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From sun-soaked beaches perfect for a morning swim to lively plazas for afternoon people watching and a nightlife that encourages you to party like there’s no mañana, Spain’s seaside city has it all. Barcelona is also a cultural capital full of Catalan pride with Picasso gallery, Miro museum and Gaudi’s ongoing La Sagrada Familia architecture project.
Barcelona has tapas at every turn, fine wine and giant gin and tonics as well as the wonders of modernist and Gothic architecture dominating the streetscape. Stroll through enchanting alleys, eat like a local at the bustling markets or treat yourself to a laidback cocktail on a rooftop bar, of which there are hundreds. Whether you’re here to soak up the art, bask in the sunshine, or just to get a flavour of the city, Barcelona’s charm is guaranteed to win you over.
The best dining and drinking in Barcelona
Bar Cañete
Wander just off La Rambla – Barcelona’s famous nocturnal promenade – to Bar Cañete, your go-to for some of Barcelona’s best Spanish and Catalan tapas. Try fresh clams a la marinera or veal cheek with parmentier potatoes and dine like a local – the best seats in the house are along the bar.
Cruix
For irresistible paella and creative tapas, head to Cruix, where humble ingredients are transformed into gourmet delicacies. Fresh paella with meat or seafood is topped with a layer of socarrat – the crisp, caramelised rice that forms during the making, without which the dish is considered incomplete by locals.
Sercotel Rossellón
With arguably the city’s best view of La Sagrada Familia, the rooftop terrace of Sercotel Rossellón is a no-brainer for sundowner cocktails after a day of exploring. Grab an Aperol spritz or margarita and watch the sky turn crimson behind the city’s most impressive landmark.
Nobu Barcelona
Combining world-class dining and unparalleled city vistas, Nobu Barcelona brings you divine Japanese fare complemented by contemporary design and warm wood-panelling. Take the opportunity to try Nobu’s famed black cod with miso or opt for a carefully crafted tasting menu followed by cocktails on the swanky rooftop.
Paradiso
Disguised as a pastrami shop, you’ll find Paradiso, a speakeasy bar with a long-standing spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars. Serving up theatrical drinks, including the Mediterranean Treasure served in a treasure chest and seashell, you’re in for delectable cocktails and sustainable bar bites.
Disfrutar
Anointed World’s Best Restaurant in 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and boasting three Michelin stars, Disfrutar offers intricately crafted dishes such as mushroom spaghetti with parmesan, egg yolk and truffle. But there’s a catch – it’s not easy to secure a booking at this exclusive spot, so start planning well in advance.
Where to stay in Barcelona
W Barcelona
W Barcelona boasts 26 floors of unmatched luxury and jaw-dropping views over the Mediterranean or the sprawling city. With two grand pools, high-end dining options, a lavish spa and Barcelona’s beachfront as a backdrop.
Grand Hotel Central
Combining the grandeur of the 1920s with Catalan Noucentisme design, Grand Hotel Central welcomes you with stylish rooms and suites showcasing cutting-edge decor by London design studio Sagrada. Featuring five-star hospitality, a chic rooftop bar, restaurant and pool area, and regular rooftop DJ sets, this is a great stay.
InterContinental Barcelona
Conveniently located near Plaza España, yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the InterContinental Barcelona offers five-star elegance and comfort, Michelin-starred dining and a sunny rooftop and sparkling pool, all with the serenity of Montjuic hill nearby.
Ohla
Known as “the hotel with a thousand eyes”, Ohla Barcelona is instantly recognisable by its striking facade. But the extravagant tone set by the exterior doesn’t end there – with a rooftop terrace praised in The Rooftop Guide, a clear-sided infinity pool and Michelin-starred Caelis restaurant.
Kimpton Vividora
Contemporary design in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the hotel’s bold-yetcalm colour palette makes for a peaceful retreat in between sightseeing, while the trendy rooftop, Terraza de Vivi, doubles up as one of the city’s most popular brunch spots.
Mandarin Oriental
A coveted address along the high-end Passeig de Gràcia – one of Barcelona’s best shopping strips – places you just steps away from the city’s main attractions. The hotel is also known for exceptional service and world class dining – including Michelin-starred Moments restaurant.
Things to do in Barcelona
See the sights
Along with main attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Barcelona Cathedral, be sure to take a walk down iconic La Rambla, explore the trendy Born neighbourhood and go shopping on Passeig de Gracia. From stunning architecture to bustling streets lined with boutique shops and trendy cafes, you won’t run out of sightseeing gems.
Catch the cable car to Montjuic
A green sanctuary away from the bustle of the city, Montjuic hill is home to an array of parks and gardens, the National Art Museum of Catalonia and historic Montjuic Castle, all paired with panoramic views over the city or the shimmering Mediterranean.
Watch the sunrise in style
Beat the crowds to Barceloneta Beach and watch the sky turn crimson above the city from a standup paddle board, a heavenly way to start the day. With the water still calm, it’s the perfect time to admire Barcelona’s coastline, followed by a breakfast with a view.
Go rooftop hopping
After a day of exploring the streets of Barcelona, gain a new perspective and marvel at the city from above with a cocktail in hand. Find your favourite rooftop pool and views and watch the sun go down as you savour traditional tapas or local sparkling cava.
Experience Park Guell
Home to some of Gaudi’s most unique creations, Park Güell is brimming with mosaic-covered structures, vivid colours and landscaped greenery. The sprawling park sits atop a hill offering sweeping vistas across the city.
