Before you have any preconceived idea due to the bar's name, this bar is not another pub for English tourists. The name derives from the Manchester music scene - Joy Division, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays etc. Hence, you know the music is good inside. Only good music is played here - 70s punk, 70s music or 90s rock (ie: Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, etc). Drinks are the average bar price of Barcelona. The Manchester Bar located in Raval has a lot less tourists than the one located in the Gotico.

Rock, pop, fusion, funk—you just never know what you'll get at Bar El Trece. Might be Pearl Jam, could be KC and the Sunshine Band—you just can't be too sure…and surprises—isn't that what life is all about after all? The drink menu comes on a record, which can be hard to see given the lack of lighting. Cubatas, mojitos, daiquiris—they're all there; your only job is to choose. There is a shrine in the wall behind the bar worth asking about and a mannequin’s body without a head that we wouldn't recommend asking about. Sunday to Thursday, Bar el Trece is open until 2:30, weekends until 3:00 and they are closed on Wednesday.

Definitely one of the best Catalan tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Expect to spend between 15 and 20 euros per person (wine included), but worth the money. It is prudent to reserve in advance as it is nearly always packed. They have a big range of cheeses, wines and catalan tapas in this comfortable, homey restaurant. You can also just stay in the bar area and enjoy the selection of wines with friends.

Another fashionable and fun bar to add to your list of “Places to go on the Rambla del Raval” is Raval 32. As the bar itself is not particularly big, this place invites intimacy and it is not rare to find a couple smooching on the couch or friends carrying on involved conversations. You can also set up things pretty much as you wish because the furnishings (couches aside) are just above gnome-sized and are easy to move around, making room for two or twenty. On weeknights it is a great place to stop in for a beer and, though taking your laptop to the Rambla del Raval is a little risqué, there are open wireless networks thanks to some great neighbor named “Oscar.” Weekends, like anywhere in Barcelona, you will find the bar more crowded and bouncy, but just as inviting.

Big is the main word here. Big name. Big acts. Big events. Big club. The amount of times we have gotten lost in this huge club is uncountable (is that even a word?). They have 5 dancefloors separated between 3 floors. A terrassa, indy rock downstairs, house room, techno room and lounge room. Famous "alternative" gigs and big-name DJs are regulars at Razzmatazz. Stay a bit longer after 7am and mingle with the locals, you are sure to find stories, experiences and after-parties you won't forget. There is no dress code nor is it fancy. It's all about the music!

Juicy Jones is an all-vegan restaurant, the food is delicious and isn't too expensive. The menu costs €7.75 and you can expect to be damn full at the end of the meal. The vegan food at Juicy Jones ranges from bocadillos and salads to a traditional Indian Thali (a plate with a number of different curries, sauces and mixes accompanied by popadum, bread and rice) and the palte of the day (pastas, risottos, enchilladas...) They also have milkshakes and juices made on-spot. The decor is very 70s and music ranges from Toots & the Maytals to Joanna Newsom. I know I love it!

What can we say about this bar? It is, by far, our favourite bar and hangout spot in the Barcelona nightlife. And they don't even play music (well, sometimes - Barca hymn, "El Unico Fruto Del Amor", classical music and Frank Sinatra). So why do we like it so much?

Maybe it is because of the bar's charismatic, surreal owner: Manel. This is a man who has lived a lot and knows a lot. He loves travelling, history and music. And best of all, he is a storyteller. He loves telling stories. And somehow, for whatever reason, you can't help but listen to him and laugh with him in his endless number of stories to tell.

FC Barcelona is his other passion. The man adores Barca, and by extension, so does anyone who has watched a match here. Just imagine this: a bar no bigger than 30m2, Champions League final - 72 people inside. Packed like sardines in a can - and no one is forced to be there, they are there out of personal choice. Living this game was one of my most memorable experiences at Manel's bar. You have to see it to believe it.

Also, it could be we love this place for its drinks. 5 euros for a litre of whisky\vodka\rum\gin and a mixer. Can it get any better? Yes. If you tell Manel that you found his place through this site on the Internet, he will invite you for the first drink. Go on - you will either love it or hate it. But you won't stay indifferent!

A long corridor leads into this neat bar. Good music (varies from reggae to dub to funk among others) and many interesting international students blended with locals. Excellent atmosphere and DJs with affordable prices and comfortable bean-bags.

C3 Bar is on the side street from the MACBA in Raval. They have various projections and monthly jam sessions. Seems to be aimed at design and fashion students, with most customers being locals. Very comfortable seating and good music.

Live music in Gràcia?! Hell yeah! Go to Heliogàbal on Thursdays and Sundays for a great live show. You will find anything from jazz to rock to poetry slams (the latter being less attended but just as lively), and everyone is welcome. Of course, the house fills up quickly when a promising concert is in store, or when the artist is popular locally, but those are the best nights to meet people. The large front room is set up with chairs and there are always at least two rows standing, but if you work past that you find a smaller, more intimate space in the back equipped with table, chairs and another standing bar. It is a stonewalled atrium complete with real plants and antique gardening equipment, none of which looks the least bit out of place. And as they are savvy, this bar has a website where you can check out the performers: www.heliogabal.com. So plan your nights accordingly, and if you were ever wondering where the Catalan performers were, now you know.