The best rooftop bars in Barcelona Stories > Food & Drink > The best rooftop bars in Barcelona Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura TuckerAn enchanting city all within toe-dipping distance of the dazzling Mediterranean sea, Barcelona truly is an urban wonder, crammed as it is with fascinating architecture, hillside mosaic murals and a food culture to get lost in. In addition to the historic sites of the Gothic Quarter, sewn through with vibrant open-air markets and traditional tapas eateries, Barcelona’s year-round sunshine and vibrant spirit lays the perfect foundation for a great rooftop culture, peaking just before sunset each night of the week, particularly in the summer months. So whether you’re looking to sun yourself with a craft cocktail in hand, or jump on the latest vermouth revival trend at one of many hip hotspots, Barcelona makes sure you’ve got a ton of options to choose from, each boasting dizzying views of the city’s most beautiful sights, including the Port Vell Marina, La Rambla and more. So, without further ado, Mr Hudson invites you to escape from the hot frenetic pace at ground level and elevate yourself in the spirit of chilled elegance to one of the top rooftop bars in Barcelona. Tailor Made JourneyIndulge in a Bespoke AdventureMr Hudson is all about holidays for gays, but not necessarily gay holidays, if you catch our drift. When it comes to exploring the world, we’re looking for something a little different and special. Here you’ll find beautiful locations, tasteful hotels and lavish cruises, all curated with a gay sensibility. Many of us travel as couples, plenty of others travel solo. But seeking out gorgeous destinations, and places for resting our head in style is what we all have in common. BOOK WITH US The Serras HotelFind your safe space away from the bustle of the city centre at The Pulitzer Terrace. On a rooftop just a short amble from Plaça Catalunya, this green urban oasis gives off a chill ambience with its comfy seating and elevated temperature control. Come sundown, the terrace buzzes with life, hosting various concerts and DJ sets throughout the week without a cover fee. While there may be better views to be had in Barca, what can’t be beaten is the chef’s crispy chicken menu, which melds Catalan and Spanish influence with everyone’s favourite guilty pleasure.Those searching for horizontal levels of chill will be pleased to hear that the Ohla Chillout Terrace lives up to its name. The stunning views here are certainly enough on their own but opt for a ‘canya’ (draught beer) accompaniment or a cheeky wine to cap it all off. Once again located dead centre of the city, this terrace belongs to the upscale Ohla Hotel, an optimum place to dine as well as sleep. Find a number of on-site restaurants here, namely the Michelin-starred Caelis eatery and La Plassohla centred on traditional Catalan cuisine with a hefty side-serving of luxuriousness. If you’re having a hard time pulling yourself away, head back up to the chill-out terrace to digest in bliss. Photo: Alfons Taekema Photo: Cihan SoysakalFor casual cosiness on par with your favourite onesie but with infinitely more style is La Terrassa at Villa Emilia, a hidden gem largely off the tourist radar, offering the authentic Mediterranean feels in the form of craft cocktails, tapas and live music. Open daily throughout the week, the prime time to visit La Terrassa is on Thursdays and Fridays when the staff put on a BBQ for all guests (even for those with a veggie diet) to enjoy out in the open on chic rattan sofas. To wash down the feast, choose from a menu of over 20 premium gins, as well as a range of Spanish vermouth, which will no doubt get you in the dancing spirit. Although cosy, the pool is one of the best out of all the rooftop bars in Barcelona, and the lounge vibe throughout makes La Dolce Vitae the ultimate spot to relax Photo: Benjamin GremlerIf a pinnacle view is what you’re after, Barcelona can seem lacking from some angles. Thankfully, the perspective from the Sky Bar at Grand Hotel Central is an exception. Guests of the hotel should take a dunk in the Sky Bar’s infinity pool for the best experience, taking in the whole city panoramas from the pool edge. The Sky Bar draws a good crowd, despite restricted public access after 8 pm and a cover charge, so, consider making a restaurant reservation in order to dine surrounded by sublime views.Then there’s La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel an upscale offering that features both stunning 360° views of La Sagrada Familia and Montjuic alongside Michelin-starred dining. Although cosy, the pool is one of the best out of all the rooftop bars in Barcelona, and the lounge vibe throughout makes La Dolce Vitae the ultimate spot to relax. On weekends and any weekday in summer, the place perks up with a festive Ibiza-Esque atmosphere led by international DJs for its ‘Majestic Sunset Sessions’. Despite not taking reservations on regular evenings, roll up early in a smart casual dress to enjoy elegant 5-star service, some of the best iberic ham in town and pricey but oh-so-worth-it cocktails. Casa Bonay Opt for a selection of sublime tapas treats in between refreshing dips in the outdoor pool surrounded by sunset views to die forAnother of the top bars in Barcelona with 360° views not to be sniffed at is La Isabela at Hotel 1898 based slap bang in the centre of La Rambla. This terrace, replete with stylish