Best Champagne Bar: Sparkling wine in Spain is called cava, and often there is very little difference between the local version and what you get north of the border in France. El Xampanyet, Montcada 22 (tel. 93-319-70-73), a tiny, ceramic-lined cava bar opposite the Picasso Museum, has been serving up its house variety for generations and is one of the more atmospheric places to down a bottle or two.
Best View: The trek up to the peak of Tibidabo is worth it for Mirablau, Plaça Doctor Andreu s/n (tel. 93-418-58-79), a chic bar that provides an unparalleled, panoramic view of the city from its floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Best for Predinner Drinks: Strategically located just off the top end of Les Ramblas, Boadas, Tallers 1 (tel. 93-318-88-26), is another historic watering hole, this time with its roots in Havana, Cuba. Predictably mojitos and daiquiris are a specialty, and it's relaxed enough to wander in casually dressed.
Best Irish Pub: While Barcelona abounds with good Celtic-style pubs, their wood-lined interiors and leather seating are not altogether congenial on a summer night. The Fastnet, Passeig Juan de Borbón 22 (tel. 93-295-30-05), has an outdoor terrace that looks out onto the port, and is a favorite hangout of visiting yachties and beach-loving expats.
