the BARCELONA City Guide
hotels, activities, restaurants, boutiques, day trips + more
I never meant to write a “city guide” for Barcelona. In fact, I actively resisted it. Barcelona is…busy. And popular. Thus, the idea of sharing my “favorites” felt daunting.
But after fours years of peeling back the layers of this flavorful city on the sea and sharing my findings with several friends and family members via email, here we are!
Living an hour train ride from the Barcelona, we took countless trips into the city. Over the years, I refined my list of “must see” sites in Barcelona for one who is passing through (hello, Gaudi!), but also uncovered local boutiques, healthy eats and some stunning day trips and weekend getaways from the city.
My intention with this Barcelona city guide is to be as succinct as possible in breaking down these recommendations. I want this guide to be organized, beautiful and easy for you to pull from for your next trip. (Save it to your pin board, people!)
I wrote this guide as if I was answering an e-mail to a friend who asked:
“Where should I stay in Barcelona? Any suggestions for well-designed reasonably priced hotels?” Or -
“We’ll be in Barcelona for 2-3 days, what should we do?” Or -
“What are some fun day trips from Barcelona? Any winery recommendations near Barcelona? What beaches near Barcelona should we visit?”
To which I reply back with an overly-thorough (I can’t help it, I love sharing!) account of my Barcelona Favorites.
What’s included in this Barcelona City Guide
Hotels
Sites & Activities
Restaurants *including a special section on Healthy Eats
Shops & Boutiques
Day & Weekend Trip Ideas
*This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
BARCELONA HOTELS
YURBBAN PASSAGE / YURBBAN TRAFALGAR
These are two “sister” hotels that sit side-by-side in El Born neighborhood. These hotels were my go-to spots.
I adore the location. Right behind the hotel through the passageway, there are several shops and restaurants (my go-to breakfast spot is listed below!)
You are blocks from Ciutadella Park and in the other direction it won’t take you long to be right in the hustle and bustle of Plaza de Catalunya and El Passeig de Gracia. Yet somehow this little pocket feels just far enough away to feel quiet.
Yurbban Passage is billed as the more “luxe” of the two and has a more soothing aesthetic and a spa at the bottom. Trafalgar is slightly more economical and has a funkier vibe in the lobby. Both have rooftops with excellent views of the city and plunge pools. As a homebase in the city, I was always really happy.
HOTEL BRUMMEL
If you are staying on the Montjuic side of the city in the Poble Sec neighborhood, Hotel Brummel is the spot. Excellently designed, friendly boutique hotel.
CASA BONAY
Another funky boutique for the mix. I love their rooftop, their moody cool lobby, the hip coffee shop attached and the free bike rentals. The room was minimal and clean though not necessarily cozy. It’s also in an excellent location to access different parts of the city.
MOTEL ONE
If you are looking for something reasonably priced but still clean and friendly, this is it. They scored extra bonus points with us for the parking garage right below the hotel, which is convenient if you’re stopping into Barcelona before or after a road trip.
Though it’s a little further out from the city center, you need only walk through Ciutadella Park to get back in the mix (which I never mind). They also have a rooftop with views of the park and city.
Barcelona Hotels still on my list
Always nice to have a “next trip” list, right?!
WITTMORE ($500+/night)
I was gunning for a staycation at this Adults-only with a no-camera policy to boot! It seems to be a classy, very tastefully designed oasis tucked away in this lively city.
HOTEL PULITZER ($250+/night)
Though we’ve never stayed here, we’ve enjoyed music on the lush rooftop and food in the lobby bar/restaurant. The location feels a bit busy for me, but I’m still curious.
HOTEL NERI ($500+/night)
THE HOXTON ($250+/night)
SITES & ACTIVITIES
Gaudi Sites
One of the most iconic figures in modernist architecture has his paw prints all over the city. Here are four of the most notable projects worth a visit:
*LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
The show-stopping modernist style cathedral and last project Gaudi worked on before his death. The structure is still under construction but very much open to visitors. Definitely buy your tickets in advance. Here are two options:
*PARC GUELL
I read someone describe the Park as a “wonderland,” which felt fitting. The colorful and curved tile-splashed architecture and sprawling gardens certainly evoke fantasy vibes. Since the park system sits on hills at the back of the city, you get some great views of Barcelona and the sea too. Here are a couple of options for tickets:
*CASA BATLLÓ
Originally designed as a residential house in the early 1900s, this colorful abode on Passeig de Gracia is not to be missed. I would recommend checking out “Magic Nights” which includes an afternoon entry and audio guide followed by a rooftop concert and cava! Since magic nights are only available during certain seasons, this seems like a great option too
*CASA MILÁ (La Pedrera)
Just blocks from Casa Batlló you’ll find another modernist masterpiece. Although the facade is not quite as colorful as the former, it is equally as impressive. They also offer a night experience, which I’ve heard is pretty cool. It also includes a glass of cava, as well as an audiovisual show on the rooftop. Get your tickets here:
LA BOQUERIA
A bustling food market with stalls of produce and seafood, as well as ready to eat tapas. La Rambla (the street off of which this market is located) can be an overcrowded “watch-your-wallet” kind of street, so be aware…like you are in all major tourist cities.
