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657 upcoming concerts

• Thursday 25 April 2024 – Sunday 28 April 2024

Malas Artes 2024 Igual nos vamos a morir

Barcelona, Spain

• Friday 26 April 2024

Jarabe de Palo

Sala Luz De Gas , Barcelona, Spain

Sala Razzmatazz 1 , Barcelona, Spain

Razzmatazz 2 , Barcelona, Spain

Soge Culebra

Wolf , Barcelona, Spain

Nubiyan Twist

La Paloma , Barcelona, Spain

Antoñito Molina

Sala Apolo , Barcelona, Spain

Pony Bravo Nerobambola and Los Voluble

Paral·lel 62 , Barcelona, Spain

Odyssey and Moltisanti

Ware Igualada , Igualada, Spain

Downfall of Gaia and Syberia

Upload , Barcelona, Spain

Sala Vol , Barcelona, Spain

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• Saturday 27 April 2024

Widowspeak and Jess Ribeiro

La Nau , Barcelona, Spain

La Daurada , Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain

Sam Roberts Band and Sam Roberts

Club P62 , Barcelona, Spain

Sala Upload , Barcelona, Spain

Casa Montjuïc , Barcelona, Spain

Euskoprincess, Turista Sueca, Onyx Unleashed, Ruïnosa y las Strippers de Rahola, and Sin bragas

Sala WOLF , Barcelona, Spain

Heliogàbal , Barcelona, Spain

• Sunday 28 April 2024

Ingested Fallujah, Vulvodynia, and Mélancolia

Razzmatazz 3 , Barcelona, Spain

Franky Rizardo Joey Daniel and Pau Guilera

Pacha Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain

Giancarlo Arena

Paral·lel 62 - Sala Club , Barcelona, Spain

Romanetto, TRP Rave Parties, Phil Bass, edu briglia, DJVinzBalboa, and FABIOZED

AMA Lounge Bar , Barcelona, Spain

• Monday 29 April 2024

Giacomo Turra

• Tuesday 30 April 2024

Andrea Bocelli

Palau Sant Jordi , Barcelona, Spain

Giovanni Caccamo

Jamboree Jazz Club , Barcelona, Spain

Paco Pil and Brisa Play

Lleida , Barcelona, Spain

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guiu cortés

Secret Location, Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain

• Tuesday 30 April 2024 – Tuesday 30 April 2024

MATINEE GOLD FESTIVAL 2024 REBEKA BROWN

Safari Disco Club , Barcelona, Spain

• Wednesday 01 May 2024
• Thursday 02 May 2024

Lisette Oropesa Carlos Alvarez, Ermonela Jaho, and Javier Camarena

Gran Teatre del Liceu , Barcelona, Spain

Clarence Bekker

Xavi Malacara

Hotel 1898 , Barcelona, Spain

• Friday 03 May 2024

MAIKEL DELACALLE

Sala Razmatazz , Barcelona, Spain

Álvaro de Luna

Razzamatazz , Barcelona, Spain

La Pegatina

FESTIVAL RESSONS , Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain

Colectivo Panamera

Guillem Gisbert

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Guide To Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona’s Modernist Concert Hall

Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of Barcelona’s most beautiful spaces. In fact, it’s my favorite Modernist interior in the city.

The palace is full of visual mischief and whimsy both inside and out. The dense ornamentation — glossy mosaics, stained glass, kaleidoscopic skylight, and sculptures — will take your breath away.

The over-the-top nature of the palace was meant to reflect regional Catalan pride. It puts you on notice that, in Catalonia, musicians and composers are akin to the divine.

The gorgeous facade is inexplicably squished into a tiny lane in the Gothic Quarter. You may pass by without even realizing the wonders inside!

The hall itself is stunning and a true work of art swathed in floral motifs. The main concert hall is a masterpiece of light and color, with a one-of-a-kind stained glass skylight.

The hall is variously described as a “crown,” a “music box,” a “garden with no night,” a “box of light,” a “magic fishbowl,” and a “glowworm.” Whew!

In this guide to Palau de la Musica Catalana, I tell you everything to see inside and give you tips for visiting.

Quick Tips:

• you can visit on your own, on a guided tour , or by attending a concert
• I highly recommend pre-booking a skip the line ticket to avoid queues and or a sold venue
• if you are on a guided tour, which I was, you will meet your guide behind the bar on the first level (no signs point you that way)
• tours are 50 minutes and you can stay as long afterward as you like
• tours include a 10 minute introductory video
• the palace is in the Gothic Quarter

Overview & Mini History Of Palau de la Musica

The palace was designed by Catlan modernist architect LLuis Domenech Monanter. It was built between 1905-08 for the Catalan Choral Society.

The spectacular creation was fueled by the fervant spirit of the Renaixenca, a Catalan cultural revival movment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

From its inception, the vision for the palace was much more than just a concert hall. It was intended to be a splashy showcase of Catalan artistry and identity.

The architect, Montaner, was a peer of the seemingly peerless Antoni Gaudi. But you will see straightaway that Gaudi had no monopoly on Modernism. Montaner is vastly underrated by comparison and equally bold in imagination.

Montaner was a Renaissance man — a genius in architecture, fine arts, history, and politics. He studied in Paris and Venice .

Palau de la Musica is the pinnacle of his great career, combining a Modernist aesthetic with a glam Catalan style.

Right after its debut, the palace won the best architecure award from the city council.

Throughout its history, the Palau has played a central role in Barcelona’s cultural scene. It hosts a diverse array of musical performances, from classical concerts to contemporary works.

It’s also served as a gathering place for social and political events, embodying the spirit of Catalan pride and resilience.

In 1997, it became a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Guide To Palau de la Musica: What To See

Here are the highlights of a visit:

The rather gaudy facade is extremely unusual. Rather than being an enclosure, it is open on all sides with few continuous walls.

It is a harmonious marraige of iron, brick, glazed tiles, and glass. All that is supported by an iron frame, which was the first curtain wall building in Spain.

The facade has layers of decoration.

On the ground level are mosaic encrusted arched columns and windows made of pastel colros and floral shapes. Above that are 14 Corinthian columns in different mosaic patterns.

Higher still are brick columns topped with busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven, and Wagner. Even higher is mosaic mural depicting a choir presided over by a queen.

At the corner of the facade, at the intersection of Carrer d’Amadeu Vives and Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, is a massive stone sculpture by Miquel Blay, The Popular Song , from 1909. It practically bulges from the corner.

The allegorical sculpture portrays a song maiden, with outspread arms, surrounded by encouraging Catalans.

Above, a helmeted soldier (St. George, Barcelona’s patron saint) extends a protective gesture with an unsheathed sword.

The roofline has Moorish touches. And the roof itself is crowned with some colorful ceramic chimneys.

A revamped entryway with a glass facade now welcomes visitors into Palau Square. This transparent wall was a creation of architect Òscar Tusquets.

It gives you a clear view into the building’s interior, merging modern architectural innovations with the Palau’s historic charm.

Vestibule & Foyer

Once inside, you’ll see that the interior is even more extraordinary than the exterior.

The lobby is a warm rush of color. The Gothic-inspired ceiling is decorated with glazed ceramic tiles forming star shaped patterns.

There are twinkling lanterns and chandliers, blond marble, and stained glass with floral motifs. On each side are grand marble staircases weaving up to the next level.

They’re very ornate, decorated with transclucent yellow balusters and intricate carved reliefs. The column-like balusters have a ginger-colored ceramic base and are topped with a crown of roses.

Head straight through the brick arches and you’ll enter the knockout bar and cafe.

The arches are decorated with green tiles and the capitals are encrusted with roses. There is an ornate ceiling with green ceramic ribbing and and green and gold stained glass.

The bar itself is resplendent, surrounded by stained glass panels in the shape of blooming flowers.

Rehearsal Room

If you are on a guided tour, this is where your visit starts. The palace is the home of one of the world’s leading choirs and this is where they rehearse.

You can see the first stone laid for the building and musical notes built into the tile floor.

Louis Millet Lounge

On the first floor there is a two story high lounge named after Louis Millet. This is where concert goers can arrange to meet or take a break.

There are beautiful stained glass windows and busts of personalities connected to the palace.

Through the windows, you can glimpse the double colonnade of mosaicked columns on the facade. The effect is like a magical garden.

These columns are a favorite spot of Instrgrammers. To inspect them close up, you’ll have to line up on the right side of the lounge to walk across the terrace.

Every column has different colors and floral decorations.

Main Stage & Auditorium

The auditorium is called the Sala de Concerts. It seats about 2,000 people.

The ornamentation here is so dense that you almost don’t know where to look!

You might not even be sure what it is. Is it a theater, a beautiful chapel, or a fancy salon? From the decoration and scuptures, it’s unclear.

What is clear is that it’s utterly unique. It’s like a glass case full of jewels and trinkets.

The seating swirls around all three sides. The setting is intimate, as if every seat were near the stage.

The stage features an elaborate sculptural backdrop, which includes 18 muses and floral motifs. Full of vivacious charm, the muses are like sirens with an unconventional presentation.

They have solid sculptural upper halves that stand out from the wall. But their skirts are filled in with mosaics in soft underwater hues.

When unveiled, they weren’t terribly popular. But now they are beloved.

Flanking the stage are two massive stained glass panels, which add to the vibrant color scheme of the interior and portray various musical and natural themes.

Fun Fact : Apparently, while beautiful, the stained glass contributes to the poor acoustics of the concert hall.

The absolute highlight is the massive rectangular skylight of exuberant color. It was designed by Antoni Rigault, a Modernist painter and stained glass artist.

In the center is a massive luminous drop, a sort of inverted dome. It looks like a sunburst, with sunlight spilling down onto the audience.

