Barcelona Vall D’Hebron And Horta-Guinardó

This small barrio, far removed from, well, everything, takes great pride in its small-town feel. There aren’t many nightlife options out here, but the few that you do find, probably in Plaça d’Eivissa, will be jam-packed with groups of close friends who are more welcoming to strangers than folks in other more touristed parts of town. Figure out your transportation beforehand, because getting home can prove tricky. Subways run until midnight on weeknights, until 2am on Fridays, and continuously on Saturdays. A cab ride to Pl. Catalunya will cost around €18.

BarCafe Louise Se Va, Pl. d’Eivissa, 11 (www.louiseseva.com/barcafe). Horta. Young locals pack into BarCafe, where the flautes (flutes of drinks) are named after musical icons ranging from Elvis to U2. Fill up before heading to the venue’s eponymous sister club. Flautes €2-4. Try the Red Hot Chili Peppers (sausage; €3). Open daily 5pm-2:30am. Cash only.
Quimet d’Horta, Pl. d’Eivissa, 10 (☎933 58 19 16). Horta. From the Metro, walk up C. de Fulton. A local favorite for over 100 years. Though the restaurant’s much-loved mascot parrot has died, the venue continues to thrive. Salads and sandwiches €2-8. Open M-Tu and Th-Su 9am-midnight. MC/V.
El Frankfurt 1978, Pl. d’Eivissa, 4. Horta. Walk up C. de Fulton until you reach Pl. Eivissa. This local tapas bar has a stained-glass window and extensive patio seating. Bustles with young locals late into the night. Tapas €2-8. Entrees €5-10. Sangria €2.50. Open daily 1pm-2am. Cash only.
Samba Brazil, Pl. Stes. Creus (☎934 20 66 53). Horta. From the Metro, walk down C. del Tajo. It’s set a bit off the street, so if you get lost, ask a local to point you in the right direction. Paintings of the jungle and topless Brazilian women decorate the brick walls of this spacious and popular bar. It feels like being inside a 1933 issue of National Geographic. The leafy outdoor terrace is a great place to meet young locals. Su live music. Mixed drinks €6-7. Open M-W and Su 7:30pm-3am, Th-Sa 7:30pm-3:30am. Cash only.
Club Louise Se Va, C. Santa Amália, 26-30 (☎934 29 98 56; www.louiseseva.com/sala). Horta. Walk down Pg. de Maragall and make a left onto C. Santa Amália. Tired of rubbing shoulders with tourists? On weekend nights, an intimate crowd of locals packs this red-walled dance club—the only one in the area. Th blues, funk, and soul. Cover less than €10. Open Th 11pm-4am, F-Sa 11:45pm-6am. Cash only.