Hidden gems in Barcelona: The top 5 venues to avoid the tourist trap

| Travel Inspiration

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.

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