Barcelona should take a closer look. Look up and admire the towering Sagrada Her Familia. Architect Antoni Gaudi’s fantastical and somewhat unfinished temple. Look down: Under your feet are beautiful paving tiles, typical of each district (the floral pattern by Josep Puig i Cadafalc is the city’s symbol). Tucked away in centuries-old crevices and back alleys, you’ll find freshly painted examples of the city’s street art scene. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia’s capital is not only full of art, but the city itself feels like a pulsating, ever-changing work in progress.
Much of the recent progress has been made in shades of green, as the city’s artisans employ sustainable methods and restaurants make the most of local seafood and natural Catalan wine. So it was only fitting that my car in Barcelona would be the Volvo EX30, the brand’s latest all-electric car and its smallest SUV ever. This adorable attention-grabber (literally: a local stopped for a moment at a crosswalk, ceded once more to the Cloud Blue model, and gave me a hearty thumbs up) is designed to maximize interior space while reducing your carbon footprint. Designed to be minimized. Volvo designers have incorporated recycled and renewable materials throughout, from the plastic in the exterior bumpers to the recycled denim, flax and fishing nets in the interior.
Barcelona is easy to get around without a car, but with one you can explore further afield, including wine regions, less touristy beaches, and La Roca Village, a spectacular designer outlet mall about 45 minutes outside of town. It turns out that you can explore places like this. What’s more, the EX30 has delivered a suitably advanced (and very agile!) way to explore this vibrant destination. Here are some of the best places to see, eat, drink and stay in Barcelona.
Highlights
urban art
Home to buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times, Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets leading to quiet areas. square. There’s plenty to see (and take home) here, including local shops. Handmade avarcas and espadrilles For Catalan sandals, Solca sustainable and upcycled leather products, or Bon Van For household items. But my favorite local color is barcelona street style tour‘s free walking tours will help you discover often-missed urban art and understand the stories behind it. Afterwards, visit underground art galleries including: basic elements or Artevistas Gallery You’ll be able to take home a piece of Barcelona’s unique style: colorful, cheeky, a little childish, and most of all, fun.
Passeig de Gracia
One of Europe’s most elegant boulevards, Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample district combines world-class luxury shopping with world-famous modernist architecture.Step into Gaudi’s winding world Casa Mila Or something like a jewel Casa Battillo, currently includes two immersive art experiences.As spectacular as anything nearby Casa Loewe, the Spanish brand’s fantastic flagship store. This ornate frescoed building was beautifully renovated in 2022 and features sculptural designs by Jonathan and his Anderson, as well as ceramics by Pablo and his Picasso and twisted bamboo sculptures commissioned by Japanese artist Chikuunsai Tanabe IV. installation is on display.
Park Guell
It was created in 1900 at the request of Gaudí’s friend and mentor Eusebi Güell. Park Guell is a World Heritage Site, with approximately 30 acres of gardens, buildings, mosaics, sculptures, and eye candy too numerous to list here. To promote environmentally friendly tourism, visitor numbers are limited, so consider purchasing tickets in advance.
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where to eat
La Boqueria market
There’s no better place to buy snacks and souvenirs than a local market. Right next to Las Ramblas, the city’s main tourist attraction. La Boqueria It is the largest market in Barcelona and one of the most famous in Europe. While sipping on freshly squeezed juice, wander the aisles for gourmet gifts like vials of saffron threads, cute tins of smoked paprika and sardines, and bulk purchases of fanciful sweets. For an atmospheric meal, grab a chair at one of the tapas bars dotted throughout the space. Seating is popular, so consider grilled seafood for a late afternoon snack. La Lambrero (Stall 550) where you can relax until dinner time. In Barcelona it’s usually after 9pm. Or enjoy a late breakfast of fried eggs and caramelized foie gras or Iberian ham (what else?). El Quim (Booth 606).
Fismaller Restaurant
A chic space with an industrial atmosphere in the fashionable Elborn district. Fismaller We offer contemporary and upscale tapas. However, the dishes are by no means elaborate and focus on market produce, such as the very delicious mate au gratin and the trendy fried bimi broccoli with burrata and green mole. The atmosphere is lively and lively, and long farmhouse-style tables encourage sharing. Each dish probably took him three hours to prepare, each dish being brought to him one by one by friendly waitstaff and carefully explained to him.
