Barcelona has become a brand in itself. One of the most recognized European cities worldwide, its dynamic business environment, trade fairs and cultural effervescence draw travelers on both leisure and business to explore it. The capital of Catalonia is also the largest city in the coast of the Mediterranean, and one of the largest urban extensions in Europe. In the last many years it has… Read more »
Local: Barcelona
One of the most iconic things about Barcelona is its outstanding, groundbreaking architecture and breathtaking buildings scattered around the city. Surely magnificent, the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell should be on your list, but don’t miss other amazing projects by Gaudi like Casa Milà (or La Pedrera), Casa Batllò or Casa Vicens, the first house designed by Gaudi that will open to the public soon.… Read more »
Known endearingly to locals as “Born”, this neighborhood is not new but newly hip. The “place to be” in Barcelona, this trendy region is right by the good old Gothic Quarter and just across from hectic Via Laietana. Wander around the pretty Triumph Arch and Parc de la Ciutadella, and then head to the neighbourhood’s narrow streets and spend some time on Carrer de La… Read more »
If you are looking for some time under the sun, skip the popular urban beach of Barceloneta, it can get really crowded on hot days. Try to skip Costa Brava as well, it is further away (officially from Blanes to the French border) but at the peak of summer can get equally packed with lines of cars and hordes of tourists. Go the Barcelonan way… Read more »
What could be better than developing (or mastering) new skills whilst exploring a city? Whether taking photos is your hobby, for social media sharing or you simply want to take nice pictures to register a memorable experience in town, photography tours can be a fun and unique way to get acquainted with Barcelona. We found the Barcelona Photography Tour to be a perfect experience. There… Read more »
Even though the Flamenco actually comes from Southern Spain (Andalucia is well known for it), one feels like experiencing it when visiting the country. It is difficult to find authentic places in which to listen to and watch elegant and passionate Flamenco dancing without falling into a tourist trap. Los Juanele, in Eixample, is probably the closest you can get to a typical taverna full… Read more »
Would it be possible to go to Barcelona and not watch the mythical soccer team play? For sports enthusiasts this is a must, but even if you are not a soccer fan, a visit to legendary Camp Nou stadium is a good way to experience a bit of the sport and team that is said to have five hundred million fans worldwide. The stadium holds… Read more »
For many years, hordes of tourists have invaded Barcelona and to cater for this demand there has been a surge of restaurants and tapas bars, making it quite difficult to keep up with the latest hot spots and best food. So, if you want to make sure to have best tapas in a place that is not just the “tapas bar of the moment”, we… Read more »
Food in Barcelona is simply amazing and the amount of excellent restaurants leaves you spoiled for choice. At some stage, you may want to diversify from tapas and paellas and try some Italian. If so, this is the one. Located in Poble Sec, Xemei is a hidden gem, not far from some areas of Montjuic. Considered the best Italian in town, the owners (twin brothers)… Read more »
In Barceloneta and near the sea (no sea views though), the Can Solé is as traditional and Catalan as you can get. It has been around for decades and the food is delicious. The area used to be a fisherman’s village, before the tidal wave of tourism, and has maintained a local flair and the quality of its food. Can Solé is very laid back,… Read more »
This 3-starred Michelin restaurant is located in the upscale Sarriá-Sant Gervasi region in the ABaC Hotel (see our Where to Stay), a perfect location to escape from busy old town and seaside Barcelona. The experience is quite unique, sophisticated and certainly memorable. You will be greeted at entrance and taken to a lounge to savor amuses-bouches and cocktails. You will then be invited to choose the… Read more »
There are hundreds of tapas bars in Barcelona so our mission to suggest ones we liked the most is not an easy one. We highly recommend Bar Mut in Eixample, a mix of tapas place and full restaurant. Actually, don’t miss it! There is no fixed menu since the staff likes to take advantage of the best and freshest produce available (how delightful!) and specials… Read more »
Do you want to try famous Adriá without booking a table months in advance at any of his starred restaurants? Disappointingly, El Bulli has permanently closed and, rumor has it, it was because Adriá could not stand the restaurant’s fame anymore. Do not despair, however, as you can now enjoy the more reasonably priced Tickets, but not without making a reservation, since it is as… Read more »
We were intrigued and drawn to this restaurant named “five senses” and went with high expectations of having ours tantalized. We can report our expectations were duly met, if not exceeded! The large dining area is elegant and minimalist, ensuring all attention is given to food and drink. The tasting menu was perfectly paired with wine, so let us suggest you go for the full… Read more »
Nice weather seasons see an upsurge of rooftop bars in most trendy towns, and Barcelona is certainly no exception. The nicest are at the rooftop of boutique hotels, and we recommend here some of our favorites. The Eclipse Bar at the W Hotel is a modern and design sensitive rooftop bar, with locals and stylish travelers enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and stunning sea views out of the ceiling… Read more »
Located in trendsetting in vogue Eixample region, young travelers love The Margot House for its optimal cost benefit: outstanding location right in front of Casa Batllò and walking distance to many of Barcelona’s landmarks and good service. The very cool décor has a minimalist style and hipster touches. Usually breakfast is included in hotel daily rates, which you can seldom find nowadays in Europe, and… Read more »
If staying in Barcelona’s well known Las Ramblas and near the Gothic Quarter is your goal, we recommend what we believe to be the best option in the region – Hotel 1898. The 19th century colonial building, which in former lives was the home of an aristocratic family and a tobacco company, has been beautifully restored into a charming grand hotel. The elegantly sophisticated imposing… Read more »
Hotel Alma is situated in Eixample and by Passeig de Gràcia, this boutique property is eight blocks from Sagrada Familia and many of the major attractions in Barcelona are walking distance, like Casa Batló or La Pedrera. The classical yet modern façade hides the minimalist architectural interior, elegantly decorated in shades of grey, dim lighting, a lot of warming wood and tasteful furniture textiles. We… Read more »
Arts is a large hotel with 400 or so rooms which, although a little larger than the ones we usually suggest, still maintains excellent quality and a personable service. It is by the sea and faces the Barceloneta beach, the urban escape for locals that gets really crowded in high season. From Arts you have splendid panoramic views of the city, and what we liked… Read more »
In the historic center, convenient even if Via Laietana and Catalunya square can be a little too busy, Ohla is ideally located if you aim to visit attractions or have business meetings. It is just steps away from stunning Palau de la Musica and very near the city’s Cathedral. We like that this boutique hotel is housed in a historical neoclassic building with an avant-garde… Read more »
