The Complete Guide to Barcelona, Spain
When A brought up the idea of going on a trip, I was absolutely ecstatic at the idea of packing some bags and adventuring. He had always dreamed of going to the giant annual tomato fight festival, La Tomatina, in Buñol and my favorite book is set in Barcelona, so it was a natural choice that our first big overseas adventure together would be Spain. We spent a week exploring Barcelona, eating all the local foods and tapas, soaking in the culture, and drinking cava until we became confident in our Spanish again. Read on for my Barcelona Mini Guide, including our favorite places for tapas and drinks, things to see, and even a day trip or two!
Where We Stayed
For most of our time in Barcelona, we stayed at Vrabac Guesthouse just off Las Ramblas in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a gorgeous little hostel that has private rooms available (so many people don’t realize that many hostels offer private rooms, you’re not just stuck in the bunkbeds!) and served the most delicious breakfasts each morning including cafe con leche, Spanish omelets, and this amazing mystery melon that I still dream about!
After a week we headed to Valencia for La Tomatina festival (check out the guide if you’re thinking about going!), but we planned on coming back to Barcelona for one final night before our return flight to the States. We figured for the last night of our trip we would splurge, and stayed at the Olivia Balmes Hotel in the Eixample district. Our room was gorgeous, there was cava and treats waiting for us when we checked in, and my absolute favorite part- one of those rainfall showers!
Districts to Explore
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is arguably the most well known district in Barcelona and for good reason! It is home to some of the most amazing medieval architecture, historic sites, and amazing food and culture. Although it can be touristy at times, it is still worth getting lost in the winding streets, sipping on coffee or vermouth in historic cafes, people watching in the plazas and window shopping for trinkets along Las Ramblas.
El Raval
Just next to the Gothic Quarter, El Raval is a vibrant neighborhood rich with street art and a laid back atmosphere. Home to the famous Mercado de la Boqueria as well as plenty of bohemian cafes and boutiques lining the streets, this is a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Eixample
Eixample is a modern district situated between the old city and new. Filled with higher end hotels and plenty of shopping, it’s here that you’ll get a taste of the finer side of life and maybe even be seduced by the many designer shops making up Barcelona’s fashion boulevard, Passeig de Gràcia.
Gràcia
Gràcia has a much quieter and relaxed vibe compared to it’s counterparts in the old city. Thanks to the proximity and in some cases being the home to many Gaudí sites such as Parc Güell, La Sagrada Família, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló (just to name a few!) it is a district not to be missed!
Where to Eat
Perikete - This was a tapas bar that we happened to walk by on our way back from the beach, and oh my god am I happy we chose to turn down that street right as we were getting hungry. Our absolute favorite food came from Perikete, and we definitely made sure to go back here on our last night to really savor everything before going home. It has a super laid back and intimate vibe, with wine bottles lining the walls and jamón ibérico hanging from the ceiling. Come hungry and with an adventurous spirit and get ready to give each dish a taste!
La Xampanyeria - A local cava factory hidden away on a side street near the port, this place is a not so secret gem! They are known for their selection of local cavas on offer by the glass or bottle, and do not pass up a taste of their specialty, the rosé cava. We went on a weekend night and it was crowded with locals who absolutely welcomed us into the pulsing and hectic atmosphere. Be sure to bring cash with you, as they are cash only here!
Mercado de la Boqueria - This huge market is famous for a reason! It’s the perfect spot for the indecisive grazer, with rows and rows of stands offering anything from fresh juices and fruit to cured meats, to gazpacho in to-go cups. It is easy to satisfy any appetite here, and there are also plenty of artisan food products and art that are perfect for a souvenir or gifts for friends and family back home.
Els Quatre Gats - This seemingly hole in the wall cafe actually has quite the history. A once popular hangout for artists during the modernist period, Els Quatre Gats was frequented by the likes of Picasso, Gaudí and many other well known artists. Present day it is a fantastic spot for a lunch full of wine and vermouth (because vacation!) and enjoying the eclectic art and character.
Els Quatre Gats Cafe
Perikete Tapas Bar
What to Do
Laberinto del Horta
This is a giant (you guessed it!) labyrinth located just north of downtown Barcelona. Entry costs about 2-3€ per person, and for that you can go test your sense of direction in the maze as well as enjoy the rest of the gardens.
Sagrada Família
How could I even make a guide to Barcelona without including La Sagrada Família? One of the most iconic sites of the city, it is not to be missed. Be sure to buy tickets online the day ahead, we made the mistake of trying to get tickets day of and they were sold out and we had to come back.
Park Güell
Another iconic Gaudí site, Park Güell is a perfect place to spend a few hours. I recommend going in the afternoon to avoid the huge midday crowds. The main park is free, but there are admissions to certain sites such as inside Casa Museu Gaudí and the restricted section of the park containing the famous winding mosaic seating. We opted to skip the restricted section because it was absolutely packed with visitors, but had it been less busy we probably would have sprung for it!
Barceloneta Beach
An excellent beach right in the heart of Barcelona, perfect for a lazy sun soaked morning! Be sure to bring cash, there will be people walking through the crowds selling mojitos and sangria. This is also a topless beach (as most beaches in Spain are) so don’t be surprised by the sunbathers, and join them (like I did!) if you’re feeling adventurous.
Tibidabo
To get to Tibidabo, You’ll take a tram through the gorgeous mansions along Avinguda del Tibidabo until you reach the base of the mountain. From here you can take the funicular up, where you will find a full amusement park and Sagrat Cor, a cathedral at the very top.
Castell de Montjuïc
Located just south of the heart of Barcelona, Montjuïc is home to expansive views of the city and tons of history. There was an amazing art installation while we were there by artist Clara Gassiot called Questioning Fortresses, considering issues relating to strength and power in today’s world.
Favorite Photo Spots
Plaça d’Isidre Nonell
This mural, called El Món Neix en Cada Besa (The World Begins with Every Kiss), is actually a photo tile mosaic designed by Joan Fontcuberta using images representing ‘a moment of freedom’ submitted to the local paper. It is supposedly good luck to take a kissing photo here ;)
La Carbonería
Once home to squatters, this is now one of the most photographed buildings in Barcelona. The building was scheduled to be demolished, but is now categorized as being of historic and artistic interest.
Bunkers del Carmel
These bunkers date back to the Spanish Civil War, and provide one of the best views of the city. Many people gather here in the evening to have picnics, drink wine, and soak in the sunset. The bunkers are in a residential area, so be respectful of people’s homes when visiting!
Recommended Day Trips
Monestir de Montserrat
Montserrat is reachable by train and cable car, and is a largely popular day trip from Barcelona. The monastery is situated half way up the mountain, built directly into the side of the rock. Along with the sacred points of interest there are restaurants, shopping, and some very delicious gelato. From the monastery there are also many entry points into the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat, with hiking trails leading to amazing panoramas of the unusual mountainside. Click over to my Montserrat post for more info!
Valencia
There are plenty of nearby cities that can be visited over a quick weekend trip from Barcelona. We picked Valencia as we were planning to go to a festival there, and fell in love with the city. Check out my Valencia Travel Guide for everything to do while you’re there!
Monestir de Montserrat
Valencia
