City Guide Barcelona
Another personal travel guide especially for you! After a month walking down the amount of streets of Barcelona I tried to get to know as many places as there are streets here.
Some of you may think “another travel guide of Barcelona, like we don’t have that yet”, well… when I first arrived at my own with not knowing anyone I tried to find blogs and other websites that could tell me where to go, eat, drink a cocktail or in which way it’s best to get to know this city of culture.
There were just a couple of websites that could lead me to nice places but still I didn’t know what I wanted to know. Where to go when (since the Spanish people love their siestas), should I go by foot or metro, … just details.
Still, a big shout out to Instagram who led me to lovely places.
So here we are, I tried to sort everything out by area, … you can find places to have a coffee, lunch, diner, party, drink and of course the things you should see when staying here, useful apps and so on!
Don’t forget, you see things through my way 😉 (I know that there is so much to see).
So with that said, WELCOME! My introduction is long enough now, let’s go and see some places. (Read: yes, while writing this 60% in me knows I will move some day).
EXEIMPLE
COFFEE / BREAKFAST
Galeria Cosmo
This bar is located at a peaceful square close to the university and there’s enough shadow (good to know during the summer).
From breakfast until late lunch, it’s a creative place with not only food.
$
Cafe & galería de arte
C/ Enric Granados 3
+34 931 057 992
info@galeriacosmo.com
Monday to Sunday 10.00 – 22.00
Roast Club Café
You can find this place at the corner in beautiful Exeimple, not to big and not too much but lovely to have a break during your day. If it isn’t not to crowded you can sit outside with a fresh orange juice captioning everything that is happening on the street.
$
Carrer de Valencia 143
TUE- FRI: 8:00 – 19:00
SAT: 9:00 – 19:00
SUN: 09:00 – 17:00
Brunch & Cake
This is the place to be when you want to enjoy creative, delicious food. Their locations are beautiful, nice staff and the food is just mindblowing. From breakfast, lunch to diner you will enjoy your time here!
$
Carrer Enric Granados 19
MO – SUN : 08:30-21:00
SandwiChez
SanwiChez is a very well-known place in Barcelona, with a lot of locations. Perfect for people who want to work outside home with food and a coffee aside.
The only thing, the bagels aren’t as big as you think they are so you might order something extra depends on your cravings.
$$
Av. de Josep Tarradellas, 116
MO – SUN: 08:00 – 23:00
+34 932 69 59 27
FOOD / DINER
Photo rights by Chicha Limona es
Chicha Limona
This get together place is perfectly located beside a main street, perfect for wine lovers, foodies and people who can enjoy live music during the early evenings now and then. You can follow them on Facebook for their events!
$
Passeig de Sant Joan 80
Info@chichalimona.com
MO Closed
TUE – THU : 9:30 – 01:00
FRI- SAT: 09:30 – 14:00
SUN: 9:30 – 17:00
Flax & Kale
If you are someone who is really into healthy food or you just want to give your body a break in between all the delicious food of Spain, Flax & Kale is the perfect place for that. Beautiful location, the waiting time isn’t long for the amount of people who come there and you get original plates of food with interesting tastes.
$$
Carrer dels Tallers, 74b
SUN: 09:30–23:30
MO – SAT: 09:00–23:30
+34 933 17 56 64
Photo by Lena Sorie
Peggy Sue’s Balmes
Ever wanted to walk into a classic American movie set? Drinking a milkshake or a cherry coke with a cheeseburger aside? Then this is your spot! The interior is amazing, good food and for the non- meat lovers, you also have other dishes.
$
Carrer de Balmes 24
MO – SUN: 12:00 – 00:30
Pura Brasa
Pura Brasa is located close to the Magic Fountains and Plaza de Espana, this gastronomical kitchen has meat, fish and many more delicious choices on the menu!
As a starter the nachos are recommended, also try the green asparagus as a side dish, you won’t regret it!
$
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373-385
MO – SUN: 12:00 – 00:00
+34 934 23 59 82
Photo right Kino website
Kino Café Bar Terraza
Open for breakfast, lunch & diner, this cafe is located in the creative part of Raval, next to the MACBA musea and square full of skaters. A really nice place to hang out!
$
Carrer Ferlandina 23
Tel: +34 931 798 409
Vinitus
Vinitus is a really popular restaurant in Exeimple, so you can expect a waiting line. The best thing? It’s worth the waiting! You can drink something outside while waiting, before they call your name for a table.
Not expensive and the food is perfect! An open kitchen with a bar around it. Close to the source and you can see how they prepare your diner.
+ The services is good with great service, the people are very kind.
$$
Carrer del Consell de Cent, 333
+34 933 63 21 27
SWEETNESS
Photo rights by Ladonutaria Instagram
La Donuteria (San Antoni / Exeimple)
Little place with good-looking donuts, for the lovers among us; take a quick pit stop!
