BELLE’S BARCELONA GUIDE

When we first moved abroad, our favorite question for our new English neighbors was “what’s your favorite place in Europe?”…Almost unanimously, everyone said Barcelona! I don’t why it took a year for us to get to this southern Spain gem, but almost instantly we understood the pull. First, everything I ate was delicious! And you know for me, that’s important. Next, the culture. It was fascinating to be in the Catalan capital and experience the sense of pride and heritage first hand. And of course, the architecture! The Gothic quarter, Gaudi’s masterpieces, Modernista buildings…it’s all so unique and breathtaking.

Here’s a list of my must-see’s and do’s in the lively BARCELONA :

STAY

The Praktik Collection offers amazing accommodations within the coolest venue–a bakery, vinoteca, even a garden? And all are centrally located. We stayed at the Praktik Vinoteca and took serious advantage of their lengthy list of wines in-house, at crazy reasonable prices. Also, their garden courtyard is the perfect pre-dinner relaxation spot.

EAT

Try a Food Tour with Devour Spain to get a taste of the delicious food but also culture!

BRUNCH :

Milk : hearty food in a cozy little spot.
Brunch & Cake : the most colorful (and delightful) brunch dishes in town, you can have whatever you like when you want it–salad for breakfast or pancakes for dinner.

LUNCH :

El Quim at Mercado de La Boqueria

SNACKING :

Pasteleria Hofmann : creme croissants.
Escriba : chocolate croissants.

DINNER :

Bodega 1900 : a true Spanish bodega as imagined by renowned chef Albert Adria, with small tapas and vermouth.

Dinner El Nacional : four restaurants and four bars under one roof, you can find whatever it is you’re after…or come back four nights in a row! We dined in the Taperia… you can order off the menu or in true tapas fashion, raise your hand as it comes hot from the kitchen!

DRINKS :

The W : the coolest parties beachside in Barcelona.
CDLC : the boardwalk in Barcelona is full of cool nightlife spots but this a great daytime spot as well…sip on something and enjoy the beachy breeze!
Hotel Omm : A perfect location for sunset drinks!