Turn It Up: 10 Great Places for Live Music in Barcelona

As home to a world-famous nightlife scene, it’s no surprise that Barcelona is a great place to catch some live music, too!

Among all of the Catalan capital’s iconic discotecas and cocktail bars, there are also plenty of venues where you can enjoy live music in Barcelona. The unique local culture as well as Barcelona’s status as one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities means that you can enjoy everything from traditional Catalan tunes to modern EDM beats. If you’re ready to enjoy some live music in Barcelona, here are a few of our favorite venues, in no particular order. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Get ready to enjoy some seriously incredible live music in Barcelona! Here are our top 10 favorite venues.

Photo Credit: Alterna2, Text Overlay: Devour Barcelona Food Tours

1. Sala Apolo

Popular concert hall and nightclub Sala Apolo has become famous in recent years for its trendy indie scene. Its informal atmosphere and friendly vibe make it a great place to see live music in Barcelona if you want to fit in with the locals right away. In fact, you’ll probably even make a few new local friends! Newer artists on the scene tend to get their start here, but they also host some of the most famous and established names in pop, rock, folk and electronic music as well.

AddressCarrer Nou de la Rambla, 113

The intimate vibe at Sala Apolo makes it one of our favorite places for live music in Barcelona.
Get up close and personal with performers at Sala Apolo. Photo credit: Alterna2

2. Razzmatazz

Many club-goers know Razzmatazz as one of the most iconic discotecas in Barcelona. With five floors, each with a different theme, there’s something for everyone here. However, in addition to being a great place to go out in general, it’s also home to some of the best live music in Barcelona. Some of the biggest names in music have played here over the years, and their fantastic schedule of events just keeps getting better. Keep in mind that while your admission will let you into all five areas of the club, concerts are typically billed separately.

AddressCarrer dels Almogàvers, 122

Some of the biggest names in music have played at Razzmatazz, one of our favorite places to hear live music in Barcelona!
Shows at Razzmatazz are legendary! Photo credit: Alterna2

3. Harlem Jazz Club

If you’re looking to enjoy live music in Barcelona at a place locals have loved for decades, Harlem Jazz Club is the place for you. They feature the unique claim to fame of having hosted a live concert every single day since 1987! This is one of the best places to enjoy funk, jazz, blues, soul and more in the Gothic Quarter. After the show, be sure to stick around and dance as DJ sets usually follow the live performances.

AddressCarrer de la Comtessa de Sobradiel, 8

4. Big Bang

Are you a rock and roll fan? If so, Big Bang will be your favorite place to enjoy live music in Barcelona. In addition to rock, they also feature quite a few jazz performances nowadays as well. This popular bar in Raval is vibrant, fun and bursting with local color. Be sure to check out one of the open mic nights or jam sessions if you’re around to get a peek at some unique local talent.

Address: Carrer d’En Botella, 7

5. Heliogàbal

Heliogàbal is much more than simply one of the best places to enjoy live music in Barcelona. It’s a gathering place for artists and those who appreciate art in all its forms. This unique cultural center is perfect for those who are looking for something a little different. From concerts to poetry readings to photography and painting exhibitions to film screenings and so much more, it’s been the perfect place to discover something new in Barcelona for more than 15 years.

AddressCarrer de Ramón y Cajal, 80

Heliogàbal's commitment to art in its purest form makes it one of the most authentic places for live music in Barcelona.
Enjoy pure, authentic music and other art at Heliogàbal. Photo credit: Alterna2

6. Sidecar Factory Club

Sidecar Factory Club has been home to some of the best grunge and indie rock shows in Barcelona for more than 25 years. The fun vibe and unique underground stage make this the perfect place to enjoy live music in Barcelona. They host everything from up-and-coming local bands to internationally known artists. Having hosted more than 4,000 gigs since 1982, it’s no wonder why this is a classic on the Barcelona concert scene.

AddressPlaça Reial, 7

7. Gran Bodega Saltó

Want to enjoy some music that is purely local? Head to Gran Bodega Saltó, where you’ll be able to hear the unique musical fusion known as rumba catalana. An eclectic mix of flamenco, Cuban music and rock, it developed in Barcelona among the Romani community in the 1950s and has been filling the backstreets of the city ever since. This quirky venue is home to some of the best rumba catalana performances in the city, as well as blues, swing and more.

AddressCarrer de Blesa, 36

8. Jamboree

Jamboree is a hallmark of Barcelona’s ever-growing jazz scene. It has been one of the city’s most important jazz clubs for decades, and legends of the genre such as Bill Coleman and Chet Baker have graced its stage. Its high quality performances and laid-back, relaxed environment make it one of the most chilled-out places to enjoy live music in Barcelona. Be sure to check out the insanely talented local artists who play at the weekly jam sessions every Monday for a true musical treat.

AddressPlaça Reial, 17

Legendary jazz club Jamboree is easily one of the best places to see live music in Barcelona.
Jamboree is THE place to see high quality jazz in Barcelona! Photo credit: marimbajlamesa

9. Luz de Gas

As one of the classiest places to enjoy live music in Barcelona, Luz de Gas is a renovated old music hall that still retains a touch of its glamorous past. However, the vibe here is hip, modern and welcoming. Music lovers of all ages gather beneath its glittering chandeliers to watch benefit concerts, international artists and a variety of musical themes each night of the week. Treat yourself to one of their tasty homemade cocktails and enjoy the show.

AddressCarrer de Muntaner, 246

With its charming vintage vibe and incredible performances, Luz de Gas is one of our favorite places for live music in Barcelona!
Luz de Gas hosts incredible shows in an unforgettable vintage venue. Photo credit: Horacio Soca

10. Bar Pastis

Step back in time at Bar Pastis, one of the classics of the live music scene in Barcelona. This small, intimate venue makes up in character what it lacks in space. Its decor, inspired by the taverns of prewar Marseille, is one-of-a-kind, and makes for the perfect place to enjoy a classy drink as you enjoy the show. The charming space plays host to some enormously talented performers that haven’t yet become mainstream. This is easily one of the best places to check out live music in Barcelona if you want to get off the beaten path.

AddressCalle Santa Mónica, 4

As one of our favorite places to enjoy live music in Barcelona, Bar Pastis also features one-of-a-kind decor that tells its story.
Bar Pastis has been around for more than 60 years, and this wall tells its story. Photo credit: Roger Nolan

1 Comment

  1. Sheryl says
    September 11, 2018 at 7:01 pm

    This article is top shelf in my personal opinion. The points are presented with intelligent thought and consideration. It’s very well-written and engaging. Thank you for providing this valuable information.

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