Catalonia’s cosmopolitan capital, Barcelona has something for everyone with its incredible food offerings, whacky architecture and city beach.
We’ve put together the only list you’ll need for an unforgettable time in this buzzy city…
What to see/do:
Casa Batlló:
One of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works in Barcelona, Casa Batllo is known among locals as the “House of Bones.”
It’s a dreamlike structure with an interior that’s just as unusual as the outside, and is well worth a visit. Buy tickets in advance to skip the queues.
Palo Alto Market:
A creative market takes place on the first weekend of each month in an abandoned factory that’s had a makeover. It’s like shopping in a beautiful forest.
Popular with hip locals, you can expect vintage stalls, street food, music and art.
Gràcia:
One of Barcelona’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Gracia has a bohemian vibe and still feels like a local village.
Walk along the lively Carrer de Verdi to get a full overview of this wonderful area. Organic food stores, hip boutiques and great coffee await. Oh, and stop by La Plaça de la Virreina for some tapas.
Labyrinth Park of Horta:
Labyrinth Park of Horta is one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. Why visit? To explore the hidden green maze of over 2,000 feet of twists and turns to get lost in.
It’s free on Wednesdays and Sundays, and about €2.30 every other day.
Barceloneta:
Surf, sunbathe and eat your bodyweight in seafood at Barcelona’s beach. It’s not the most beautiful beach you’ll ever see, but that’s not the point.
It’s a hive of activity with heaps of restaurants and bars that serve sangria and great tapas.
Where to eat:
Maitea Taberna:
This traditional Basque restaurant has over 100 pinxtos (toothpick-spiked bar snack of the Basque region,) to choose from on the menu.
Old-school dining with a fantastic atmosphere.
Churrería J. Argilés:
A late night institution, you won’t find better churros in the city than at this stand beside the Marina Metro Stop (L1).
Order the piping hot fried dough drenched in chocolate by weight and see why Churrería J. Argilés is so popular.
Lluritu:
An effortlessly cool seafood joint in Gracia, Lluritu is a seafood lover’s dream. Their menu is almost entirely seafood: grilled squid, grilled razer clams and fresh oysters.
Grab a seat at the tiny bar and order a glass of Vermouth to wash it all down.
Where to drink:
Bar Marsella:
This cult cash-only bar has been in existence since 1820 and served the likes of Picasso and Hemingway. A traditional absinthe bar that oozes antiquated charm with its vintage bottles and mirrors.
It’s no wonder that Woody Allen chose to shoot a scene from Vicky Christina Barcelona in here!
La Confiteria:
A former confectioner’s shop, La Confiteria is a trendy cocktail bar that does unusual recipes and a great G&T.
It’s open until the early hours so you can sip on a glass of local wine and soak in buzz for as long as you like.
Ocaña:
Just off La Rambla as the scenic Plaça Reial square, this bar is all about its sprawling terrace on summer nights.
Inside is moody and romantic, and they serve some of the best cocktails in town.
Where to stay:
Looking for luxury?
Hotel Arts Barcelona:
Towering 44 floors above the sea, this is a striking tower of blue glass and steel with ocean views.
Everything you could want from a five-star hotel, including Michelin-star dining and a rooftop spa.
On a budget?
Praktik Garden:
Part of a chain of budget designer hotels, Praktik Garden features a superb large outdoor terrace of abundant lush plants and stylish rooms.
Reasonable rates make it perfect for shorter stays.
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