Surrounded by mountains to the north and south and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, Barcelona’s skyline is as intriguing as the city is on the ground. Ildefons Cerda’s progressive design of long, wide streets flanking octagonal blocks is best appreciated in its entirety from the sky, and there’s no shortage of places offering such views. The best rooftop bars in Barcelona many of which come with pools atop some of the best hotels in the city, offer unparalleled views of the cityscape all the way to the mountains, the sea and the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s parting gift to Barcelona. With a list as long as an arm, below are some of the best; all you need to decide is how you like your cocktails and which view of the Sagrada Familia you want.
Attic Terrace, Sercotel Rosellón
With many places in Barcelona offering views of the Sagrada Familia from afar, those from the Attic Terrace at Sercotel Rosellón are truly special. Within a 3-min walk of the famous cathedral, you will feel as if the rising steeples and spikes that make up the iconic facade are within touching distance.
These aren’t the only views it has to offer though, from its bedecked terrace with loungers by the hot tub and perch stools with tables around the solarium areas, the whole city, as far as Montjuic Castle and the sea beyond it, is visible. For a rooftop terrace bar that offers some of the best Barcelona sky views, the drinks are fairly reasonable; book in advance to not be disappointed.
- Address: Carrer de Rossello 390, 08025, Barcelona
The best of rooftop bars in Barcelona: Ohla Rooftop
Not too far away, in the Gothic Quarter, the views aren’t too shabby either. Located at the top of the boutique Ohla Barcelona Hotel, Rooftop at Ohla is thought to be one of the best rooftop terrace bars in Barcelona, with an amazing cocktail list.
The views here come from a glass-fronted pool on a rooftop terrace, with chic and chilled vibes and a soundtrack to complement the mood, while the cocktails take things up a notch. The loungers, bar stools and tables are arranged in such a way that you can’t miss the views no matter where you’re seated, nor do you have to turn for a better view. The hotel has five incredible restaurants to pick from, including the Michelin Caelis, and is quite close to the famous Rambla and Boqueria Market.
- Address: Via Laietana, 49, 08003, Barcelona
Mood Rooftop Bar
In a discreet corner a short walk from the very affluent Passeig de Gracia and not far from Palau de Baro Quadras, you will find One Barcelona Hotel, at the top of which is Mood Rooftop Bar. This is one of the best restaurants with a view in Barcelona and offers diners brilliant food in a chic but informal environment, compared to the more formal restaurant in the hotel.
You can dine on ceviche and grilled fish amongst other tantalising morsels, either inside or on the terrace, with exceptional views that take in Casa Mila (the last private residence designed by Gaudi), the Barcelona Cathedral and the Mediterranean Sea. Along with views, the bar offers an extensive cocktail list; how better to enjoy your espresso martini?
- Address: Carre de Provenca, 277, 08037, Barcelona
La Dolce Vitae
I mean, with a name like La Dolce Vitae, you know you are in for a fabulous time, especially with a prime location such as Passeig de Gracia – it truly doesn’t disappoint. The offering at the top of the five-star Majestic Hotel and Spa is of course that of sweeping vistas over the Barcelona skyline, including that of the intriguing Casa Batllo and the rather modern Torres Glories. With a certain Michelin-star chef popping in every now and then to cook the Mediterranean-inspired menu, what more could you ask for?
Other than international DJs throwing out tunes during the summer and some sunny evenings in the winter too. The mood is relaxed, the atmosphere swanky and the food comes in the form of classy burgers, the crunchiest ham croquettes or different pokes to share.
- Address: Passeig de Gracia, 68-70, Eixample, 08007, Barcelona
Yurbban Trafalgar Rooftop
If there’s ever a place to enjoy a sundowner in Barcelona, it is by the pool at Yurbban Trafalgar Rooftop, the rooftop bar by Lolea, with 360° panoramic views of the city. You can opt for either deck chairs by the pool, which you can dip into on a hot afternoon/evening, or take in the mesmerising Barcelona sky view, including the Sagrada Familia and Montjuic in the distance, as the atmosphere slowly twinkles into nightlife. This is where to be on the weekends, with live music and DJs rocking the house down. The hotel is located within a 15-min walk of Passeig de Gracia.
- Address: Carre de Trafalgar, 30, 08010, Barcelona
Terrat
Meanwhile, if you prefer your views to come with stylish environments that serve top-class Peruvian dishes by an acclaimed chef from Peru, then you won’t go wrong at Terrat; it’s located at Mandarin Oriental, also on Passeig de Gracia. Pick from either lounge chairs by the infinity pool (if you’re staying at the hotel) or low, comfortable table chairs to enjoy your lobster and shellfish with chilli tiger milk. Enjoy a glass of cava around the bar area, which is open to all and serves delicious cocktails. Terrat is perfect for that romantic getaway to Barcelona.