Sample local produce
On La Rambla, make sure to stop by the vibrant Boqueria market. A true foodie haven, the stalls are teeming with juicy, colourful fruit, the finest Iberian ham and local cheeses.
Is Barcelona good for families?
Ultimate family playground
For the little ones, the city is packed with kid-friendly attractions. Start with the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, a scientific wonderland where kids can touch, play and learn about everything from outer space to dinosaurs – not to mention get up close and personal with the capybaras in the museum’s rainforest habitat. Don’t miss the Barcelona Zoo in the lush Ciutadella Park, home to giraffes, elephants and lions. For the teens and tweens craving a bit more thrill, head over to Tibidabo Amusement Park for exhilarating rollercoasters and panoramic city views. And let’s not forget the grown ups! While the kids are entertained, you can soak up the sun at one of Barcelona’s many beaches or dive into the city’s food scene. Relax with a cafe con leche while the kids build sandcastles or treat yourself to tapas while they chow down on some churros. For those extra special family moments, why not charter a boat and explore the Mediterranean coast? It’s a great way to get a unique perspective of Barcelona’s skyline from the water and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Spain by season
Spring
Spring in Barcelona brings a warm, pleasant climate, it’s the perfect time to explore the parks or wander La Rambla. On April 23, the city transforms for Sant Jordi’s Day, a local twist on Valentine’s Day. It’s a day dedicated to literature and love, with books and roses as the main attractions. Streets are lined with stalls offering a colourful collection of gifts for loved ones, perfectly capturing Barcelona’s romantic charm.
Summer
Barcelona in summer is sizzling with excitement. The beaches are a hit with everyone, and the nightlife is eclectic with beach parties and outdoor concerts, like the popular Festas de Gracia in August. The heat and crowds can be intense, so escape to the shaded Gothic Quarter or find a rooftop pool to cool off. As the sun sets, the city becomes a playground for late-night tapas and dancing under the stars.
Autumn
Autumn means cooler temperatures and a breather from the tourist frenzy. The weather is still perfect for outdoor fun and the food scene is bursting with harvest festivals and fresh, seasonal produce. Check out neighbourhood street parties, and don’t miss La Diada, Catalonia’s national day (September 11), for parades and celebrations. Grab some hot chestnuts from the many street vendors or enjoy autumnal dishes at local restaurants.
Winter
The cooler season is pleasantly mild but crisp. It’s the ideal time to check out indoor spots like the Picasso Museum and La Sagrada Família without battling summer crowds. The city comes alive with Christmas markets and festive decorations that give it a cosy feel. Enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while strolling through twinkling streets or simply soak up the Christmas spirit. Just pack a jacket for those chilly evenings.
What is Barcelona best known for?
Art and architecture
Home to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia – one the most famous buildings in the world – Barcelona also plays host to other bold architecture. Antoni Gaudi’s modernist creations – such as Casa Batllo, Park Guell and the floral pavement tiles beneath your feet – are scattered throughout the city. In contrast, the city’s Old Town showcases gothic design, with highlights such as Barcelona Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar taking the spotlight. For art lovers, stop by the Picasso Museum to discover one of the most extensive collections of the artist’s pieces, or visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia for an insight into Catalan works and spectacular views over the city.
Gastronomy
As you wander the streets of the Gothic Quarter in pursuit of the best patatas bravas, be sure to also try Catalan bombas (meat-filled potato croquettes) or butifarra (Catalan sausage), and sip on a glass of sparkling cava or a chilled vermouth in the sun like a local. If you visit during winter months, don’t miss out on calçotada season, when Catalans enjoy grilled calçots (a variety of green onion) dipped in romesco sauce, paired with classic dishes and local red wine drank from a porró (a traditional Catalan pitcher). More than just a meal, a calçotada is a social event that brings friends and family together, perfectly encompassing the Spanish and Catalan way of life and communal approach to dining.
Sun and fiestas
Thanks to its sunny climate and festive culture, Spain boasts a truly vibrant outdoor lifestyle. There is always cause for celebration, and it’s not uncommon to stumble across (and take part in) a street party on your way to the shops. Every neighbourhood across the city has its own celebration during the year, showcasing decorated streets and live music, and city-wide festivals make for the perfect opportunity to experience the Spanish buzz. If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona on June 23, you’ll see the whole city and beachfront come alive with fireworks and festivities that continue until sunrise for the Feast of Sant Joan that celebrates the start of summer.
Unique Catalan identity
One thing that might catch you off guard about Barcelona is that it’s actually part of Catalonia, with its own distinct language and culture. While the city is known for its energetic, international vibe, it’s also the beating heart of an autonomous region boasting its own rich cultural identity. Don’t be surprised if you hear Catalan being spoken alongside Spanish. You’ll spot it on street signs, menus and even in everyday conversations. So, if you see “bon dia” instead of “buenos días”, or hear locals proudly using Catalan, just know it’s all part of the city’s charm. The local culture is equally unique. Catalonia boasts its own traditions, festivals and culinary delights, so expect to see and taste things you wouldn’t in other regions of Spain. For instance, you’ll encounter traditional Catalan dishes like calçots (grilled green onions) and crema Catalana (think crème brûlée but with a Catalan twist). And don’t miss out on local festivals like La Mercè or the Castellers (human towers) that really show off Catalonia’s flair.
Discover Barcelona
This article was originally featured in Issue 6 of Dream by Luxury Escapes.