$
Carrer del Parlament, 20
SU- FRI: 08:00 – 20:00
SAT: 08:00 – 21:00
SHOPPING
Nice Things
We all know I like to discover new boutique’s, Nice thing is located at several places, and they combined a few different styles into one store. From pleated items to linen and accessories, you will find something you like here for good prices.
$$
Carrer de València, 235
EL RAVAL
FOOD / DINER
Marmelade
One of my favorites in Barcelona! You get the most typical dishes here in Marmelade (when I mean typical, I mean you get a plate with combinations we’re not used to. Spanish people like to mixed it up). I enjoyed every bite. Definitely try the Bloody Mary, even if you’re not a fan of this drink. I’m not kidding, this was the best one I ever had and normally I don’t enjoy a Bloody Mary, but this one…
$
Carrer de la Riera Alta, 4-6
MO – SAT: 19:00 – 02:00
SUN: 10:00 – 02:30
Mercado La BOQUERÌA
Welcome to paradise of colors. When visiting Barcelona, you should have seen this market with all the stalls. The local farmers are selling their vegetables, fruits and Spanish specialties.
DRINKS
Patagonia Cocktail Bar
If you’re visiting the famous La Boqueria market and La Rambla, take a stop at this cocktail bar. You won’t notice the bar at first side because it’s a small bakery and the staff will promote it on the street (I know people their reaction, they want to walk away that’s why I say it). But you have to go through the bakery, up stairs and a small restaurant will wait for you. Lovely, happy staff and you can enjoy a sangria and a bite on the balcony seats.
$
La Rambla 116
SU- THU: 08:00 – 02:30
FRI – SAT: 08:00 – 03:00
SHOPPING
Flamingo Gallery
You got to have vintage in your life right? For the ladies and gentlemen (this time I thought about you) this gallery is a store with 5 different stores in it. Still following? 5 people who are selling totally different items and styles. If you go down stairs you will find the Vintage Kilo shop and believe me… there a lot.
$
Carrer dels Tallers 68
GRACIA
COFFEE
Onna Coffee
A small coffee house with great space to work behind your computer (Free wifi check). Lovely to see that during the day, a lot of business people come here to drink their coffee. Delicious bagels, good coffee and the place isn’t too touristic. What do you need more?
$$
Carrer de Santa Teresa 1
+34 932 69 48 70
MO- FRI: 08:00- 17:00
SA – SUN: 09:00-19:00
FOOD / DINER
Tapas 24
Tapa lovers, this is your time to enjoy. I was to hungry, so I didn’t make pictures but sit back, relax and get yourself a good red wine.
Tip: they have just a small terrace that is attached to the restaurant beside them, so don’t make the mistake otherwise you’re on the wrong terrace).
$$
Calle diputación, 269
T: 934880977
Monster Sushi
Sushi lovers, please don’t miss out on this place. The prices are a bit higher than the regular ones in Spain but the quality and tastes are so worth it.
$$
Plaça de Gal·la Placídia, 25
SUN – FRI: 13:30–16:00, / 19:30–23:30
SAT: 13:30–16:00 / 19:30–00:00
SHOPPING
Madam Pum Pum
This street has a lot of original boutiques like Madam Pum Pum. Casual and good items to combine.
$$
Carrer de Bonavista, 16
Uterque
The sis of Zara I like to call her. Well-known in Spain, good quality and amazing items.
$$- $$$
65 Bis, Passeig de Gràcia
BARRI GOTIC
FOOD / DINER
Surf House
One of the most popular places in Barcelona. Be careful, you can expact a waiting line, although it is worth the waiting.
Located on the boulevard, with a view on the sea. Do I need to say more?
$$-$$$
Carrer de l’Almirall Aixada, 22
Opens from 11:00
Veggie Garden
Spain thinks about the veggies! This colorful place serves a big menu to the green lovers.
$$
Carrer dels Àngels 3
MO – SUN: 12:30 – 23:00
+ 34-933 04 39 53
Bar Sagarra
Carrer d’en Xuclà, 9
MO – SUN: 11: 30 – 01:00
Photo rights Instagram Lola Mola
Lola Mola
Close to the beach with burgers, pizza’s and only good vibes. With a live band and sport events, you will love Lola Mola. The first 24 hours restaurant in Barcelona.
$
Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 74
MO – SUN: 24h open
DRINKS
Soho House
Hotels in Barcelona then hotels in other countries, these hotel also open up their door for people who wants to enjoy a drink with a beautiful view! Worth the visit and ladies, they have the mirrors you will make pictures with…
$$
Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4
+34 932 20 46 00
EL BORN
COFFEE / BREAKFAST
El Flako
Do you like cornflakes? This place has flakes in every color, size and fillings. It’s lovely to see once but to be honest it isn’t cheap.
$$
Carrer del General Álvarez de Castro, 5
MO: Closed
TUE – SUN: 09:15 – 14:00 / 16:00 – 20:30
FOOD / DINER
Photo rights Instagram Bacao Burger
Bacao Kiosk
MO – SUN: 12:30 – 00:00
+ 34 933 107 313
DRINKS
The Lime House
Ready for a night out with mojito’s and wine for €4?! This place is perfect for your Friday night. Not fan of both of those drinks, they have a range of gins!