The rest of the skylight is a serene blue, a lake of sorts.

On the lake float a series of women or sea sprites, the proverbial ladies of the lake. They are a counterpart to the muses on stage playing musical instruments.

Those closest to the sun are fair. Those further away are darker.

The skylight is bordered by ceramic roses and sheets of light green ceramic glass.

On the sides, it’s framed by semi-circular fan-like structures. Their ceramic decorations appear like feathers or a sunflower stalk.

Below the fan shapes hang iron chandeliers with different kinds of light bulbs. They’re tilted in a way that makes them look like the head of a sunflower.

The concert hall is full of beautiful sculptures. I mentioned the celestial choir or women. But there is plenty else to admire.

To the left of the stage is a sculpture of Joseph Clave. Clave, with his famous choirs and folk songs, epitomes the choral style with which the palace is associated.

Beneath Clave’s pedestal are several young women singing The Flowers of May.

On the right side of the stage, you see a bust of Beethoven, an ode to classical music. He has his usual unruly hair and grouchy look.

He’s topped by Valkyries riding horses, a nod to Wagner’s opera Die Walküre .

Aside from these sculpture, the other horses on the upper balcony represent Pegasus. According to Greek mythology, the winged horse sprang from the union of Poseidon and Medusa.

Pegasus was ridden by the muses when Zeus called them to sing for him on Mount Olympus.

Practical Guide & Tips For Palau de la Musica

Address : Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4-6

Hours : Open daily 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

18 euros for the basic ticket, 22 for a ticket that includes the audio guide. You can pre-book a skip the line ticket online in advance.

If you want to take the English language tour , I would definitely book that in advance as well. Your guide will even turn on the organ for you!

Pro Tips : There is a small gift shop behind the bar on the first floor. There are free bathrooms downstairs in the basement.

Concerts : The palace hosts about 300 concerts a year of all types of choral and classical music. Click here to check out what’s on.

Is Palau de la Musica Worth Visiting?

100% yes. You may have read that it’s beautiful. But it’s even more stunning that you expect in person.

Plus, if you are an architecture buff or love Art Nouveau, this is a splendid chance to see a building by someone other than Antoni Gaudi.

Montaner is less heralded, but still one of the giants of Moderism. You’ll want to see his defining masterpiece.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Palau de la Musica Catalana. You may find these other Barcelona travel guides useful:

• 1 day in Barcelona itinerary
• 3 days in Barcelona itinerary
• what to do in the Gothic Quarter
• landmarks in Barcelona
• guide to Casa Batllo
• guide to La Pedrera
• guide to Palau Güell
• guide to architecture in Eixample

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Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

The Catalan Music Palace

Palau de la Musica

Palau de la Música - Barcelona

Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau de la Música Catalana - Barcelona

"Palau  de la Música Catalana"  (Music Palace), is a concert hall designed by the architec Lluís Domènech i Montaner and opened in 1908.This building is the headquarters of "Orfeó Catala", a prestigious institution grounded in the year 1891 to support Catalan music and culture. This is why the decoration of the building shows some representations of the " quatre barres " (which is the Catalan coat of arms).

Inside the scene is a sculpture representing on one side the "Ride of Valkyries" and on the other side, the figure of Beethoven, sculpted by Pau Gargallo and Dídac Massana . The splendid central glass light on the roof was made by Rigalt and Granell. The façade is made of red brick and decorated with mosaics from Lluís Bru.

The Palau de la Música Catalana organizes daily guided tours of the Modernist Concert hall and, when available, Lluís Millet Hall and the Chamber Music Hall.

Tickets for Palau de la Música Catalana >> free visit or guided tour

The Palau de la Música Catalana is located in the El Born district of Ciutat Vella. It is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city and a must-see for all lovers of architecture and music.

The Catalan Music Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Catalan Music Palace was built between 1905 and 1908 to house the Orfeó Català choir (an association of Barcelona choirs), which needed a larger space for its rehearsals. Today it hosts concerts and musical events of international renown.

The Palau de la Música is one of Barcelona's architectural gems, designed by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the building is famous for its large concert hall decorated with coloured stained glass windows, sculptures and mosaics, and is considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Modernist architecture, also known as Art Nouveau. This architecture is characterised by the use of modern materials such as iron, glass and concrete, as well as motifs and forms inspired by nature.

Specific construction techniques used in the Palau de la Música Catalana include the use of natural light, which is abundant thanks to the large skylights and rose-shaped windows. The structure also features colourful mosaics, sculptures and floral motifs, creating a unique and vibrant aesthetic effect.

The architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner , also used advanced techniques for the time, such as the use of steel trusses for the structure of the building, which allowed him to create a large concert hall without intermediate pillars. Another technical detail is that the building was constructed without using steel beams, which was very rare at the time. Instead, the structure rests on decorative cast iron columns and brick arches, creating a unique and magical atmosphere inside.

Lluís Domènech i Montaner is also known for having designed the Casa Lleó i Morera in 1902, the Casa Fuster in 1911 and, of course, the Sant Pau Hospital between 1901 and 1930, which has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997..

Our tip: To make the most of your visit to the Music Palace, we recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building. You can also attend a concert to appreciate the exceptional acoustic quality of the concert hall.

Finally, an interesting anecdote about the Music Palace is that during the Spanish Civil War, the building was used as a garage for military vehicles, which saved the building from destruction! A miracle.

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"Palau de la Música Catalana", another wonderful Modernist building by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the temple of music in Barcelona!

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11 comments

I really do recommend a visit. - frinniella (28 sep 2023 - 07:50).

We don't talk enough about this palace, which is really very beautiful... Unfortunately, the façade was being restored at the time of our visit but the interior is simply magical. The price is a bit high, but like many monuments and museums in Barcelona, it's worth it.

Live performance schedule - Kathy Funck (9 Nov 2017 - 18:16)

Any performance for November 12-14

Any live program September 27,2015 Sunday day or night at the palau de musica? - Marilyn potter (9 Jul 2015 - 09:52)

Is their anything scheduled for September 27th at the palau de musica?

palau de musica de Catalan - marily potter (12 May 2015 - 08:56)

Are there any musical programs on in august 23-29th. can I get tour tickets on line?

Atentas preguntas - J Fernando Gómez-Pimienta y Hernández (22 Mar 2015 - 08:45)

Muy buenas tardes queridos amigos catalanes, aquí desde la Ciudad de México. Mi esposa y el suscrito amamos literalmente a su bella Ciudad de Barcelona. Queremos volver este año, y tener la oportunidad de asistir a conciertos en el Palau. ¿Serían tan amables de indicarme cómo puedo reservar boletos, y conocer el programa musical del Palau?. Muchas gracias y saludos cordiales Jfgph

A thank you and an idea - Alan Watson (6 Jun 2012 - 10:30)

Firstly, my wife and I visited the Palau de la Musica a couple of weeks ago. What a spectacular building! Our tour guide was most informative and the whole experience was one of the highlights to our holiday. Secondly, whilst perusing the setting, and listening to that evenings group sound checking, it struck me that this is a location which would be ideal for a concert by Peter Hammill (or even his group Van Der Graaf Generator!). I know that Peter does play regularly in Spain, and has done for over 40 years, and has a substantial fan base there. I feel that a concert there by Peter (and/or VDGG) would be a fine addition to the concerts you feature and would be interested to know how your thoughts.

por favor, una question, par favor - Martine Esparon (13 May 2012 - 11:15)

Me gustaria saber si Salvatore Adamo va a revolver en el palau de la musica de Barcelona el ano proximo ? Gracias... Martine.

concert sylvie vartan en fevrier - [email protected] (2 Feb 2011 - 13:15)

j ai pris des places pour un concert mais ou les retirer?

le palais de la Musique - 3131 (28 Jan 2011 - 19:00)

Visite exceptionnelle, à ne louper sous aucun prétexte.

Palais de la musique - jean-b (18 Feb 2010 - 14:15)

ce palais de la musique est génial... de très beaux concerts aussi... ^prenez un verre au bar qui est juste grandiose

belloo! - maría (17 Nov 2007 - 18:13)

Algo realmente bellísimo, lástima que no se continúa con esa línea arquitectónica.

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Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music)

Price & Hours

• Facilities 3.0
• Atmosphere 4.5

Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana is considered to be a masterpiece of Catalan art nouveau. Built by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the palace earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its striking architectural features. Outside, make sure to snap a few photos of the intricate mosaic pillars and the busts nestled atop some of them, which depict famous musicians, such as Bach and Beethoven. The interior of the palace is even more of an eyeful, complete with mosaic pillars and intricate sculpture work of its own, as well as stained glass windows and beautiful motifs of flowers spread throughout. And you won't be able to miss the massive stained-glass central skylight – it protrudes from the ceiling, treating the concert auditorium to plenty of natural light. Aesthetics aside, the Palace of Catalan Music is a hub for classical and choral music and of course, Catalan musical arts. It also acts as a concert venue for local, national and international acts.

Travelers agree with the experts: the Palau de la Musica Catalana is an architectural marvel. Visitors thoroughly enjoyed admiring the many intricate details found throughout the music venue, saying even if you can't get tickets to a show, it's worth a visit just to see its magnificence in person. Some weren't crazy about the admission price, but many enjoyed the guided tour, and those who did attend a show said the experience was quite magical. 

You can find the Palace of Catalan Music in the central El Born neighborhood, close to Plaça Catalunya. The closest metro stop is Urquinaona. Visitors can explore on a self-guided tour for 16 euros (about $17) or with an audio guide for 18 euros (around $19). Guided tours are available for 20 euros (about $21), and a discount is available if you book at least one month in advance online. Children younger than 10 years old are admitted for free. Tours take place regularly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day and last 50 minutes. Self-guided visits are available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, check out the Palace of Catalan Music's website .

