Barcelona
The land of the Sun, the Sand and the Holy Trinity of Patatas Bravas, Pan con Tomate and Croquettas.
Embrace the slow life, the terraza life.
Take a seat at any of the numerous terrazas outside the local tiendas; plastic chairs and tables put together, inviting you to order the Holy Trinity of Tapas and a couple of cañas.
Leave the sangria for the tourists and drink vermut like the locals.
Swap the cappuccinos for cortados.
Swap the avocado toast for a bocadillo.
Slow down and take it all in.
A city that doesn't have to try, created perfect at birth.
All my discoveries for you to explore
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Recs
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Fresh, hearty and generous Catalan flavors with a choice of 3 or 5 course menu del dia. Make a reservation!
Go-to-favourite with DIY pan con tomate and Truffle risotto
Intimate, noisy, standing bar kinda affair for vermut & pintxos. Always crowded so be prepared for a wait
Get a seat at the bar. Order wine. and then just order everything on the menu.
Widely acknowledged as the best pan-con-tomate (and I agree)
Perfect for tapas when you are exploring Gracia
Venturing away from tapas route? Pastrami sandwiches and natural wine here is worth the detour from tapas
4 restaurants, 2 bars and 1 fancy atmosphere all under one roof.
Fixed menu of exquisite farm-to-table tapas
Another go-to classic in the El Born barrio
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Perfect for those slow terraza afternoons with cold cañas and tapas
Cerveza time starts here while exploring San Antoni
Local hangout for vermut, olives and anchovies. Simple.
The city’s best kept secret for a work cafe. Transition seamlessly from ‘coffee & working’ to ‘cocktails & chilling’
I don’t like titles but it deserves its #1 spot in the “World’s Best Bars” list
Salts - Terrassa Bar Montjuïc
Local bar while exploring the Montjuic backyard; overlooking the Olympic sized pool and city views
Select a bunch of Pintxos and enjoy with a cold one
Hidden terrace for a casual drink and a chat
A fuss free go-to spot for tapas and cañas with friends
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Great coffee in a quiet Gothico plaza
Spacious and airy work cafe in Gothico & San Antoni
El Born Sunday mornings are a vibe at Lulu’s
Just excellent coffee
Local roastery with great coffee and delicate baked goods
A go-to for coffee and a light breakfast
Specialty coffee house tucked at the end of a quiet ‘pasaje’
No laptops allowed; just a cafe for drinking (great) coffee like the old days
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Official supplier of gelato for Holy events at the Vatican - Need I say more
Pistacchio & Dark Chocolate. The winning combination.
Dessert for the eyes. Don’t restrict yourself to just the mascarpone croissant. Because it’s all just really good.
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Picasso Museum, El Born
A few hours exploring the extensive collection of the Spanish cubist artists works, and then explore El Born after
Great (free) walking tour of old town to get a sense of history
Feeling active? This 2 hour pleasant hike that ends in a wonderful scenic vineyard just outside the city might do the trick (Wikiloc trail here)
Joan Miró Foundation
Spacious and modern museum with the works of Miro & Picasso. Explore Teatre Grec and the jardins after in the Montjuic backyard
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Check Resident Advisor for a sense of what’s happening in the city.
Music Festivals
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High quality wine & cheese store to stock up or take back home