The Top 10 Most Original Bars in Europe

Before embarking on a trip, we normally spend hours searching for and taking note of all the different places we want to visit: museums, restaurants, streets, shops… But every city hides secrets that are invisible to tourists; wonderful places well worth a visit that only the locals know about. Today we want to reveal some of those secrets, and that’s why we’re going to talk about Europe’s most original bars that will leave you in awe with their extravagant design.

 

1.Drinking with Alien – Gruyères (Switzerland)

Gruyères, Switzerland, is home to the HR Giger Bar, a themed bar designed by artist HR Giger and located inside Château St. Germain. Movie buffs will immediately recognize, in its tables, chairs, and in every last detail, clear references to the movie Alien, the special effects of which were also done by Giger.

Where: Château St. Germain, Gruyères, Switzerland

2.World’s Smallest Bar – Milan

 With a surface area of four square meters, Backdoor 43 is the world’s smallest bar. It also happens to be a speakeasy, and you’ll only be granted access with the right password. You need to reserve well in advance to have a drink inside, as there are only two seats. But if you like, you can get one for the road: you’ll be served by a masked barman.

 Where: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, Milan

 

3.An Enchanted Place – Barcelona

 In the heart of Barcelona, though somewhat tucked away, is the Bosc de les Fades; a bar where you’ll feel as if in a fairytale. Trees, small waterfalls, fairies, and gnomes make up most of the decor in this place with a magical atmosphere. You can sit at one of its wooden tables for a drink, lulled by the soothing sounds. A must see if you are in Barcelona!

Where: Museo de Cera, Passatge de la Banca, 7, Barcelona

4.An Old Public Toilet – London

 It’s hardly surprising to find eccentric venues in London, but there’s no way you could have foreseen this. The Attendant is a bar built in an old public toilet dating back to the late 1800’s. After the initial hesitation, we are sure that their coffees and products will positively surprise you and you’ll keep coming back.

Where: 27A Foley St, London

 

5.The Art of Recycling – Prague

If you are going to Prague, drop by the Cross Club, an old building now refurbished and decorated with car and computer parts and industrial machinery. A place for drinking, eating, and dancing in a futuristic environment that is in continuous transformation.

Where: Plynární 1096/23, Prague

6.A Floating Swimming Pool – Berlin

 Enjoy the music and chill out at this bar that only opens its doors in the summertime, the Badeschiff EscoBar. There’s surely no better way to relax in Berlin than by having a good drink in this floating swimming pool in the Spree River, with wonderful views of the city.

Where: Grünberger Str. 47, Berlin

7.The First Ruin Pub – Budapest

 Budapest is the city of ruin pubs, set up in abandoned buildings and decorated with the most diverse items and materials. The first and best-known ruin pub was Szimpla Kert. Although from the outside it may not be the most appealing of places, once inside, the atmosphere generated by the organized chaos of its extravagant objects is quite alluring. The perfect spot to grab a drink and feel like a true local.

Where: Kazinczy u. 14, Budapest

8.An Oil Rig – Amsterdam

 As everyone knows, everything is possible in Amsterdam, and the place we’re about to tell you about proves it. It’s Rem Eiland, a restaurant and bar built in an old oil rig overlooking the IJ River. Besides the unique experience, the amazing view of Amsterdam from its windows alone makes the visit worthwhile.

Where: Haparandadam 45, Amsterdam

9.A Leap into the Future – Paris

 Right across the Louvre Museum we find a bar of avant-garde design: the Wikibar. The most surprising thing about this place is not so much its appearance but the innovative concept of Wikipearls: an organic edible material used for wrapping foods to avoid using plastic and paper. If you are visiting Paris, don’t miss this leap into the future.

Where: 4 Rue du Bouloi, Paris

10.Moving Dinner with Music – Roma

 If you are into jazz and you don’t want to pass on a stunning tour of the eternal city, Tramjazz is just what you are looking for. This moving restaurant, created in a 1947 tram cart, offers good food and a tour through Rome’s most charming spots, and all to the tune of live contemporary jazz.

Where: Porta Maggiore, Rome

 

 

 

If you are still thirsty for more weird places, read World’s 5 Strangest Cafeterias.