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Is Palau de la Música Catalana worth a visit?

All about the palace of catalan music.

The most beautiful modernist concert hall in Barcelona is not by Antoni Gaudí, but by his teacher and leader of Modernism, Lluis Domenech i Montaner , who directed the construction works between 1905-1908. The building was designed to be the headquarters of the Orfeo Catala, a society created to promote music in the Catalan world, specially through choirs. Their focus wouldn’t be just the preferences of the cultural elites, but also the Catalonia traditions and the working classes, who through those choirs had access to more educated music styles.

Domenech i Montaner envisioned a building that would be an antem to Music, profusely decorated with sculptures related to local and international musicians, people singing, muses playing instruments... The treatment of light to enhance the inside of the concert hall, and the solutions to perfect its acustic conditions included innovative techniques and materials for the time. The demolition of the church next door in the 1980's made possible and additional entrance of light (already planed by Montaner, who was thinking ahead) and the construction of a modern wing containing additional service areas, a restaurant and a second smaller concert hall.

What you'll see during your palau de la musica visit

The façade of the catalan music palace.

The best point to observe the façade of the Barcelona Palau de la Musica is from the corner  with Amadeo Vives street. There raises a large sculpture representing the “popular catalan song”, where several characters representing the Catalan society sing along, surrounding a young girl that symbolizes “The Song”, and topped by Saint George – patron saint of Catalonia. You can recognize a group of farmers and a group of fishermen, as well as mothers and their children of different social levels. A farmer holds an arm of The Song, meaning that the singing belongs to the people of Catalonia. The fishermen are the ones that help Catalan music travel around the world on their ships. Mothers transmit the traditional songs to the younger generations.

From the corner you also get a nice view of the balcony on the second floor, with its famous columns decorated with flower mosaics. You’ll also see sculpted portraits of famous composers: Bach Beethoven, Palestrina and Wagner. On the street level you can still see the (now closed) little windows of the original ticket offices, decorated also with colorful mosaics.

The foyer of the Palau de la Musica

Sala lluís millet and balcony of the columns.

Lluís Millet was the founder of the Orfeo Catala and a promoter of the construction of the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona. This room of very high ceilings is decorated with modernist paintings and leads to a balcony overlooking the street from the main façade. The iconic balcony features 14 columns completely covered in colorful mosaic tiles. Each column is different and is dedicated to a different type of flower.

The concert hall of the Palau de la Musica Catalana

The main concert hall of the Palau de la Música is a marvel for the senses. Starting from the fascinating stage, surrounded by delicate figures of the muses of music playing instruments and framed by powerful sculptures inspired in Wagner’s Valkyries, and continuing with the mesmerizing 3D skylight over the theater stalls, representing a sun surrounded by women singing. Everything there speaks beauty: the chandeliers, the beams decorated with roses, the columns opening like peacock feathers…

There’s two more concert halls in El Palau de la Musica: the Rehearsal room, located right underneath the stage of the main hall, and often used for also for small concerts and conferences, and the Petit Palau, a modern auditorium perfect for camera music and located in the new wing of the building.

Palau de la Música tour types

Group guided tours.

For years, this was the only option to visit Palau de la Musica Catalana outside of attending a concert or other event. You’ll join a group of other visitors, an a professional licensed tour guide will show you around the building. The visit takes 50 minutes to 1 hour, and it is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Catalan. In some occasions the groups are even allowed to access the stage or hear the organ play.

It is always a good idea to book your tour in advance, because the tickets tend to sell out, plus there’s often lines at the ticket offices.

Self-guided tour

Audioguide tours have been available in the Palau de la Musica Catalana since the pandemic, but for sanitary reasons you are required to bring your own headphones. The visit covers the same spots visited in the guided tours, except for the possibility of getting on the stage. Besides the languages mentioned for the group guided tours, the audioguides are also available in Korean.

This option is great for people who don’t feel comfortable in group settings, or aren’t particularly punctual. But beware, in order to control the building capacity, even audioguide tours are timed, but you’ll have a 30 minute slot to arrive. Booking online is a smart way to avoid any lines at the box office.

Are there private tours in the Barcelona Palau de la Musica?

While the administration of Palau de la Música does not allow people visiting with their own tour guides (and that applies to large groups as well as individuals with their own private guide), it is possible to arrange a private tour by contacting them directly. But the cost of such services isn’t displayed on their website… you know what that means.

Concerts at the Palau de la Música Catalana

Flamenco and spanish guitar concerts.

Your time in Barcelona is short and you have to be selective on where to go for actual “sightseeing”. You have Palau de la Musica Catalana in your must-see list, probably as well as attending a flamenco show , since you are in Spain. Am I right? A smart solution to kill two birds with one stone is to attend a flamenco show or a guitar concert in the Palace of Catalan Music! You’ll get to do both in one evening!

Other music styles

The original philosophy of the founders of the Palau, approaching music to the people, continues to be alive. Palau de la Musica Catalana isn’t a concert hall for the elites: it’s for everyone. Their program is busy with events pretty much every day: classical music, jazz, flamenco, pop, rock, choirs… Everything is welcome, as long as it’s quality music. So if no flamenco or Spanish guitar show is available during your stay, do check their program to see what else is on: you might be surprised! (and you’ll see many more Barcelona locals attending, too).

Additional tips to visit the Palau

Location and how to get there, opening hours.

VISITS: The opening hours depend mostly on the concerts for that day, as they might have to adjust the visit hours to the time needed to prepare each event. In any case, the ticket offices are open 8.30AM to 3.30PM. The earliest tour is 9AM.

CONCERTS : Most concerts start sometime between 7PM and 9PM, although it’s not unusual to see some starting as early as 5 or 6PM. Family concerts usually take place in the mornings or around noon in the Petit Palau hall.

FOYER CAFE : Open everyday from 9AM until midnight.

Eating near the Barcelona Music Palace

Having dinner is always a concern when you are attending a concert: you need something that is close enough. The most convenient option to consider is the bar of the Foyer , the Cafe Palau. They serve a dozen different tapas, a short menu of surprisingly affordable prices considering the location, and Mon-Fri they also serve a lunch special for a set price. That’s additional to the bakeries, snacks, coffe and beverages served all day.

And did you know Palau de la Musica has a second restaurant? Pizzicato (formerly Mirador del Palau) is an oyster Bar specializing in seafood, smoked fish, tartares and some meats, and has also some vegan options. Perfect for a fancy-not-too-fancy meal pre or after concert.

And here are some more alternatives:

• Tapas from Spain : Casa Alfonso , Casa Lolea , El Bitxo , Tosca Palau
• Meat : Asador de Aranda
• Catalan : La Cuina de Laietana
• Italian : Cucine Mandarosso , Luigi
• Vegetarian : Flax & Kale Passage
• Fast Food : You’ll find plenty of chains on Urquinaona Street and Ronda de Sant Pere.

Are you going to visit the Palace of Music (Barcelona, Spain)?

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Palau de la Música Catalana

Discover the fascinating concert hall - part of the unesco world heritage.

Concert Hall of the Palau de la Música Catalana

The concert hall is a masterpiece by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner - alongside Antoni Gaudí one of the most important representatives of modernism. The concert hall of the music palace is impressive.

Content of this page

• Palau de la Música
• What music in the Palau
• Reasons for a visit

The builder of the Palau de la Música was the Catalan choir association "Orfeó Català", founded in 1891. Construction began in 1905 and the Music Palace was inaugurated in 1908.

The Palau de la Música Catalana has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. The concert hall is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Tickets to enter the Palau

• Explore the Palau on your own: You can move around freely and listen to the explanations and music of the audio guide or take in the impressive interior of the Palau.
• Admission to the Palau de la Música Catalana
• Audio guide to download to your smartphone with explanations, images, music and videos (QR code provided on site)
• Audio guide in Englisch, French, Spanish, Catalan
• Ticket also on the smartphone
• Immediate ticket delivery
• Duration: approx. 50 minutes

Information & booking

• Admire Lluís Domènech i Montaner's detailed Art Nouveau masterpiece
• During the tour, the guide will tell you interesting and exciting things about the Palau. You can also ask questions here.
• Live guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian
• Admission to the Palau de la Música Catalana
• Duration: approx. 55 minutes

Information & booking

The Palau de la Musica Catalana

The rapid development of Catalonia towards the end of the 19th century produced a well-to-do bourgeoisie that was looking for new forms of self-expression. Modernisme became an essential means of expression for this aspiring bourgeoisie.

Lluís Domènech i Montaner

With the first modernist building, the "Castell dels tres Dragons", the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner is now considered the founder of modernism.

• The life of Domènech i Montaner
• Modernism in Barcelona

The central element of Modernisme is the merging of different art forms - such as sculpture, blacksmithing, ceramics and glass art - as well as different architectural styles. This can be clearly seen in many places in the Palau de la Música.

The architect of the Palau de la Música was Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the founder and one of the most important representatives of Modernisme. At that time he was the most renowned architect in Barcelona.

The "Orfeó Català", an amateur music society founded in 1891, was very popular in Barcelona around the turn of the century. They wanted to create a special setting for their own performances and those of other artists. Money for the construction came from donations from wealthy merchants and industrialists, and none other than the star architect Domènech i Montaner was hired.

Construction began in 1905 and the inauguration in 1908.

According to Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana should be a "garden for music". It is worth immersing yourself in its "musical garden" and being enchanted by the wealth of detail in this extraordinary building.

In the 1980s, the Palau de la Música Catalana was remodeled and modernized under the direction of architect Óscar Tusquets, without losing its original charm.

