48 hours in Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a magical Mediterranean metropolis. At once an ancient and modern city, it is said in legend to have been found by Hercules. With a heady mix of artistic heritage, lively nightlife and fabled architecture, it is little wonder that it is one of Europe's ultimate city break destinations.
Barcelona epitomises Spanish 'street-life', from outdoor markets to a vibrant café culture. While away mornings sipping a café con leche and eating pan con tomate, browse unique boutiques, explore historic landmarks that are so highly revered around the world, and soak up the sun and sea air on one of the city's sandy beaches. Once the sun goes down, Barcelona buzzes with nightlife.
Our pied-à-terre, Calle Princesa, is situated in El Born district, one of city's prettiest areas and a hotspot for enjoying all the city has to offer.
While we are certain you'll be eagerly planning your return trip no sooner than your feet leave Spanish soil, here's how we suggest you spend 48 hours in this unforgettable place.
Day One
Up with the lark, you have a busy day ahead! Sip on a café con leche and devour a slice of pan con tomate at one of the city's many cafes. Breakfast here is best enjoyed outside, where you can soak up the charisma and character of the Iberian world around you… but don't get too lost in daydreaming, there's an Old Town and Waterfront to explore.
Head to Plaça Catalunya, the lively square often referred to as the 'nerve centre' of the Catalan capital. A favourite meeting point among locals and tourists alike, it's also the geographical space that separates the districts of Ciutat Vella and the Eixample. From here, wander La Rambla, the most well-known street in the city - and perhaps, indeed, the country - before stopping off at Mercado de la Boqueria, a gastronomic delight for foodies with more than 200 vendors serving up local and international fayre. The whole place is a window onto the roots of Catalonia's gastronomy, a landscape which, alone, attracts tens of millions of visitors every year.
Once refuelled, meander the narrow streets of the Barri Gòtic, the original Gothic Quarter. Most of the area is still intact from the Middle Ages, its buildings austere for the most part, with the cathedral at its heart. Roman ruins and vestiges of 3rd-century walls are a sight to be seen, and there are endless intricate details that you'll find yourself quietly contemplating as you explore this unique part of town.
Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia is an intriguing work of architecture, serving as a good example of how sacred buildings have evolved over the centuries. With a relatively 'dark' exterior, apt for its Gothic surroundings, the interior is a sight to behold, with a fascinating façade and 140 statues of saints that call the cathedral home.
Onwards to Port Vell, the waterfront harbour. Interestingly, it was completely remodelled for the 1992 Olympic Games, and offers a little of everything, from sport and shopping, to tapas and 'tintos' (vino tinto that is…).
Enjoy an afternoon meal at Mirandoalmar, located on the second floor of the Maremagnum Shopping Centre and overlooking the port and Rellotge tower, an old lighthouse built in 1772 and transformed into a clock in 1904. The menu is inspired by Catalan cuisine and the wider Mediterranean area, from traditional tapas such as Padrón peppers, to paella with gambas. As the sun goes down, soak in the infectious vibe of La Barceloneta, the lively seaside spot lined with bars and clubs, many of which have terraces that open onto the beachfront.
Day Two
For 'desayuno', try churros con chocolate. You will be served a hot chocolate drink with a stack of churros; fried dough sticks usually sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Dunk and devour… a delightful way to start the day!
The first stop of the day is Gaudí's Casa Batlló. One of two fascinating buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí on Passeig de Gràcia, the exteriors looks as though it has been made from skulls and bones: the 'skulls' are in fact balconies, and the 'bones' are supporting pillars. Down the road, La Pedrera - Casa Milà is an iconic masterpiece.
Constructed in 1905 as a residential property for the wealthy Milà family, the building features forms drawn from nature. It was Gaudi's last work of civic architecture and represented a break with the conventions of his day. Both buildings offer tours daily.
A short walk away, Casa Vicens is the first home by the great architect of Modernisme. It was built by a young Gaudí as a summer home; a unique oasis of calm with an Oriental and Moorish flavour, in the peaceful neighbourhood of Gràcia. The building is covered with spectacular green and white tiles and was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2005.
Pick up provisions - a bocata de jamón, anyone? - or stop off for lunch en route, before heading to Park Güell, again authored by Gaudí. It is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, divided into two main areas; the monumental area, a world heritage site which covers 12 hectares, and the adjacent woodland area, covering 8 more hectares. The famous Serpentine Bench, and 'El Drac', a mosaic salamander statue, are sights to behold.
Finally, no trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to see Sagrada Família, Gaudí's finest work of art. The Roman Catholic basilica is an unexpected sight in its urban setting, with its bold flying buttresses and twisted towers looming over the city. You will find your eyes tracing the details of this masterpiece, notable for its tactile organic form.
At dusk, we recommended heading back across to town to the Ciutat Vella and bagging a table at Can Culleretes, one of the oldest eateries in the city, dating back to 1786. Its authentic ambience and traditionally Catalan menu makes it the perfect place to enjoy your last evening in Barcelona…this time around, at least!
