Les Gens que j’aime: a bar we like a lot

Right in the centre of the city, just a stone’s throw from la Pedrera and the Casa Batlló, les Gens que j’aime, a unique Barcelona bar, opened its doors in the 60s.

It’s sort of a little Catalan cousin of the bars that are typical of St Germain in Paris and the bohemian nights of their era, and the walls are full of reminders of members of the intellectual movement that defined those years.

Since then, visitors of all ages and horizons have found it a relaxing place to spend time in red velvet couches and contemplate its authentic, shabby chic decor.

I like Les gens que j’aime

I like its retro style

Les Gens que j’aime

surprises from the first moment you descend its narrow staircase.

If you happen to first end up in Les gens que j’aime while it’s still daylight, your eyes will take a moment to adjust to the darkness. But once they have, you will notice an incredible hodge podge of furniture and unusual objects placed here and there: silent witnesses of the bar’s life since it opened in 1967.

Your eye will inevitably rest on a very retro charming blue light, a bright red hat hung from a coat rack, a beautiful art-déco lamp with a lopsided shade, or one of the many black and white photos scattered over the walls of this quirky bar.

I like its cosy atmosphere

At Les gens que j’aime, nothing has changed since 1967 and its period decor gives it the most pleasant atmosphere.

Here there is no expectation of loud music or electronic beats. The atmosphere is muted and the lights are dim. You will be soothed by calm chatter and jazz tunes and the atmosphere is conducive to conversation in small groups or couples.

• Advice for lovers: Les gens que j’aime is the perfect place for a first date…

I like the range of cocktails

Your conversation will be punctuated by the light click of shakers as at Les gens que j’aime, all of the cocktails are made to order by expert hands behind the elegant black bar. Mojito, margarita, caipirinha, tequila sunrise, gimlet, and more… You will be spoiled for choice, and for less than 10 euros you can sip on your favourite cocktail for as long as you like.

I like its magical corners

If you’re in the mood for quiet you can find more private little corners, such as under the stairs, where a discrete nook welcomes people who want to shut out the rest of the world.

• Les gens que j’aime even has a fortune teller, who can read your fortune for you in a quiet corner.

Avoid missing Les Gens que j’aime…

This cocktail bar can be difficult to find as it’s underground.

• Its neighbour, the Egyptian museum (museu egipci) will help you find it..

Magical, unique and old-fashioned: I strongly advise you to visit this adorable bar…