I have spent the past three months in Barcelona, and I am savoring these last few days before packing up and heading to the U.K. While I am excited for the next chapter of my year in Europe, I am definitely a little sad to be leaving behind all the great things here in Barcelona. I’ve had some of the most memorable experiences, met some great people, drank lots of wine, and just enjoyed the slower pace of life.
Having spent several months here, I’m happy to be able to experience a large amount of what Barcelona has to offer (though to experience everything I would need at least another year) and to be able to share all of that with you. Here is my ultimate list and travel guide of all things Barcelona!
What to Do
Sagrada Familia: A staple for any Barcelona itinerary, but it is so worth it. Be sure to book tickets ahead of time and I would highly recommend getting the audio tour as well.
Park Guell: To have the most amazing views of Barcelona, this is the place to be. We loved walking through all the different paths, and we even saw a flamenco show.
See a flamenco show: It was incredible to see the dancing and just an amazing cultural experience.
Walk through El Born and the Gothic Quarter: We loved spending our weekend afternoons strolling through these areas, looking at the architecture, what markets were going on, and listening to the street music.
Smoke a cigar at Hotel Palace: Definitely a specialized experience, but it was incredible. My husband loves cigars, and they bring you into a private smoking lounge where you can smoke and have a drink. Afterwards, we listened to a live salsa band perform in the Bluesman, the hotel’s speakeasy bar where Frank Sinatra used to hang out. A more expensive experience, but so much fun and worth it!
Montserrat: I knew Montserrat was going to be spectacular, but I was prepared for how spectacular. Practically carved right into the side of the mountain, the views were awe-inspiring, and the monastery itself was something to behold. Probably my favorite excursion we did during our time here.
Walk along the boardwalk next to the beach: Since we lived in Barceloneta, the beach was a short walk away, and we walked by it on the way to the gym everyday. No matter the season, it was a beautiful view. The blue of the ocean, the smell of the sea air, and watching the surfers on the waves was a great thing to see everyday. I will definitely miss living by the sea.
Where to Eat
Jai Ca: Located in Barceloneta, they were our favorite place to have tapas any day of the week.
La Boqueria: You can eat your way through La Boqueria, because it has it all. Meat and cheese, seafood, pastries, fresh fruit and juices, you’ll never leave hungry.
Panqa: My husband is Peruvian, so we came here when we felt a little homesick, and it ended up being the best restaurant we have tried here in Barcelona. My husband said that it’s the closest thing to food in Peru that he has every tried, and everything was spectacular. The huancaína pasta, ají de gallína, and tres leches are to die for.
El Nacional: With three different restaurants inside to choose from, you’ll be able to admire the decorations inside while enjoying some amazing meat and/or seafood.
Harry’s: A great Italian restaurant that had some amazing ambiance inside, the pasta was incredible and the perfect meal to pair with a glass of wine.
El Quim: Inside La Boqueria, be ready to wait, but it will be worth it. Be sure to order the eggs with squid, trust me.
Myra’s: A cute little café in Barcelona run by a husband and wife, they are the kindest people and their food makes you feel just as good as they do. A lot healthier than other restaurants, this was always the place I wanted to go if I was craving nourishing food.
Coffee
New Orleans Cafe: I’m convinced there’s no such thing as bad coffee in Barcelona, and this place was where we spent the majority of our time since it was steps from our apartment. The women who worked there knew us by name and our order (a cappuccino, a cortado, pan con tomato, and a chocolate croissant) and we truly cherished how welcome they made us feel in the neighborhood. They will be what I miss the most.
Satan’s Coffee: Since getting an espresso machine two years ago, I have become a coffee snob. I’ll admit it, and I’m not ashamed. And I have fallen down the rabbit hole of amazing espresso machines. All of that to say, this place has a Marzocco *gasps in awe* (the Ferrari of espresso machines, the Birkin bag of coffee connoisseurs, the best of the best). So yeah, they have great coffee.
Baluard: Another great spot in Barceloneta, they have a coffee shop right next to their bakery, and their lattes are amazing paired with a fresh almond croissant. Personally my favorite coffeeshop in the area.
Where to Drink
Dux: My husband and I spent a solid four weekends in a row in this bar, and it’s just that good. The best bar in Barcelona, and the nicest bartenders. Another place where they knew us by name and we chatted about our lives, they made us truly feel welcomed in the area. They also have amazing drinks all crafted by their own gin.
Dr. Stravinsky: This place always has a line out the door, and for good reason. They make their drinks a experience, and each one is creatively crafted. Personally, my favorite drink was a gin cocktail with notes of dilll, which I never thought I would like but it works.
Flaherty’s: If you love Irish pubs and sports bars, this is the spot for you. A great place to watch soccer, it was also a sort of haven for any expats who missed home. We spent Christmas here where they threw a Christmas dinner, and it was a great place to meet people from all over the world here.
Wine bars in El Born: You could throw a rock in El Born and it’ll hit a great wine bar. We loved grabbing a glass from each one as we meandered through the alleys.
El Nacional: Not only does it have three restaurants, but also two bars, one for cocktails and one for wine. We loved the cocktails and it was a great atmosphere to grab a drink and chat.
Where to Stay
Barceloneta: This is where we stayed for the three months, and I’m so glad we chose this area. Because we came in the winter months, it was a quieter neighborhood, we always felt safe, and it was a short walk or metro to everywhere else in Barcelona.
El Born: If we didn’t stay in Barceloneta, I would’ve chosen El Born. The architecture was incredible and the selection of food and drinks here is great. If you want to be in the middle of it, this is the place to be.
travelsoftheresa.com 