Cafe del Sol: Plaça del Sol In the heart of the Gracia neighbourhood, in the famous Placa del Sol, is one of the most popular hangouts in that area. A perfect spot to chill out and watch the world go by, especially if you choose to sit outdoors, the crowd is a fine mixture of locals, ex-pats and tourists who have made it off the beaten track. There are quite a few other bars in this square, so if the music isn't to your liking you have only a few metres to go to find something different.

La Fianna: Banys Vells, 15 This is a bar with a difference, a strange mixture of old and hippy, goth and trendy, and is usually packed to it's not so high wooden rafters with all kinds of punters, listening to the odd musical mix that is the norm here. Originally created to have a North African/Arabian feel, the interior is one of red velvet curtains falling to cobbled floors, with enormous chandeliers of candles and Moroccan light fixtures. The food available is representative of the many countries from whence the staff have arrived, from Scandanavia to South Africa, and prices are very reasonable, so if fancy fare that is a little different to the usual Spanish or Catalan, then this is a perfect spot for you.

Bar Marsella: C. Sant Pau, 65 One of the oldest bars in the city, Bar Marsella opened for business in 1820, this wee gem has enjoyed the custom of some of the greatest artists to have lived in the city, including Picasso, Dali, Gaudi, Miro and the American novelist Hemingway. For many years it was the only place to get an absinthe, and today is known as THE absinthe bar, where it is served with all the formality of days gone by. The clientele is an odd mix, trendy youth drinking alongside Euro-trekkers whilst the last of the Anarchists sit at the bar sipping their lethal concoctions with other old-timers and survivors of the French Mai 68. Pure history, and an essential stop for seasoned bar-hoppers.

Belchica: C. Villarroel 60 You are more likely to hear French spoken here than Spanish or Catalan, as Belchica is the city's only Belgian bar and is thus home to many French-speaking Belgians, who come to enjoy a wide range of fine beers from home. There is a choice of over 40 Belgian beers, including the popular Leffe, Hoegaarden and Stella on draught. There are regular DJ sessions, a large screen TV for all manner of televised sports, but mainly football, and a space for photographic or art exhibitions which change frequently. Very popular with European and North American tourists.

Bar Pipa: Plaça Reial 3 Almost hidden away in the corner of Placa Reial, next to Bar Glaciar, this unusual spot is actually a club dedicated to pipe smokers, although I've never actually noticed many within. Convenient for the jazz and funk lovers leaving the nearby Jamboree venue, part of Pipa's appeal is it's wonderful opening hours – from 6pm til 6am. There is a decent pool table, they serve a good range of cocktails, and the music is always good without being overpowering. For anyone who doesn't fancy a night in a packed club, but doesn't want to make it home before dawn, Pipa is the ideal spot to sit and relax and await the dawn.

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