Budget Bars in Barcelona


 

Barcelona on a budget; entirely possible and easy to stick to. From fun and cheap hostels around the city, to affordable tapas & drinking spots, one can get by on very little per day.

Drinking on a budget doesn’t have to be a classless activity, especially not in Barcelona. This is a city that thrives on nightlife and celebrations; drink specials come standard.

by Matthew Henry – Unsplash

Through a very serious process of elimination I’ve narrowed down the very best of the BBBs: Barcelona’s Budget Bars. Here are the top watering holes that won’t hurt your pocket, just your head. 

Bar Piscis in Barcelona

Kitsch get’s a whole new meaning at this bar in El Reval; some joke that Bar Piscis should be declared a world heritage site because of the ancient furniture and dramatic red lighting.

If you’ve ever watched old Spanish films where the protagonists need to escape the prying eyes of the Barcelona streets, so they run into a hideaway bar… that is Bar Piscis.

by Clem Onojeghuo – Unsplash

In summation this is a wonderful hole-in-the-wall bar that is great for a calm drink or two with friends. Drinks are the most affordable you’ll find in this area and the bar is never overcrowded or chaotic.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30pm to 3am
ADDRESS: 08001, Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 39, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Urgell

Gran Bodega Saltó in Barcelona

Poble Sec is considered to be a vibrant, up and coming part of Barcelona & the affordable bars and restaurants of the area are contributing a lot to this development .

The Gran Bodega is a quirky space filled with antiques, stuffed animals and strange porcelain dolls. The rest of the space is dedicated to their many wine barrels that serve fresh wine by the glass. Even though this is strictly a bar, not a shop, a lot of locals actually come here with empty jugs and fill them up to take home.

Gran Bodega Saltó in Barcelona – by Gran Bodega Saltó – Uploaded by them

In addition to their very cheap alcohol, the Gran Bodega also offer live music on certain evenings of the week. Their tapas menu is great too, and the bar remains a laid back space for drinking and eating until about 11pm, this is when things get a bit louder and crazier.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6pm to 1am
ADDRESS: Carrer de Blesa, 36, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Poble Sec

33/45 Bar & Gallery in Barcelona

The label of bar and gallery makes little sense upon first entering this bar in El Reval. Upon further investigation I was able to conclude that the bar is attached to a small gallery showroom in which they occasionally hold independent exhibits.

The bar itself is a hip spot, popular amongst the youthful crowds and locals of the area. The bartenders speak little English but will help where they can.

33/45 Bar & Gallery in Barcelona – by 33/45 Bar & Gallery – Uploaded by them

It doesn’t get much better than €3 hard liquor and €5 cocktails right in the center of Barcelona. The later it is the busier this bar will be, arrive early if you want to grab a sofa or table to sit at.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 1pm to 2am
ADDRESS: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 4, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Sant Antoni

The Bollocks in Barcelona

If you’ve taken a free guided walking tour though Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter then a heavy metal/rock ’n roll bar is probably the last thing you’d expect to find here.

The Bollocks is an institution. They are known for cheap beer, big (huge) burgers, mini football tables and music to rock your core.

The Bollocks in Barcelona – by The Bollocks – Sourced from their Facebook

The Bollocks has happy hour until 10:30pm every evening. They also make fresh popcorn as a bar snack and you are entitled to free refills all night long if you purchase one.

If you’re coming early for dinner I recommend their €8 deal that gets you a burger of your choice, chips and a beer.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7pm to 3am
ADDRESS: Carrer Ample, 46, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Barceloneta

Psycho Rock & Roll Club in Barcelona

Lovers of cheap alcohol, a good ambiance and all the classic rock you can handle will find their home away from home in Psycho. This bar is the brainchild of Charly Raw, a prominent figure in Barcelona’s music industry.

The bar is back in Poble Sec; so it’s affordability is understandable, though I don’t see it lasting very long given the ever evolving nature of the neighborhood and very evident popularity of this little bar.

Psycho Rock & Roll Club in Barcelona – by Psycho Rock & Roll Club – Uploaded by them

For the most part this bar remains largely untouched by tourists, so it’s a great spot if you want to be immersed in local nightlife. Tuesday and Friday nights are the best evenings to pay Psycho a visit.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 9pm to 3am
ADDRESS: Carrer de Piquer, 27, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Poble Sec

Mariatchi in Barcelona

Manu Chao is a French/Spanish singer and songwriter who I love. There is a longstanding rumor around Barcelona that Mariatchi Bar is either secretly owned by the man himself, or it’s simply his favorite bar in the city (having been spotted regularly).

Either way, Mariatchi’s vibe resembles the same laid back, free spirit that our beloved performer does. The space is known for having impromptu jam sessions and local artists taking to the stage unannounced.

The mantra at Mariatich is ‘bad parties, worse hangovers’; a good way to summate what you can expect from such affordable drinks in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. A glass of wine is €2.

Note this bar is a hotspot for pickpockets as there is little to no security at the door. Be very careful with your belongings.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:30pm to 2:30am
ADDRESS: Carrer dels Còdols, 14, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Drassanes

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