A Barcelona hen weekend without a night out in the city's cocktail bars would be like Ibiza without clubbing. The party capital of Catalonia is famous for her cocktail bars, which range from the rustic to the super swanky. Literally every side street off La Ramblas features a hidden gem, whilst Barceloneta's beach bars serve the best ice cold Mojitos known to woman.
Here are four cocktail bars you have to hit on a hen do in Barcelona.
Knock back classic cocktails, cava and velvety red Rioja in chic but cosy surroundings. Super classy but totally unpretentious, Ginger does a fantastic Kir Royale. It's a favourite with the locals, which is always a good sign.
The trend for speakeasy cocktail bars has hit Barcelona. Hen parties in the know head over to the old Dry Martini warehouse, which has been transformed into Barcelona's hippest hangout. It's primarily a restaurant but the ingenious pairing menu serves food to compliment the cocktails, not the other way round.
Located in the historic Gotico area, Sor Rita is quirky, relaxed and full of friendly ex-pats and tourists. There's not a designer sofa in sight, it's all zebra print, Barbie dolls and stilettos dangling from the ceiling. It might not be to everyone's taste but it's a must-see, and the karaoke nights are good for a giggle. Get into the spirit of the place and you'll have a blast.
If you only visit one cocktail bar on a hen weekend in Barcelona, make sure it's Zahara. The prices are pretty reasonable (€5-€8 a cocktail) considering the location on Barceloneta beach. The cocktail menu features all the classics, along with frozen daiquiris and Irish coffee. The bar staff are only to happy to let you watch them mix fabulous concoctions, and when I went, you ordered your drinks using the phone at your table.