The facade of the Palau de la Música

The facade is richly adorned with mosaic pillars, each one with a different floral design. Busts of great masters such as Beethoven, Bach and Wagner bear witness to the prevailing taste in music at the time. On one corner is a sculpture dedicated to the Catalan folk song and ruled by the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi. Elements from the Gothic and Moorish architectural styles have also been incorporated into the design of the facade.

Big concert hall

One of the most distinctive concert halls in the world - the Concert Auditorium - has been the privileged setting for national and international musical life in the city of Barcelona for more than a hundred years.

The stage is dominated by an organ, which can be heard again after a restoration in 2004. The auditorium is a mystical and paradoxical hall full of characters like the 16 muses surrounding the stage playing different musical instruments from different countries and regions. They symbolize the different styles of music and embody the spirit of the Palau de la Música Catalana - a performance venue where every genre of music should find its place.

To the left and right of the stage are two other imposing sculptures, a bust of Anselm Clavé on one side and a bust of Beethoven on the other. These symbolize folk and classical music.

A lot of glass makes the music palace very bright and gives it a very special atmosphere. Light shines through stained glass windows and a central skylight, a downward-curving, glass and colorful dome symbolizing the sun. The auditorium is filled with natural light.

The decorative elements made of ceramics with natural forms are also typical of Modernisme: a number of natural motifs such as flowers, palm trees or fruits adorn the room.

Rehearsal room of the Orfeó Català

The little jewel of the Palau de la Música is the Sala d'Assaig de l'Orfeó Català, the rehearsal room of the Orfeó Català. A cosy, intimate place for concerts, lectures, small-scale presentations – and of course the place where the Orfeó Català choirs practice. The foundation stone of the Palau de la Música was also laid here. The hall has sturdy columns, stained glass and a decoration typical of Catalan modernism.

Petit Palau

Another venue that the Palau has is the Petit Palau: a modern auditorium that opened in 2004 and is ideal for chamber music or small-scale concerts. It has excellent acoustics and high-tech audiovisual equipment.

Lluís Millet Room

Another very special part of the Palau is the Sala Lluís Millet, a meeting place during breaks dedicated to Maestro Millet, founder of the Orfeó Català. The hall is two stories high, with large stained glass windows decorated with floral designs, creating an extraordinary effect. Even more extraordinary is the balcony seen through these windows, with its double colonnade decorated with distinctive colors and ornaments.

Another exceptional place is the foyer of the Palau, which can accommodate a large number of people both during performances and as a separate restaurant-cafeteria. The wide arches of brick and green ceramics glazed with floral patterns give this area a distinctive atmosphere.

What music is played

Which music genres are played in the Palau de la Música is easy to answer: "Every kind of music is played in the Palau de la Música - except operas, because these are shown in the Gran Teatre del Liceu". This is how visitors experience it during a guided tour. However, this statement is not 100% correct: it does happen that an opera is on the program, but very rarely.

The program for the 2022/23 season includes, for example, flamenco, classical music during the "Bachcelona" festival, Mozart's Requiem with the Orfeó Català choir, classical during the Mozart festival, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, music by Hans Zimmer & John Williams, Spanish guitar music , Ballet Swan Lake, Jazz, Abba Tribute, Pop Music, Beatles+Queen+ABBA, Haydn, Beethoven & Widmann - played by Anne-Sophie Mutter and much more. World-famous artists, but also unknown talents perform here.

Why a visit to the Palau de la Música is worthwhile

The building is simply impressive and imposing. This is where Modernisme shows itself from its most beautiful side, the Palau is truly one of the most beautiful works of Catalan Art Nouveau. Treat yourself to a short break in the foyer of the concert hall. The cafe is quite cozy and nice.

Book tickets for the Palau de la Música here

(Click on the product images to view prices and availability)

Important information

Surroundings Find Hotels nearby

Address Palau de la Música, 4-6

Arrival Metro: Urquinaona (L1, L4) Bus Turístic: Barri Gòtic Parking nearby

Opening times Visits: 09.30 - 15.30 Café restaurant: daily 09.00 - 24.00

Plan about 1.5 hours for the visit.

Please note that there is no cloakroom or lockers.

If you want to attend a concert, we recommend booking the tickets in advance.

Discover Barcelona with the double-decker bus. Hop on and off whenever you want.

Learn more during a sightseeing tour in English. Private or in a public group.

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Come to Barcelona and enjoy the very best summer music festivals

● If what you enjoy is dancing to the beats of the best DJs, you have another important date this summer: the Barcelona Beach Festival , a taste of Ibiza on a Barcelona beach. ● Cruïlla . This festival brings together the latest breakout stars year after year. It is a highly eclectic festival, but its main focus is on quality and creating an extra special connection with its audience, which it manages to seduce every July. And let’s not forget two other important dates for music lovers during the same time of year: the Festival Jardins de Pedralbes hosts a range of artists from various different genres within an incredible environment, and the International Jazz Festival presents attendees with the best that the genre has to offer all audiences. There is a wide and varied range of events on offer, so come along, feel the beat and have fun!

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Best upcoming live music and concerts in Barcelona

Your guide to the best of who's playing and where to go for the best gigs and concerts in Barcelona

Friendly warning! We're working hard to be accurate. But these are unusual times, so please check that events are still happening.  

Barcelona is a city brimming with music that spans genres. Concert halls , bars, and big clubs invite all kinds of acts to their stages, from freshly pressed indie bands to globally famous international superstars. To make sure you don't miss any of your favourites, including major festivals, check here for our top picks for the best live music and concerts in Barcelona.

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Nightlife in Barcelona is as wild as you want it to be, and you can find a club night, session or party every night of the week in Barcelona's best clubs. Whether it's a weekly club night you find you can't skip, a monthly session you keep marked in your calendar, or a party that pops up every so often that you plan your holidays around, they're on this list.

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Barcelona, a city in love with music

This musical idyll is reflected in the number of long-established music schools and conservatories in the city. The prestigious stages of the city's three concert halls (the Gran Teatre del Liceu , the Palau de la Música Catalana and L'Auditori ) play host to world-famous orchestras and performers. The city hosts festivals throughout the year, which attract audiences from around the world. Some of them, such as Sónar and the Barcelona Beach Festival , are home grown and now rank among the most popular festivals in the world. Barcelona provides the perfect showcase for up-and-coming performers to reach a wider audience, and you can discover them at small festivals and concerts featuring every style of music: jazz, flamenco, electronica, folk, pop, rock…

Let the beat go on!

Classical music in Barcelona

Barcelona's classical music culture centres on three iconic venues: the opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu , the Palau de la Música Catalana and L'Auditori . They play host to orchestras and performers of international repute and also hold prestigious music competitions as well as family concerts. The city also has its own music museum, the Museu de la Música, which highlights the contribution of musical instruments to culture; the music school, ESMUC; and the Liceu Conservatory.

Barcelona, city of festivals

Are you looking for rock, folk, electronica, jazz or classical music festivals? Well, you're in luck. Barcelona covers the entire musical spectrum. Some of the city's home-grown festivals, such as Sónar and Primavera Sound , have become unmissable events for people around the world. Others focus on more niche musical genres. Some, such as Cruïlla , the Festival del Mil·lenni , the Barcelona Obertura Spring Festival and the Festival Alma Jardins de Pedralbes , have become go-to events. Check out what's on and decide which one (or ones) you don't want to miss.

If you're a music fan, you'll know there's nothing better than to experience it live and in the flesh. There are live-music venues all over the city hosting concerts in every imaginable genre. Jamboree is the city's home of jazz and Los Tarantos and Flamenco Barcelona City Hall are two of the main flamenco venues. You can also enjoy the strains of the Spanish guitar inside some of the city's iconic landmarks and see live music in unusual places, including on board a catamaran, inside a modernista mansion, and a museum of modern art. Excitement is guaranteed!

Epic concerts

You've got all their albums, you know all their songs and follow them on social media. And, at last the moment has come to see your favourite band or singer live . Most groups and singers from Spain and around the world who are on tour stop off in Barcelona. The city has played host to legendary stars who have left an indelible mark on the city. Some of them have even given us anecdotes to remember. Find out who is about to take the stage in Barcelona.

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Palau de la Música Catalana: Barcelona’s Music Palace

If nature is the heart of modernism, then the Palau de la Música Catalana has flowers pumping through its veins.

Just try and pass it without stopping to admire the precision of the ornaments, the depth of the mosaics in its columns, and its sensational stained glass dome ceiling.

Going in for a concert or a guided tour in English is the real magic, though – let’s see how we can do it.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palace of Catalan Music is the result of three converging dreams:

• The need for the up-and-coming choir  Orfero Catala to find a permanent home.
• Barcelona’s desire to put another jewel in the crown of Catalan Modernisme.
• Catalan architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner’s motivation to challenge conventional theatre building.

The result is the  most sought-after modern auditorium in the world, with an incredible 4.5-star rating from over 11,000 Tripadvisor reviews. You’ll even find the word ‘breathtaking’ in hundreds of English reviews; it’s that good!

Palau de la Música Facts

• Seats 2200+ spectators.
• Among the finest examples of art nouveau Barcelona architecture .
• Provides an explosion of colourful and carefully placed mosaics.
• The only auditorium in Europe that’s completely illuminated by natural light.
• Offers golden-age type acoustics to drive music lovers wild.
• Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• Hosts over 600 shows a year (from opera to flamenco to symphony orchestra and more).
• Has an annual concert attendance of over 500,000 people.

Why Take a Palau de la Musica Catalana Tour?

Nearly 300,000 people a year visit the Palau de la Música, and the number is only increasing. The reasons to see the palace via a guided tour are long, but I recommend embarking on a tour for the following reasons:

You’ll see more, with access to restricted areas not open to the general public during concerts.

⚠️  Warning ⚠️ : Barcelona’s top two attractions must now be booked in advance .

