Barcelona Travel Guide
As many of you know, I am back living in Barcelona and I now know the city like the back of my hand and have curated quite a list of things to see, do, eat, and drink. I have kept the descriptions short and sweet for you to keep a little pocket guide to take with you on your trip, I hope you find it useful!
Last updated April 28th 2024
Getting around
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Metro - we get around everywhere using the metro - only around one euro per journey (buy the Tcasual/T10 ticket) - use google maps to work out which line to get on and use the machine at the metro station to buy
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Aerobus - catch the aerobus from straight outside the terminal - only 10€ return journey and drops you off straight at catalunya square
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FREENOW - best taxi app
Things to do/Things to see
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Sagrada Familia - do the tour - personally think going a couple of hours before sunset is the best time - quieter and the restored side looks stunning
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Sercotel Rosellon Hotel - rooftop terrace for incredible views - book two weeks in advance at 12pm
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Hotel Colon - gothic quarter rooftop bar - amazing view of the cathedral - no bookings
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Tope - another great rooftop, particularly for sunset
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Montserrat - full day - get the train from Placa España - incredible views and you can do a few different hikes or just get the train - wouldn’t recommend when it’s super hot
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Free walking tour - a great way to see all of the sights and get bearings on the city
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La Boqueria market - La Rambla
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Arc de Triomphe and Ciutadella Park - can hire rowing boats
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Alta Alella - wine tasting for only 22 euros! - 30 min taxi ride away - absolutely amazing
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The Hoxton Poblenou Rooftop - beautiful views, especially at sunset - also serve tacos
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Tibidabo - a bit further out but amazing views
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Barceloneta beach - do at sunrise as well - paddleboarding
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Bunkers - for sunset - I believe this is currently closed for sunrise and sunset but open during the day
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Palo Alto Market - first weekend of every month - street food
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Castelldefels beach - bit further out but a lot quieter - get R2 train to Castelldefels Playa stop
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El Born area - for cute, small bars and good drinks
Restaurants & Bars
Tapas (more traditional style) -
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Tapeo - amazing tapas - squid stuffed with vegetables was my fave
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Peix Vela - incredible seafood, paella and view of the beach - get the clams, crispy seabass and lobster croquetas
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El Xampanyet - amazing Southern-style tapas bar - get there early, always a queue - great atmosphere
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Paco Meralgo - another great tapas spot
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Gats -really nice restaurant with a lovely terrace just off La Rambla for drinks or a bite to eat
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Cuitat Comtal - really good tapas - get the honey cod and “angry eggs” (cabraeos) - in quite a touristy area - expect a queue, no reservations
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Bodega La Puntual - great classics and atmosphere
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Terrassa Martinez - Stunning restaurant near Montjuic, great Sunday spot
Tapas and Natural Wine Bars (a little fancier/more intimate) -
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La Pepita- get the marinated duck and aubergine fritters
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Bar Brutal/Can Cisa - Love this spot - amazing wines and tapas in the born area
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Berbena - Try and get the chefs table! Seasonal small plates with a twist and a great wine menu.
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Brugarol or Brugarol X - incredible!!! - tapas with a Japanese twist
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Contracorrent Bar - family-owned natural wine bar and Italian/Catalan style tapas - highly recommend
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Maleducat - perfect for a nice occasion - seasonal dishes with a Catalan twist
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Suru - Catalan/Asian small plates and amazing wine!!
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Soma - Italian/Spanish tapas
Breakfast & Brunch -
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Hardware Societe - a lovely brunch spot - pork belly and eggs are gorgeous
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Funky Eatery - Great selection of dishes and a cute deli next door
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SAVTA - really good sandwich spot, they also have a location in born
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Obrador del Croissant French - super small spot selling authentic french pastries and bread - doesn't get much better
Other Restaurants -
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Spicy - Asian fusion - get the prawns and sake mushrooms!!
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Benzina - really good Italian - one word, carbonara
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El National - soooo worth a visit!! - a hidden gem - you can sit at the bar and grab a drink & snack or book one of the restaurants.
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Costa Pacifico - incredible Mexican/Latin American - prawn mole tacos
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Silan - a gorgeous Middle Eastern - one of my favourite spots
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Shoronpo - Ramen - amazing quality dishes - gets busy so book in advance
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Bacaro - Italian
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Malaysian Street Delights - Malaysian is one of my favourite cuisines and this place is as authentic as it gets - standouts are butter duck, beef rendang, roti canai and char kuay tow (basically everything lol)
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Bar Torpedo - amazing burgers and sandwiches
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LABALABUSTA - another great Middle Eastern - lovely atmosphere and open kitchen
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Boa-Bao - Asian fusion
Bars -
(also refer to natural wine bars above as you can go to most of those for just drinks)
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Antic Teatre - cute courtyard drinks in the Gothic Quarter
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Negroni - good cocktails
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Bar Salvatge - really vibey natural wine bar in Gracia
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Pepa Bar - great natural wine bar
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Bobby’s Free - speakeasy (hidden bar)
Have a great time and be sure to message to let me know if you visited any of my recommendations!