Hidden gems in Barcelona: The top 5 venues to avoid the tourist trap
Those heading off to fractional residences in Barcelona this
summer will be aware of the popularity of the city. As such, it is
important to do your best to avoid the tourist traps that can turn
your vacation sour with overcrowding and busy streets.
Plaça Felip Neri
The term hidden in plain sight springs to mind when talking about
this wonderful little place. Set in the Gothic Quarter of the city
- the most popular with tourists - and just a stone's throw from
Las Ramblas, the Call is a brilliant way to see Medieval
Spain.
Walking along the narrow streets near the cathedral will bring
visitors to a small market square complete with a wonderful
restaurant and various little shops that cast the mind back to days
gone by.
And for those with an eye for history, the area is also full of
bullet holes, which serve as a reminder of the Spanish Civil War
and provide an eerie look at the past.
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
One for the lovers, this park is the oldest in Barcelona, and
curiously also the quietest. Found in the Horta-Guinardo area of
the city, it boasts acres of open green space where you can relax
with a picnic and a glass of wine.
However, some of the most attractive parts of the park can be
discovered by having a little look around. A 14th-century
watchtower, fountains, statues and sculptures all sit around a
brilliant maze of trees - the ideal romantic afternoon
activity.
Plaça de la Virreina
Knowing where the locals hang out is always a great way to find
some of the trendiest and most unspoiled areas of any city, and
this is never truer than in Barcelona.
Virreina sits in the Gracia neighbourhood of the city, which
remained completely unchanged by the rise of the city from the 19th
century onwards - as such it is the trendiest area of the
city.
Among the country aura of the streets and the low-rise buildings,
you can find many quaint little bars, restaurants and fashion
boutiques to make your relaxing visit worthwhile.
Sant Antoni Market
Everyone who heads to Barcelona will have encountered the las
Ramblas and Boqueria markets, but the fact these are so busy does
not mean you need to miss out on the experience.
From Monday through Saturday, locals flock to Sant Antoni's
colourful and vibrant market to pick up fresh food and produce, and
you can get a real Spanish feel from the authentic
surroundings.
Visiting on a Sunday will mean you can also find other little
delights such as traditional clothing, books and art - where you
may well find a hidden gem of your own.
Kowasa Gallery
Art in Barcelona is normally all about Dali and Picasso, but away
from these crowded exhibits, you can find the best of what the
modern art world has to offer at Kowasa.
This lovely little bookshop specialises in photography, and as such
it has a range of the best photography - both Spanish and
international - in the modern era.
Established in 1997, this truly well hidden gem is the most
authentic and peaceful gallery you will find anywhere in the
city.