RITA BLUE

Bohemia meets modernism at this chilled-out spot near the Ramblas. The funky, retro interior includes 50s-style lamps and lanterns hanging from low ceilings, a swish upstairs bar, and a dark basement dance floor that gets crowded later on for live acts during the week and house and techno sets on weekends. You might want to start off with a beer at a table on the terrace in the square first, before graduating to martinis or margaritas in the upstairs bar later. Food is pretty basic Mexican and Mediterranean fare but the great drinks will get you grooving. Rita is not too blue.

Placa Sant Augusti 3 , Barcelona, 8001
Telephone: +34 93 342 4086

More info: www.ritablue.com

CAFÉ DE L’OPERA

Another classic, with that afterglow of golden, olden days adding to its charm. Here girls hold hands with boys, or boys with boys, and it’s all very relaxed. The decor’s rather English but the atmosphere’s more like a siesta. No better place for people watching in the Ramblas.

La Rambla 74 , Barcelona
Telephone: (00 34 93) 317 7585

More info: www.cafeoperabcn.com

Bar LA FIRA

A fairground ride for dedicated revellers, the owner of this bizarre booze boutique brought the rusting scraps of a disused fun fair here piece-by-piece. Drinkers can gaze into distorting mirrors, try out the dodgems or roundabouts or have their fortunes read. Part fairytale, part Fellini, we say sit back on a swing, take a sip, and enjoy the ride.

C/Provença 171 , Barcelona

More info: www.lafiraclub.com

BAMBÚ LOUNGE

Bambú puts the ‘bar’ into Barcelona, for not only is it decorated to great effect in the Oriental style, it has cocktails for which you would sell your own grandmother. After midnight an atmosphere so electric it could light up a room. Bambú is the gathering place for Barcelona’s it crowd, staying open until the early hours. Arguably the foremost bar in the Gracia district of the city, here you can recline on low slung-sofas while sipping a perfectly mixed mojito, your ears gently massaged by the chillout music in which Bambú specialises. Proceedings tend to start a bit late in Spain, so wait till the witching hour to make an appearance

Vallfogona 23 , Barcelona, 08012
Telephone: +34 93 368 6883