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The Modernista doors swing open to a young, friendly crowd at Barcelona’s oldest watering hole. Founded in 1860, the bar has many original fittings, plus eclectic music and strong cocktails.

This lush old dancehall pulls in a varied crowd. Elderly couples waltz across the floor early on; later, a younger set try out everything from tango to salsa. The next big things in pop and dance often perform live Performing Arts & Music Venues.

Kick back with a cocktail at this sprawling lounge bar speckled with low, comfortable couches.

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

Anything from flamenco to transvestism can feature at El Cangrejo, one of the most authentic venues in El Raval.

Presided over by a huge, papier-mâché flamenco dancer, this bar has catered to the film and theatre crowd for years. Rustic pizzas and salads are served until 2am.

Big-name DJs spin techno and electronica, but for a boogie to classic ‘80s hits head for the second floor.

This smooth little cocktail bar, founded in 1933, continues to mix the meanest martinis in town for an elbow-to-elbow crowd.

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.

Barcelona’s cabaret tradition lives on at this theatre-bar, with its flamboyant shows and espectacles of mime, magic and flamenco.