5 of the best summer rooftop terraces in Barcelona
Blue skies, a buzzing nightlife, cool outdoor events… Barcelona makes for the perfect summer destination.
Boasting not one but nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, beaches AND mountains, there’s loads of amazing stuff to see in this beautiful Mediterranean city during the warmer months of the year. But one of the best things to do while in Barcelona during summer is to hit a rooftop bar or two.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with a view, a romantic spot for a meal with the other half, or a raucous night out under the stars, here’s the lowdown on five fabulous rooftop terraces in Barcelona open to everyone in summer.
1. Dance to the beat at Purobeach
Killer views of the Med, stylish Balinese day beds and delicious international cuisine await you at Purobeach Barcelona. You’ll find this urban oasis at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Hotel, and it’s the ideal place to top up your tan after a hard morning browsing the infinite stores at the Diagonal Mar shopping centre.
But the real magic happens at night, when Purobeach turns into a trendy club. It was actually named one of the best beach clubs in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. People come from far and wide for the monthly pool parties in summer, which consist of live DJs, free-flowing cocktails and incredible views of the Barcelona skyline after dark. A great choice if you’re looking for a wild night under the stars.
2. Michelin-star dining at El Sueño de Picasso
If you’re hungry for world-class food with a view, El Sueño de Picasso is the place for you. This rooftop terrace at the The Serras Barcelona Hotel in the charming Barrio Gótico district has stunning views of the Port Vell harbour and the azure Mediterranean Sea.
The kitchen is run by Michelin-star chef Marc Gascons, and the food is divine. Seasonal tapas are the order of the day. Be sure to try the bluefin tuna tartar and the toasted flatbread with roasted aubergine, red pepper and marinated sardines to give your taste buds a real treat.
3. Turn on the charm at Terrat
Looking for a romantic spot for date night? You’ll win serious Brownie points if you take your other half for dinner at Terrat.
On top of the five-star Mandarin Oriental, there’s only one word to describe the food: exquisite. Acclaimed chef Gastón Acurio serves up a range of fabulous dishes from his native Peru. You can’t go wrong with any of the ceviches or tiraditos, but the red tuna ceviche is a must.
With sweeping panoramic views across Barcelona and the surrounding mountain range, this is the perfect spot to whisper sweet nothings as the sun goes down.
Terrat is exclusive to guests in the afternoon, but opens to the public at 6pm.
Tip: If you’re heading to the Catalan capital with your other half, check out our top things to do on a romantic weekend in Barcelona.
4. Escape the madness at La Isabela
If you need a place to relax after an afternoon on busy Las Ramblas, take refuge on the terrace of the five-star Hotel 1898. An oasis of calm in the midst of the city, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the amazing 360-degree city views, from Montjuïc to Tibidabo.
Admire the vistas while sipping on a cocktail made with the freshest ingredients from the nearby Boqueria market.
You might find this urban gem to be a little on the pricey side, but the elegant chill-out area, great drinks, and the fantastic views will make the extra pennies worth it.
5. Go off the beaten track to Villa Emilia
Modern, chilled, and refreshingly laid-back, this largely undiscovered rooftop bar on top of the 4-star Villa Emilia provides the ultimate Barcelona sunset experience. Tucked away near Barcelona’s Sant Antoni neighbourhood, it’s the perfect place to kick back and watch the sun go down.
If you like a cheeky G&T, you’re in luck, as they serve more than 20 different premium varieties. That’s your Friday night sorted.
Head up there on a Thursday or Saturday night to enjoy their legendary barbecue evenings.
Spoilt for choice
Whether you’re looking for Michelin-star food, 360-degree views of the city, awesome nightlife, or all the above, these summer rooftop bars will show you the best Barcelona has to offer.
If you need some guidance about where to eat on terra firma during your stay, check out our guide to the best places for tapas in Barcelona.
And don’t forget, if you’re a member of Norwegian Reward, you’ll earn CashPoints towards your next break when you book your flights and hotel through Norwegian.