THE BARCELONA GUIDE
Barcelona had been on my Travel Bucket List for ages and a couple of weeks ago I finally made it to Catalonia. Today I’m sharing my favorite spots in this vibrant city:
STAY
We’ve stayed at the HOTEL PRAKTIK RAMBLA, a wonderful boutique hotel with an amazing outdoor area. Plus: It’s super central located, really charming and you have everything within reach. The terrace is really dreamy. Minus: The breakfast isn’t really breakfast (you can grab yourself coffee from the machine + a croissant) and the rooms are super super tiny. BUT we hadn’t breakfast at the hotel anyway and for a weekend trip the size of the hotel room is enough.
Hotel Praktik Rambla, Rambla de Catalunya, 27, 08007
EAT & DRINK
We came for churros & chorizo – here are our favorite coffee spots & restaurants:
Had the yummiest breakfast at FLAX & KALE, a super hip’n’healthy Flexitarian Restaurent. The Avocado Toast and Healthy Eggs Royale were pure breakfast bliss!
Flax & Kale, Carrer dels Tallers, 74B, 08001
Another lovely brunch spot is the AUTO ROSELLON – a super charming, minimalistic café in Eixample.
Try the green smoothie and the toast with jamon ibérico!! Yum!!
Auto Rosellon, Carrer del Rosselló, 182, 08008
A legendary coffee spot is definitely NOMAD COFFEE in El Born.
Nømad Coffee, Passatge Sert, 12, 08003
Let’s talk tapas: One of the favorite restaurants (even amongst locals) for tapas is CIUDAT CONDAL.
The patatas bravas are epic!! Note: You need to be patient or preorder a table – it’s really hard to get a seat…
Ciudat Condal, Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007
If you’re on a shopping trip through El Born, take a seat outside LA LUPITA for quick refreshments. We had
a tasty ginger & orange juice and enjoyed the sun. They also serve Tacos if you’re hungry!
Carrer Cremat Gran, 11, 08003
I’ve searched for the best Churros in Town and got a great recommendation via Instagram: The XOXOCOLATERIA!!
The thick, warm chocolate paired with the crisp Churros… Awww, died and went to Xurros Heaven!
Xoxolateria by oriol balagues, Carrer de la Fusina, 5, 08003
EXPLORE
Sights and Must-Sees
The best way to start your city trip is to get an overview of the city! I recommend to visit the Mount MONTJUIC, a prominent hill in the heart of Barcelona, overlooking the harbour. There are numerous museums like the Joan Miró Foundatin or you can visit the Olympic Stadium!
On your way to Montjuic make sure to visit the BARCELONA PAVILION, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It’s an architects dream and super Instagrammable, thx to the black & white marble!
Barcelona Pavilion, Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7, 08038
We also did a HARBOUR ROUNDTRIP – since I love everything sea, ship & harbour related. It takes approx. an hour and you can sip white sprizz on the boat, while waving at the luxury cruisers…
A must-see in Barcelona: The SAGRADA FAMILIA – probably one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve ever seen. Inside it looks like mix between Lord of the Rings, Disneyland and Game of Thrones. Unbelievable! Tipp: Book a ticket in advance, otherwise you might have to queue up for hours…
If you are into contemporary art – make sure to stop by at the FUNDACIÓ GASPAR. There’s currently a Paul McCarthy exhibition and they have a nice museum shop.
Fundació Gaspar, Carrer de Montcada, 25, 08003
Last but not least: A trip to LA PEDRERA (Casa Milà) – the famous building designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. My highlight was walking along the roof and enjoying the stunning view over the inner city.
Casa Milà, Provença, 261-265, 08008
SHOP
souvenirs & concept stores
The best place for shopping is definitely EIXAMPLE & EL BORN. There you’ll find amazing concept stores, small boutiques and interesting gift shops.
I bought these super cute Espadrilles at NATURA and they also have airy shirts, nice scented candles and other home shenanigans.
If you like home & interior stuff and amazing stationery you’ll definitely love CONCRET. A small concept store, quite hidden, with so many great things to discover!!
Concret, Carrer de la Volta dels Tamborets, 5, 08003
Visit HENNA MORENA if you like organic haircare and heavenly smelling shampoos!
Henna Morena, Carrer de l’Esparteria, 12, 08003
And don’t forget to stroll along the LA RAMBLA – especially the mimes & street artists near the harbour are insane!! They look like gigant statues, some of them even got light and sound effects. But be aware of pickpockets!
Click here for more Travel Guides & Tipps. Have a nice trip!!
