NIGHTCLUBS AND BARS
1. Marsella
Founded in 1820, this atmospheric throwback, run by the fifth generation of the Lamiel family, sits in the heart of the Barri Xinès area in El Raval. Marsella is one of the few places in town where you can enjoy absenta (absinthe) (see Marsella). Settle in at one of the wrought-iron Modernista tables, surrounded by ancient mir rors and old religious statues, and test your mettle with the potent yellow liquor that is specially bottled for the bar.
Evocative interior of Marsella
2. Sidecar Factory Club
Since 1982 this basement club has been the underground temple for rock, punk, indie and experimental music, hosting live shows and DJ sessions every night except Sunday (see Sidecar Factory Club). The bar at street level has outside seating. It is located in the popular Plaça Reial, which is one of the most interesting spots for nightlife.
3. Otto Zutz
A sophisticated Barcelona night life institution (see Otto Zutz), this three-storey disco is on the itinerary for well-heeled media types. The music verges on the mainstream with big-name DJs spinning everything from techno and hip-hop to current pop favourites.
4. Jamboree
Venture underground – quite liter ally – to this popular, hopping jazz club-cum-nightclub in a vaulted space beneath Plaça Reial. Nightly live jazz sessions kick off at 8pm and 10pm. DJs take over later with dance sounds.
5. Macarena Club
C/Nou de Sant Francesc 5 • Open from midnight every night • www.macarenaclub.com
This minuscule but hugely popular club is located down a narrow street off the Plaça Reial. It features the best local and international DJs playing the latest dance and electronica for a lively crowd.
Performer at Sala Apolo
6. Sala Apolo
A converted theatre, now home to one of the city’s best live music and club venues (see Sala Apolo). The Nasty Mondays and Nitsa club nights are veritable institutions. Check the website for up-to-date programme information.
7. La Terrrazza
Poble Espanyol • Open Thu, Fri and Sat in summer, usually from midnight (times vary) • www.laterrrazza.com • Adm
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 wonder-fully refreshing chill-out area.
8. Marula Café
C/Escudallers 49 • Open 11pm–5am Wed & Thu (to 6am Fri & Sat • www.marulacafe.com
Deep in the heart of the Barri Gótic area, this edgy performance venue and nightclub is the nerve centre for funk and soul music in Barcelona city. Check their website for a schedule of live gigs, which often feature Afrobeat, reggae and world music grooves.
9. Milano
Be careful not to miss it: stairs that are hidden from the street take you down to an elegant world of red velvet sofas, occasional live jazz and barmen who are experts in making cocktails. This is a den for good conver sation rather than a crowded and noisy environment, and it’s a popular gathering place for writers and journalists (see Milano). The menu of snacks and drinks should please all tastes, but make sure you sample their Bloody Mary.
10. Razzmatazz
This is nothing less than the city’s best all-round nightlife venue (see Razzmatazz). Bands from around the world have played at Razzmatazz, including the Arctic Monkeys, Antony and the Johnsons, and Róisín Murphy. On Friday and Saturday nights (1–6am), the venue is divided into five clubs, each with its own distinct individual theme. The club also regularly hosts international guest DJs including big names such as Jarvis Cocker, Shaun Rider and Peter Smith among others.
Razzmatazz, one of Barcelona’s top nightlife venues
