Elephant

Housed in a Modernista villa, filled with candles and Moroccan lamps, this swish nightclub attracts a fashionable young crowd. But the real highlight is the garden, where lounge beds with diaphanous white drapes, fountains and giant elephant statues add an exotic touch. In winter, the outdoor dance floor is transformed into a spectacular tent. See Elephant.

Marsella

Founded in 1820, this atmospheric throwback, run by the fifth generation of the Lamiel family, sits in the heart of the Barri Xinès. Marsella is one of the few places in town where you can enjoy the potent drink absinthe (absenta). Settle in at one of the wrought-iron Modernista tables, surrounded by ancient mirrors and old religious statues, and test your mettle with the potent yellow liquor that is specially bottled for the bar. See Marsella.

Otto Zutz

A swanky Barcelona night-life institution, this three-storey disco is on the itinerary for well-heeled media types. The music verges on the main-stream, with big-name DJs spinning everything from techno to contemporary favourites. See Otto Zutz.

Mond Bar

This tiny, trendy bar in the heart of Gràcia is a magnet for mellow barflies who come to mingle, smoke and listen to DJ-spun tunes, including techno, pop, soul and 1970s classics. See Mond Bar.

Arena Madre

This gay disco, located in a basement, has an unpretentious atmosphere. Well-known for its dark room, Arena Madre also hosts leather shows, stripteases and comic performances. Music is mainly handbag house and Latin, while Sunday is 80s night.

• Balmes, 32

• 93 487 83 42

• Open 12:30pm–5:30am daily

• DA

La Terrrazza

Located inside the Poble Espanyol, La Terrrazza is one of the most popular summer nightclubs in Barcelona. The patio becomes the dance-floor, the porches are bars and the garden provides a refreshing chill-out area.

• Poble Espanyol, Av Marquès de Comillas

• Open Thu–Sun (May–Sep)

• Adm

Sala BeCool

This stylish club has become a staple on Barcelona’s busy party scene. Situated in the chic, uptown Sant Gervasi neighbourhood, the multi-functional space has everything from live music, to club nights and theme parties. Downstairs there are hugely popular DJ sessions offering electro, techno and minimal music from Friday to Saturday; upstairs plays the latest indie hits. The website has a complete listing of the full weekly programme. See Sala BeCool.

La Pedrera de Nit

If Gaudí’s undulating Pedrera rooftop (see La Pedrera de Nit) looks surreal by day, experience it at night for full effect. On Friday and Saturday evenings between mid-June and late July, La Pedrera opens up its magical rooftop for a night of live music and cava drinking. Wander among Gaudí’s mosaic chimneys, illuminated against the night sky, while enjoying jazz, flamenco fusion or tango.

• C/Provença 261–265

• Reservations essential: call 90 210 12 12

• Adm

• DA

Jamboree

Venture underground – quite literally – to this popular, hopping jazz club-cum-nightclub in a vaulted space beneath Plaça Reial. Nightly live jazz sessions kick off around 11pm. DJs take over later with dance-inducing sounds. See Jamboree.

Razzmatazz

Part of the Port Olímpic party strip, this is nothing less than the city’s best all-round nightlife venue. Music bands from around the world have played at Razzmatazz, and recent concerts have included Antony and the Johnsons, the Arctic Monkeys and Róisín Murphy. On Friday and Saturday nights (1am–6am), the venue is divided into five clubs, each with its own individual theme. The club regularly hosts international guest DJs, including Jarvis Cocker, Shaun Rider and Peter Smith among others. See Razzmatazz.