Last updated: November 2017

Barcelona is a city that never sleeps. Its bustle of entertainment and activities continues into the early hours, with a wide variety of possibilities to explore. The intense heat of the summer days give way to more gentle warm evenings, perfect for seeing another side to the Catalan capital. Here are our top 7 suggestions for the best places to discover at night in Barcelona.

1. Enjoy the “Magic Nights” at Casa Batlló

This Modernist building by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí is stunning enough by day, so just wait until you see it at nighttime! The myriad of coloured lights and glass reflects down on to the street creating a truly unique sight for you to feast your eyes upon! Casa Batlló launch “Magic Nights”, from the 1 June – 1 October. Enjoy live music, delicious cuisine, cocktails and film screenings as part of their special summer program, for a unique experience of Barcelona by night. Visit www.casabatllo.es for more info.

2. Cocktails and panoramic views from Tibidabo

Head up to Tibidabo for some amazing night views of the twinkling city lights from bar Mirablau (Plaça Doctor Andreu). There are also plenty of restaurants in this area if you’re looking to stay up there for a full evening, but we definitely recommend heading to this chic locale for a cocktail or two as you gaze out over the city. Its huge windows allow you to see for miles and you can spot all the most famous monuments along the skyline. This is a great place for couples to come for a romantic drink, too.

3. Barcelona by night at the Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain at Montjuïc is a great stop, especially during summer. When the warmer season is well and truly in full swing, the Magic Fountain display makes for the perfect early evening entertainment in Barcelona. Find a nice spot and enjoy the colourful musical madness, as ornamental fountains featuring thousands of individual jets of water dance to a soundtrack of pop, rock and classical greats, illuminated by a spectacular light show. Watch the Magic Fountain come to life in Plaça Espanya from Thurs-Sun from 9pm-11pm, every half hour.

4. Bars and restaurants in Plaça Reial

The hustle and bustle of this fabulous square just off Las Ramblas comes in to its own at night. All of the restaurants teem with diners, quirky street performers sharing their creativity by the fountain and passers by taking photos under the palm trees. It’s the perfect place for dinner or evening drinks, or just wander through to breathe in the electric atmosphere of hundreds of people determined to make tonight a “good good night.”

5. The Sagrada Familia after dark

This colossal structure is of course the most visited sight in the entire city, but have you been there when they turn the lights on? Experience the Sagrada Familia at night, and marvel at the impressive special effects which make it look as if the whole church is glowing from within as the giant lights from below illuminate its impressive frame.

6. Take the tourist bus by night

You can see all these sights of the city plus many more on the Barcelona Bus Turístic night tour, including the Montjuïc Fountain. Experience the magic of summer nights in Barcelona in comfort from the top deck of the bus. Pick up and drop off in Plaça Catalunya in front of El Corte Inglés. Price: 19€

7. Barcelona nightlife: discover the beach club scene

Make your way to the seafront of Port Olympic and you will find yourself in beach club heaven. Yes, nightlife in Barcelona is definitely on our list! Some of Barcelona’s best nightclubs are situated here and their summer agenda is truly second to none. Shoko, Opium Barcelona and CDLC have exquisite beachfront terraces and host world class electronic music events throughout the year. What’s more, you can enjoy free entrance to these clubs thanks to top PR nightlife companies such as YouBarcelona.com.

And of course, one of the simplest pleasures during the summer nights in Barcelona is just going for a leisurely stroll along the seafront and city streets. You could have an ice-cream or refreshing horchata drink, or perhaps stop off in one of the open-air terrace bars. Barcelona by night is waiting for you to discover and enjoy!