Best Budget Cocktail Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona has one of the most vibrant restaurants and bar scenes of any city in Europe, although sometimes it can be difficult to find the best places when there is so much to choose from. The majority of bars here serve mixed drinks along with the traditional spirits, wine and beer—and many of them are really cheap. But if you are looking for more, if you seek an experience that also features good quality, reasonably priced cocktails in Barcelona then I recommend that you check out some of the places below.

• Milans Cocktail Bar

  If you can’t decide on a cocktail, or you want to try as many as you can, then Milans is the place. Located in the Barri Gòtic, this bar has become a favorite with locals and tourists alike and has just about any cocktail you can think of at an affordable price (€4-€9). This is the perfect place for anyone visiting the city on a budget that still wants to enjoy a good quality cocktail. Two of my personal favorites are the “Casablanca” and the “Banana Colada.”

• Particular Gastrobar

  Particular offers some of the best rum-based cocktails in the city and it’s one of my favorite places on the list. During Barcelona’s hottest days, there’s nothing better than a mojito to cool down and Particular has every flavor of mojito you can think of—from smoked pineapple to passion royale with prices from €4 to €8. The recently opened terrace with beach-hut umbrellas provides a shady spot where you can relax and enjoy your cocktail, though on weekends it fills up quickly, so you should reserve your seat before going. Particular also has a tapas menu, and if you're not a fan of rum, there are other drink options as well—though its mojitos are unmatched in the city and are definitely worth a try.

• Gopnik

  Recently opened, Gopnik focuses on “Slav style” cocktails and features a guest bartender every Monday. This trendy bar located near the Jaume 1 metro stop showcases some of the best cocktails in the city for a very reasonable price (€8-€10). Its Slav style cocktails include some unconventional flavor combinations which allow you to taste a variety of spirits that you wouldn’t normally choose. By inviting guest bartenders to take over, Gopnik’s menu changes constantly, allowing you to select from a different array of drinks every week.

• Cremat Lounge

  Located in the beautiful Eixample Esquerra, Cremat Lounge is known for having some of the best brunch in the city. But in my opinion, the cocktails are the real stars—which pair amazingly with all the menu items. It’s the ideal spot to grab a bite while slowly sipping on a cocktail. Drinks are priced very reasonably with in-house cocktails from €8 to €10. Some of my personal favorites are the “diva cocktails,” which are named after well-known singers, and the “Paloma” cocktail. Before heading over there, keep in mind that it’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Signature Cocktail Bar

  Tucked inside Le Méridien hotel on one of the busiest streets in Barcelona, Signature Cocktail Bar offers cocktails that stimulate your senses with an exciting blend of drinks and music with a modern twist. This is the perfect place to enjoy a top-quality cocktail in a five-star venue for a reasonable price (€9-€12) on La Rambla. The extensive menu features sparkling, author and signature cocktails and small plates of tapas to enjoy with them. Some of my personal favorites are the “Mai Tai” and the “Fairy Forest.” Its location might hint at expensive food and drinks but the prices are very reasonable and it’s the perfect place to take a break and relax in a stylish, chic atmosphere while you’re out exploring La Rambla.

• Especiarium Bar

  Especiarium is a hidden gem among the long list of cocktail bars in the city center. Its creators pride themselves on mixing up drinks inspired by the world of gastronomy and spices. One sip and you’ll see why—Especiarium’s cocktails explode with flavor. Drinks are priced at €10 each with both cocktails on tap and a cocktail menu of creative flavor combinations that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Booking is recommended to avoid lines as it is hugely popular.

• Bobby’s Free

  Bobby Free’s is a speakeasy style bar hidden behind what looks like a vintage barbershop. But with the right password (which is posted via social media) the door opens up to a long wooden bar, golden lamps, velvet stools and old advertising posters. Top shelf spirits, vermouths, organic wines and beers line its ceiling-high shelves, and its cocktail menu is one of the largest in the city. Bobby’s Free is one of the most expensive bars on this list, but with some signature cocktails starting at only €8.50, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy this popular Barcelona coctelería—some of my favorites are the “Green Lady” and the “Poker Face” cocktails.

• El Paradiso

  Hidden behind a refrigerator door in what appears to be a pastrami shop is Paradiso—a cozy, clandestine cocktail bar that boasts some of the most intricate and imaginative drinks in the city. Voted in the top 20 of the world’s best bars, it is one of the most well-known cocktail bars in Europe. With guest bartenders every Wednesday night who bring new and exciting flavor combinations to the scene, you’re sure to discover something unexpected, inventive—and most of the time interactive—which makes the experience even more exciting. Drink prices range between €10 and €15. Though not what you would normally consider a “budget” location, it is absolutely worth checking out—you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to go early as lines tend to form outside due to its popularity.