Barcelona

The local area

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.

Sited between the sea and the mountains, the 39-square-mile city is split into 10 districts and over 70 barrios, each brimming with unique character and charm. From the well-known Ciutat Vella (Old Town), which is comprised of Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), El Raval, La Barceloneta, and Barri de la Ribera, to the fashionable El Born district, one of city's prettiest areas and home to our pied-à-terre, Calle Princesa.

The History of Barcelona

Legends aside, the exact origin of Barcelona is unknown, but it appears to have begun life in earnest as a Roman city, before becoming the capital of the County of Barcelona in the Middle Ages. This ancient history lies beneath your feet as you stroll around the city, with subterranean Barcelona boasting some of the most extensive and comprehensive Roman ruins in the world, visible in the City History Museum. Gothic architecture features above ground, along with the outstanding and city-defining work of Gaudi, Barcelona's most beloved architect.

What to See and Do in Barcelona

Barcelona features the best of Spanish city culture, with outdoor markets, beautiful churches, museums and a vibrant café and bar culture. Great one-off shops and boutiques will make for many happy afternoons lazily shopping, and in the summer warmth, Barcelona's beaches make for a pleasing escape from the city. Once the sun goes down, the city invites you out into the night air to enjoy its food, mojitos and famously buzzing nightclubs.

Picasso spent his formative years in Barcelona and maintained strong links with the city. The Picasso Museum, spread over four medieval townhouses in Calle Montcada, traces the genius of the young artist through an astonishing 4,251 works. More cultural interest can be found with the Sagrada Familia, the aforementioned Antoni Gaudi's weird and wonderful unfinished masterpiece. Visitors can access the nave, crypt, and the Passion and Nativity towers, before heading to Parc de la Ciutadella to potter around the lake or visit the city zoo.

Spanish Food and Drink

Catalan cuisine is bright and irresistible. Built for sociable gatherings cheerfully passing dishes around the dinner table, here enjoyment of food is one of the cornerstones of a life well lived. Whether you want to spend the day wandering around food markets in order to prepare a meal yourself in our luxury apartment, or if you prefer the atmospheric and lively restaurants, the quality of the local food won't let you down.

Characterised by herbs, the locally bred animals and huge amounts of beautiful seafood, eating here is delightful. It's simplicity is displayed by one of Barcelona's staple dishes, of bread toasted and rubbed with olive oil, garlic and tomato. Calçots, a native green onion, are cooked and served with Romesco sauce, made of hazelnuts, almonds, and ñora peppers, while Crema Catalana is the Barcelona Creme Brulee.

The Experience

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Barcelona

The local area

The History of Barcelona

What to See and Do in Barcelona

Spanish Food and Drink

The Experience

El Xalet

Cal Pep

Llamber

Xurreria Café

Moments

Caelis

Tapas La Boqueria

Enoteca

Eclipse

La Dolce Vita

El Paraigua

Boca Chica

El Chiringuito (Bogatell Beach)

Sagrada Família: Gaudí's Masterpiece

A Vision in Progress

Picasso Museum Barcelona: A Journey of 4,251 Works

Tracing an Artistic Genius

Museu d’Historia: Barcelona History Museum

Archaeological Journey

La Mercè Festival: Cultural Celebration

Vibrant Street Festival

Gaudí’s La Pedrera: Unique Landmark

Gaudí's Masterpiece

Barcelona Zoo: Diverse Animal Kingdom

Explore the Parc de la Ciutadella's Zoo

Magic Fountain: Vibrant Water Show

Catch the Magic Fountain's Spectacular Show

Tibidado: Scenic Amusement Park

Visit Tibidabo for Exhilarating Rides

Mar Bella: Relaxing Family Beach

Enjoy a Relaxed Day at Mar Bella

Montjuïc: Barcelona’s Panoramic Peak

Discover Castles and Magical Fountains

Parc de la Ciutadella: Barcelona’s Peaceful Urban Retreat

Bracelona City Park

Parc Guell: A Gaudí Masterpiece in Barcelona

Discover Unique Architecture

Mirador de Colom: Columbus Monument

La Rambla and Montjuic from 60 Meters Up

Playa de la Barceloneta: Barcelona’s Largest

Enjoy a Vast Sandy Stretch

Bogatell Beach: Barcelona’s Coastal Hotspot

Skate, Lounge, and Enjoy Chiringuitos

43 The Spa

Ambrosia Spa

Rituels d'Orient

Serena Spa

Mandarin Oriental Spa

Bike Tours in Barcelona

Unveil Barcelona's Diverse Facets

A Sweet Experience in the Former Convent de Sant Agustí

Discover Chocolate History

Discovering Dali

A Deep Dive into Salvador Dalí's Life and Work

Sail at Sunset in Barcelona

Tranquil Sunset Cruise from Port Olympic

Gastronomic Journey: El Born and La Barceloneta Culinary Tour

Dive Into Barcelona's Culinary Scene

Barcelona Sweets Lover Tour

Taste Traditional Desserts and Modern Treats

El Corte Inglés Plaça de Catalunya: Barcelona’s Premier Shopping Destination

Fashion, Food, and More

Bulevard Rosa: Barcelona’s Iconic Shopping Arcade

A Fashion Lover's Paradise

La Boqueria Market: A Sensory Journey Through Fresh Produce and Culinary Arts

From Colorful Produce to Cooking Classes

El Triangle: Barcelona’s Premier Shopping Hub

Fashion, Dining, and Entertainment

Craft Market: Handmade Treasures in Barcelona’s Gothic District

Local Crafts and Art

Murivecchi

Bar Cañete

Tapeo del Born

Tapas 24