Gametime: Barcelona

Opium

The boujeeest and most notorious of Barça’s beach clubs. Located right on the beach, Opium is one of the most unique clubs you’ll visit in Europe. While it is very touristy, it’s one of those places you just have to experience for yourself. You’ll pay cover and drinks will cost you over €10 a pop, but if you hit this guide’s pregame spots correctly, you’ll already be feeling yourself when you arrive. Located on the beach, Opium is a good distance away from most pre-drink spots, so you can begin your night just about anywhere. Expect to stay at Opium until sunrise, as the party doesn’t get going until well after midnight. Thursday is the best night to hit Opium, but it’s an absolute blast throughout the entire weekend.

 

Razzmatazz

Massive club with several floors and a variety of music, focusing on EDM. Razzmatazz is another club where you can spend the majority of your night, as the place is a sprawling compound with tons of stuff going on. There are no promoters here, so you’ll have to pay to get in. For a fail-safe spot that will guarantee you an eventful and fun evening, hit up Razzmatazz after pre-gaming at L’Ovella Negra, which is just one block away.

 

Sutton (Wednesdays)

If you’ve already had your taste of the beach, head to Sutton for a chic and elegant Barcelona clubbing experience. While the swanky atmosphere is similar to Opium’s, Sutton offers a healthier mix of locals and tourists, with many Catalans frequenting this club until it closes at 6:00am. FC Barça players have been known to enjoy a night out at Sutton, so keep your eyes peeled. In terms of music, expect pop hits in both English and Spanish that make for a fun and upbeat vibe. Hot Bar is the closest pre-drink spot to Sutton, but you could also head to one of my favorite spots, Le Cyrano, which is not too far away.

 

Bling Bling (Thursdays)

Similar to Sutton, Bling Bling’s door policy is a bit stricter than some of the other mainstream clubs in Barcelona. As a result, the club attracts a slightly older crowd and offers a modern, sleek feel that will make you forget you’re a backpacker on a budget. This club is located on the same street as Sutton, so Hot Bar, Le Cyrano, and Espit Chupitos are all suitable pre-drink spots.

 

Otto Zutz

If you’re looking for a fix of hip-hop and R&B, Otto Zutz is your place. Boasting four floors, each with different music, the club strikes a nice balance of rap, latin music, and general hits. Hot Bar and Espit Chupitos are good pre-drink spots if you plan on heading to Otto Zutz, which is a great bet on Saturdays.

 

Shoko, Pacha, and Carpe Diem

These three clubs are all right by Opium located on Barcelona’s super popular beach strip. All three are very similar, but are always a fun time if not unique. If you’ve made your way to Opium and want to check out what else Barça’s beach strip has to offer, you can’t go wrong with any of these three clubs. However, if you find yourself on this iconic beach strip, plan a siesta for the next day - it’s not uncommon for people to end their night by watching the sunrise on the beach. Just be aware that the later you wait, the harder it is to get a cab.

 

*The clubs are fun, but be careful for pick pocketing. It’s definitely around. Also, drinks are super expensive at all of the clubs, so pregame hard at a bar or the hostel where you are staying. Finally, make sure you dress to impress, especially if you are a girl. If you’re not wearing heels or some sort of dressy shoe, they’ll probably deny you entry..