The Barcelona City Guide- the best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do
The second largest city in Spain and easily one of the most diverse, Barcelona is vibrant, inviting and memorable city that keeps you coming back. This grid city is blessed with sandy beaches, old and modern architecture, history, culture, variety of things to eat and do and of course home to the famous FC Barcelona. Barcelona has a way of capturing your heart keeping you wanting more. So, whether you are in the city for a weekend trip or weeks here’s the WKNDTRP recommended Barcelona City Guide.
Hotels
A striking sail like structure overlooking the Barcelona beach is a 5 Star hotel combining luxury and comfort. Spacious and airy rooms provide a host of amenities. If the accommodation is not great enough choose from the Mediterranean Restaurant SALT, sip a cocktail at the rooftop bar ECLIPSE or their latest restaurant FIRE for season and organic dishes. W Barcelona is a 20-minute walk from the vibrant neighbourhood and the nearest metro making it very accessible for all modes of transport.
Located right in the heart of Barcelona’s attractions and shopping boulevards. Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a luxurious haven amidst the colorful city. Indulge in their exquisite spa or taste the best cuisine in the restaurant run by award winning Chef Carme Ruscalleda. The pool overlooks the city and the sea for picturesque views all around.
Restaurants
One of Spain’s best tapas restaurants and even included in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List, Cal Pep serves Mediterranean seasonal cuisine. The space is lowkey with brick walls and rustic furniture. This is a no fuss restaurant serving some of the best food you will ever eat. Open from 1pm and 4pm and again from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.
A fine dining restaurant that focuses on creativity, high technical skill, fantasy and a good taste. Creating a gastronomical adventure via several tasting menus in a simple but elegant space that is featured in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and awarded 2 Michelin stars, Disfrutar stays true to its translation of “enjoy”.
Bars
Dry Martini
Dry Martini has become an icon in the cocktail bar for its legendary drinks, sleek interiors and a smooth evening. Enter into dark wood and dimly lit surroundings which looks straight out of a Bond Film. The speakeasy celebrates good cocktails using some of the best spirits in the world, the staff are great recommending options too in case you’re overwhelmed by the choice. They open at 1pm on weekdays till the early hours of the morning.
A trendy, super fashionable nightclub with DJs, live shows and a bar. Hyde Club is a perfect place for art, creativity and fashion. You may even run into the city’s elite here. The Club usually sports a young, hip crowd but there’s no age limit to enjoying good music. They are open from 9pm till 6am from Thursday to Saturday.
Things to do
Spread over 5 Palaces, Picasso’s Museum is nothing short of wonderful. Each floor boasts a different style and captures Picasso’s art in its truest form. While not all his famous paintings are showcased here there are lesser known ones too. You may not be able to complete the Museum in one day leaving visitors to come back over and over.
A park system that holds gardens and architectural elements. It is also home to the famous Mosaic lizard and other mosaic structures. The park was a collaboration project that was never completed but was later deemed a UNCESCO world heritage site. Different ticket prices will get you into different areas of the park. But there is not an app that helps you get about the mosaic maze. It is definitely one of Barcelona’s must-see treasures.
With so much to see and experience in Barcelona there’s no right place to start except the WKNDTRP city guide. Scroll through a plethora of options and use the trip planner to build an itinerary of your choice.