Barcelona Barceloneta And Port Vell

Maremagnum, the one-time mecca of Barcelona nightlife, has shifted its focus toward being purely a daytime shopping mall, shutting down all but one of its clubs after a series of violent altercations took place on its premises at night. Today, beach nightlife has shifted toward Port Olímpic and Pg. Maritím, although a handful a worthwhile bars can be found in Barceloneta.

Absenta, C. Sant Carles, 36. Barceloneta. Walking down Pg. Joan de Borbó and take a left on C. Sant Carles. A green interior with vintage posters suits the star beverage at this absinthe bar, although most choose to sit out on the terrace during summer. Beer €2.50. Wine €2.80. Absinthe €4-7. Open M, W-Th, and Su 11am-2am, Tu 6pm-2am, F-Sa 11am-3am. Cash only.
Ke?, C. del Beluart, 54. (☎932 24 15 88) Barceloneta. Walking down Pg. Joan de Borbó, take a left on C. Sant Carles and another left at the plaça onto C. del Beluart. Decor meanders between tropical surf, the American west, and Popeye the Sailor. Hosts an equally eclectic crowd, from rowdy beachgoers to locals using the Wi-Fi on the back sofa over a beer (€2). Open daily 11:30am-2:30am. Cash only.

If what you need is a crowded dance floor and loud music, this is the place to find it. The strip along the lower level of Port Olimpíc hosts a string of side-by-side clubs (with a few shisha bars and late-night fast-food joints sprinkled in between for good measure), each trying to drown out the music of the club next door. None of the clubs has a dress code, nor do they charge cover, so hop around until you find one you like. Though these clubs might not be quite as sleek as some of the more exclusive ones nearby, they attract plenty of young partiers looking for a good dance floor.

Opium Mar, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34 (☎902 26 74 86; www.opiummar.com). The indoor-outdoor restaurant serves seafood until 1am, at which point the DJ starts blasting house music and the place turns into a glitzy, colorful club. When they aren’t platform-dancing, bikini-clad waitresses serve drinks as chic patrons bust a move. Beer €8. Mixed drinks €10-15. Wheelchair-accessible. Cover €20 includes one drink. Restaurant open daily 1pm-1am. Club open M-Th and Su midnight-5am, F-Sa 1am-6am. AmEx/MC/V.
El Gran Casino, C. Marina, 19 (☎932 25 78 78; www.casino-barcelona.com), under the fish. Blackjack, American roulette, French roulette, slots, and punto banco are the action here. Attracts mostly an older crowd. Must be 18 to play. No sneakers or beach clothes; collared shirt recommended for men. Passport required. Wheelchair-accessible. Entrance fee €4.50. Open daily 1pm-5am. MC/V.
Shoko, Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34 (☎932 25 92 00; www.shoko.biz). Like its neighbor, Opium Mar, this is a terraced restaurant by day and exclusive club by night. It may appear mellow during dinner, but by 2am it’s packed with a crowd dancing to techno and house. Beer €6. Mixed drinks €10. Wheelchair-accessible. No cover, but look sharp: no sneakers, beach clothes, or lame shirts. Restaurant opens daily at noon. Club open daily noon-3am. AmEx/MC/V.
Catwalk, C. Ramón Trias Fargas, 2/4 (☎692 64 14 29; www.clubcatwalk.net). Port Olímpic. Sleek interior blasting house downstairs and hip hop and R&B upstairs. Attracts elite partiers from all over the world (even some from Barcelona itself), and during peak club hours you can expect to see a line running halfway down the block. Beer €7. Mixed drinks €12. Cover €20. Open Th and Su midnight-5am, F-Sa midnight-6am. MC/V.
Ice Barcelona, C. Ramón Trias Fargas, 2 (☎932 24 16 25; www.icebarcelona.com). Of all the gimmicks designed to separate tourists from their money, this has got to be one of the most elaborate. Behind the outdoor terrace and bar lies a room made entirely of ice. This small “icebar” is equipped with a small dance floor, TV screens, and various ice-sculptures, including an obligatory representation of la Sagrada Família. If curiosity gets the best of you, €15 will grant you access to the icebar along with a drink, fur jacket, and gloves, which will be much appreciated, especially by those in shorts and flip-flops. Beer €3.50. Mixed drinks €7-9. Open daily 2pm-3am. MC/V.