You can book fast track tickets to both individually or get them as part of a discount pass:

• ⛪ Buy now:  Sagrada Familia Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
• 🏞️ Buy now:  Park Guell Fast Track Admission  (skip the lines)
• 🎟️  Buy now: Best of Barcelona Bundle (Sagrada + Park Guell + 10% discount code for all else)

You will not be able to book these tickets on site – lock in your tickets ASAP or you could miss out.

You’ll have better lighting, as guided tours during the day make way better use of the defining natural light that dazzles everyone who sets foot in this incredible attraction.

You’ll learn a ton of  interesting information from the entertaining and informative English-speaking guides.

And finally, you save money since it’s about 50% cheaper than seeing most concerts.

Palau de la Música Catalana Guided Tour

A highlight of the Palau de la Música tour is the massive 3000 pipe organ looming high above you – don’t despair; they’ll be sure to do a little performance to show you how good the acoustics are.

Even better is the  stained glass sun dome (shown above) that takes a majestic three-dimensional plunge into the concert space and looks like a teardrop or a portal to another dimension.

There’s not a camera in the world to do this light show justice.

The initial video presentation about the history of the palace gives you all the info you need before the guide even opens their mouth.

When they do, virtually every sculpture on the wall and ceiling is highlighted and explained.

The English-guided tour of the Palau de la Musica runs daily every hour from 9:00-13:00, with an additional tour at 14:00.

Each tour lasts 50 minutes.

Palau de la Música Catalana Tickets

Basic entrance to the Palau de la Musica (aka the ‘self-guided ticket’) costs €16.00.

English tours of the Catalan Music Palace are available for the discounted online price of €19.00 . Additionally, child visitors under 9 get tickets for free.

Buying in advance online is strongly advised to avoid long lines and ensure you get your desired time. There are limited spots per hour, and groups are kept small.

You can grab tickets and support my blog at no extra cost to you by using my link from Tiqets below:

Once you’ve got them, print out the tickets you receive via email and show up to skip the lines.

Note : those using the 2, 3, 4, or 5-day Barcelona Card for discounted transport  get 25% off Palace of Catalan Music tickets as well as many more can’t-miss Barcelona attractions .

Palau de la Música Catalana Opening Hours

The Palau de la Musica box office is open daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

In 2023, you can expect to find special extended hours for Easter and the months of July and August that are still TBA.

You will select the time of your tour upon ticket purchase.

Palau de la Música Catalana Events

To attend concerts at the Catalan Music Palace, there are typically two daily performances .   A cross-section of a typical monthly concert schedule finds:

• Orchestra + ballet.
• Puppet shows for children .
• Flamenco guitar.
• Star Wars soundtrack symphony.

Single tickets for all concerts can be bought in advance online at the Palau de la Música website . You can also get them at the ticket box office, but you run the risk of shows being sold out.

Wondering about the dress code? Ditch the Barcelona beach wear and dress smart casual .

Related : How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

How to Get to the Palau de la Música

The Palau de la Música is found in Barcelona’s trendy Born District at Carrer Palau de la Música 4-6 . To get there, take the yellow or red metro lines and get off at Urquinaona. You can also get there from Jaume I (yellow line).

The closest stop on the Barcelona hop on hop off bus is Barri Gotic (red line).

There is also a bus stop for buses V15, V17, and 45.

The music palace is within walking distance from:

• Anywhere in the Gothic Quarter .
• The Picasso Museum (5 minutes).
• The Barcelona Cathedral (5 minutes).
• Plaça de Catalunya (10 minutes).
• Las Ramblas  (12 minutes).

🚌 Heading to Palau de la Música? Make sure you know how to get around Barcelona on public transport first.

Palace of Catalan Music Hacks

• Buy your Palau de la Música Catalana tickets online in advance to save money, avoid lining up, and get desired time.
• Combine your entrance with the Barcelona Card for a 25% discount.
• Book for sunny days – mornings and sunsets are especially good.
• Walk all around the building – the backside is spectacular 😉
• Buy gift shop souvenirs after  the tour – guides usually give 10% discount coupons.
• Take the flash off your camera unless you want an angry guide!
• One of Barcelona’s best bars is nearby at El Bar de l’Antic Teatre.
• Explore Barcelona’s Born district while you’re there.

Palau de la Música Catalana History

This garden of light and colour, the brainchild of genius Catalan architect Lluis Domenech y Montaner, was built between 1905 and 1908 during the same period Antoni Gaudi was hard at work on his masterpiece Casa Batllo .

By 1909 the building had already been awarded art nouveau masterpiece status by the city of Barcelona and, in 1971, was declared a national monument.

Over the years, some major improvements and changes have been made – the most important being between 1982 and 1989 and those at the beginning of the 2000s, giving the building a library, some offices, a tiny square, and even a bar.

🧑‍🎨 Want more of Gaudi? Unlock his masterpieces with the best Gaudi tours in Barcelona .

Palau de la Musica FAQs

The Palau de la Musica is a beautiful concert hall located in the heart of Barcelona. It’s known for its stunning architecture and world-class acoustics, and it’s one of the most popular cultural attractions in the city.

The Palau de la Musica is located in the Born District of Barcelona at Carrer Palau de la Música 4-6. It’s easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the metro’s yellow or red line to the Urquinaona or Jaume I stops respectively.

Or you can opt to take the bus, with the V15, V17, and 45 to the Via Laietana stop. Alternatively, Barcelona’s popular Bus Turistic tourist bus also makes a stop outside the Palau de la Musica.

Yes, guided tours are offered on a daily basis between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. You have the option of a self-guided tour, or for just 3 euros more, a guided tour in english. Tickets for the 50 minute tours can be purchased at the box office, or inline in advance via our partners at Tiqets.

Tickets for the Palau de la Musica’s self-guided tour currently start at €16.00. However, for €19.00 you can opt for a fully guided tour of this magnificent attraction to learn about the theatre’s history, admire its incredible architecture, and even hear a musical selection played by the grand concert hall’s organ.

The Palau de la Musica hosts a wide range of events, including classical music concerts, jazz performances, and flamenco shows. There are also guided tours of the building available for those who are interested in learning more about its history and architecture.

Ready to Visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana?

How was your Palace of Catalan music tour? Let me know how it went, but more importantly, make sure to get at me in the comments below for any questions, be they regarding the Palau de la Música Catalana or anything else on your Barcelona holiday.

Que te diviertas🎶

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Barcelona Explorers

best tips to discover Barcelona

Palau de la Música Catalana

One of the best bloggers that we know to have shown what Palau de la Música Catalana hides inside its modernist walls is The Creative Adventurer . This is the ultimate guide that will for sure convince you of visiting this unique attraction.

INTRODUCTION

In a city filled with incredible architectural masterpieces from Gaudí, there is another architect who often gets forgotten. And yet he is perhaps just as influential in terms of founding the Catalan art form of ‘modernism’. His name is Lluís Domènech i Montaner and one of his best designs is the Palau de la Música Catalana. The Catalan style of architecture called ‘modernism’ was developed to support a new Catalan identity. The Palau de la Música Catalana was built in 1905 for the Orfeó Catalá (Catalan Choral Society). It was this choral society that was also a leading force in the Catalan cultural movement. The Palau de la Música Catalana is such an important piece of the history of modernism, and a symbol of Catalan nationalist pride, that it was made a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1997.

CATALAN “MODERNISM”

Catalan ‘ modernism ‘ was a movement in art and literature that began at the turn of the 20th century. It was a movement focused around Catalonia separating itself from the rest of Spain, and this separation began with art and literature. Although Catalonia is part of the Spanish nation, they have customs and languages which are entirely unique to the rest of Spain. Modernism rejected bourgeois values and adopted a bohemian attitude. Many people named the Café Castell dels tres Dragons by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as the first piece design in the modernism style. In other parts of Europe, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement were also on the rise which share similar characteristics with modernism. They all have historically-derived elements, and all passionately use organic-themes, lavish decorations and have a strong sense of asymmetry and unbalance. Their shapes are more free, less restrained and the idea of exploration and imagination are of the utmost importance. This was like Catalan’s Renaissance which they coined the ‘Renaixença ’ or ‘rebirth’.

ACCESSIBILITY

To make your way to the Palau, take the Metro on the Yellow Line (L4) to Urquinaona station. It’s located just nearby the Gothic Quarter so it is easily combined with the Gothic Quarter Walking Tour. Unlike many of Gaudi’s designs, the Palau is tucked away and not on display. You need to discover it for yourself by making your way down these narrow alleyways, away from the main streets.

CONCERT TICKETS OR GUIDED TOURS

There are two ways to visit the Palau de la Música. One of the best ways to see the concert hall as it was meant to be enjoyed is to attend a show or production. Every year the building hosts half a million audience members who’ll come to see over 300 different performances . Seeing a concert here is a unique and powerful experience but understandably the cost might be prohibitive for some travelers, or you just might not be interested in any of the types of performances. The other way to see the concert hall is by booking a guided tour . This guided tour will give you the chance to learn all about the architecture, the artists and the history of the building. The guided tour also gives you access to some parts of the buildings which aren’t accessible during the regular performances. It is advisable to buy tickets for these guided tours in advance since often during peak tourist months they are difficult to come by and you want to ensure you are able to book a tour in your preferred language.

The Palau de la Música is located along a narrow street in the Gothic Quarter. The location of the building is almost claustrophobic, so tightly packed in between the others on the street. But the ingenious designs which Montaner came up with seem to battle this claustrophobic feeling with color and levity. The exposed red brick exterior is opened up with dozens of arches and columns set along the facade, an element inspired by Arabic architecture. The columns are decorated in intricate mosaics which draws your eye up to the roofline. Stained glass windows are used to bring in the natural light from all corners of the building to ensure that all throughout the day there always natural light flowing inside. All of this gives the building a breathy and light quality.

