A city known for its art and architecture and one that can (and should!) be enjoyed from every angle. Luckily for visitors, Barcelona has a cool collection of enticing rooftop pools where a quick refreshing dip can be taken or a lazy lounge by the pool before indulging in some cocktails, fine wine or tapas with a view – you guessed it many of the rooftop pools are perfectly complimented with a rooftop bar. Read our short-list of favourite rooftop pools in Barcelona and dream your way to this beautiful Mediterranean city.
El Palace Barcelona
The former Ritz Hotel Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona, is perhaps one of the most famous hotels in Barcelona attracting celebrities, prominent figures and guests from all over the world to indulge in a place that oozes timeless glamour. With a striking and ornate façade the hotel is even more beautiful on the inside from the sweeping staircase to the grand Great Hall every turn presents elegant detail. The hotel comprises six spacious suites – each individually designed and with marble bathrooms that house a Roman bath inspired mosaic shower – all 120 guest rooms are inspired by a neo-classical style.
The impressive rooftop garden and terrace, which features a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, with 360-degree views over the city is the social hub of the hotel – a place to relax by day and party by night. AMAR Barcelona is the hotel’s brasserie serving fresh seafood with an extensive wine in a stylish art deco setting and The Great Hall – a grand and formal setting is where Afternoon Tea is the order of the day and live music can be enjoyed in Bluesman Cocktail Bar. El Palace Barcelona is also home to the Mayan Luxury Spa which as its name suggests is inspired by the Mayan culture, offering guests traditional Mayan treatments designed to bring the mind, body, and soul together as one.
Located in the Eixample District of bustling Barcelona, El Palace offers guests convenient access – walking or via metro – to many of the city’s main attractions. El Palace Barcelona has been recognised for its outstanding quality and distinctive character and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Read our expert review here.
Claris Hotel & Spa GL
Located on Pau Claris in the central Eixample area of Barcelona, the Claris is a 5* Grand Lux Hotel & Spa and is part of the Derby Hotels Collection. The rooftop terrace boasts fantastic views across the city and has a very laid back yet modern and stylish vibe to it. High bars and stools form the parameter while large plants and dark wooden sun loungers and low tables provide a contrast to the crisp white cushions and sofas in the chill out areas. The pool is small but is the finishing touch on the rooftop terrace where the restaurant La Terraza del Claris is also located. It adds a real lux element the hotel. This bar is worth a visit even if you are not staying at the hotel.
Hotel Arts Barcelona
The Ritz-Carlton brand is known for its luxurious properties, and Hotels Arts Barcelona doesn’t disappoint. It is situated on the beachside to offer guests marvellous views of the Mediterranean. You also get to enjoy the expanse of the city as it sprawls down below. The infinity pool on the topside of the hotel offers the perfect place to relax. It has gardens and terraces covering two levels for truly stunning scenery. Guests have a choice of three restaurants where they can dine in fine Mediterranean cuisine then finish off with drinks while lazing beside the pool. The pool is tastefully decorated, and the view of the Frank Gehry sculpture adds elegance to the place.
The Serras Barcelona
The Serras is what luxury boutique hotels are made of. It is a jewel that is carefully tucked away in Barcelona with stunning views of Port Vell. The rooftop has a cocktail pool and a sitting area that affords guests gorgeous sights. There are sunbeds around the swimming pool where you can lie and soak in the sun. At night, you can sip cocktails at the bar as you watch the hotel’s Michelin-Star chef prepare different delicacies. On weekends, the bar has live DJ sessions to change things up. At The Serras Barcelona, you get to appreciate the lively neighbourhood of the El Born district and the Gothic Quarter.
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
The location is what the Sofitel Barcelona Skipper has going for it the most. It is a mere 200m from Barceloneta Beach and next to Olympic Port. The proximity to the beach makes the hotel perfect for summer. The rooftop pool offers a chance to take a dip and enjoy the lovely sun without leaving the hotel. Besides the pool, there is solarium and bar that are encompassed in a glass wall. Don’t miss the iconic Frank Gehry sculpture that is easily visible from the rooftop.
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
From the rooftop of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, you can see some of the best pieces of modern architecture in the city. It’s situated in the middle of the Golden Square (Quadrat d’Or), which offers guests panoramic views of Barcelona in all its glory. Take a dip in the rooftop pool to unwind after a day of sightseeing and relax by the well-manicured garden. The outdoor dining area on the roof is furnished with wooden chairs and well-cushioned sunbeds where guests can take a light lunch, hosts a business meeting or enjoy a sundowner with friends. The choice is endless!
W Barcelona
Designed like a sail and sitting right next to the beach, the W Barcelona is hard to miss. Located in the Old City, the views are beyond spectacular, and the ambience is calming. The private infinity pool on the Sun Deck offers an amazing retreat after an exhausting day. 3 WOW Cabanas are available for rent where guests can enjoy some private time as they listen to the sea waves crash against each other. Guests are allowed to rent the infinity pool from 8 pm, which means you can have exclusive parties on the rooftop of the W Barcelona.
Ocean Drive Barcelona
Found at Carrer d’Aragó in Catalonia, OD Barcelona attracts a young audience with its relaxed house music and quirky interior. The – rooms are made from bamboo, and the property is in typical OD hotel design. It’s a few minutes-walk from Paseo de Gracia, which is one of the trendiest shopping avenues in Barcelona. The terraced rooftop has a solarium and pool where guests can spend their evenings marvelling at the goings-on below.