Barcelona Spain: Travel Guide
Barcelona has so much to offer, from art and architecture to gastronomy. Being the capital of Catalonia the people embrace their history and the vibe is energetic and spirited. I’m drawn to cities with a water element, and since it’s located on the Mediterranean Sea, it certainly checks that box.
Probably my main love for the city is the artistic genius of Gaudí. Nowhere else in the world will you experience anything similar; colorful, playful, and altogether brilliant. I recommend an entire day devoted to seeing all things Gaudí; La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and one of the Casa’s (Batlló or Milà).
You should add visits to the cities other museums; National Museum of Catalan, Picasso, Miró, and the Palace of Catalan Music is a gorgeous venue to take in. Then there is football, aka soccer, and this town is mad for their team. If you have the opportunity to experience a match, take advantage.
Should you be limited on time, Get Your Guide offers an e-bike tour so you can cover at lot in a short time.
Along with taking their football seriously, the same goes for food and nightlife, and each neighborhood has its own flair.
The L’Eixample is one of the most picturesque with notable buildings, and high-end shopping. The sidewalks are wide and the middle of the road turns into an open-air restaurant scene. It’s here you’ll find restaurants with a modern twist on traditional Catalan cuisine.
To Eat:
Bar Mut: Chalkboard menu, fresh fish of the day, local wine by the glass
Pepa Pla: Creative cuisine and natural wines
Tapas 24: A Michelin-starred chef (Carles Abellan) little basement bar
Cerveceria Catalana: Wonderful tapas selection (go off hours to avoid a wait)
To Stay:
The One: Central location, wonderful service
El Palauet: Splurge, historical boutique hotel
In contrast, the Gothic Quarter is filled with narrow streets, small squares, and takes you back to Medieval times. Peek inside as many churches as you can and discover the kiss mural. You’ll find some great little wine bars and some of my favorite tapas bars are in this area. This area of the city is as traditional Catalan as it gets.
To Drink & Eat:
Can Cisa – excellent by the glass wine selection
Bar Celta Pulperia – for the best (and cheapest) octopus
A neighborhood perfect for wandering to find your own experiences…
To Stay:
Hotel Colon: in the center of it all, next to the Cathedral
For more travel experiences in Spain, check out;