On the south side of the building, at the top of the facade, is an opulent mosaic, made by artist Lluís Bru which represents the members of the Orfeó Català dressed in an allegorical scene. The piece is hard to see from the street and for some reason that makes it all the more special. It feels like something which was meant more for the creator than for the viewer and discovering it was like finding a secret just aching to be found out.

On the southeast corner of the Palau de la Música, you’ll find an awe-inspiring sculpture which seems to soar off the side of the building. This creation was made by sculptor Miquel Blay which he named ‘La cançó popular Catalana’ (the favorite Catalan song). The sculpture takes on a similar shape as the carved figureheads on the bow of a ship. A beautiful woman is the central figure of the sculpture which the other characters surround. The woman, who represents songs, is accompanied by men and women representing Catalan music and art. Atop all the figures is Saint George, the Patron Saint of Catalonia, to protect them all. Symbols of Saint George can be found throughout the building, like hidden Easter eggs around every corner.

Above various columns on the side of the building are busts of prominent figures from the history of music. You can see the heads of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven and Richard Wagner all peaking out across the facade.

Taking your eyes from up high, back down to street level, try to see if you can spot the old ticket box along one of the pillars near the entrance. The old ticket box is surrounded in lovely floral mosaics, blooming all around.

PALAU SQUARE

The new entrance to the Palau de la Música is through Palau Square . This square is an outdoor space which faces the new glass-walled exterior. The glass wall, which makes the entirety of the interior visible to the public on the other side was made by architect Òscar Tusquets. The original architect’s vision for this building was one of glass and light and it seems fitting that Tusquets’s renovations continued this theme. These days the square not only offers locals a place to relax on the staggered steps but is also where the Palau’s cafe and bar spill out on sunny days. In the summer, there are grandstands which are brought out to accommodate musical performances and festivals. This makes the Palau feel like more than just a place to see ticketed events but as a place for the community to meet.

Upon entering the building you’ll step right into the Cafe Foyer. If you’re on a super tight budget and can’t afford to attend a performance or guided tour, you can visit the foyer for free. Inside the Cafe Foyer, you’ll be able to see a surprising amount of the imaginative architecture and stunning ornamentation which continues throughout the rest of the space. The foyer feels so warm and inviting. The wide arches are complete with beautiful red bricks and emerald green tiles as the curve towards the rose decorated ceiling.

At the cafe, you can enjoy Basque-style tapas and Catalan drinks at reasonable prices. Take a seat inside an soak in the ambiance if you don’t have a chance to tour the rest of the interior. The bar itself is a work of art. Brilliant stain glass panels in the shape of blooming flower are suspended between the large brick column with their own budding roses.

Take a walk around the foyer. Darling geometric pieces of stained glasses surrounds ornate columns and powerfully carved archways. Each one with a strong focus on the natural environment. Modernism was all about bringing the outside into the interior, making you feel as though you are always surrounded by mother nature.

LLUÍS MILLET

Grand staircase.

If you’re here during a concert, don’t rush up to your seats. Instead take a moment to study this entryway. As you walk up the stairs, look up the dazzling ceramic glazed ceiling. The tiles are so shiny they appear to shine like the stars.

The staircase is made of exquisitely carved marble, which also shimmers in the light of day. Huge street lamp are affixed on either side of the stairs. On the ceiling above the stairs you can study the pale blue painted roof which is adorned with golden ceramic roses, shaped into the pattern of a giant star.

At the top of the stairs you’ll enter the Lluís Millet Hall. You might be wondering who is this Lluís Millet that all these rooms are being named after. Lluís Millet was a famous Catalan composer who helped found the Orfeó Catalá. This hallway is also called the intermission hall since it’s where guests will retire during breaks in the performances. The most impressive parts of this room is the huge spread of stain-glass windows which face onto the balcony. The flowers which bloom at the bottom of the panels open up into clear glass panes so you can see the incredible mosaics columns which allows for more light to pour into this room.

Standing out on the Lluís Millet Balcony is one of the best parts of the tour. The balcony feels like stepping out into a rainbow garden. The colonnades here are each covered entirely with multicolored glazed tiles in a variety of floral designs. At the top of the columns are some incredible blooming flowers that flourish out of the carved granite. Getting up close to the mosaics you can really appreciate the work that craftsmen put into the coloring of these tiles. They are so vibrant despite their location in outdoors for over a hundred years.

CONCERT HALL

The concert hall is the piece-of-resistance of the entire Palau de la Música Catalana. As soon as you walk in, your eyes are going to be drawn in a thousand different directions. While the dazzling stained glass skylight might be the brightest thing in the entire room, try to take in the whole room as one piece at first. You’ll notice that from afar, the entire place looks like it was brought out from a rocky mountain and not built in the center of a city. The organic impression of the room helps continue to impress on the viewer the theme of naturalism which is so important to Catalan Modernism. While the hall might feel entirely natural and almost like it was created at random, many aspects of the theater were actually thoughtfully designed to ensure the music sounded as pure and full as possible inside the concert hall. The concert hall features about 2,200 seats, spread out over 3 floors, but despite the large size, the room still manages to feel warm and cozy due to all the natural light which flows in from all sides.

This is the only auditorium in Europe that is illuminated entirely by natural light during the daytime! Artificial light, while necessary during the evening, does affect how the room feels.  The walls of the concert hall on either side consist entirely of stained glass panels set beneath fantastic arches. The vaults between the arches and pillars are covered in stunning tile work. In the center of each of the vault are a bunch of laurel wreaths with the names of famous musicians set inside, essentially crowning them with this distinguished honor.

While natural lighting might have been Domènech i Montaner’s preferred means of illuminating space when it came to creating artificial light, he took the job very seriously. The chandeliers are made of many different shaped bulbs in a variety of different colors. They look like stars or constellations spread out across the starry night.

STAINED-GLASS CEILING

The centerpiece of this room is an incredible stained glass ceiling. It is completely breathtaking. Unlike some skylights, this one is an inverted dome, so it feels as though the ceiling in curling in towards the audience below. It was designed by Antoni Rigalt whose mastery of stained glass is unmatched. The center of the dome is a luminous geometric sun in a variety of warm hues. Surrounding the sun is a chorus of angels set against a tightly patterned sky.

Depending on the time or weather during your visit, the light which pours in through the skylight is changeable. Sometimes it appears more green, and sometimes it seems bluer. Much like the real sky which is never merely one distinct color, this shifting quality of these windows is almost magical.

THE STAGE MUSES

18 depictions of women, clad in gorgeous textiles are spread out across the stage wall. While their bodies are designed within the mosaic their faces jut out from the wall into three-dimensional sculptures. Each of the women carry in their hand an instrument of folk music. These are traditional instruments such as harps and castanets. The women are also representatives of the nine Greek muses of the arts. The lower portion of the bodies made of mosaics was created by Lluís Bru while the upper sculptural part was made by Eusebi Arnau. In the center of the stage, is a large mosaic featuring the coat of arms of Catalonia.

THE DORIC COLUMN SCENES

Flanking either side of the stage and creeping up the three story-tall Doric columns are another set of stupendous sculptures. On the left side, we see a group of women clustered together, these women are in the middle of singing the famous Catalan song Les Flors de Maig (The Flowers of May). Above the women is a bust of Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clavé. Clavé was instrumental (pardon the pun) in reviving Catalan folk songs. Clavé is nestled under the shade of a large stone tree whose leaves seem eternally just about to fall to the ground. Looking up from this angle also gives you a view of the remarkable ceramic roses which are littered across the ceiling as well as floral mosaics which are also found on the underside of the balconies. These little details are some of the things which make this building so incredible.

THE PEGASUS

In addition to the horses ridden by the Valkeries, are the flying Pegasus’ who leap downwards towards the audience. These can be found on the upper balconies and if you have seats up here, you can actually get quite close to these sculptures and study every detail of their surging forms.

ROUTE OF THE FLOWERS

Throughout the tour, you may have noticed the repetition of roses either in the textiles, stone, ceramics or embedded in stained glass windows. The Palau de la Música Catalana has more than 2,000 roses spread across the building. The rose is the symbol of Saint George who is the patron saint of Catalonia and as such the symbol of the rose is of great importance to the nation and in this building which served as a symbol of national pride.

THE GRAND ORGAN

If you’re here on tour, you’ll be treated to a performance by a local musician who’ll come in to play the magnificent organ. This is your chance to hear just how intense the sound from this amazing instrument really is. The organ was built custom for space in 1906 by prestigious German firm Walcker in Ludwigsburg . In 1973 parts of the organ were replaced as the instrument was electrified but the organ shop ensured the sound remained as full as the previous version.

Getting to hear some Catalan songs being played through this magnificent instrument was definitely a moment I’ll never forget, and some of the songs brought a tear to my eye. It somehow made the entire place come alive, and for a moment I thought I could see those Valkeries singing along as they flew across the ceiling.

This building is truly one of the most spectacular visions of Catalan Modernism and if you have the chance to visit it in person, don’t hesitate to make the journey to find this breathtaking vision of mother nature come to life through tiles, stone and glass.

Who is The Creative Adventurer ?

The Creative Adventurer is a travel blog that will help you get the most meaningful and unique experiences out of your wanderings. Check them out and find your next adventure!

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Barcelona’s Live Music Scene

Where to shake, rattle and rumba in the city….

Concert Venues:

I. Classical Venues

II. Live Music Bars

III. Irish Pubs

IV. Flamenco Shows

We introduce Barcelona’s live music scene, including the important role played by festivals , before previewing the best concert venues , from grand opera houses to drop-in barrio bars.

