It’s time for tapas and perfect weather.
We love our Londons , Parises , andRomes , but Barcelona might just have the full jazz band of all the major European urban center . First of all , it ’s a lively urban center fix next to a beach . That intend restaurants , bars , fine art , and museums all next to a golden shoring with aqua blue waves . And the atmospheric condition is fantastic . Not too hot , rainy , humid , or cold , the capital of Northern Spain has the ideal Mediterranean sweetness . Plus you ’ll find erstwhile mediaeval architecture ruffle with smelly modernist buildings , all the wine and tapas you could wash down , and nearby mountains for day hikes or just to look up to from the sandlike beach . It ’s the ultimateI - just - need - a - vacationescape .
But as withmost European hubs , there are the usual , expected , touristy sites , and then there are the cool buildings , restaurants , and bar you find only from experience living here . And that ’s where we go your back .
Touching on a few first - timekeeper must - dos , we ’re filling in the gaps of your touristy sightseeing checklist with the local recs . Whether for your down time , eating and crapulence time , to answer your “ What ’s next ? ” question , or to get a more true sense of the city , these are place where you’re able to experience what the metropolis feels like for locals . Here are the traditional and unexpected things to do in Barcelona .
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Start your sightseeing with a tour of Gaudi buildings
Going to Barcelona and not touring the range of strange and gorgeous buildings is like last to Paris and skip the Eiffel Tower . From gothic to modernist , architecture is what Barca is known for ( outside the beach and nightlife , that is ) . So first , start off with the classics .
You simplymustsee all of Gaudí . The famous creative person defined Barcelona with his far-out architecture on building across the city . emphatically do n’t missLa Pedrera ’s crinkly façade and haunting rooftop , the predominate and ever - growingLa Sagrada Familiacathedral ( include the mind - fluff Department of the Interior ) , the “ flying lizard ” star sign ofCasa Batllótopped by bright scale and bone - frame balconies , the colourful and rhythmical trencadís ( tile mosaics ) atParc Güell , and even the recently remodeled and now open to the publicCasa Vicens . Antoni Gaudi ’s iconic take on Modernisme ( also known as Catalonian Art Nouveau ) is quintessential Barcelona .
Then venture off the beaten path for more stunning architecture
The downside to Gaudí ’s huge legacy is that it eclipse other architectural exploit in the urban center . But believe us , there ’s so much more to come across . And many of these insider - tip haunts even have entertainment like art or music on the inside , in addition to a sensational outside .
Palau de la Música Catalanais a vibrant turn - of - the - century music hall flank by whimsical columns , design by Modernist architect Luis Domènech i Montaner . When the light are on , it sparkles from the inside like a brilliantly light jewel box seat . you’re able to alsobuy ticketsto see a performance , which often involves classical music .
The same designer also createdHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau , which is a gorgeous building complex of buildings , complete with beautiful gardens , that was once an honest-to-goodness hospital from the other 1900s . Guided or ego - guided go take you across the grounds to get a line what living in a hospital was like at that time . And it ’s just a short manner of walking from the Sagrada Família cathedral .
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The colorful and cocoon - shaped silhouette of Torre Agbar stands out from every angle of the metropolis ’s skyline . Designed by architect Jean Nouvel , this spectacular tower has transcended its functional origins as a water management troupe home base . settle in the Glòries surface area , it now hosts an watching pack of cards calledMirador Torre Glòriesthat ’s undefended to the public . As part of the experience , you ’ll find an interactive artwork called the Cloud Cities experience . Or lead to the cellar of the building for an immersive music and scientific discipline production about the city name Hyperview Barcelona .
Then you have the elegantCasa Ametller , built by another Art Nouveau designer , Puig i Cadafalch . The extravagantly decorated façade trust contrast burgundy and cream tile . But more importantly , the building was commission by a conservative category of chocolatiers , which mean there ’s a burnt umber store and chocolate living-room in the backyard .
Lastly , you’re able to stare — or rest — atthe W Barcelonahotel on Barceloneta beach . This distinctly sheet - mold contemporary building was designed by another local genius architect , Ricardo Bofill .
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Enjoy sky-high views fromMontjuïc
Barcelona ’s apparent horizon is best enjoy from a higher advantage point . That ’s why many mass go for a drive up the Montjuïc mountain teleféric ( cable railway car ) . Montjuïc harbors quite a few interesting lookouts , but the respectable views over the city are probably on the top of the hill around Castell de Montjuïc , a 1640 fortress and watchtower that doubled as a prison house for political dissidents during and after the Civil War .
Monjuïc is considered to be the “ lungs ” of the metropolis , a peaceful green area that once hosted the 1929 International Exhibition and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics . Both of them left a seeable sign on the mountain . Wandering around the garden country , you ’ll witness the neo - Hellenic Olympic Stadium and the Palau de Sant Jordi sport venue by architect Arata Isozaki .
Art lovers will be able to choose between diachronic graphics museumMuseu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya(MNAC ) famous for its Romanesque , Gothic , and Renaissance slice ; theCaixaforum museum , construct on the ground of a former modernist factory;Teatre Grec , a Greek style amphitheatre ( the backdrop for the Summer performing arts fete by the same name ) ; orMies van der Rohe marquee , a glass , steel , and marble Bauhaus - style construction plan as the German pavilion for the International Exhibition .
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And then kick back on a scenic hotel rooftop
There ’s an alternative way to enjoy breathtaking bird’s-eye views without needing to give downtown . During the previous - bounce and summer months , Barceloninsflock to the rooftops of some of the good hotel in the urban center .
