Nina Mundwiler and Melanie Galera, Switzerland
The perfect getaway to sightseeing, partying and eating good food is for sure Barcelona!
Barcelona is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea and it registers a little bit more than 1.5 millions inhabitants. The climate is Mediterranean which allows you to spend your entire day at the beach from May until October! But why lay the whole day there when you could discover all the deep Catalonian culture just by strolling on the streets? Of course, everyone has already heard about La Rambla street and La Barceloneta Beach because those sites are the most well-known, but continue scrolling down this article to discover hidden little places that any other travel guide won’t show you!
Where to eat when in Barcelona ?
There’s nothing like a good brunch to start your day off right. If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy brunch, The Tropico is your place. The interior has a beachy vibe and it has a cool atmosphere.
Take a tapas break on the steps of the Rambla at The Boquería Market, which is often described as a cathedral of the senses. You will find fresh seafood, jamon, fruits, vegetables, candies… In addition, there are dozens of tapas bars where you can stop to eat.
Churrería Laietana is one of the most famous places in Barcelona that serves the real Spanish churros, “porras” which are thicker than churros, with chocolate.
End your long day at the Pez Vela right on the beachfront -High quality Spanish food and tasty paella. The perfect spot to begin your Barcelona nightlife adventure.
What to do when in Barcelona ?
For sports passionate people, Barcelona is also one of the best European cities! FC Barcelona, better known as Barça, is one of the greatest soccer clubs of all times, full of history and with a really bright future! The Barcelona adventure would not be complete without having a glimpse inside the Camp Nou, this 99,000 seat amazing stadium. If you are lucky and ready to spend a good part of your travel budget for it, buy a ticket and immerse yourself in the Catalonian culture and attend a game! That is one of the most vibrant experiences you can ever have.
La Barceloneta walkway along the beach is obviously one of the standard places to visit in Barcelona. Spending the day lying on the beach or riding a segway along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea is a must and you will absolutely enjoy it and have a lot of fun during your day, either with your family or with some friends. Not only will you find a lot of typical little restaurants, but also ice cream or fruit sellers with nothing but their little barrow full of yummy snacks.
The Parc Güell is probably one of the most colorful sites in Barcelona. Having a walk inside the masterpiece of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi is so invigorating. All those different kinds of trees and multi-coloured mosaics add a lot of charm and character to the site. You will also enjoy a really magical view of the whole city and be able to see the bay and the sea far ahead. The Parc also houses a wide variety of wildlife and a lot of birds which is an amazing place to take unforgettable pictures!
The church Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi, is one of the most emblematic symbols of Barcelona. After more than 100 years of construction, it is still in continuous renovation. It is for that reason that you will see many cranes spoiling the landscape… Take the time to stroll through the park which offers a breathtaking view of the monument, but also book tickets in advance on the website to skip the 3-hour long line and be able to enter quickly in this amazing and peaceful site. The sun shining through the stained-glass windows and the atmosphere is stunning. Everybody is respectful and quiet; that keeps the amazing holiness of this sacred site. If you are full of energy and the temperature is not too warm, take your courage and climb on the staircase of 400-steps to see this breathtaking view of Barcelona!
Nightlife in Barcelona
Have a drink with a view at the Skybar on the rooftop of the Grand Hotel Central. With its infinity pool and the impressive view of almost the whole city, it’s no surprise that this terrace doesn’t stay empty for long. The prices are relatively cheap compared to the other rooftop bars in Barcelona.
If you enjoy drinking, dancing and having a party, Port Olimpic Beach Clubs is the place to go during your vacation. Here are a string of lounge bars and nightclubs. To have a drink outside, opt for Shoko or CDLC. If you prefer just to have a drink and dance surrounded by a crazy crowd and good music, you should choose either Pacha, Opium or Catwalk. During the crowded season, it is recommended buying VIP passes in advance if you want to be sure to enter and to avoid the huge line at the same time. Chilling out at Ice Bar is also a really fun experience if you are more adventurous. This bar is completely made out of ice! You can even drink in iced glasses!
Our experience in Barcelona
Every time we have been there we had an amazing time. We visited all the places above-mentioned and we highly recommend them! At any time of the year this city has a little something more that you would never find somewhere else. Everybody is friendly with you and always ready to help. Do not panic if you are lost. Public transports are really easy to use, but you should be aware that punctuality is not always a big thing in Spain. But do not despair, your bus is in any case going to come in a few minutes… Download the application Citymapper on your phone. It is really easy to use and it gives you the precise schedules of every subway, bus or train!
We hope you will enjoy your trip there! You are absolutely welcome to comment on this article to tell us what you thought about the sites we recommended, and also if you would advise other places that could be added to our travel guide!
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