Must-Do Pre-Club Spots in Barcelona

Barcelona is a captivating destination of picturesque beaches, abstract gothic architecture, and centuries of history. But of all the things to do in Barcelona, at its heart, it is a city that comes alive at night. Travellers from all over the world flock here with dreams of all-night extravaganzas ­– dancing till morning at one of Barcelona’s world-class clubs, taking shots they can’t pronounce with new best friends, and stumbling out at sunrise with a beautiful Catalonian on their arm. But no matter how many times they hear that things here start late, too many a tourist has fallen into the trap of showing up at a club at midnight and wondering what all the fuss is about. Luckily, Barcelona is also home to some of the wildest bars around. So while you wait till two in the morning for the clubs to get hot, here are a couple of interesting places that are guaranteed to lower those inhibitions and let you get loose on the dance floor.

Bar Dow Jones

For those looking to pass on the crowds and the prices of the infamous La Rambla bar-scene in lieu of something more unique, cruise down Avenida Diagonal, navigate down some back alleys, and keep your eyes peeled for Bar Dow Jones. As you step off the streets and into this Manhattan-esque dive bar, you’ll realize why it’s named after a New York stock exchange, and that’s where the fun begins. Dozens upon dozens of different types of shots and drinks are all displayed on digital monitors, all fluctuating in price based on demand. You’ll be exhilarated as the raucous tavern brings out your inner day-trader, hustling to get the cheap drink before the prices shoot up from demand. Take a break from the commotion and enjoy a game of pool at the venue’s billiards tables, or sip down one of their many delicious brews on tap. By the time the Dow Jones closes, you’ll be liquored up and ready to cab over to popular nearby clubs like BeCool and Razzamatazz.

Chupitos 2 Must Do Pre Club Spots in Barcelona
Chupitos. CC Image by adriagarcia (Flickr).
Chupitos

The name of the place literally translates to shots. Lots and lots of shots. This Barri Gòtic bar specializes in the most extravagant and possibly unnecessary over-the-top shots you could ever imagine. Spanning across the entirety of the wall behind the long bar is a listing of hundreds of different types, and you’ll be lucky if you’ve even heard of a few dozen of them. The place is always packed with young partygoers looking to enjoy the show, and what a show it is. The bartenders incorporate fire and props into the drinks, and you’ll often find yourself either staring at a blue flame dancing on the surface of a shot glass or wearing an army helmet as the bartender-turned-drill-sergeant screams drinking orders at you. It’s nearly impossible to leave Chupitos without a good buzz, and is in a perfect location to enjoy the nearby clubs on the harbor.

Daniel Hogan is a writer at Party Earth – a global media and entertainment company that publishes reviews and listings of the best social experiences around the world including: bars in Paris, pubs in London, things to do in Barcelona, beaches in Los Angeles, festivals and concerts everywhere, and more.