- Address: Passeig de Gracia, 38-40, Eixample, 08007, Barcelona
Sky Bar
Sky Bar Barcelona, on the eighth floor of Grand Hotel Central, located between the Barcelona City Museum and Santa Caterina Market, is just as its name suggests: a sky bar with some of the most incredible views in Barcelona. What makes it even more special is that it has an infinity pool that manages to capture all the colours of the setting sun and the twinkling lights of the awakening night sky of the city.
Though the pool area is exclusive to guests during the day, anyone can enjoy a cocktail or two after 8 pm, a mood enhanced by DJs on Wednesdays and Sundays. Open every day in the summer, the bar/pool area is open only on weekends for a sip of Vermouth and tapas in colder months. It does get rather busy, especially on DJ nights, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. The reservation charge taken goes towards a complimentary drink on arrival. If you’re looking for a sky bar in Barcelona with attitude, this is where to be.
- Address: Via Laietana, 30, 08003, Barcelona
Azimuth Rooftop Bar
At that place where the old and new Barcelonas meet, Playa Catalunya, the beating heart of the city, you’ll find the hotel Almanac Barcelona, at the top of which is Azimuth Rooftop Bar. Known for its creative cocktails, a wide selection of vegetarian tapas and stunning views of the Sagrada Familia, this is one of Barcelona’s must-see rooftop terrace bars.
The setting is both informal and stylish with a choice of lounge seating or slightly more formal tables and is open all year round thanks to its glass-covered section; the open-air terrace has heat lamps in the colder months. Head here over the weekend when it’s at its best, with DJs at the deck and the cool people of Barcelona coming out to play, but don’t forget to book ahead.
- Address: Terrazo 8A Planta, Gran via de les Corts Catalanes 619, 621, 08007, Barcelona
Claris Hotel and Spa
Barcelona is not short of hotels with rooftop pool bars, but the Barcelona hotel with a rooftop pool to go to is surely Claris Hotel and Spa. It’s a luxury hotel in a former palace in the heart of the city, the Eixample neighbourhood, the go-to area for anything stylish or chic.
On the very top of this magnificent building, you will find a heated intimate terrace open all year round, that is La Terraza Del Claris. It’s an elegant and classy restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, with either tapas, a la carte or a set menu to choose from and a terrace bar from which to enjoy your aperitif or after-dinner drinks. The views may not be the greatest in Barcelona, but because of its retractable glass roof, the terrace is open all year round and the pool is exclusive to guests.
- Address: Carre de Pau Claris, 150, Eixample, 08009, Barcelona
B-Snack and Lounge Pool Bar
Front-row seats to Plaza de Espana, at the foot of the Montjuic, are available at B-Hotel, at B-Snack and Lounge Pool Bar to be precise. It’s one of the fairer-priced rooftop bars in Barcelona if you’re watching your coins, but the views of the square don’t disappoint.
Though the pool bar area is for guests only, there’s a bar open to everyone, where you can enjoy tapas while sipping something alcoholic and watching all the activity at Gran Via and Las Arenas shopping centre, which now occupies the former bullfighting ring.
- Address: Gran via de les Corts Catalanes, 389, 391, 08015, Barcelona
173 Rooftop Terrace
For one of the best rooftop views in Barcelona, and that is saying a lot here, this time in the heart of Montjuic, head to 173 Rooftop Terrace, at Barcelona Intercontinental. It may be because the views here take in most of Barcelona’s skyline, including that of the Montjuic cable car, Sagrada Familia, Torre de Collserola, Tibidabo, Playa Espana and Palacio Nacional. The extensive gin offerings come with a restaurant or lounge/bar area that are spacious and serve anything Mediterranean, whereas there’s also a pool area exclusive to hotel guests.
- Address: Avenida Ruis i Taulet, 1-3, Sants-Montjuic, 08004, Barcelona
La Terraza BCN Urban Club
Whilst there’s no shortage of hotels housing rooftop bars with pools, La Terraza BCN Urban Club at Expo Hotel Barcelona, near Plaza de Espana, is one to put on your list of sky bars in Barcelona, especially if you are in the Montjuic area. From its rooftop, you can enjoy the views of Montjuic below in the comfort of a lounge chair by the pool if you are a paying guest or table chairs by the bar if not. The menu is simple, with pub-like but delicious food and impressive views.
Address: Carre de Mallorca, 1-3, 08014, Barcelona
If you’re looking for city break inspirations, check out our guide to a city break in Barcelona. If you’re looking for where to dine in Barcelona, read about the best restaurants in Barcelona. Otherwise, look at these things to do in Barcelona.