$
Carrer dels Carders, 31
MO – SUN: 19:30 – 02:30
+34 671 44 18 88
SHOPPING
Mi Concept Store
You are going to love this store, they have the perfect taste for him and her. With a couple of lovely brands and a lovely owner, for those who cannot go to the store, lucky you they start a web shop soon!
EL POBLE-SEC
FOOD / DINER
La Fonda del Port Olimpic
If you are a fish lover, you r-e-a-l-l-y need to go to this restaurant at the haven, close to the Bogatell beach. It’s a typical Spanish restaurant with the most delicious fish. Every evening there comes a group of men who will play the Spanish classics.
$$
Calle Moll de Gregal, 7-10
MO – SUN: 07:30 – 01:00
+34 932 21 22 10
Beach Bar Carmelina
You find this bar at the beach, it will caught your eye directly since the interior and colors just light you up.
When I was at the beach (because I was hungry or dizzy from the sun) you could find me here.
Aioli lover? This is the place to try it, buy yourself a bottle of water and some gum for later, believe me.
MUST SEES AND DO'S
Casa Bonay photo via Booking.com
ROOFTOP BARS
If you want to see Barcelona in his most beautiful and purest way, you should go to a rooftop bar. It’s something different then visiting musea’s, so for those who wants to do something else than that, beside the view is mind blowing.
- Al Aire
Gracia
Al Aire has a view on Passeig the Gracia and two of the most-known arts of Gaudi (one of them: La Sagrada Familia)$$$
Hours: Open from 12.00 til 02.00 every day
- Barcelo Hotel
El Raval
This is my favorite rooftop bar. The hotel has an open dome so you can see the entire city. From the Monsarrat til the beginning of Badalona. T
Tip: Go around 7 PM when the sun goes down, you will be sitting there for an hour without saying anything, believe me.$
Rambla del Raval, 17-21
- Casa Bonay
Exeimple
Hiding from the sun during the day or having a drink after work. This hotel has two roof top bars, one for their clients and one for public.
This restaurant offers summer barbecue and tapas all year round, with wine and cocktails.Hours: Open every sunny day from 18h-23:30h
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700
Magic Fountain
You can find the fountain at Plaza de Espana, with a light show and music from 21.30- 22.30 you can find everyone staring at this monumental. it is magical to see when you visit Barcelona.
Bunkers Del Carmen
Want to enjoy Barcelona from the distance, without all the noise and madness? With your friends or loved one. Grab a basket, with drinks, finger food and enjoy a night with the view all over Barcelona. It is mind blowing! Tip: Do this when the weather is good at night, those are the best nights. Plus this place is Instagram worthy ;-).
Shopping centre Las Arenas
When the weather is bad or you’re into a shopping day you should visit Las Arenas, this shopping centre was a bull arena until 1977. After 8 years of renovating they opened a new shopping centre. With 6 floors, an amount of stores, a mercadona and a movie theatre you will enjoy your day here.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 373-385
Stores from Mon – Sat:10:00 tot 22:00 uur.
Restaurants Sun – Thu: 10:00 tot 01:00
Fri – Sat: 10:00 – 03:00
The Olimpic Pool – Piscines Bernat Picornell
Unfortunately you have to pay some feed to entree, but swimming in the Olimpic Pool 1992 is a possibility! Opened in high season.
BEACH
Everyone is known with Barceloneta, however this beach is very touristic and there are plenty of places you can go to! Barcelona is lucky to have a seaside you can enjoy, but if you have the time make sure to go just a bit outside the city itself!
- Montgat Beach (Badalona)
- Bogatell Beach (district El Poble-sec/ Olimpica)
- Vilassar Beach (Badalona)
APPS
When you live in a busy city like this, you will get a lot of help from a couple of apps. Believe me… Here are a couple of apps that will guide you through town:
- City mapper
This app will tell you everything: how to get from point A to B via metro or bus. Which metro line you need to take, how many stops before you have to get of, …
It’s a life saver. - Blabla car
You’re staying for a longer time and you want to go and do things outside Barcelona, but you don’t have the budget to rent a car or you want to stay low budget? Use the blabla car app! People offer a ride on a daily basis! - Meet up
By yourself in another country? Not everyone is having an easy time on getting to know new people. That’s where ‘Meet up’ comes, fill in your interests and you will find groups with people who organize events, meet ups just for all the people like you! - My Taxi
You have taxi’s everywhere in this city but if you need a taxi when you need to travel with a lot of baggage or it’s late at night and you’re not near a place with a lot of taxi’s? Then use this app. They arrive always in less then 4 a 5 minutes.
Tip: they start from €7,00 so maybe don’t use this when you only have to walk 3 streets or something if you don’t want to lose money over a taxi.
NIGHTLIFE
- Pacha
- Choko
- Bling Bling
- Post It Bar
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