décor and comfy chill-out areas, is a fabulous choice for a relaxing evening out, whether for dinner or just a few drinks. Opt for a selection of sublime tapas treats in between refreshing dips in the outdoor pool surrounded by sunset views to die for. Those looking to see and be seen should saunter over to the spacious terrace known as B-Bar at B-Hotel. As well as offering a bird’s eye view of Plaça Espanya and a deep turquoise pool for dunking, B-Bar is one of the more affordable cocktail bars in Barcelona maintaining both elegance and scrummy tapas options. As if you needed more convincing, as a bonus, B-Bar also serves Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! Casa BonayOr, lay resplendent on red-and-white-striped lounge beds overlooking a glittering rectangular pool as well as an unbeatable view of Port Vell Marina. This experience can be had at Soho House Barcelona one of the top bars in Barcelona, located between the sea and the Gothic Quarter, catering to a mixed clientele of cool artsy types and well-presented professionals. With Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli below, Port Vell yachts to the side and La Rambla just a two-minute walk away, Soho House Barcelona is in the prime position for late afternoon reclining in elegant English-country style. Fragrant herbs and Mediterranean shrubs line the perimeter, while the porcelain light switches and rich upholstering add to the Downton feel. Going to Barcelona? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect trip El Sueño at The Serras HotelA more minimalist vibe can be found over at El Sueño atop Serras Hotel, which comes complete with New York City hipness and a natural design theme of wood, iron and stone. Shaded by a smattering of trees, El Sueño’s Michelin-starred chef serves up a dazzling bar menu of light, locally-inspired tapas and desserts, such as the Catalan cream foam sorbet and hazelnut chocolate con leche. Enjoy your sweet treats alongside sublime cocktails and DJ-spun jams while appreciating the magnificent view over Port Vell Marina backgrounded by the vast Mediterranean sea. El Sueño at The Serras Hotel Photo: Sara DublerA one-of-a-kind finds in central Barcelona is Chiringuito, Casa Bonay Rooftop Bar revelling in its reputation as a chic jungle oasis. Whether you’re a foodie or a nature lover, this has got to be one of our favourite rooftop bars in Barcelona, for its summer barbecue, divine tapas options and drinks menu comprised of natural wines, craft beers and inventive cocktail creations. Known for its modern, fun-loving vibe and quirky setting, this is a dynamic Barca-based offering you won’t want to miss. Casa Bonay Hotels - Barcelona Hotel The Serras Enjoying an ideal location right by the sea in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel The Serras is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and a 1-Michelin-starred restaurant. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection Formerly the headquarters of the Association of Cotton House Manufacturers, this hotel features a beautiful vestibule, a conservatory, several lounges and a library. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Room Mate Gerard Room Mate Gerard in Barcelona provides accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre, set in the Eixample district. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa Situated 400 m from Portal de l’Angel, Yurbban Passage Hotel boasts an outdoor pool and spa centre. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Almanac Barcelona Almanac Barcelona has an exclusive location, a few steps from the fashionable Paseo de Gracia and Plaza Catalunya, boasting a panoramic rooftop bar and terrace, and an exclusive pool- Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Hotel Margot House Including a free breakfast buffet, Hotel Margot House is set in front of Casa Batlló, in a residential building in the heart of Passeig de Gracia. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Hotel Casa Bonay Located in central Barcelona, 200 m from Tetuan Metro Station, Hotel Casa Bonay is a boutique hotel offering a shared terrace and free WiFi throughout. Book on Booking.com Hotels - Barcelona Casa Camper The stylish Hotel Casa Camper boutique hotel is located in central Barcelona, between Las Ramblas and MACBA art gallery. Book on Booking.com Explore more hotels like this in Barcelona View on Booking.comPowered by Booking.comWant to simplify luxury travel planning?Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.Special SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Bookshare Photo: Daniel Corneschi Photo: Erwan Hesry The Serras Hotel Photo: Jon TysonDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? The same team that curates our content designs your perfect trip Explore more 10 days in Morocco - the ultimate Morocco itineraryFrom the Sahara to the Atlas mountains, the nation unfolds in legendary style, showcasing imperial history in the gateway cities of Casablanca or Marrakech where ornate Riad hotels, once home to Morocco’s wealthiest, now serve you. Read story > Southern Italy itinerary: A dream vacation in the South of ItalySaunter your way down the Southern Italy coast for an authentic break flanked by both sea and verdant countryside, stopping at historic wineries and medieval towns en route to vibrant second cities surely worth a second day. 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