No matter how much time you’ve planned for Barcelona it will never be enough. This city is a feast both for your eyes and your stomach and there is so much to explore on every level. This was my third time visiting this show-stopper and it still wasn’t enough. There is always more to see and do. Here’s what I checked out this time and what everyone needs to do and see if you only have one opportunity to come here.

 

Some Helpful Hints

• If looking to use your phone while in Barcelona it’s quite simple to purchase a local SIM card and the price of data is very inexpensive (especially if you’re Canadian like me, and all the fellow Canadian’s out there know we pay an astronomical price for phone data). I purchased my local SIM card at the airport at a place called Crystal Media Shop. For around 10 Euros you can get 10GB of data.
• Barcelona is quite safe, but of course you need to beware of pickpockets especially in busy tourist attraction areas
• If sticking to the city area it’s very walkable. There are plenty of taxis available though and the subway is reasonably easy to navigate as well
• It’s good to brush up on as much Spanish as possible but if in touristy areas most people will speak some English

 

Where to Stay

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona is located on the beaches with a view of Port Olímpic marina. If you can’t decide between views of the city or views of the water you won’t have to at this place because it has both! It’s also conveniently located just a 10 minute drive from all of Barcelona’s most famous sites like Casa Batlló, Barcelona Cathedra, and Arc de Triomphe.

Not to mention it is also considered one of most iconic buildings in Barcelona’s skyline. Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games it features local artists throughout the space, panoramic views, and an outdoor greenery space featuring one of the most beautiful pools flanked by Frank Gehry’s El Peix golden sculpture.

 

Where to Eat

P41 Bar & Coctelarium

Located inside Hotel Arts Barcelona P41 Bar & Coctelarium is not only visually stunning but also has the most inventive cocktails I have ever had.

Drawing on the theme of natural and local Head Mixologist Don Diego serves up creative and delicious cocktails like none other! Trust me when I say you’ll never have a cocktail journey quite as memorable as the one here.

Of course, they also serve up tapa sized snacks which pair perfectly with their perfect drinks. It’s definitely

 

Satan’s Coffee

Caffeine is a serious matter in Barcelona and it certainly lives up to the high standards that their food scene is known for. Satan’s Coffee is a specialty coffee shop serving up espresso based beverages and in-house made pastries. It will certainly wake you up and put a smile on your your face in preparation for all the exploration you need to do in this city.

 

 

El Nacional

El Nacional is a culinary hub and multi-space restaurant where you can order traditional Spanish dishes. Split up into multiple restaurants and bars each has a unique menu and offerings. While you can order up delicious eats the space itself is worth a visit. Set in a 19th century building which previously housed an automobile warehouse it’s large pillars and windows make this an architectural gem.

 

 

 

El Vaso de Oro

El Vaso de Oro is a must-try local tapas spot! This cozy joint is crowded and only bar seating where you sit elbow-to-elbow with your neighbour is available. The food here is absolutely drool-worthy and was one of my favourite meals while in Barcelona. Be sure to order the sirloin topped with foie and sautéed garlic. The meat is super tender and has just the right amount of flaked sea salt to bring out all the flavours. Come hungry  and preferably with a group to share because you’ll want to order several dishes to try out. This place is definitely your best bet if you want to eat well and eat like a local insider.

 

Amorino Gelato

With locations all over Europe, the United States, and Asia this gelato spot scoops up the prettiest and tastiest gelato. They have yet to have a location in my home country of Canada so unless you’re blessed to live in one of the countries that has one of these it’s a definite must try treat. The gelato is creamy and bursts with flavour but of course the beautiful tulip presentation is what makes this gelato shop extra special. You can pick as many flavours as you like and it takes less than 5 minutes for them to shape your icy treat into a work of art.

What to See

Gaudí, Gaudí, and more Gaudí

One of the most well known architects in history and rightfully so. Gaudí’s work can be found throughout Barcelona and is a reminder of a lost art that no longer exists in our modern times. While all of his pieces are unarguably masterpieces my favorites of his work include Cast Batlló, Casa Vicens, Parc Güell, and his most famous Sagrada Família.

 

 

 

 

Bunkers del Carmel

Originally the site where anti-aircraft guns were placed during the Spanish Civil War it is not THE place to get the absolute best views of Barcelona. With 360º panoramic views it is one of those places that truly humbles you as you realize just how vast our world really is.

 

 

Palau de la Música Catalana

Built in the 1900s Paulau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall and a world heritage site. While you do not actually need to attend a concert to visit this architectural building be sure to check out tour times for your language of choice beforehand and come early as tickets sell out quick! You must attend a tour group to visit this site, and the groups are kept fairly small so as to prevent overcrowding. It is definitely well worth it though and actually makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Just take a Walk Anywhere

While Barcelona certainly has no shortage of famous architectural sites a stroll just about anywhere will give you views of gorgeous façades sprinkled throughout the many quarters and squares. It is one of those cities where it doesn’t matter if you are lost or not because there is something beautiful and unique at every turn.

 

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