June 29, 2011

It’s official: summer has landed and the rooftop lifestyle can begin. Barcelona is a city of rooftops; once the sun is out you can spend most of your waking (and perhaps even sleeping) hours lounging in the blistering sun with nothing separating you from the sky. Rooftop terraces are the sites of the city's chicest bars and craziest parties. Here we take a look at some of the city's best rooftops and find out what each of them has to offer.

Hotel Majestic

ME Barcelona

The ME Barcelona hotel’s rooftop terrace is an extension of its dynamic Angels & Kings Club, home to some of Barcelona's most forward thinking parties. The terrace is large enough to hold club events and the red leather bed-like couches bring out the young crowd's naughtier side.

Hotel Majestic, The Gourmet Bar

For a touch of old-school elegance (and the chance to bump into Messi) head ten floors up at the Hotel Majestic. Here you will find a cosy and chic rooftop wine bar with panoramic views of the city. Sit around a pool on Philippe Starke sunken chairs listening to DJs spin summer tunes.

Barceló Raval

Following the major success of Athletic Disco Club's off-Sónar blow out, Barceló Raval's rooftop reputation has been sealed. This modernist hotel in old town Barcelona is home to a terrace offering a full 360-degree view of the city.

Hotel Pulitzer, VISIT UP

This is a sophisticated and understated rooftop option in the heart of Barcelona's city center. The wooden decking and abundant plants offer an oasis of calm and tranquillity in the city's busiest district.

Chiringuito Pez Vela

Not strictly a rooftop, but a great place to take a drink in the sunshine nonetheless. Sit outside on wooden decking that leads straight onto the sand of San Sebastià beach. Or sit in dipped cushioned seating in the shade, watching the waves lap outside. And order a mojito – they’re the best in town.

me-barcelona.com/AngelsKingsClub.html

hotelmajestic.es/eng/barpiscina.htm

barceloraval.com

doyouvisitbarcelona.com/blog (VISIT UP)

grupotragaluz.com/rest-pezvela.php

By Clare Considine, co-founder of Plat Du Jour

platdujourbcn.blogspot.com