How to survive Barcelona's nightlife like a pro

I am a self-confessed night owl (twit-a-woo! See?) and many of my more bizarre experiences in
Barcelona have revolved around the tried and tested combination of alcohol + bar + club =
happiness. At least until the hangover sets in.

This is a city that doesn't hold back when it comes to nightlife, which becomes evident when you
suddenly realise that stumbling back to your room at 6am is basically an early night. Let me put
this in perspective - I'm English. In London, you're hard-pressed to find a party going on after
1am. By contrast, free entry to clubs in Barcelona doesn't close until 2am on most nights, and
the majority not kicking people out until 7am at the earliest.

Nightlife is something that my British friends struggle with when they come and see me. At first
glance, this is what partying would look like if it were an Olympic sport. But actually, it's not as
difficult as it first appears.

Take it easy

Barcelona's nightlife doesn't get going till late. You can pop into a bar at 11pm and leave under
the impression that there's nothing going on in this city. Return at 1am and you will think
differently. With this in mind, take it easy in the evening. Head back to your apartment after a
day at the beach or whatever and take a siesta. Even if you can't sleep, just lying down in a dark
room for an hour will help you conserve energy and freshen up.

Drink slowly, mister!

We love a binge in the UK. When I first came to Barcelona, I would happily down drinks until
midnight, at which point I would do one of three things: Fall over, throw up or crawl home (or, on
one memorable occasion, all three). I worked out after the third time that this was Not Cool with
my Italian and Spanish friends.

If you're out in Barcelona and feel the need for another drink, resist until you feel like you're
about to sober up. Or, choose a bar with an appallingly long line for drinks. In other words,
choose any bar.

Careful of that vodka, Eugene

Props to me getting the lyrics of a Pink Floyd song into an article. A fundamental difference
between drinking in Spain and drinking in the UK is that measures are as present as dragons.
Ask for a cocktail or a spirit mixer and you will receive alcohol anywhere between half a glass
and the contents of the Thames. I know a bar in Eixample that even dispenses with the barman
and allows barflies to pour as much as they like of the spirit, at no extra cost.

If you reckon such practice will have you on the floor in no time, it might be safer to stick to beer.
Best party spots in Barcelona

Now you've got the skills to survive a night in Barcelona's wild bar and clubbing scene, it's time
to put them into practice.

Shokopicatwalk

This is my name for the generic characterless clubs that line the seafront of Port Olimpic -
Shoko, Opium, Catwalk and others. They're not exactly the most inspiring of dance spaces.
Most of the time, it feels like you're dancing in a restaurant or a lounge bar - largely because
that's exactly what they are during the day. They're also ridiculously popular with the tourist
crowd who don't know any better, and free or discounted entry is therefore difficult to come by
on a Friday or Saturday. 1/5

Davos

Gay bar located in Eixample where you'll find half-litre spirit mixers for 4€. The measures are
insanely generous and there's music and atmospheric lighting to enjoy. Heck, they even hand
out glowsticks at the bar. But the drinks are the primary attraction - you only need to purchase
one to be drunk enough for a night out. Discounts for popular gay club Arena are also available.
3/5.

Razzmatazz

Razz, as it is affectionately known, is Barcelona's only superclub. Boasting a cavernous main

room that is often used for concerts as well as four other smaller dance spaces, it's utterly
overwhelming. There are two approaches you can take - either get lost in the maze of
multicoloured music-filled rooms, or stick to the main stage and watch the DJs do their thing.
Some of them are hilariously camp. 4/5.

Cyrano

Last post, I hinted at a mythical place where you could pour your own measure of spirit into any
mixer and not suffer an extra charge. I am happy to report that such a legendary place does
exist, and it's called Cyrano. Visitors to this magical kingdom may find it difficult to gain entry,
however. First, it is necessary to defeat the dragon on the door. This involves staring down the
owner, who can be found outside every night ensuring that things aren't getting too rowdy on
the pavement. Give her a smile and she should let you in. At the bar, purchase a spirit and
mixer of your choice, as well as a bag of popcorn. 3/5.

Arena

El Gato Negro
Shot bar chain Espit Chupitos has three venues in Barcelona, but the only one worth visiting is
the one on Carrer del Consell de Cent. The first thing you'll notice is the giant board of shots
listed on the wall - more than 200 - that the bartenders have to memorise. These guys are what
makes El Gato Negro worth visiting. Cocky verging on arrogant, they will go to any lengths to
impress the clientele. The best shots literally set the bar aflame - go for the boy scout to start
and you'll see what I mean. For the unadventurous, Heineken is available, but the bar has far
better deals on San Miguel, including the ability to get ten bottles for 5€ on certain days. 4/5.