Jacqueline Barcelona
It was named after Picasso’s muse and second wife. Jacqueline This luxuriously designed restaurant in Eixample takes a choose-your-own-adventure approach. The restaurant on the main floor serves modern Mediterranean cuisine. Upstairs is his very intimate six-seat omakase sushi bar (please reserve in advance; his only two seats are open Tuesday through Sunday at 8pm and 10:30pm). Downstairs there is a dinner club offering live soul, flamenco and jazz music. (You’ll have to find the flower-studded hidden cocktail bar yourself.)
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where to drink
bar brutal
Barcelona’s natural wine scene is booming, and this bar and wine shop near the Picasso Museum in El Born was a pioneer in this movement a decade ago.ask the welcome person bar brutal We have staff who can help you explore wines grown in organic and biodynamic wineries in Catalonia and around the world. Typically produced without the use of sulfites, pesticides, or additives, wines range from funky to smooth like Bordeaux. Some people say that organic wine prevents hangovers. This fact may or may not be true, but when it comes to nightlife in Barcelona, I’ll use any help I can.
mariposa negra
Centered around the Picasso Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, El Born’s maze of streets is filled with lively tapas and cocktail bars where you can wander until late at night.It’s hard to top this with Barcelona’s unique flair. mariposa negraoffers cocktails made with house-made ingredients such as tigernut horchata, scorpion chili liqueur, and Génépi flower liqueur, served in house-made ceramic vessels. Grab a few friends and join the bar for a cocktail master class. There, you’ll learn how to mix four different drinks and paint your own ceramic glasses.
Bamboo Beach Bar
Barcelona’s city life is so rich that it’s easy to forget you’re on the beach. There are plenty of places to drink, dance, and touch the sand along lively Barcelona Beach, just a short walk from the city. Personally, I like going for more of a desert island feel. Levanto Beach, an easy drive north, is a quiet area with laid-back bars and restaurants. Bamboo Beach Club. His seasonal Bambu serves cold beers, cocktails, sangria and Thai-style tapas with tranquil Mediterranean views.
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destination
ME Barcelona Hotel
ideal location me barcelona Located just off Passeig de Gràcia, it is a short walk to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the Picasso Museum. (From the rooftop pool and terrace, you can even spot the towers of the Sagrada Familia, recently unveiled for the first time in 140 years.) Rooms feature king-sized beds, walk-in showers, and views of the city or quiet courtyard. You can enjoy the view.
soho house barcelona
An 18th-century building facing Marina Port Vell on the edge of the Gothic Quarter. soho house barcelona It has all the hallmarks that members-only clubs and hotels are known for, including chic vintage furniture, Cowshed spa and beauty products, and a no-laptop policy in the rooftop pool. But it also has a Catalan design touch, giving it a distinctly Barcelona feel. A 100-piece art collection spread throughout the building (look for the Picasso in the front his area and the Blanca his Miro mural in the stairwell). In the evening, a bar cart rolls up to your room and serves pre-dinner cocktails.
Casa Bonay
Authenticity and relaxed charm are the watchwords of this boutique hotel Casa BonayLovingly renovated by local entrepreneur and co-owner Ines Miró-Sanz. Rooms may have large windows, original mosaic floors or private terraces with hammocks. Exclusive to hotel guests, the lush rooftop oasis offers sunbeds, outdoor showers and yoga classes, as well as room service from Libertine, the famous tapas bar on the ground floor of the hotel.
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beauty picks
La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen, 50 SPF
The holidays call for hybrid formulas that streamline your beauty routine, so you have more time to see, drink, and swim. A multitasking primer that combines high sun protection, blurring effect, and a lightweight finish.
Ceremonia Guava Hydrating Leave-in Conditioner
Ceremonia’s Guava Leave-In Conditioner brings tropical flavor to any destination. Aside from the delicious guava scent, this leave-in type is best used on wet hair, fresh out of the shower. It softens hair, provides a healthy amount of moisture, and tames unruly frizz.
La Mer Jénaissance de la Mer
For skin so good you won’t want to touch it, try the soothing Jénaissance de la Mer Serum. Designed to mimic the skin’s microsymmetrical patterns that lose strength over time, The Serum Essence restores firmness and improves elasticity over time.