THE INSIDE GUIDE : BARCELONA
Barcelona: the vibrant capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan metropolis filled with iconic architecture, eclectic neighbourhoods, diverse culture and streets adorned with Gothic treasures. From beachfront siestas to rooftop soirees, this is a city that exudes an irresistible charm, captivating you from the moment you arrive.
stay
Barcelona is huge city, made up of diverse neighbourhoods each with their own unique personality. There are endless places to stay in Barcelona so your hotel location will really set the tone for your stay. Below are some of the best places to stay (in our opinion) whether you want to stay in Barcelona city centre, downtown Barcelona or the surrounding areas.. we’ve got you covered.
L’Eixample
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon
Casa Elliot by Bondia Hotel Group
Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia 4 Sup
Gothic Quarter
Grand Hotel Central, Small Luxury Hotels
Barceloneta
Grand Hotel Central, Small Luxury Hotels
El Poblenou
Sant Gervasi and surrounding areas
Vincci Mae Avenida Diagonal, 596, Sarrià-St. Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona, Spain
Seventy Barcelona Carrer de Còrsega 344, Eixample, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Sonder La Casa del Sol 23 Plaça del Sol, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
We recently stayed in Poblenou which is home to the Hoxton Hotel - read our full review here
Followed by a stay at Soho House Barcelona located in an 18th-century building in the city's Gothic Quarter. Read our full review on Soho House Barcelona here
“Barcelona is a playground for creativity”
see
Europe's most enchanting city, Barcelona beckons travellers with its iconic landmarks, vibrant street life and boundless charm. You will find everything from the bustling promenades of La Rambla to the tranquil parks of Montjuïc. We are art lovers, so naturally we are drawn to experiences that encompass history, art and aesthetics. These are our current favourites - we add more each time we visit;
Gaudi Architecture With innovative techniques and a colourful palette, Gaudí's buildings are renowned for their intricate details and timeless beauty. Iconic works include the Sagrada Familia in he heart of the city, ( a must see at least once), Casa Batlo, Casa Mila and Park Guell.
Barceloneta Beach Framed by palm trees and lined with beachfront bars and restaurants, it's a popular spot for sun-seekers like us to soak up the lively beach culture of Barcelona.
Street Art and Art Museums Street art in Barcelona is a vibrant expression of the city's creative spirit, adorning its streets, alleys, and buildings with colourful murals, stencils, and graffiti. Our favourite art museum is the Picasso Museum and the one you must see if only visiting one.
Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is a historic labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, and ancient buildings dating back to Roman times. A true treasure trove of architectural wonders, including the iconic Barcelona Cathedral. Placa Reil is also the perfect spot to stop for tapas, grab a drink and watch the world go by.
Mount Tibidabo Here you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s amusement park, Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo, one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1901. This is such a surreal experience which makes you feel as though you have just been transported back in time.
Las Ramblas An iconic boulevard lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, street performers, flower stalls and the famous St Joseph’s Market. A market with everything from fresh fruits and smoothies to tapas and seafood - here you can really experience the essence of Barcelona's dynamic spirit.
There are so many more things to see and do in Barcelona, read our full comprehensive guides on what to see, where to eat and how explore the city like a local below.
“Barcelona is a symphony of sights”
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Barcelona : views and vibes
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Barcelona : best cafes
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Barcelona : what to do
style
Known for it’s laid back lifestyle, streetwear and beachwear are the staple of Barcelona fashion; usually a perfect mix of comfortable and stylish. From chic boutiques showcasing local designers to international fashion houses, Barcelona offers a diverse shopping scene that caters to every taste and budget. Whether you're hunting for high-end couture, vintage treasures, or unique Spanish designs, they have it all.city's top destinations for clothes shopping.
1. Las Ramblas The famous shopping district of Barcelona lined with bustling shops ranging from souvenirs and clothing to artisanal crafts and local delicacies. You can explore a mix of traditional markets, boutique stores, and international brands - the home of Zara.. very dangerous.
2. : Passeig de Gracia : Barcelona’s answer to Rodeo drive. Located on the iconic L’Eixemple, lined with upscale boutiques and modernist facades, you'll find iconic brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci housed in stunning modernist buildings, including the famous Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
3. El Born Boutiques and Markets: From bohemian-chic fashion to avant-garde styles, El Born offers a treasure trove of unique finds for the fashion-forward shopper. Browse through local artisan shops, vintage stores, and concept stores tucked away in charming alleyways, and uncover one-of-a-kind pieces to elevate your wardrobe..
4. Raval A multicultural neighbourhood home to edgy boutiques, thrift stores and skate shops. Explore an eclectic array of styles, from emerging local brands to underground fashion collectives that define Raval's edgy aesthetic.
See what we wore in Barcelona here and see our Travel Capsule Wardrobe here
soiree
Barcelona nightlife is filled with diversity and energy. From stunning rooftop bars with panoramic city views to intimate jazz clubs and bustling beachfront discos, the city comes alive after dark, offering endless opportunities to soiree.
Rooftops: Head up to Majestic Hotels or The Terraza Ayre for the best views of the the city or for the best late night vibes, head to Soho House for one of their Sound Sessions. There are so many Barcelona rooftops to choose from that all offer something different so we made a list of our favourite Barcelona rooftops here
Restaurants Find El National in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, featuring multiple dining areas including a seafood bar, tapas restaurant and a steakhouse. Casa Amalia is our favourite for authentic Barcelona cuisine, aka Paella. If you love steak head to Mr Porters or Solomillo and lastly is another of our favourites and as always, dine at our go-to Cecconi’s for a stunning aesthetic and fail safe menu. If you want more details and more recommendations, read our journal of all of our favourite Barcelona restaurants here
World’s Best Bars Sip, voted best bar in the world for 2024, is an immersive experience offering cocktail menus crafted by expert bartenders within a dimly lit interior, exposed brick walls and eclectic décor to create a stylish setting that we love. Paradiso is also up there at No.7 in the world, nestled behind the façade of a vintage pastrami bar, this cool speakeasy experience transports you to another era and the vintage aesthetics are just our style.
Hotel Haunts If you’re in the mood for a low key, dimly lit haunt in the city, head to one of Barcelona’s many hotel bars for a sultry yet vibrant night out. Our favourites are currently Libertine Bar at Casa Bonay, The Green Room at Soho House and Punch Room at The Edition Barcelona.
Port Olimpic Port Olímpic comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, with beach clubs, bars, and discos pulsating with music and energy until the early hours. Dance on the beach all night long at Carpe Diem.
Festivals and Techno Barcelona's techno and festival scene pulsates with energy all year long. Renowned for its eclectic mix of electronic music genres, the city hosts a myriad of festivals - from the internationally acclaimed Primavera Sound to the iconic Sónar Festival, Barcelona is a mecca for electronic music. Other iconic venues such as Razzmatazz and Apolo, are where world-class DJs and local talent spin beats until the early hours.
El Ravel Full of cosy neighbourhood haunts, trendy cocktail lounges and lively tapas bars, this vibrant district pulsates with energy and charm. La Whiskeria always has a lively atmosphere so it’s always our go to.
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Barcelona : wine and dine
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Barcelona : views and vibes
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Barcelona : bars
