Tucked into a tiny passage off Plaça Sant Jaume, El Paraigua ("The Umbrella") occupies a space built in 1902 as a luxury umbrella shop. The original carved wooden facade and stained glass survived, making this one of the most beautiful small bars in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.
The cocktail list leans classic — well-made gin and tonics, negronis, and a few house specialities. Prices are moderate for the neighbourhood. It gets busy on weekend nights but the vibe stays civilized. The upstairs room, with its original Art Nouveau details, is worth seeing even if you only stay for one drink.