet pint, Ferran Street is your place.

Address: Carrer Ferrar
Metro: Liceu L3 (green line)
Opening hours: Daily from 12 noon to 2am

Apart from Molly’s Fair, there are several other Irish pubs on the same Ferran Street (O’ Hara´s, My Bar and Temple Bar). So if you are in city centre and looking for GAA, rugby, the premiership or simply a quiet pint, Ferran Street is your place.

Flaherty’s Irish Pub

Family own pub founded in 2001 is located just beside les Rambles. Traditional Irish Breakfast served. It also has a plasma screen were major sport events are broadcasted (GAA, rugby, soccer). Great atmosphere.

Address: Plaça Joaquim Xirau (just of the Ramblas)
Metro: Drassanes L3 (green line)
Opening hours: Daily from 12 noon to 2am

Dunnes Irish pub

New and elegant Irish pub located right at the city center, just besides Urquinaona square. Dunnes pub with its nice structure is a replication of some of the authentic elements of the great pubs in Ireland. It is a perfect place for having an enjoyable dinner with great atmosphere.

Address: Via Laietana 19

Metro: Urquinaona L1 & L4

However, if you are interested in local pubs and clubs, Barcelona has a huge offer.

Tags: irish bar barcelona, irish pub barcelona

Tourism in Barcelona

Categories

Archives

Bars

Summer Activities

Accomodation

Irish Pubs in Barcelona

Recent Posts

Travel Links

Useful links