Welcome to the vibrant streets of Barcelona, where each corner whispers tales of history, art, and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. This was my third time discovering this dynamic city, where Gothic architecture meets modernist marvels, and every alleyway leads to new adventures. It had been over a decade since my last visit and upon my arrival I felt instantly reminded of this cities energy and in true Barcelona style how it comes alive after hours.
Stay
This trip I chose to stay at Hotel Pulitzer.
Centrally located Hotel Pulitzer was the perfect home base for our explorations.
Located just off the Plaça de Catalunya (Barcelona’s most central square), the lobby manages to feel cool and stylish with a lobby bar with a warm space to sit and unwind with a drink.
Our room was clean and sleek with a balcony that had a street view overlooking the Plaça de Catalunya.
The highlight of the Pulitzer is the incredible roof terrace, which is like a leafy oasis in the middle of the urban jungle. Hugely popular with locals, it features live music and DJ appearances, we definitely enjoyed pre dinner drinks here.
See
Park Güell
Park Güell is a surreal landscape, boasting Barcelona's renowned mosaic lizard—featured on countless postcards—alongside spiral towers resembling amusement park slides.
This majestic park originated from a partnership between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and Antoni GaudÃ.
Casa Museu GaudÃ, the pink spired building and little gingerbread looking home inside the park is where Gaudà actually lived for 19 years. A must see, be sure to pre book your ticket and arrive early in the day!
La Sagrada Familia
It’s impossible to go to Barcelona and not visit Gaudi's La Sagrada FamÃlia,
A cathedral dedicated to the people by the people.
Privately funded this sanctuary is almost complete after 100 years of construction.
You can prebook your ticket for easy entrances.
Casa Batló
Textile industrialist Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudà to design this home after seeing the work
he had done with Park Güell.
Influenced by nature, Casa Batlló has no straight lines, covered in shards of stained glass, it appears blue, green, and shimmering.
The Gothic Quarter
The charming Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, has narrow medieval streets filled with
trendy bars, clubs and Catalan restaurants. Be sure to check out Pont del Bisbe.
Catedral de Barcelona
It might not have the quirkiness nor the hype of La Sagrada FamÃlia, but it holds court: a giant Gothic temple it is beautiful and atmospheric, as religious buildings so often are.
Regardless of your personal level of piety, the architecture inside—plus the city view from the short elevator ride to the top—is quite something.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Barcelona's vast city park houses a zoo and regional parliament.
Cascada Monumental, built with input from a young GaudÃ, is a stunning golden fountain that is definitely wow worthy.
We walked through on a Sunday morning and it was so lovely to see couples dancing in the park, families picnicking and a serene lake filled with boats.
Arc di Triomf
Enter through the Arc de Triomf leading.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria might be Barcelona’s oldest market—it started life in 1217 as a mere huddle of meat stalls on La Rambla.
Over 200 stands converge like a symphony for food enthusiasts.
La Rambla
Barcelona’s most famous street—a nearly one-mile pedestrianized boulevard from Plaça Cataluyna to Port Vell filled with strolling city tourists filled with old-school florists, gelaterÃa's, and candy stalls offering bites of crema catalana
(a form of crème brûlée) along the way. As frustrating as it may be to remain vigilant against pickpockets along La Rambla, its undeniable charm continues to attract 78 million visitors each year.
Picasso Museum
A museum spread over five palaces—we’d expect nothing less for Picasso, who moved to Barcelona as a 14-year-old boy and made frequent trips back throughout his life.
Barceloneta
If you’re looking for the whitest sand and the most azure waters, you won’t find them at Barceloneta.
But this convenient, bustling, and must-see beach is filled with locals.
Shop
Loewe
Spanish artisanal brand Loewe are experts in carefully woven bags.
The flagship store is beautiful originally designed by Gaudi.
El Corte Inglés
A large department store on La Rambla filled with great designers.
Róuri
Artisanal and sustainable clothing brand, producing hand-made pieces for women.
CererÃa SubirÃ
Founded in 1761, this candle shop is one of the oldest and most emblematic gems in Barcelona.
Each Subirà candle is a piece of art created with traditional techniques.
La Manual Alpargatera
The first espadrille shop in Barcelona since 1940, still known for its traditional handmade espadrilles.
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this charming store attracts both locals and visitors seeking authentic footwear deeply rooted in Catalan culture.
Eat
My favourite tapas bar experience of the trip.
Its loud & bustling, everything a tapas bar should be.
Traditional tapas restaurant. Delicious bites.
Who doesn't love a little taco stop for lunch?
We didn't make it hear but I was recomended a few times
A delicious dinner in a really modern setting.
One of the best crudo's I have ever had.
Beautifully designed interior space with delicious fish dishes.
Owned by Valencian's creating traditional dishes and classic paella.
A panini shop by a Calabrian made on delicious schiacciata's
Rated one of the best croissants in Barcelona.
Beautiful little shop too, be sure to snag a seat.
Delicious breads and breakfast pastries
Bluesman Cocktail Bar
A snazzy jazz bar located inside of the El Palace Hotel.
Stepping down the spiral staircase was like walking into a time warp, the crowd is a mix of hotel guests, in-the-know jazz aficionados and the occasional celebrity looking for a discreet spot to have a drink.
This place fills in close to 11pm.
The worldwide gin trend is reaching its peak, and nowhere is this more evident than at the bar in Gracia, offering an impressive selection of 80 varieties.
Born in 1941, one of the most iconic chocolatiers of Barcelona.
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