The Catalonian capital has long been a favourite stop for travellers on a Euro-trip and it’s no surprise it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This truly cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean is bursting full of history, culture, food and entertainment all waiting to be discovered. Short on time or looking for a concise recommendation, our Eat Do Sleep guide showcases our favourite, hand-picked places that need to be added to any Barcelona itinerary! We only choose the best…
Eat
P41 Bar & Cocterlarium
Nestled in the vibrant Hotel Arts Barcelona is P41 Bar & Cocterlarium. The in-house mixologist Diego Baud is an award-winning maverick, concocting flamboyant and elaborately presented cocktails for the unique menu. If you are looking for a cocktail experience like no other, Diego will definitely put on a show. The bar itself is kitted out with contemporary wooden floors, a central curved bar, and deep teal velvet bar stools against slate grey fixtures – a modern take on art deco sophistication. P41 is relatively new on the Barcelona drinking scene and is still a well-kept secret so take the opportunity to visit before it becomes old news. You heard it here first. Read Our Review
Dos Cielos & 24 Cielos
Located on the 24th floor of the Melia Barcelona Sky, the Dos Cielos Restaurant boasts incredible views of the city skyline and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. The Torres brothers, the creative forces behind the establishment, were awarded their first Michelin star in 2010 just two years after the restaurant opened, suggesting you are in good hands here. The Melia Hotel itself is a stunning skyscraper designed by architect Dominique Perrault and is a striking landmark on the city skyline. After dinner, retire to 24 Cielos, the former restaurant terrace turned bar space, an ideal spot to sit back and take in the wonderful vistas whilst sipping on an aperitif.
Do
Shopping on Passeig de Gràcia
As the biggest shopping street in the city, Passeig de Gràcia is a hive of activity. But trust us; if you are seeking some serious retail therapy, it’s worth battling the crowds. The street itself is wide leafy boulevard which was once a promenade for the 19th century bourgeoisie of Barcelona. Whether you are hunting for a bargain at high street favourites Mango and Zara, or seeking out your latest luxury purchase from Stella McCartney, Prada or Louis Vuitton, the wide selection of stores is sure to delight. If you aren’t into shopping, the street’s amazing showcase of Catalonian modernist and art nouveau buildings will most definitely conjure up awe and amazement. Be sure to look around when you are walking along to spot the organic paving stones designed by Gaudi and streetlamps by Pere Falques.
Prestige tour of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
A most popular opera house in Europe and a beautiful building, the Gran Teatre del Liceu has provided the stage for many of the most important works of classical music and the most greatest singers of the last two decades, including Domingo, Pavarotti, Callas and Tebaldi. Opened in 1847, the building was designed by architect Miquel Garriga i Roca and at the time was the largest opera house in Europe. Whilst the opera house has been ravaged by fires throughout its lifetime, it has been reconstructed to be much the way it was in 1847. Nowadays, we recommend booking in for a ‘Prestige’ tour of the building to truly appreciate its impressiveness. Start in the Renaissance-style lobby, before proceeding to the jaw-dropping auditorium which is an exact replica of the original hall. Tours also take in the Mirror Hall, once a gathering spot of the Catalan upper-middle classes, and the Cercle del Liceu, a British-style private club housing one of the finest Art Nouveau collections in Catalonia.
liceubarcelona.cat/ca/visites-prestige
Sunset Cruise with Nautica Port Barcelona
Perhaps one of the best and most refreshing ways to see the city is by water. Spain has recently re-embraced its maritime past and nowhere more so than in Barcelona. We recommend heading to Port Olímpic where Nautica Port Barcelona offer all sorts of water based fun! If you aren’t too keen on hopping on a water-ski, hire out your own private sail boat for a cruise around the Barcelona coastline. They have a multitude of options from a small 10m sailboat costing 180 euros for a 1 hour cruise (including skipper), to a more luxurious 16m sailboat complete with bathrooms, cabins, a kitchen and space for 11 passengers, starting at 850 euros for the day (not including skipper).
Sleep
Almanac Barcelona
An illuminated sweeping curved staircase in polished wood and glass ascends from the lobby at Almanac Barcelona, giving a hint as to the style-forward five-star experience that awaits guests staying here. The hotel is on the bustling Gran Via, but with excellent soundproofing, you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Opt for a Terrace Suite for fantastic views and private outdoor space. All rooms are filled with signature scents by Jimmy Boyd, and feature sofas/chaises nestled in picture windows, touch controls, Chromecast and popcorn machines. And be sure to have a meal at Virens, the in-house restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental
Located in the very heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Oriental is just seconds away from the city’s luxury boutiques and only a 2-minute walk from the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló. Fusing modern interiors and timeless style from Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the 120 rooms are bright and airy. Book a suite for a freestanding whirlpool tub, terrace and even kitchen. Gourmet Michelin-star dining is available in three restaurants – one of which is al fresco. The addition of a relaxing spa, first-floor terrace, indoor pool for year-round dips and a rooftop pool with views out over the city makes the hotel one not to be missed.
Cotton House
The Cotton House Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, is housed in the former headquarters of the city’s cotton guild – a stunning 19th-century neo-classical property. We fell in love with this hotel from the second we walked through the door. Perfect for a romantic break, it offers easy access to the city’s major attractions, 83 refined rooms including some four-poster beds, divine Mediterranean cuisine, and even its own library. The communal areas are rich in history with original features and antique furniture. The rooftop pool with a view looking out to the Sagrada Familia is stunning as is the elegant terrace dining area and cocktail bar. Read our expert review here
ME Barcelona
This Avant Garde hotel is in the heart of Barcelona, close to the celebrated Passeig de Gràcia next to Casa Rocamora and just a step away from Plaça Catalunya on the city’s golden mile. The contemporary hotel design brings together innovation, art, music and technology along with exclusive experiences to enjoy the local scene. Rooms and suites present a neutral and stylish design with a range of sizes, views and upgrades such as a private terrace or Jacuzzi to suit every occasion. Guests can make use of the gym fitted with the latest fitness technology and equipment or pamper themselves with sophisticated beauty and well-being treatments. The hotel also has two restaurants in which Mediterranean cuisine with an innovative flair provides healthy, unique, surprising and sustainable dining experiences using fresh and organic ingredients harvested from our own urban garden. The Rooftop Bar is the perfect place to unwind with a drink and take in the views of Plaça Catalunya and the Sagrada Familia.
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Part of the Ritz Carlton group, the Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the city’s original luxury hotels, mixing traditional luxury service with minimalist aesthetics. The iconic building was designed by architects Bruce Graham and Miguel Ruano, originally for the Olympic Games. Providing outstanding views out to sea and across the city, its location on the seafront is ideal for those seeking to fuse a city and beach break (you will need to take a taxi into the city centre). A great swimming pool, 483 rooms spread over 44 impressive stories, 5 restaurants (from bistro to two Michelin-starred Enoteca) and impeccable service place this hotel at the premium end of the contemporary luxury scale.
