Paradiso

What better way to introduce this absolute delight of a cocktail bar than by revealing that it was voted number three on ‘World’s 50 Best Bars of 2021’. It has, in fact, earned a place on that list every year since 2017.

Perhaps the best thing about this cocktail emporium is that unless you are in the know, you probably won’t stumble across it! Well, that is, of course, unless you find yourself walking past at 8pm on a Friday, in which case the astonishingly long queue might just give it away. Bookings aren’t taken, so people really do queue for an hour or so for this exciting, funky, and one-of-a-kind experience.

Located in the hip neighbourhood of El Born, you’ll find yourself looking at a pastrami shop. Hidden behind this façade however (although take note - they do sell pastrami sandwiches!), you’ll soon discover a funky, buzzing, and colourful bar brimming with life.

As you enter, you’ll hear the cheers and welcomes of the busy barmen, meticulously creating tasty concoctions bubbling and smoking away. Then there’s the menu, perhaps the most exciting menu you’ll have ever seen. It’s A3 size, so not your average chic small cocktail menu, and once open, it lights up with wonderful drawings of all the cocktails on offer! This bar really is full of surprises. From foaming drinks to ones that you make yourself with the help of the waiter, it really is an experience!

From there, Paradiso is in a perfect position for you to walk out into the streets of El Born and continue the evening in one of the numerous other bars. Visit this area late on a Friday or Saturday evening and you will be astonished at how busy the streets are! ​

Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Tandem Cocktail Bar

Picture a dimly lit, long bar with shiny wooden tables and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. Welcome to Tandem Cocktail Bar. Make yourself comfortable on their classic leather tub chairs or red velvet stools and cleanse your palate on the glass of water brought to you by an attentive waiter. Tandem really is quite the opposite of Paradiso’s wild and wonderful approach, but it is by no means less enjoyable. If you fancy escaping from the bustle of Barcelona for a few hours, then this is the place to visit.

Perhaps the most liberating and unique element of this bar is that there is no menu: the power is entirely in your hands! Tell the bartender your likes and dislikes, whether you like sweet or spicy, gin or vodka, tall or short, and you’ll see him scribbling down ideas on his notepad. Nibble on some complimentary bites whilst you watch, in anticipation, your cocktail being made, and then, when your drink arrives, enjoy!

They have an extensive bar display with bottles of every spirit and flavour under the sun: lychee and gin cocktails, margaritas with a twist, or just a classic whiskey to name but a few. Whatever you fancy, they will be sure to have it and will also be happy to make suggestions if you feel like a variation on your go-to tipple.

This bar really nails the ‘USP’ objective on the head allowing customers to be involved in the recipe of their cocktails. It’s a great challenge, too, for those who think they can guess all the ingredients blind in a drink! It’s chic and classic. What more could you want?

Carrer d'Aribau, 86, 08036 Barcelona, Spain