Barcelona combines iconic attractions, a world class drinking and dining scene, and acclaimed architecture, with the charm of a Mediterranean seaside town.
Barcelona is late nights and slow mornings. It’s taking a siesta to prolong conversation into the early hours. It's a t-shirt, shorts and sunglasses. It’s sunshine and good wine. It’s Always a good time.
In essence, Barcelona is a collision of all that is good about a holiday destination.
With so much to offer, a weekend in Barcelona is rarely enough. So let us talk you through a few quick tips to make your weekend away a memorable one.
Where to eat? El Quim de la Boqueria
Spain and the region of Catalunya have a strong culinary reputation, with menus grounded in the familiar flavours of olive oil, tomato, garlic and fresh Mediterranean seafood.
Expect the many restaurants throughout the city to offer classic, down-to-earth staples like paella and tapas along with more modern, innovative takes on Spanish dishes.
With so much quality and choice, we recommend an afternoon in a tapas bar where you can graze Spain's favourite nibbles.
Barcelona boasts tapas in such variety, that it’s important to know where to head in search of these delicious small plates. One place that Always hits the spot is El Quim.
Located amongst the stalls of the famous Mercat de la Boqueria, El Quim borrows its ambiance from the sights, colors and buzz of the iconic fresh-produce market. The service is fast and unfussy, but the food more than makes up for that making this the perfect place to fuel up before an amble through the rest of the market.
Pull up a stool at the bar and watch on as the chefs hurriedly prepare your food in front of you. The fried eggs and squid is their speciality but after all it is tapas, so grab a bit of everything.
Special mentions: Bar Cañete
How to spend the day? La Rambla
Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla descends from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell, making the pedestrianised 1.3km boulevard ‘the’ place to stroll when visiting.
Expect everyone from street performers and selfie-stick vendors, through to gelaterías and boutique shops to vie for your attention.
Use La Rambla as your compass, but allow yourself to be distracted by the labyrinth of gothic streets on either side of the avenue to avoid the tourists and pickpockets.
A morning spent wandering this iconic tree-lined boulevard is a must not miss.
Where to start an evening? Xiringuitos
Days in Barcelona should include aimless wandering to take in the sites, beachside bites, all topped off with a golden hour that seems to last a lifetime. Tick off two of those at a beach shack, or as the locals call them, xiringuitos.
Down by the beach, you’ll find dozens of xiringuitos serving cold drinks and good food. However, it’s the view that makes for the ultimate ingredient.
We recommend checking out Xiringuito Escribà and Chiringuito Pez Vela, or wherever takes your fancy.
Where to get that Instagram photo? La Sagrada Familia
If time only allows one sightseeing stop whilst in Barcelona, make sure it’s this. Although not yet finished, the impressive unesco- listed Gaudi masterpiece is synonymous with the Barcelona skyline.
From every angle, inside and out, the cathedral is a thing of beauty. With no ‘bad side’, it’s the perfect place to capture that ‘I’m in Barca’ snap. We’ll leave it up to you whether you make use of a three euro, neon green selfie-stick.
Where to take in the best view of the city? Bunker del Carmel
Anyone looking to take in an incredible 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Barcelona should head to the hilltop ruins of the Bunkers del Carmel.
The now popular viewpoint was originally built as anti-aircraft fortifications atop the hill of Turó de la Rovira. Some 262 metres above the Mediterranean sea in the distance, you won’t find a better vantage.
Dusk is the best time to enjoy this spot, as locals and tourists alike flock to grab their patch to listen to the live music, enjoy a drink, and take in the incredible views.
The El Carmel neighbourhood below is full of small bars so make sure to stop off on the way up.
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