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This cluttered bar has long been de rigueur, once with the likes of Picasso, Hemingway and Miró. Sip cocktails and enjoy live music – from jazz to folk.

A classic late-night watering hole, this half concert hall, half bar has live music nightly – from blues to jazz and soul.

Looking out over the Poble’s “village square”, this huge terrace restaurant offers stunning views and a good range of traditional Mediterranean dishes.

Founded in 1820, this atmospheric throwback, run by the fifth generation of the Lamiel family, sits in the heart of the Barri Xinès (Marsella). 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 Bars & Clubs.

A dimly-lit Modernista bar, Marsella serves up cocktails and absinthe to long-time regulars and first-timers.

Strictly gay and one of the hits in the booming “gayxample”. Elegant, tasteful and ultra fashionable, with excellent house sounds.

Two of the hottest club-bars in town share the same entrance. Medusa has trendier decor, in the style of a loft apartment, but Zeltas pulls in the crowds. A heady mix of testosterone, potent drinks and pumping house make these prime spots to mingle with some Barcelona beauties.

Two-screened repertory cinema.

This is the venue of choice for performance theatre groups, such as La Fura dels Baus and Comediants, whose incredible mixture of circus and drama is easily accessible to non-Catalan speakers.

Metro has two dance floors, one playing house, while the other has a free-and-easy music policy and a pool table. The club only livens up around 2am. You can sometimes pick up free tickets at nearby Dietrich restaurant, another gay haunt.