The Best Bars in El Born, Barcelona


 

El Born is the trendy nightlife hub in Barcelona’s old town. It’s a neighborhood of great tapas, beautiful boutiques and bars to suit all drinking tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a midday cocktail to break the heat, an afternoon beer after your day on the beach nearby, or a full blown rager into the early hours of the morning — el Born is where it’s happening.

by Anastasiia Tarasova – Unsplash

Join me as we scour the streets of el Born for the best bars of them all.

Cactus Gin-Bar in El Born

I don’t know about you but I do love a good gin bar. These are few and far between in el Born, so finding this one was really a pleasant surprise.

The Spanish love a fresh G&T but are very particular in the way that they serve them. Firstly, they should only ever be served in ostentatiously long stemmed glasses; ice should be filled to the brim (never serve a Spaniard a warm gin & tonic), and your garnishes should be creative.

Cactus Gin-Bar in El Born – by Cactus Gin-Bar – Uploaded by them

The Cactus Gin-Bar follows these steps and then some. They make outstanding concoctions in this bar; I highly recommend starting your night in el Born here, while you’re still sober enough to appreciate the craft and flavors.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  4pm to 2:30am
ADDRESS: Passeig del Born, 30, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Jaume I

Pitin Bar in El Born

The Pitin Bar was implemented into el Born over twenty years ago when the neighborhood was nothing but an up and coming part of Barcelona. It was originally opened as a restaurant, but the owner quickly realized that there was far greater need for good bars in the area.

And so twenty years later Pitin has become one of the best hangouts in el Born.

They specialize in cocktails and quality Spanish wines. There is also a full kitchen menu available throughout the day. Their outdoor terrace is a major attraction, especially in the summer months.

by Moss – Unsplash

You’ll have to bring cash to pay for your drinks; the bar has no card facilities. Don’t be petered, this is very common amongst the nightlife in Barcelona.

Also very common amongst the nightlife in Barcelona: pickpockets. Stay aware of your belongings while at Pitin, and in el Born in general. Never, ever keep anything valuable in your back pockets.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  10am to 2am
ADDRESS: Passeig del Born, 34, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Barceloneta

Número Nueve in El Born

Número Nueve scooped up one of the last available spots in el Born, and in order to compete with the many thriving bars already in the area, as well as compensate for their small space, they had to become the best at what they do.

And so they did.

Número Nueve in El Born – by Número Nueve – Uploaded by them

You won’t find a better cocktail bar in the whole neighborhood. It’s a small bar with limited seating, so come early. The staff are wonderful and the menu is too. It’s unlikely you’ll struggle to find something to your taste, but if you do one of the skilled mixologists will work with you to make something divine.

This is considered to be a more upmarket bar in el Born and drinks don’t run cheap. A good place to start your evening out with one or two before moving on to a more festive space.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  7pm to 3am
ADDRESS: Carrer de la Vidrieria, 9, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Barceloneta

Ziryab in El Born

Ziryab goes by the mission of opening early and closing early. It’s a bar and tapas restaurant hybrid and festivities start early here. From lunchtime Ziryab is packed with people; tables over flowing with small plates of Spanish foods and well mixed drinks.

The traditional Catalan interior of high ceilings and exposed brick walls really sets the Barcelona scene. The bar is very centered around authentic Catalan wines and imports them from around the area. Interestingly they are also equally as concerned with the winery of Lebanon, and have imported wines for their customers from there as well.

Ziryab in El Born – by Ziryab – Uploaded by them

Since most travelers come into el Born to drink, this tapas bar is largely overlooked by them and so it’s mostly locals that hang out here.

The bar is close to Barcelona’s Picasso Museum, which will also be pointed out on a free guided walking tour of the city.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  1pm to 11:30pm
ADDRESS: Carrer de Grunyí, 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Jaume I

Rubí Bar in El Born

Believe it or not, el Born has a bar for the quiet ones; those who value a space in which the conversation is louder than the music, and silence is even preferred.

Don’t let this come across as a negative, Rubi Bar is simply a calm space intended to welcome those looking for a drink or two before retreating to their Airbnb. Or just into the rowdy bar next door, who knows.

Rubí Bar in El Born – by Rubí Bar – Uploaded by them

The bar is illuminated by the glow of the red shelving. It’s an ambient and intimate setting, I always say it would be a great place to go on a Tinder date in Barcelona, especially if it’s the first meeting.

The drinks are ridiculously cheap, especially considering the bars central location. It’s in el Born but on the cusp of the Gothic Quarter.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  7:30pm to 2:30am
ADDRESS: Carrer dels Banys Vells, 6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
METRO STATION: Jaume I

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