Barcelona City Guide
Barcelona is a cultural hub with a rich history and an interesting mix of timelines crossing. You can be transported back to Medieval times and walk a few blocks further to be in a modernista candy land. Taking a long walk is one of my favorite things to do because every street has something beautiful and interesting to catch my eye. There is a bit of grunge, a bit of luxury, a touch of bohemian, and so many other bits in between.
Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite places to eat and drink and some suggestions for things to do in the city that might be overlooked in the usual guidebooks. I will continue to add to this list as I come across new places but these are the few I have returned to multiple times. Keep in mind you can get any kind of amazing food or drink in this city and even the dive bars typically have something tasty to snack on.
Places To Eat:
Quimet i Quimet:
My favorite tapas restaurant in the city. The Smoked Salmon with Truffle Honey and Yogurt should not be missed and a glass of house vermut or cava is the perfect match. Check their hours and keep in mind it is standing room only, but that’s part of the fun! Be prepared to shout your orders to the counter and snuggle with your neighbors.
Agreste:
Located just outside the city center in the Horta neighborhood, this restaurant is one of my and my fiancé’s favorites in the whole WORLD…yes you read correctly. Their menu of the day (only available weekdays) is incredibly priced and the farm to table food is seasonal and sooooo delicious. They have wine pairings and vegetarian options and the space is homey and classic.
Baldomero:
Half coffee shop, half lunch counter, this place is like nothing I have seen before. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable, the coffee is amazing, and around lunch time they bring out massive bowls of freshly prepared dishes which you can point to and select. Everything is healthy and beautiful and well-portioned. Their kale salad, quinoa pilaf, and tabbouleh are some of my favorites.
Origo:
This bakery has magical heirloom sourdough breads and their fougasse (an herby pretzel-like bread) is one of my favorite weekend treats. Oh, and they make their own kimchi and sauerkraut!
Rabipelao:
Argentinian arepas, super delicious mojitos, and a fun, intimate atmosphere.
Ottontotto:
Hands down the best Italian pizza we have found in Barcelona, and trust me we have tried a lot!
Little Fern:
A brunch restaurant with beautiful big windows, excellent coffee, a healthy and diverse menu, and located in a funky, creative neighborhood.
Taverna El Glop:
I have only been to the Grácia location and love it dearly. This tavern serves traditional Catalan dishes with seasonal dishes and it feels like it is from another time. The mushroom rice is amazing.
Patisseria Hofmann:
This bakery makes beautiful desserts and pastries but my favorite is the raspberry croissant. I love raspberries and this is like biting into deep summer.
Escribá:
This is one of the first places I ever went to in Barcelona when I visited 10 years ago, It is still my absolute favorite place to get European Hot Chocolate. The small size is usually plenty for me because its rich and dark. They also carry pastries, chocolates, cakes, and coffees. The Ramblas location is in a gorgeous old pharmacy building from the early 1900s.
Parking Pizza:
This is a close tie with Ottontotto for the best pizza. It really is incredible and the warehouse space that it’s in is a fun dining experience. It’s a bit more expensive than others but certainly worth it for a special occasion.
Places to Drink:
Dry Martini:
If you are looking for a classy atmosphere and an elevated cocktail, this is your place. They have one served in a pipe shaped glass with smoke coming out the top. The drinks here have a reputation and there is good reason for it.
Puigmartí Vermuteria:
This is one of our neighborhood stops for house made vermut and really good tapas. Their bravas are a bit unusual with smoked truffle salt, but they are my favorite in all of Barcelona.
La Xampanyeria:
This is an old school establishment that draws the crowds. It’s located near the port in Barceloneta and has cheap house made cava of different varieties and cheese and charcuterie plates.
Syra Coffee:
They have opened locations throughout Barcelona and I am grateful for it because I love the coffee, this is where we buy our beans, and their baristas are always super sweet. I recommend bringing your own cup like we do because they only offer paper cups.
Matcha Gracias:
This cafe is new to Barcelona and is serving up all the matcha green tea drinks. They import their matcha from Japan and have everything from matcha lattes to iced matcha and vegan food and treats.
Mikkeller:
This bar specializes in beer from Copenhagen, has a hygge-styled space, and truly delicious comfort food that still feels very fresh and healthy.
Things To Do:
Tibidabo:
I am not usually an amusement park person but this one is really cool. It has been there since the turn of the last century and still holds nostalgic charm. The view of the city from the rides is unbelievable and riding the funicular to get to the park is just as fun as the rides.
Day at the Beach:
I’m sure if you are coming to the Mediterranean you are already planning on going to the beach, but I thought I would mention Badalona and Sitges are great day trips from Barcelona with cleaner beaches and less crowds.
Palau de la Música:
Even if you don’t go inside, this modernista building designed by Lluis Doménech i Montaner is stunning to look at. However, I would highly recommend seeing a flamenco concert or something so you can experience it as its meant to be.
Festa de Grácia:
This year the festival runs August 15th-21st in the Grácia neighborhood and is worth a trip. The streets fill with massive art installations, food stalls, street bars, and live music. It is magical and free. All of the neighborhoods in Barcelona have festivals like this throughout the summer so be sure to check the calendar if you are traveling then.
Visit Parc de Collserola:
If you are looking for a little day hike and escape from the city, this park has trails connecting to the Mundet Metro stop. The trails lead through the park and have amazing views of the sea. There are a couple of country style restaurants nestled in the park and have traditional Catalan food to fuel you on your journey.
Mercantic in Sant Cugat:
Located one village away from Barcelona, this antique market is a perfect way to spend a Sunday. Stalls selling antiques are scattered amongst food trucks, petite restaurants, bars, and a music venue inside of a library.
James Turrell Exhibition:
I love anything that James Turrell creates but this installation is in the hallway leading up to a beautiful convent and the juxtaposition is so cool. It’s a small installation but I love the way it looks at night.
Mercat Dels Encants:
If you love digging through old treasures, this flea market is for you. It is housed in a modern structure that is a treasure itself and has so many stalls, you could truly spend an entire day there. This is a place to find a bargain and when all is said and done you can grab a drink and a snack on the top floor.
Places to Stay:
Casa Gracia:
An affordable, cute hotel on one of the nicest streets in Barcelona. The bar downstairs has excellent food and drinks and often hosts live music. Great location for walking around.
Hotel Brummell:
Another affordable option with a modern aesthetic.
Hotel Pulitzer:
Classy, cozy, and centrally located
Casa Bonay:
Central location with elevated beach vibes.
If you are traveling to Barcelona and need suggestions for the neighborhood you will be staying, in feel free to comment below and I will send you more tailored suggestions.
