City Highs: Six Of Barcelona’s Best Rooftop Bars

After a day of sightseeing and sun worshipping, there’s nothing like kicking back with a cocktail at one of Barcelona’s rooftop terraces. Surrounded by the terracotta skyline and Antoni Gaudi’s iconic masterpieces, these are the hottest places to get a taste of the high life in Catalonia’s capital of cool…

Despite its location on the busy Las Ramblas, La Isabela Terrace is an inner city haven and the perfect retreat if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and indulge in a well earned dose of decadence. There are multiple levels to the leafy terrace, each offering unique views across the city and down to the Mediterranean Sea. Take a quick dip in the pool and dry off on one of queen-sized sun sofas with a glass of Cava — you’ll be ready to hit the streets again in no time!

What to eat: Drop by between 9am and 11am for the “Breakfast in the Sky” or come for lunch and devour fresh Mediterranean flavours with a Catalan twist from the Deluxe Tapas Menu.

Address: Hotel 1898, Las Ramblas, 109, 08002

This ultra modern terrace bar offers stellar views over Plaça d’Espanya and the sensational Las Arenas shopping mall (which used to be a bull-fighting ring). Take a dip in the famous azure pool or sip your way through the exotic and surprisingly affordable cocktail menu. Hip yet casual, this is luxury living without the hefty prices.

What to eat: A large menu features both classic and contemporary tapas dishes, with regular deals and offers that make it the perfect place to indulge in a rooftop lunch or dinner without breaking the bank.

Address: B Hotel, Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, 389-391, 08015

Modern, chilled and refreshingly laid-back, this largely undiscovered rooftop bar provides the ultimate Barcelona sunset experience. Soak up the atmosphere with a bottle of Catalan wine and live music performances — this is the place to party in the sky.

What to eat: Nibble on tasty tapas from the “pica-pica” menu or go all out with a hearty meat feast straight off the barbecue.

Address: Hotel Villa Emilia, Carrer de Calàbria, 115, 08015

Situated slap-bang on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia, La Dolce Vitae is the perfect place to make the most of Barcelona’s long summer nights. Cool off in the pool or sink into a sofa with a cocktail and let the DJ’s soothing sounds wash over you.

What to eat: Order from the contemporary tapas menu prepared by Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany and dine with sweeping views of Montjuic and the Sagrada Familia. Or if you fancy spending your Sunday in serious style, visit between 12pm and 4pm and indulge in the boozy Majestic Brunch.

Address: Majestic Hotel, Passeig de Gràcia 68, 08007

Just a short stroll away from the old fisherman’s quarter, this rooftop bar provides magnificent views across Barcelona’s bustling port. Top up your tan in the solarium, cool off in the plunge pool and sup your way through the  selection of Catalan wines whilst watching the mega yachts set sail across the bay.

What to eat: An extensive menu offers all the Spanish and Catalan tapas classics, as well hearty sandwiches and pizzas.

Address: Duquesa de Cardona Hotel, Passeig de Colom, 12, 08002

Tucked away in the Raval neighbourhood — the city’s arts and culture district — this high design hotel features a unique terrace that circles its way around the entire circumference of the tower. You can literally see every corner of the city, from the magical Tibidabo Theme Park perched on top of a mountain at the back of the city to the Old Town and Mediterranean Sea. If it’s your first time in Barcelona then this is the perfect place to get the lay of the land whilst sampling some of the finest cocktails in town.

What to eat: The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch menu, complete with Bloody Marys and Mimosas, has become something of local legend, and the tasty Asian menu is perfect if you’ve overdosed on tapas.

Address: Hotel Barceló Raval, Rambla del Raval, 17- 21, 08001

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- Ben Holbrook