Article published on June 18, 2014 in LF Recommends
Sky’s the limit: the best rooftop terrace bars in Barcelona
Ohla
Have you ever wondered what lies behind that futuristic façade decorated with thousands of eyes, watching the world go by on Via Laietana? Ascend to the 7th floor of 5* hotel Ohla for sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops of the Gothic Quarter to the sea beyond. This is by far one of Barcelona’s most glamorous rooftops and remains a relatively well kept secret. Perfect for toasting a special occasion as the sun goes down behind Montjuic.
Via Laietana 49
08003 Barcelona
+34 93 341 50 50
Isabella (H1898)
In the heat of summer, when the Ramblas is packed from end to end, escape to Isabella, the laid back terrace of Hotel H1898. Teak decking and comfy lounge beds make this the ultimate spot to spend a leisurely afternoon barefoot with zingy mojitos and juicy olives.
Hotel 1898 La Rambla 109
Barcelona
+34 93 552 95 52
1881 Per Sagardi – Museu d’Historia Catalan
Another hidden gem, 1881 Per Sagardi is a Bacardi-sponsored haven sitting pristinely atop the Museum of Catalan History. Turn off the walkway that runs along the port and head to the back of the museum’s entrance hall. Take the far left hand lift to the 4th floor and head straight through the restaurant onto the terrace. The bar’s white wooden cabanas provide welcome pools of shade that catch the salty breeze just so. Tropical plants transport patrons to Bacardi’s Cuban roots, and the music is a blend of Café Del Mar style lounge and traditional Cuban music, Habaneras.
Palau de Mar Plaça de Pau Vila 3
08003 Barcelona
Hotel Neri
Referred to as the most romantic square in Barcelona, Plaça Neri is incredibly still and quiet despite its location in the heart of the Old Town. The stylish boutique Hotel Neri is home to a concealed garden roof terrace invisible from street level. Enter the impressive lobby an exquisitely refurbished ancient stone courtyard, take a right and take the lift to the 4th floor. Bamboo lanterns hang from the trellis as 1940s jazz plays through the plants. This terrace is perfect for a romantic rendez-vous (be sure to bag the comfy hammocks)!
Carrer de Sant Sever 5
08002 Barcelona
+34 93 304 06 55
Pulitzer
Visit Up! at the Hotel Pulitzer is another exotic retreat set just off Plaza Catalunya. The décor is an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, African and Catalan with lush foliage and twinkly hanging lanterns which look particularly fabulous at dusk. The hummus nibbles are divine, and their seasonal cocktail menu is impressive. Their enormous wooden table in the centre is perfect for taking the whole gang. Don’t miss their after work sessions on Thursdays and Fridays throughout Summer, with live music and a set list of international DJs.
Hotel Pulitzer
C/ Bergara 8
08002 Barcelona
+34 93 481 67 67
Alaire, Hotel Condes
One of the few terraces open year-round, the rooftop of Hotel Condes is the perfect spot to rest weary feet after tackling Paseo de Gracia’s many boutiques. Sit at the bar stools that run along the periphery to be perfectly positioned for views of Gaudi masterpieces La Pedrera and the Sagrada familia. With live music almost every night from June-September, a sleek all-white aesthetic and most importantly, heaters (even summer nights can get breezy when you’re at that height!), this very cool bar will leave you anything but cold.
C/ Passeig de Gràcia 73-8a
08008 Barcelona
+34 934 453 226
www.condesdebarcelona.com/en/alaire-terrace-bar-1
Bar Miramar, Montjuïc
Watch the city come to life over morning coffee with 360 degree views from this comfortable perch (essentially a spacious and well appointed ledge) up on Montjuïc. Walk up this lush hill first thing before it gets too hot, for the perfect panoramic vantage point to spot the city’s monuments below. As the day heats up, ride the (slightly rickety) cable car down to Barceloneta for a mid-morning dip. Lovely!
Carretera de Miramar 40
08038 Barcelona
+34 93 443 66 27
Eclipse Bar, W Hotel
Though not strictly a roof terrace, Eclipse Bar packs a serious punch in the view stakes, and certainly rivals Hotel Ohla for its glamorous clientele. This cocktail bar on the 26th floor of the W Hotel was the setting for our LFStyle cover shoot, with its spectacular floor to ceiling windows overlooking the entire coastline. Go for a low-key aperitif before the clubbing set arrive. Alternatively, for busting a move, their Sunday evening Hip Hop night “Premium Beats” is a hoot! Always make a reservation, as they run a strict guest list only entry policy, and be sure to “fix up, look sharp”.
Plaça de la Rosa del Vents 1
Barcelona 08039
+34 93 295 28 00