GOTHIC QUARTER
Wander through the narrow medieval streets and check out some of the many boutiques, small cafes and tapas restaurants. Some other notable ideas for this neighborhood:
Picasso museum. Although this very famous Spanish painter hails from the south of Spain in Málaga, Barcelona boasts a nice collection of his work. I appreciated the manageable scope of this one.
Flamenco show. This amazing art form also has its origin in the south of Spain, so some may say seeing a show in Barcelona isn’t the most authentic. BUT, we attended a few shows with visitors in town, and let me tell you what: they are impressive. The music and the passion mixed with those power moves get me every time. If your itinerary doesn’t include the south of Spain, a flamenco show may be a nice way to get a taste.
Walking tour or a food tour. I haven’t done either yet, but I think it would be a nice way to learn some history and/or get an initiation to some spanish food staples.
BARCELONETA BEACH
Part of the appeal of this major international city is that it sits on the sea with mountains as a backdrop. So, wander to the waterfront! It’s a great place to stroll or grab a bite. If you’re into something a bit more active, rent some bikes and cruise along the beachfront. That way you can cover a lot of ground.
CIUTADELLA PARK
A great spot for a stroll. Start at the Arc de Triomf and work your way back toward the zoo. Don’t miss the epic fountain, La Cascada Monumental, in the park’s north corner.
PALAU de la MÚSICA CATALANA
Concert hall with a gorgeous-tiled facade. Check their calendar for upcoming shows or book a tour during the day. At the very least, walk by to admire the exterior.
MONTJUIC & POBLE SEC
Bordering the city to the south is the mountain known as “Montjuic.” Hike or take a funnicaulare to the top for great views of the city. At the foot of the mountain is the funky neighborhood of Poble Sec where a few of my recommendations from this guide live, including Hotel Brummel and the restaurant Denassus.
GRACIA
Lively neighborhood inland from the sea with great boutiques, galleries, bistros and wine bars.
RESTAURANTS
To state the wildly obvious: There are a ton of restaurants in this city to choose from. Here is a small selection of spots that we’ve enjoyed over the years.
DENASSUS
Excellent tapas restaurant in Poble Sec. Thanks to the folks at Hotel Brummel (it’s around the corner), this spot was on our radar and we went for Rich’s birthday. Highly recommend.
SAN AUGUSTIN
Stumbled upon this cozy tapas spot in El Born and have been repeat customers since. They have a collection of outdoor tables as well.
ELSA Y FRED
Just off Park Ciutadella, this is a nice spot of lunch or dinner if you’re in the area. We’ve done breakfast there as well, but I think the other meals shine more.
CASA LOLEA
Owned by the same folks as Fred and Elsa, this is my go-to breakfast spot, especially when we are staying at one of the Yurbban Hotels because it’s right around the corner. The menu is small, which is nice, and has both sweet and savory toast options as well as egg and sausage combos.
TAPAS 24
Classic tapas spot introduced to us via Chef Jose Andres’ docu series: Jose Andres & Family in Spain. (Have you seen it yet? It’s a fun watch to get you excited about traveling and eating in Spain. I’ve assigned it as “homework” to our visitors!)
EL NACIONAL
Upscale food hall located off Passeig de Gracia. There are several restaurants and bars inside. There’s a fun atmosphere and feels especially festive during the holidays. It can get very busy though.
Healthy Restaurants in Barcelona
A girl can’t live on pan, jamon, queso and patatas alone! Of course the food in Spain is phenomenal and there is way more to Spanish cuisine than those four ingredients.
But after a few months of living in the country, I googled the very title above “healthy restaurants Barcelona” because I was craving a big dose of greens. I knew I was much more likely to find some healthy eating options in a big city like Barcelona as opposed to the small Spanish towns. Over the years, I tested (and re-tested!) some excellent options…
HONEST GREENS (3 locations) *This was my lunch go-to in the city after a dance class. Flavorful plant-based options and big portions. It’s not veg only though. They also have fish and meat options. There are three locations in the city.
FLAX & KALE (2 locations)
TERESA CARLES (El Raval)
LULU *Across from Estacion de Francia (train station)
LITTLE FERN (Poble Nou)
BOHL (El Born)
SHOPS & BOUTIQUES
IVORI I love this little fashion boutique in El Born that sells pieces from local designers. I got a pair of striped linen summer pants I wear all the time and a quality wool winter skirt I love.
LE SWING VINTAGE / CASA LE SWING Fabulous vintage shops in the Gothic quarter for clothes and home (pictured above!)
ANDREA VINCENT I adore Andrea’s millinery work. The first time we stumbled upon her shop we were in there at least an hour. I have two of her turbans. Right next door to her shop is…
ICI ET LÀ (el born) Art gallery and design shop with lots of fun work to browse.
OMG BCN Fun, funky art prints and accessories. I was particularly eyeing their patterned silk scarves.
LA NOSTRA CIUTAT Local designers, prints, gifts and stationary
NATURA HOME Natura is a big Spanish brand with shops around the country, but I especially loved visiting this shop on Av. Diagonal because the whole top floor was devoted to their home good collection.
*MORE DETAILED GUIDES OF THE BELOW LOCATIONS COMING SOON!
DAY TRIPS & WEEKEND TRIPS FROM BARCELONA
To the nearby mountains…
MONTSERRAT
To the sea…
SITGES
COSTA BRAVA
To the wineries
PRIORAT - check out this post with ideas on where to stay and what to do in Priorat.
ALTA ALELLA
To a medieval city
GIRONA