I’ve been lucky enough to visit the beautiful coastal city of Barcelona twice: Once as part of a larger Eurotrip, and once with two of my childhood friends. Barcelona is a magical city, effectively bridging the gap between modern metropolis and historical site. It’s a good “beginner” European city – locals are friendly to tourists, the streets and Metro are easy to navigate, it’s relatively safe, and the party scene is unrivaled. Go in the spring or summer.
Credit for most of the places on this list goes to my friend Amanda, who studied abroad in Barca. I visited many of these places myself on my visits, and they gave me good insight into the Catalonian capital.
Be a Tourist
- Las Ramblas is the main commercial thoroughfare and probably where you’ll spend a lot of time eating, shopping, and wandering. It has a feel similar to Lincoln Road in Miami. Visit the Mercat de la Boqueria to see the local market offerings of the day. Explore here; rights and lefts off the main street take you to beautiful plazas that are great for lunch or dinner.
- La Segrada Familia can’t be missed. It’s still unfinished – and the way Gaudi made the plans, it never will be completed.
- Make the Metro trip up to Parque Guell. Stroll through the mosaic pathways and stone buildings and admire the gorgeous views of the city. Fun fact: A finale of America’s Next Top Model was filmed here.
IceBarcelona
Nightclubs/ Las Discotecas!
- Otto Zutz
- Sutton – more upscale and popular with locals
- Razzmatazz – DO NOT miss this place – multi-level club with an outdoor area
- Opium – Also, DO NOT miss – staple of any Barcelona trip, features big-name DJs. When I was there, the best nights were Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
- Apolo
- Broadbar/MVP
- Sotavento
- Catwalk
- Shoko
- CDLC
Many of the nightclubs are on a strip along the beach. It’s easy to jump from one to another. Watch your things: pickpockets are common.
Dow Jones – the Stock Market bar
Bars
- Chupitos – shots bar – Trust me, get the Harry Potter
- IceBarcelona – GO before a night out at the beach clubs – the pictures are unparalleled
- La Concha – hookah/tea bar, be wary of the location
- George Payne – sports bar right off of Urqinaona metro stop, good for watching American sports
- Cyrano – near “Diagonal” metro stop. Pay 3 Euros and they give you the bottle of alcohol and you pour your own drinks. Includes mixer! Get there early because tables fill up quickly
- La Bolsa Bar or Dow Jones – DON’T MISS – “stock market bar” – faux Bloomberg terminal screens line the bar. Prices of shots and drinks fluctuate with demand. Every so often, the market will “crash” and prices plummet
- Bar Marsella – Absinthe bar in Raval, Hemingway used to drink there.
- Bosc de les Fades – the “fairy bar”, looks like a fairy tale.
Paella cooking class
Food
- Can Paixano – go for the sandwiches “boquadillos” and cava
- Pla – beautiful scene
- La Boqueria – quick, cheap sandwiches
- El Xampanyet
- Pim Pam Plats – burgers
- Mercendero de Mari – outside dining
- Taller de Tapas – great tapas
- Tapa Tapa – reasonably priced tapas restaurant
Take a paella cooking class! Many places along the beach offer them!
Where to stay?
The W Barcelona is on the water and along the only beach in Barcelona. One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Save up your SPG points and splurge. Make sure to go to the Eclipse Bar on the 26th bar for a drink. Cocktails are more expensive than other places in Barcelona, but the views are great.
Hotels along Las Ramblas are generally a good bet: American chain hotels offer some luxuries, like gyms, breakfast, and hair dryers so there’s less to pack.
Have you been to Barcelona?
Do This There 