Introducing the Scene…

As a city that boasts more artists than pigeons (at least according to our somewhat boozy and unofficial survey), it’s safe to say that Barcelona’s live music scene is – if you’ll forgive the pun – rockin’. The Catalan capital has a rich musical heritage and has cultivated maestros such as the composers Josep Anselm Clavé and Enrique Granados in the 19th Century, the world famous opera singer Montserrat Caballé (who dueted with Freddie Mercury on ‘Barcelona’ theme to the  1992 Olympic Games ), as well as the more contemporary talents of Ojos de Brujo, a nine-piece hip-hop/flamenco band, and Cabo San Roque – who play old washing machines and toy dogs as instruments. This is a city that loves to perform.

Music seems to spring from the very foundation stones of Barcelona, and whether you’re  strolling down La Rambla ,  mooching around on the city beaches  or  exploring Gaudi’s Park Guell  you’re bound to hear some artistic souls strike up a chord or beating a banjo, as often for the sheer joy of playing as for a copper or two. It goes without saying too that, in this decidedly Bohemian city, organised concerts of rock, jazz, blues, electro, flamenco, classical, folk and pretty much every genre in between take place  in every barrio and district … and whereas cynics will point to a lost era of creativity in the late 90s and early 00s, when a greater permissiveness meant more freedom to play wherever you wanted (see below about noise restriction laws!) there’s still plenty going on in the city.

barely a weekend passes around here without a big name or two coming to town

The grander (and pricier) end of the city’s live music spectrum takes place in the major stadiums, concert halls and cavernous nightclubs, where international acts of world-renown are invited to shake the rafters down: barely a weekend passes around here without a big name or two coming to town, from rock legends like AC/DC to, erm, Justin Bieber (sorry about that). But there’s also a bevy of more intimate bars supporting local bands, so if its a casual gig for under a fiver you’re after you’ll be able to find it.

Free concert? Don’t mind if I didgeridoo!

Live Music Festivals

Back to the top acts and it’s well worth keeping an eye on the festival line-ups. Barcelona boasts a number of cutting edge music fests such as  Primavera Sound  (the biggest and best, with a focus on indie bands), Sonar  (which is DJ and dance music orientated, but still invites a great deal of live electronic music acts), and Cruilla (a good mix of genres, from world music and rock, to rap and hip hop), and all of these events mean you can see an array of top acts at a decent price, all things considered.

La Merce is one of many festes majors that take place throughout the warmer months, and during these week-long street parties there’ll be musicians rocking out on every corner and square of the barrio .

If however you don’t have two pennies to rub together, then time your visit for the annual La Merce fiesta in September : this is the official festival of the city and a number of high profile artists play for free in open spaces around town, courtesy of the Barcelona city council (thanks guys!).

La Merce is in fact one of many festes majors that take place throughout the warmer months, and during these week-long street parties there’ll be musicians rocking out on every corner and square of the barrio .

…article continues after photo.

Related Reading

Events Calendar

Festivals Guide

Salsa Clubs

Flamenco Tickets

Electro Parties

Entertainment

Did you know?

World music legend Manu Chao calls Barcelona his home… he owns a bar in the city and wrote the classic Rumba de Barcelona track. Check it out ! He sometimes plays at the La Merce festival and other events about town.

Live music lovers who loathe the idea of stadium-sized crowds, screaming teenagers and overpriced tickets will be pleased to know Barcelona also boasts a number of small and mid-sized venues where more intimate concerts take place. Laws enforcing noise restrictions meant a lot of underground and artistic places lost their licenses in the mid-2000s, but thankfully new hotspots have sprung up and there’s more than enough places spread around the city. As for what you might hear? There are concerts for all tastes, so whether you want to rock up to a klezmer fusion session, afrobeat jam, acid jazz jive or balkan beat bonanza a bit of research will reveal all (start by checking the websites of the venues we list below!).

Naturally musical purists are not left out in the cold/warm, as Barcelona boasts concert halls aplenty for classical performances, such as the Liceu Theatre, with its rich programme of opera and ballet, and L’Auditori where the Barcelona Symphony and Catalonia National Orchestra regale the crowds.

14 Fantastic Live Music Venues

For ease of browsing, we’ve split Barcelona’s concert venues into the following categories:

i. Classical Music ii. Bars & Clubs iii. Irish Pubs iv. Flamenco Tablaos

Classical Music Venues

Let’s aspire to intellectualism and kick off with the classical concert halls:

1. Gran Teatre del Liceu

2. Conservatori Liceu

Just round the corner from the Grand Theatre, this 400-seater basement auditorium plays host to classical and contemporary concerts, small-scale operas and jazz. C/Nou de la Rambla 82-88 www.conservatori-liceu.es

3. L’Auditori

This modern glass palace, built in 1999 and designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, seats 2,200 of Barcelona’s most refined rumps in its main hall for performances by Barcelona Symphony and Catalonia National Orchestra. C/Lepant, 150 www.auditori.cat

4. Palau de la Musica Catalana

Live Music Bars & Clubs

And for some more contemporary spaces…

5. Sala Razzmatazz

This huge, ex-factory in Poblenou invites some of the biggest names in indie and pop to rock Barcelona, and you may well find some of your favourite bands turn up here if you spend much time in the city! C/Almogavers 122 www.salarazzmatazz.com

6. Sala Apolo

Similar to Razzmatazz – a big danceclub by night, but concert venue earlier in the evening. Artists at Sala Apolo are often a bit more leftfield with more dance and electro acts performing, alongside rock, punk and indie. Nou de la Rambla 113 www.sala-apolo.com

7. Slow Barcelona

This stylish  cocteleria  is also a fantastic place to drop by for regular live performances. An eclectic array of bands turn up to regale the club room upstairs with pop, funk, rock and electro sounds every Friday and Saturday night from 9:30pm, after which DJs keep the party going. They recently launched a special website dedicated to just their programme of gigs, so check the link below – or  follow them on Facebook  to keep up-to-date. C/Paris 186 www.slowlive.es

8. Soda Acustic

A relatively new addition to the scene Soda keeps the Bohemian residents of the Gracia district entertained with gigs three or four nights a week. Sundays are always a great bet with one of the city’s most famous Brazilian music collectives,  D’Dom , enjoying a weekly residence there. Prepare to swing your hips to samba, bossa nova, hip hop and funk. Entrance is free. C/Guilleries 6 www.soda.cat

9. Big Bang Bar

One of the city’s most famous music venues, Big Bang is situated on a rather uninviting back alley of the hip but sleazy Raval district. It opens at Wednesdays to Sundays with daily concerts usually starting at 9pm, in their intimate back room. Tickets are typically cheap, around €5 on average. Their website has their upcoming events, as does  their Facebook page . C/Botella 7 www.bigbangbarcelona.com

Irish & International Bars

Barcelona’s Irish and international boozers are reliable places to pop by for gigs during the weekends, when the management tends to book fun-loving folk and cover bands. Entrance is almost always free, so if you’re looking for a casual concert and beer check out the following venues…

10. The Wild Rover

11. Obama Gastropub

12. The Old Irish Pub

Live Flamenco Concerts

One of the most popular activities for travellers is a visit to a traditional flamenco  tablao . And whilst this world-famous Spanish music originates from the south of the country, you might be surprised to hear that Barcelona has it’s own flamenco heritage (you can  read about it here !). If you’d like to see a show we can recommend two popular activities:

13. Tablao Cordobes

14. Flamenco and Tapas Evening

A fun and affordable night at an authentic  tablao  on Plaza Real proves a good chance to make friends with other travellers and cross off two legendary Spanish traditions in one night. The concert is just 30 mins long so a good introduction to the genre, without any fear of you getting too fidgety. You can read more and book via this page .

More Venues?

OMG… don’t tell us we’ve omitted your favourite tambourine jam / body-beats artistic improv centre off the list? That won’t do! Just let us know in the comments of any more great places to hear music live in BCN… we’d love to hear your suggestions!

About the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

Great article I really enjoyed that! Entertaining info and pretty thorough guide, I like the way you ordered it by music genre. Once small thing, you mentioned “Bing Bang Bar” (not Big Bang Bar) was this deliberate or a typo? Thought I´d just let you know! Thanks for a really helpful piece.

Hi Nellie, thanks. Bing Bang would be a great name for a bar, but you’re right, it was a typo! Thanks for the comment.

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Current language: en

Visit and experience the Palau

—A guided tour + plastic workshop (For children 5 to 10 years)

Activity in Catalan

Lluís Plaza ,  educator and tour guide

A guided tour of most emblematic Modernist buildings of Catalonia declared World Heritage by UNESCO, and then there will be an experimental artistic activity with some of the artistic techniques that must be observed during the tour.

During the activity the children must be accompanied by an adult.

Information and tickets

Dates and tickets.

• 12 November 2023 Sunday 10:15 h Concert Hall and Espai Mirador
• 28 December 2023 Thursday 10:15 h Concert Hall and Espai Mirador
• 2 January 2024 Tuesday 10:15 h Concert Hall and Espai Mirador
• 3 January 2024 Wednesday 10:15 h Concert Hall and Espai Mirador
• 18 February 2024 Sunday 10:15 h Concert Hall and Espai Mirador

Production information

• Family Concerts at the Palau

Ticket Office

C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6 08003 Barcelona T. 932 957 207 [email protected]

Monday to: from 9 am to 9 pm. Saturdays: from 9.30 am to 9 pm. Sunday and public holidays: from 9.30 am to 1 pm and 2 hours before the concert (for sale day).

What's on in Barcelona: Music

Want to hear live music in Barcelona? Check our calendar for the best listings in English about concerts in Barcelona.

When planning to attend an event, please make sure to check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information on dates and times.

