Categories: Out of the box

4 unusual bars to discover in Barcelona

Bars have been existing for centuries and are the perfect place to socialise with friends or to get your flirt on. While many bars in Barcelona have a traditional appearance, you can also try out some unusual ones. Indeed, some bars in Barcelona have become famous for their peculiar designs and drinks. You can find everything from the strangest infusions to the craziest interiors.

ShBarcelona shares with you some of the greatest unusual bars in Barcelona:

Dr Stravinsky, bar in el Born

Although from the outside Dr Stravinsky may seem like any other bar, once you enter, you will quickly change your mind. Indeed, this wonderful bar will surprise you through the originality of its cocktails.

Thus, don’t be fooled by its old-fashioned looks, you will quickly understand the originality of the bar. When the bartender is making your drink, have a look at the decoration behind the bar, you will imagine yourself into a healer’s shop or a laboratory.


As you open their menu, you enter the world of liquors. Here, you cannot find any classic cocktails but rather only unique blends. As this experience might be a bit overwhelming, you will find a map that will help you find your perfect cocktail. The charming staff will also be more than happy to help you navigate through their concoctions.

This ambitious and impressive menu was created by Antonio Naranjo and is filled with innovative and surprising cocktails. This unique bar has received the 2018 Coaster award for being one of the best cocktail bars in Spain.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday 7p.m. to 2:30a.m.

You can find them at 5 Carrer dels Mirallers.
You will find their website here.

Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar, bar in Eixample

Hard to notice when you walk on the street, Hemingway Gin & Cocktail bar remains unknown by many. However, as you enter, you will find yourself in a tiny old-fashioned bar filled with positive energy. They also have a terrace if you prefer sipping your delicious creation outdoors.

Also, this is probably one of the most fun bars in Barcelona. The bartenders are extremely friendly and will put on a show for you from start to the end. Their cocktails are simply marvellous and crafted with the finest liqueurs.

The owners created a menu that equally offers original inventions as well as a few classics. The presentation of their drinks is also ingenious as they create a story with each of them. For example, the “mother of dragons” cocktail is presented in a golden glass with fire and ice looking like gemstones while the “choke and smoke” is presented in a pipe.

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 4p.m. to 2a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 4p.m. to 3a.m.
Sunday: 4p.m. to 2a.m.

You can find them at 114 Carrer de Muntaner.
You can find their website here.

Paradiso, hidden bar in el Born

Following the trend of ‘clandestine bars’, Paradiso was originally only known by few but now it has gained a slight popularity. Seemingly looking like a delicious pastrami shop, it is only when you open a big fridge door that you realise this place is more than it looks.

After passing through this questionable door, you will enter in a cocktail wonderland.  The decoration of the bar is modern with a few touches of fantasy that will intrigue you and invite you to discover it’s secrets.

The famous cocktail maker Giacomo Giannotti, recipient of a few prizes, graces this curious place with his remarkable concoctions. Each element of the cocktail is carefully selected to create the perfect blend.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday 7p.m. to 2:30a.m.

You can find them at 4 Carrer de Rera Palau.
You will find their website here.

El Bosc de les Fades, bar near la Rambla

Located next to the Wax museum, El Bosc de les Fades is also hidden away from the passer-by’s eye. However, this slice of fairytale will charm you with its enchanted forest themed decor.

Each room of the bar is decorated differently and completes the narrative of this mysterious place. From a bedroom to ceiling plants to waterfalls, you will be left bewitched and speechless.

While you should definitely visit this bar for the sake of its decoration, they also offer a variety of tapas as well as beers, wines and cocktails.

Their opening hours vary in comparison to other bars as it coincides a lot with the Wax Museum’s opening hours. Thus, you can discover this place even in the middle of the day.

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10a.m. to 1a.m.
Friday: 10a.m. to 1:30a.m.
Saturday: 11a.m. to 2a.m.
Sunday: 11a.m. to 1a.m.

You can find them at 7 Passatge de la Banca.
You will find their website here.

5 / 5 ( 1 vote )
Madeleine Liégeois

I am passionate about multiculturalism, food and travelling. Through my writing, I aim to share positive insightful content on various topics.

View Comments

  • Lovely to get all this amazing informations about Barcelona ! Thank you

Recent Posts

Ground Floors, Mezzanines, and Main Floors: Quick Guide in Barcelona

When searching for housing in Barcelona, terms like "ground floor," "mezzanine," and "main floor" can…

1 month ago

Consulates in Barcelona: Everything you need to know

If you are planning to come to Barcelona for work, academic, or medical reasons, it…

2 months ago

Types of Dampness: How to fight them?

Dampness is a common problem that can seriously affect both the structure of a building…

2 months ago

The Dreta de l’Eixample, a unique icon for Barcelona

La Dreta de l'Eixample is one of the six neighborhoods in the Eixample district of…

3 months ago

The Great Impact of the 37th America’s Cup Barcelona 2024

On August 22, 2024, the 37th edition of what will be "the best America's Cup…

3 months ago

What is the IBI, and why is it paid (in Barcelona)?

The property tax, also known as IBI in Spain, is a municipal tax paid by…

4 months ago