6 Best Budget Bars in Barcelona

6 Best Budget Bars in Barcelona

1. Nevermind

Image by Jorge Franganillo, sourced from Flickr

Barcelona is regarded as the skate capital of Europe and you can really tell why with places like Nevermind.

This old school skater bar has everything you want in a grungy, skater bar right in the middle of El Raval; chairs made out of skateboards, 90’s music posters used as wallpaper across the walls and with a fully functioning skate ramp in the back.  It definitely isn’t your usual “let’s just go for one” type place, and especially when they sell beer for 1.50 for a bottle, every day until 10:30.

Live music is also something that Nevermind can boast about that the other bars on the list do not play host to. Grunge music, skateboard chairs, skate ramp and live music, you really can’t go wrong, especially with the beers at those prices.

Opening Hours: 5pm – 2.30am (later on Friday and Saturday)

2. El Otro

Image sourced from El Otro Facebook page

El Otro is a personal favourite of mine, located in the stylish neighbourhood of Gracia, this bar has a certain charm that, for me, no other bar has managed to replicate.

It really feels like a proper local bar, with incredibly friendly bar staff, pool table in the back and a quite extraordinary selection of alcoholic beverages to go along with it.

A slightly acquired taste this bar, I’ll admit, the “shabby” looking style decor and it not being the biggest bar in town could turn some people off, but I promise you, if you stick with it you’ll have a great time and really gain an insight into true local drinking.

The playlists these guys put on every night does not disappoint either and they really aren’t afraid to turn it up on a weekend or even if just a really good song comes on.

I know I’ve used the word “local” a few times in my description of El Otro but please do not take that negatively, as I said before, it’s my favourite bar on the list. A great selection of beers on tap starting at 2.50 and a massive list of cocktails starting at 5/6 euros, you are destined to have a fantastic night here.

Opening Hours:

Weekdays, 6pm – 12am (times vary)

Sat & Sun, 11am – 2am (times vary)

3. Bar Canigo

Image sourced from Gracia Divina

Another absolute beauty beating within the heart of the Gracia neighbourhood. If you wait and manage to get a table in this place it will be very much worth it.

Estrella on tap for 2 euros, the beautiful bottled IPA’s for 2.60 is an absolute bargain. What I really love about Bar Canigo is that it always has a great, buzzing atmosphere every night of the week (besides Sundays when its closed).

It’s another bar that has that local community feel to it that is a really joyful way to spend your evening, both outside and in.  This family owned bar feels like it has been going for years and years, but much like an old wine, seems like its just getting better with age.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 10am – 2am
Friday, 10am–3am
Saturday, 8pm–3am
Sunday, Closed

4. 33:45

Image sourced from the 33/45 Facebook page

I’ll put money down that you’d have most likely heard of this bar before, and for good reason. A fantastic place to go if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers or others that have recently moved to the city.

I’ve personally been here quite a few times and have always come out and the end of the night having made a new group of friends each time. A very relaxed and cool atmosphere no matter what evening of the week it is.

Beer on tap for 2.50€ and cocktails for 5€, if you decide on one of those spontaneous nights out and need to quickly think of somewhere to go, 33:45 is your place. Central location in the heart of El Raval, it’s easily accessible by metro and by walking, also staying open to a very respectable time throughout the week.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 1pm–2am
Friday & Saturday, 1pm – 2.30am
Sunday, 1pm–12pm

5. L’Ovella Negra

Image sourced from Barcelona Life website

One for the sport’s fans. This massive warehouse looking bar, is located about a 30 second walk from Bogatell metro station in El Poblenou. It plays every Barcelona FC match as well as European games, international matches and everything else in between, fully utilising a giant screen along with several large TV screens dotted around.

Even on a night that doesn’t have any sport on, this particular bar is always busy and buzzing. Here you will mostly find tourists and young travellers looking for cheap San Miguel pints, reasonably priced food and their novelty, a 30 litre, 3 tap, juggernaut of beer (or Sangria) bucket, fit for a group of friends that don’t want to keep getting up to go to the bar.

L’Ovella Negra really does have everything a good sports bar needs, several big TV screens, table football, two massive bars at either end, pool tables on the upper floor and very long tables. Each is long enough for you and your other 15 friends who all want to go to the same place, not feel cramped in and enjoy the show.

Opening Hours:

Sunday & Monday, Closed
Tuesday to Thursday, 8pm – 2.30am
Friday & Saturday, 5pm–3am

6. Freedonia

Image sourced from Timeout Catalonia

Part club, part bar, Freedonia is what the underground Barcelona nightlife is all about. Found just off Rambla de Raval, just before you reach Poble Sec, this place is weird, but weird in a very good way, entry is free on Fridays and very cheap even on Saturdays (I’m talking a couple of euros).

After entering, you come straight onto the dance floor with a DJ stage at one end and very small bar on your right hand side. To the left of the DJ booth is a narrow corridor, toilets on the left and then further down, on the right you enter what appears to be one of your grandparents’ living rooms.  There are big recliner chairs and a grand piano up against the wall, absolute minimal décor on the walls and throughout. It does take a while to get used to!

However, with the large bottled beers selling for 2.50€, free to cheap entry fee, you will definitely have a crazy weird time – dancing to what can only be described as vintage tropical house music. If you prefer, you can also relax in the grandparents living room. Freedonia is a real staple in the local, underground nightlife scene and not one to miss.

Opening Hours:

Monday & Tuesday, Closed
Wednesday to Saturday, 7pm–2am
Sunday, 7pm–12am