• Page 1 (Results 1 - 10 )

Apr 26, 2024 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Gigi McFarlane

Concerts & Live Music

London-born singer, guitarist and songwriter, with a Jamaican mother and German father, Gigi McFarlane performs her own songs along with versions of big hits by artists such as Tracy Chapman, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Read more

Photo courtesy of Casa Batlló.

Apr 27, 2024 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Colors and More Colors

From the architectural and musical universe of one of the great intellectuals of Catalan Modernism, take a journey through the history of music recreating with mapping projections various emblematic spaces present in the life of Montaner. Read more

Image courtesy of Palau de la Musica

Apr 27, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Puccini's posthumous opera and one of his great masterpiece, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic titles in the entire operatic repertoire. This complicated and enigmatic story is served with majestic and spectacular music. Read more

Image courtesy of Palau de la Música

Apr 27, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tom Ollendorff Trio

Guitarist Tom Ollendorff presents the acclaimed work Open House at Jamboree, as part of a European tour. A prominent figure in the British jazz scene, Ollendorff has collaborated with Ari Hoening, Bill McHenry, Tim Garland and others. Read more

Apr 27, 2024 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Chopin's Piano Concerto

A repertoire of three fleers, the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, Yulianna Avdeeva, Stephanie Childress will be performing their famous pieces of music. Fantasia del trencadís, Concerto No. 2 and Symphonic Dances. Read more

Image courtesy of L'auditori.

Apr 27, 2024 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Nika Mills Trio

This trio led by Nika Mills offers a repertoire that combines classic jazz and soul songs with their own cover versions of pop and dance tracks. Accompanied by keyboard and percussion, Nika offers a night of lovely tunes in a beautiful setting. Read more

Apr 27, 2024 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Apr 28, 2024 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Apr 28, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Large Wind Orchestra

The term wind orchestra is a name used as a synonym for a concert band. To acknowledge the important role of this ensemble and prove its relevance today, this programme showcases three works from the 21st century. Read more

Apr 28, 2024 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Forma Antiqua

Los Elemantos is a repertoire about a debate between the 4 elements. About who will replace the Sun, who is absent. In the end, Time, acting as judge, announces the Sun's triumphant return Read more

Apr 28, 2024 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Audrey is a young solo artist who has the gift of transmitting her feelings and who particularly enjoys her concerts at Magical Nights. Read more

Image courtesy of Casa Batlló.

Apr 28, 2024 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Gran Gala Flamenco

Introducing the new Catalan generation of flamenco artists. Read more

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Image courtesy of LaNau

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Live music in Barcelona

The best places in the city where you can find live music

Barcelona; the city of bars and music . You can listen to music anywhere whether it's on the street or in stores, metro stations, and parks. There are musical bars with DJ sessions, and of course nightclubs if you want to dance. But, if you like concerts and live music, where do you need to go? Well, here are the best places to find live music in Barcelona .

• 1 Soda Acústic Bar
• 2 Jazz Si Club
• 3 Sidecar and Pipa Club
• 4 Excursions in Barcelona
• 5 Robadors and Big Bang
• 6 Sala Monasterio
• 7 Sala BARTS
• 9 Razzmatazz
• 10 Sala Apolo

In the Catalan capital, one can hear all kinds of live music. The number of locations throughout the city is staggering. You can attend a small jam session or find a concert of Balkan music while enjoying a beer sitting on a comfortable couch or taking a cocktail at the bar. In Barcelona you will find hundreds of bars and alternative clubs, serving up good music and relaxation .

If you are coming to study in Barcelona we advise you to look at our student apartments in Barcelona .We offer apartments of different types, renovated and well furnished in all areas of Barcelona!

Soda Acústic Bar

This bar was opened a few months ago and is located in the bohemian district of Gracia . It was created with the idea of becoming the meeting point for new musical tendencies and above all; to experiment. Here you'll find artists invited from all over the world of different backgrounds and cultures . Listen to the sounds of manouche jazz, Blakan music, Mediterranean, Latin American , and more.

The concerts take place every week from Wednesday to Sunday and each night is different; Rock & Roll, Mambo, Soul, Funk, Caspa, Garage, Exotic, Swing, Rumba, Afrobeat , and more! Their intense musical line-up will transport you to the most remote corners of the world. A musical universe enriched by continuous research of emerging artists and with the participation of different groups and movements promoting new musical styles.

The locale can be found on Carrer de les Guilleries 6 . It is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 20:30h to 2:30h ; and Friday and Saturday from 21:00h to 3:00h . Admission for the evening is €5 including a drink (a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink). They also offer delicious snacks with the drink; small pieces of arabic bread flavored with spices . Yum!

The room features a retro style and has a lovely bar where you can sit on comfortable sofas and enjoy a beer. It has a capacity for eighty people and there is a small stage where artists perform concerts! The place is very cozy and has a strong style. Check out the Soda Acústic website and sign up to the concerts that interest you!

From Gracia I leave to the city centre where there are a tonne of venues and bars for some good music.

Jazz Si Club

This jazz club is located on Carrer Requesens, 2 in the neighborhood of Sant Antoni . It is a small locale with lots of people. Each night of the week you can catch live music from jazz to rock and flamenco to blues . The atmosphere is very relaxed, intimate, and creative. Open 18h to 23h , the price of admission ranges from €5 and €8 .

It is run by the Taller de Musics and in recent years has become a benchmark for musical experiments . Thursday night, for example, is dedicated to the Cuban music and on Friday you can see a Flamenco show . If you really like Flamenco, then you can book an apartment with us and you'll get a free entry and drink to the show at Palacio del Flamenco, with our exclusive Flamenco show discount coupon . Sunday is the most attractive day with jam sessions and if you play an instrument, you can bring it and join the musicians on stage. Visit their website for more information.

Sidecar and Pipa Club

There locales are found in the Gothic Quarter in the ever central Plaça Reial . At Sidecar you can catch the sounds of indie rock with concerts starting roughly at 22:00. It has is divided over two floors - the first with a bar and concert stage , and the basement with a club . The entry varies widely depending on the day and who's playing.

On the other hand Pipa Club is a place that not many know as it's hidden and is even "kept secret" thanks to its roots as a pipe-smoking club . It is divided into various halls where you can enjoy music for all tastes.

Excursions in Barcelona

To make the most of Barcelona and fill your trip with unforgettable experiences and emotions , we offer you the excursions through the Catalan capital organized by our friends - the GetYourGuide team. Choose your excursion and fall in love with Barcelona:

23 Robadors and Big Bang

Time for us to head to Raval where we find 23 Robadors and Big Bang . In the former there are flamenco and jazz concerts . Entry is free and the restaurant is open every day from 22:00-2:30, except Mondays.

Big Bang, on Carrer d'en Botella, 7 , offers space for emerging artists very Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. On other nights it's another place to take part in jam sessions.

Sala Monasterio

Onto Villa Olímpica where together with the sea we find the famous Sala Monasterio . There are concerts every day here and on Tuesday nights it's dedicated to Dub Jam Session . Visit their facebook page to stay informed.

Finally it's off to Poble Sec along Avenida del Paral.lel, 62 , home to Sala BARTS . This place is just a little different from the others, owing to the fact it is bigger and is separated distinctly into two music venues, one smaller where local bands place and one larger for more famous national and international performers. You can see more info on the venues on their official website and visit here to see the line-up at the smaller venue (Barts Club).

From small underground clubs to large concert venues... Here in Barcelona there are three very well known places where the huge international acts like to attend. You can forget about sitting on the couch while sipping a cold beer . These are more the standing with a warm can type venues!

Easily the most famous jazz club in the city. It's found on Plaza Reial by Las Ramblas for this reason alone it's famous amongst visitors from around the world and explains why it's so well-known. They primarily deal with jazz, blues, and latina music from national and international acts, also giving space for emerging artists. It feels modern and multi-cultural and the quality of music is always excellent.

In general, the concerts take place every day from 20:00 to 23:00 and the cost depends on the act, generally though it's nothing that will make you eyes water at €10 - €20 . After the concert you're free to stick around all night to dance to the after-show soundtrack. Their website can be found here ! ;)

Ready to visit the most famous nightclub in Barcelona ? If you love rock music , then gosh, is this the place for you because it just so happens to also be home to one of the most famous concert venues of Barcelona. International artists are no strangers to this stage, as well as some local acts too. You'll find it in an old factory in the neighbourhood of Sant Martí on Carrer dels Almogàvers, 122 (close to Torre Agbar). This huge place is divided into 5 concert halls attracting attendees of all ages and from all over the world.

Concerts take place between Tuesday and Saturdays , while the club is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 0:00 to 6:00 . Entry costs about €15 but in the case of international concerts that can reach as much as €30 . It's easy to get tickets, because you can buy them in advance at any FNAC store (there is one on Plaça de Catalunya in the city centre). Consult their website for the programme.

This concert hall can be found in Poble Sec on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113 . The place is has become known in recent years as the place to be for indie music in Barcelona , but it also offers performances in rock, electronic, reggae, folk . Here there are concerts from international acts to young talents. The price varies a lot so it's always good to consult ahead here.

The venue itself is very unique, once a theatre , conserving the side balconies, gallery, and decór just as it was - wood and red velvet . It's another location where once the concert stops, the party starts with DJ Sessions and dancing until the early morn'. Their website can be found here for more information on upcoming acts

So for fans of live music , if you know any other place in Barcelona whether it's well-known or a hidden-gem, leave a comment and I will add it to the list. One last piece of advice , always try to look at the Facebook pages of the venues first, they are usually more up-to-date than the websites themselves! If you're more of a dancer than a listener, you'll definitely want to visit one of the clubs and bars that let you learn to salsa dance for an incredibly fun night out!

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