The 5 best bars along the beach in Barcelona

The closer to the water, the more expensive bars and restaurants tend to get, and unfortunately, they aren’t always worth it. A general rule to follow in Barcelona: stay closer to the Barceloneta streets than to the waterfront. Try El Pacífico for instance: it has a beach view, a stark, pleasant interior, and good wine and cocktails.

This bar is a social project that seeks to strengthen the community. It isn’t right by the beach, but across the street from it (on the Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta), which means that not only does it have a great sea view, it is also much more likely to have some free tables than the more touristy places. Try a sandwich: they’re quite creative here.

You could say the Barcelona waterfront extends between the W Hotel in the south, and the Forùm in the north: circa 7 kilometres of beach. But keep walking north, just a little bit further, across the river Besòs (yes, Barcelona has a river), and you will be rewarded by L’Estupendu, a beach bar with fine food at budget-friendly prices. Don’t let the shabby façade scare you away: we’ve decided to call it ‘charming’.

Five minutes away from the beach, you’ll find this pleasant little bar, renowned for its beers. They also serve no-nonsense classic tapas. It’s brown and lively and will make you want to stay a bit longer.

A waterfront restaurant that attracts locals: just the thing you were looking for. The menu is typically Catalan, with black squid rice, or a rice dish with butifarra (pork sausage), and of course pan con tomate. A nice and airy space, with a view of the marina and right next to the W Hotel.