Trip Length

3-5 Days

How to Get Around

On Foot

Taxi

Ridesharing App

Scooter

Motorbike

Months to Go

Year-Round

Currency

Euro

Local Language

Spanish

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is one of Spain’s most fun-loving cities, with incredible restaurants and a notable nightlife scene. But Barcelona’s cultural attractions are equally impressive, and its charming neighborhoods are filled with decades-old tapas bars and striking buildings, many of which were designed by Antonio Gaudí. Don’t miss a guided tapas and wine tour, and remember, as is true elsewhere in Spain, locals eat on the late side: lunch is around 2 p.m., and dinner can be 10 p.m. or later

Barcelona

Spain

Bar la Camila

A local café and bar tucked away on a quiet alleyway in Gràcia with great coffee roasted by women in Valencia. It’s open all day and serves pastries, snacks, and tapas. 

Camp Nou

Even if you don't like soccer/football, seeing an FC Barcelona game at Camp Nou is a classic BCN experience and a ton of fun—you can see some of the most dedicated sports fans on the planet here.

Can Cisa/Bar Brutal

A go-to every time we’re in Barcelona, this wine bar–and–restaurant is one of the best places to go for natural wine and delicious, simple tapas. Also, particularly noteworthy oysters.

Casa Batlló

This modernist Antoni Gaudí building is a masterpiece—its curved exterior is covered in colored glass that shimmers in the sunlight. The interior is breathtaking, too.

Casa Bonay

One of Barcelona’s most charming  (and affordable) boutique hotels is this hip address in Eixample, which boasts a particularly impressive roster of restaurants, including the Libertine cocktail bar, a natural wine bistro, and a rooftop tapas bar. Set in a 19th-century modernist mansion, the hotel is a bit of a melting pot for visitors and locals, the latter of whom can often be found working in the ground-floor cafe.

Cereria Subirà

The oldest shop in Barcelona, this specialty candle store was founded in 1761 and sells beautiful handmade candles in an assortment of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Just a visit to the pretty, old-school boutique is a delight, but their candles are also an excellent (and surprisingly inexpensive) gift to bring back!

El Born

This boho neighborhood has a bit of a local feel and lots of small boutiques and restaurants. Don't miss Cal Pep for tapas, Nomad for coffee, Hofmann Pastisseria for baked goods, Mercat de Santa Caterina for an authentic food market experience, or cultural sights like the Santa Maria del Mar church and Picasso Museum. One of the best places to shop is La Comercial. For a cool scene, swing by the Edition hotel or Paradiso, a swanky speakeasy.

Gothic Quarter

Vibrant neighborhood with beautiful historic architecture and lots of little streets lined with cool bars and restaurants. Great place to wander and get lost, but make a point to see the Gothic Cathedral and Plaça Reial. Sensi Tapas is a great spot for a meal here, or you can walk to the edge of the neighborhood and visit Boqueria Market.

Gèneres de punt La Torre

This famous undergarments store opened in 1900 and has remained relatively unchanged since then. The shop specializes in classic, primarily cotton underwear, tanktops, shirts, socks, etc. from European brands. It’s a special experience to step back in time and stock up on basics here.

Joan Miró Foundation

This museum on the edge of Barcelona is dedicated to artist Joan Miró but also hosts exhibitions that showcase other artists. The building itself is a work of modern architecture.

La Sagrada Familia

This Antoni Gaudí cathedral is a Barcelona icon. The architecture and interior are breathtaking—book tickets far in advance to avoid waiting in a long line. This is a good place to splurge on a guide as it's arguably the most famous attraction in the city.

Mercat de la Boqueria

This market is a Barcelona institution. Come for breakfast or lunch and sample from a bunch of the different stalls. Try to snag seats at either El Quim de la Boqueria or Pinotxo, two of the most popular bars.

Park Güell

Spectacular hilltop Antoni Gaudí park and UNESCO World Heritage Site that's one of the greatest examples of Gaudí's modernism, with gorgeous gardens, iconic mosaic benches, and some of the best views of the city and water.

Passeig de Gràcia

The most expensive avenue in Barcelona, lined with boutiques from the biggest international luxury brands. The architecture is beautiful, too.

Picasso Museum

Must-visit museum in the El Born neighborhood. Pablo Picasso spent a significant portion of his young life in Barcelona and this museum has thousands of his artworks.

Santa Eulalia

Most upscale department store in the city with a curated selection of fashion and accessories from the best global brands. You can also have custom pieces made here.

TIBERI BAR

This cool local restaurant in El Poble-Sec has a great natural wine selection, delicious seasonal small plates, and a fun ambiance and crowd. The design is post-industrial yet intimate, with a mirror-clad column in the center, velvet armchairs, bold green marble bar, and low-lit tables. Spend a leisurely evening sipping from their impressive natural wine list and enjoying every bite of their flawlessly executed modern takes on classic Catalan tapas, from their famous chicken sandwich, to roasted pumpkin with labneh, and a creative version of a Gilda skewer.    

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