Best Live Music in Barcelona

Live music in one of the Gothic Quarter's most rustic bars, Harlem Jazz Club is one of the most well known and renowned Barcelona hang outs. Always ripe with a killer weekly line up of funk, blues, Brazilian music, Cuban pop/rock and jazz and all featuring incredible up and coming musicians, this is an excellent place to get a taste of the 'real' music scene in the city. Depending on the night, you'll either be able to see a live show or witness stellar djs, but no matter which night you decide to go it's always a lively and electric atmosphere.

Another one of the city's live music, turn nightclub venues, situated in the posher part of town. Luz De Gas is a Barcelona staple, attracting 'pijo' (upscale) locals and curious tourists alike. This is one massive club with various floors and one very large room, ideal for live music venues and late night sessions. Be sure to dress up if you're planning a night out at this club; bouncers are strict and if you don't look the part or know someone at the door, they can easily turn you away. Fridays and Saturday's are particularly busy so get there before 2am.

This chic nightclub serves a varying choice of music, including hip-hop, jazz and Latin beats. The venue is split level with a dance club downstairs and live Spanish music upstairs. Most nights the place (downstairs) kicks off with live music and then later transforms into trendy and lively club. If you're looking to dance until the sun comes up, then Jamboree is a great choice. Situated in Plaza Reial in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, right off La Rambla, it's surrounded by plenty of other bars and clubs, all with a variety of music. Most places don't charge admission and if they do it includes a drink.

Live music is an excellent complement to what is considered by many, to be the most famous dance club in the city. Located just outside the city center, La Paloma doesn't look like much from the outside. Once you enter however, you'll be taken into a beautiful, old ballroom that's been around since 1902. Although somewhat outdates, the red velvet interior provides for a charged ambiance. The club usually opens later in the afternoon and is usually when they feature live music. As it gets later, it converts into a raging club that stays open until the sun comes up.

Not only does El Tablao de Carmen feature live Flamenco music, but it's situated atop Montjuic so you can take in beautiful city views while enjoying a show. There's an excellent vibe at this venue and coupled with talented dancers and a great menu, it's a fun night out if you're looking for Flamenco, Catalan style. The club offers various menu options including tapas and a drink, just a drink or a full meal with various drinks. There are usually two sitting per night, so if you're not yet on Spanish time, it's still possible to see take in an early show with dinner.

If you're looking for Flamenco in Catalunya, search no further than Los Tarantos. Featuring live flamenco shows, as well as tango, Latin, and salsa dancing, this club is ideal for a show as well as dancing. Once the performers finish their set, the club turns into a lively, late night locale with a mix of rooms playing various types of music including jazz, rock, pop and reggae. Their primary focus however, is Flamenco so if you want to see a show, this place won't disappoint as it features dancers from around the country, including many popular names and exciting duos.

One of the city's classier live music venues, Sutton is an extremely lively nightclub and music hot spot. Located outside of the Old City, Sant Gervasi provides for an excellent place if you're looking for a fun night out away from the action in Ciutat Vella. Their live music venues usually takes place before the dj comes on, so be sure to check the schedule for show times as they don't have live music every evening. Sutton also has an excellent drink selection, including quality wines as well as cocktails and mixed drinks. Be sure to take off the sandals if you want to get into this clubs, there's a strict dress code.

This is a definite local hot spot or a place to frequent for those 'in the know'. One of Barcelona's best live music venues, El Paraigua is a swanky, cocktail and live music bar/lounge, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Just around the corner from Plaza Sant Jaume, the top floor is a local restaurant, but if you head downstairs, you'll be privy to a world of live jazz, blues and delicious drinks. Always buzzing, El Paraigua is usually busiest on weekends, however it's open every day. Their restaurant also has a great outdoor patio which is excellent especially during the summer.

Not only does Robadors 23 feature great live music venues and incredibly cheap tapas, but they also have Flamenco shows depending on the evening (usually Fridays and Saturdays are good bets). Located on the edge of the Raval neighborhood and close to the up and coming Poble Sec bario, Robadors 23 is a rustic, off the beaten path restaurant/bar/live music and performance lounge. Their mix of jazz, blues and local Flamenco provide for a fun and intimate atmosphere. The bar itself is fairly small so it's best to show up as early as possible if you want to get a seat. Be sure to order their patatas bravas tapas.

In 2012 this well known music and live jazz club celebrated it's 20th anniversary. What used to be a musical workshop for artists and young musicians has turned into one of the only places in the city with live music gigs every single day. JazzSi is layed out like a small concert hall, with an intimate feel. It's a great space for enjoying a glass of wine or a cerveza while listening to jazz, rock, blues and even flamenco, depending on the night. There is limited seating however, so it's worth it to check out the start time and show up a little early.