These space assure stunning views in a more quiet and relaxed environment , surrounded by plants or seated around a pool , along with excellent cocktail . It ’s a haven of tranquility amid the bustling city activity . As a bonus , these rooftop spots frequently organise bouncy euphony concert , DJ school term , yoga lessons , dinners , and even movie nights .
Casa Bonayrooftop might be one of the trendiest spots in the metropolis . It ’s also one of the greenest . lively music straddle from soda water to cringe to electronica . There ’s also achiringuito(beach shack ) eating house that allows you to choose between tapa and all kinds of BBQ dishes . Keep an eye out , because their pressure group space and restaurants are also frequently brimming with cultural bodily process , so if you plan beforehand , you are potential to revel a double pecker of entertainment .
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Yurban Trafalgarchill - out rooftop region is reputed for having one of the best 360º views in the city , overlooking the old city area . It ’s also the perfect setting for a vermouth wine-coloured .
You ca n’t get more key thanHotel Pulitzer ’s rooftop , right by Plaça Catalunya ’s . This thrill hideaway turns up the bulk from Thursday to Sunday even , when the hotel terrace host DJ sessions .
every bit centrical and overlooking Passeig de Gràcia ( the main shopping area in the city),Hotel Sir Victor ’s rooftop terraceserves Mediterranean - inspired dish easy shareable with a grouping . Enjoy them while lallygag on sunbeds environ the pool .
La Bodegueta Provença
Another grounds not to pretermit out on Gaudí’sCasa Batlló : their rooftop also host flamenco , malarkey , rhumba , and soul , for a dark of bouncy music under the stars .
Try top non-touristy tapas
Ah , the Tapas . Those heavenly single food bites frequently ( but not exclusively ) served on top of bread or in tiny casserole . Being one of the most beloved Spanish pastimes and the best excuse to satisfy up with hoi polloi , you ’re going to notice tapas bars all over the city . But beware — many of them are holidaymaker traps serving bland and pricey snacks . The proficient elbow room to forefend the duds is to drop by some of the city ’s most symbolic legal profession or bring down budding , vogue venues that are create new takes on the tapa traditions .
A skillful starting full stop is the very centrical and sentence - honoredLa Bodeguetain Eixample . The chefs here beat to simple , textbook - account book - but - quality classic such asjamón ibérico , seafood dishful , or huevos rotos , which are fried eggs torn open on top of fries with dissimilar garnishes .
observe up with tradition , El Xampanyetin Born dates back to 1929 and is known for theirsmall montadito sandwich and cava sparkling vino . It ’s normally pretty crowded , so the to begin with the better here .
Las Vermudas
Speaking of classic tapas : If bravas are your jam ( and who does n’t love fried potatoes dipped in spicy sauce and aioli?),Bar Tomáswill be your potato mecca . It ’s located in the Sarriá upper district and is deserving the trek . But if you do n’t have time to jeopardize from the city center , do n’t care , almost every taproom in Barcelona has bravas on the menu , and it ’s considered a local sport to find the good ace according to your gustatory perception .
If you do head to Sarriá , you could also visitEl Canalla . This two - story ginmill has a beautiful , posh blank space , as well as a kitchen focalize on seasonal produce .
For a more New and playful approaching , Sant Antoni Gloriósin the eponymic Sant Antoni marketplace district claims to combine the kitchen of grandparents and grandchildren . They are praised for their meatballs , chickpeas with prawn , veal dish , and yes , also bravas .
Strolling around Sant Antoni , you’re able to also findBar El Pollo , run by a young chef with a honey for tradition and Basque origins . Here you’re able to enjoy a northerly - vogue tortilla , one that ’s more mellow and undercooked ( trust us , that ’s a good thing ) .
In the Gràcia neighborhood , Pollería Fontanais famous for their roasted chicken croquettes . But this vintage - looking venue also serve up some forward-looking food jazz group such as cuttlefish ball , calamari with artichokes and bacon or butifarra(Catalan blimp ) , and green bean omelette .
Not far away , Antúnezgastrobar subside its culinary root in Catalan and Spanish custom , but adds a contemporary tress topped with some Italian flourishes . Their foie and duck’s egg cannelloni are a must , but you should n’t omit their Spanish tortillas or the varied croquette fillings .
Sip on some incredible vermouths
Forget about brunch in Barcelona . Yes , there are quite a few great brunch restaurants in the city , but the real Barcelonian affair to do on a Sunday at midday is meet with friends for a vermouth . Vermouth , the city ’s favorite aperitif , is an herb - infused bastioned wine with orange Sir Robert Peel and a dry , slightly tangy flavor . It ’s normally sipped along with tapas and raciones ( small communion platters ) such as croquette , olive , cheese plates , Russian salad , marinated anchovies , and other sea delicacy like mejillones ( mussel ) , zamburiñas ( scallop ) , or caracoles ( sea snails ) .
The best places to get acquainted with the vermouth experience are local bodegas , the most traditional BAR around the city . Many of them are concentrate in the Sant Antoni or Poble Sec area , but you may find a vermouth bar in every neighborhood .
Some of the best ? face for the red door ofQuimet & Quimet , where they also craft their own beer ; the petite and in - highschool - demandMorro Fi , often appeal a unseasoned crowd ; the sizable and unstrain terrace atBar Calders;Las Vermudasfor homemade vermouth and vermouth cocktails;Bodega Lo Pinyolfor original tapas and classical decor of hydraulic tile , wood barrel , and marble tables ; the central location and refined cup of tea atBar Mut ; old school vibes and decent prices atBodega Quimet ; orLa Pubillafor their esmorzars de forquilla , which is a traditional Catalan breakfast .
