Last updated November 14th 2024

Getting around

• 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 - also works for bus, tram and train.

• Aerobus - catch the aerobus from straight outside the terminal - only 14€ return journey and drops you off straight at catalunya square 

• FREENOW - best taxi app 

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Things to do/Things to see

• Sagrada Familia - do the tour - I think going a couple of hours before sunset is the best time - quieter and the restored side looks stunning but book in advance

• Sercotel Rosellon Hotel - rooftop terrace for incredible views - book two weeks in advance at 12pm 

• Hotel Colon - gothic quarter rooftop bar - amazing view of the cathedral - no bookings 

• Tope - another great rooftop at The Hoxton, particularly for sunset - also serves tacos

• 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 

• Free walking tour - a great way to see all of the sights and get bearings on the city

• La Boqueria market - on La Rambla

• Arc de Triomphe and Ciutadella Park - can hire rowing boats in summer

• Alta Alella - wine tasting for only 22 euros! - 30 min taxi ride away - absolutely amazing

• Cathedral and Gothic Quarter

• Tibidabo - a bit further out but amazing views

• Barceloneta beach - do at sunrise as well - paddleboarding

• Bunkers - for sunset - I believe this is currently closed for sunrise and sunset but open during the day

• Palo Alto Market - first weekend of every month - street food  

• Castelldefels beach - bit further out but a lot quieter - get R2 train to Castelldefels Playa stop

• El Born area - for cute, small bars and good drinks

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Restaurants & Bars

Tapas (more traditional style) - 

• Tapeo - amazing tapas - squid stuffed with vegetables was my fave 

• Peix Vela - incredible seafood, paella and view of the beach - get the clams, crispy seabass and lobster croquetas

• El Xampanyet - amazing Southern-style tapas bar - get there early, always a queue - great atmosphere

• Gats -really nice restaurant with a lovely terrace just off La Rambla for drinks or a bite to eat

• Cuitat Comtal - really good tapas at a great price point - get the honey cod and “angry eggs” (cabraeos) - a very touristy spot but you can't go wrong - expect a queue, no reservations

• Bodega La Puntual - great classics and atmosphere

• Terrassa Martinez - Stunning restaurant near Montjuic, great Sunday spot

• Paco Meralgo - another great tapas spot 

• La Pepita- less traditional but still delicious, get the marinated duck and aubergine fritters

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Tapas and Natural Wine Bars (a little fancier/more intimate) - ​

• Bar Brutal/Can Cisa - love this spot - amazing wines and tapas in the born area

• Bandini's - stunning food and natural wine

• Berbena - try and get the chef's table! Seasonal small plates with a twist and a great wine menu.

• Brugarol or Brugarol X - incredible!!! - tapas with a Japanese twist 

• Contracorrent Bar - family-owned natural wine bar and Italian/Catalan style tapas - highly recommend

• Maleducat - perfect for a nice occasion - seasonal dishes with a Catalan twist 

• Suru - Catalan/Asian small plates and amazing wine!!

• Soma - Italian/Spanish tapas 

• Bodega Bonay - beautiful spot, the torched mackerel is *chef's kiss*

• Viblioteca - one of my new favourite places - high quality cheese boards & wines with additional small plates to choose from as well

• PimplaVins - really relaxed spot in the heart of Gracia

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Breakfast & Brunch -

• Funky Eatery - Great selection of dishes and a cute deli next door

• SAVTA - really good sandwich spot, they also have a location in born

• Obrador del Croissant French - a super small spot selling authentic french pastries and bread - doesn't get much better 

• Bar Torpedo - amazing burgers and sandwiches

• Tortilleria La Antigua de México - there's no seating here but you can get tacos for 2/3 euros each and take them to eat on a stroll whilst enjoying the Gracia neighbourhood

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Other Restaurants - 

• Honest Greens - multiple locations - if you get tired of all the fried food, this is one the best salad spots - it seems counterproductive to eat salads on holiday but I genuinely crave these once a week! 

• Spicy - Asian fusion - get the prawns and sake mushrooms!!

• Benzina - really good Italian - one word, carbonara

• Costa Pacifico - lovely Mexican/Latin American - prawn mole tacos 

• Silan - a gorgeous Middle Eastern - one of my favourite spots

• Shoronpo - Ramen - amazing quality dishes - gets busy so book in advance

• Bacaro - Italian 

• Malaysian Street Delights - Malaysian is one of my favourite cuisines and this place is amazing - standouts are butter duck, beef rendang, roti canai and char kuay tow (basically everything lol)

• LABALABUSTA - another great Middle Eastern - lovely atmosphere and open kitchen

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Bars - 

(also refer to natural wine bars above as you can go to most of those for just drinks)​​

• El National - soooo worth a visit!! - a hidden gem - you can sit at the bar and grab a drink

• Antic Teatre - cute courtyard drinks in the Gothic Quarter 

• Bar Manifest - lively natural wine bar

• Negroni - good cocktails in Raval

• Bar Salvatge - really vibey natural wine bar in Gracia

• Pepa Bar - great natural wine bar 

• Bobby’s Free - speakeasy (hidden bar)

• FOCO - cocktail bar in Gracia

• 33/45 - another Raval classic

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Have a great time and message me to let me know if you visited any of my recommendations!