Have you planned a city trip to the uber-trendy Barcelona soon? Then in this blog might be useful to you since I will share all my tips on my favourite restaurants and activities in this beautiful city. All the Barcelona hotspots!
Tips for Barcelona
Barcelona is hot and happening! Just a two-hour flight from the Netherlands you already have sun, tapas and sangria! And of course the Sagrada de Familia. There is always something to do in this bustling city. From sultry parties till sunrise to cool art exhibitions and beach volleyball sessions on the beaches.
Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in Europe, but honestly, that has only been the case for a couple of years. Before that, I did n’t like Barcelona that much. Madrid, where I lived twice, that was the best city in Spain. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! Last year we went to Barcelona three times, in spring, summer and autumn. I loved to be so close to the water, to be able to eat tapas everywhere and to be in the middle of a bustling city.
More travel inspiration on Spain? Read this blog with the best restaurants and hotspots in Madrid!
The best food hotspots and restaurants in Barcelona!
Food in Barcelona is simply the best! Below you will find per type of meal some very nice hotspots and restaurants in the always bustling Barcelona. Also handy, the location of every restaurant and bar on Google Maps is immediately listed!
Best restaurants for breakfast, lunch and brunch in Barcelona
Even though Spain is not immediately known for the extensive breakfast, in Barcelona you can have an amazing brunch, breakfast and lunch scene! Where can you eat all these amazing dished? Be sure to visit the following restaurants in Barcelona!
Brunch & Cake – the best brunch in Barcelona
Oooo this is thé brunch hotspot in Barcelona and it’s sooo good, only thinking about it makes my mouth watering! They serve huge plates with semi-healthy food. There are currently several branches, my favourite location, is the one on the boulevard! Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Flex & Kale – the most Instagramable restaurant in Barcelona
This place will let you take this perfect Instagram food photos. Beautiful interior, great food and all are mega healthy! The portions are not too big, and certainly not cheap, so keep this in mind. When possible, go sit on the roof terrace, which is this kind of hidden city garden. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Alsurcafe – Spanish breakfast in Barcelona
It’s nice sitting inside, but also on the terrace outside is lovely. They serve good breakfast, but also a proper lunch and in the evening you can have a glass of wine here. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Milk Barcelona – American pancakes in Barcelona
Wow, the food here is certainly not healthy, but really delicious. Think milkshakes and American pancakes in an American Diner. It is always completely full here, therefore arrive at least half an hour before opening time. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
El Casal – French cuisine in Barcelona
Cute little restaurant. The kitchen is French-Spanish. During lunchtime, they have the best ‘ Menu Del Dia’. Both delicious and good value for money! Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Off the beaten track in Spain: Andalusia! Perfect for a weekend getaway or longer holiday! Find tips and more in this Andalusia blog!
Best dinner hotspots in Barcelona!
From tapas to Italian, from a quick bite to a long dinner: in Barcelona, there is something for everyone when it comes to dining and eating out. Here are the four best restaurants for a delicious dinner in Barcelona!
Casa Lolea – French-Italian food in Barcelona
This is the most perfect French-Italian place. Really great food for a good price. Please do: make a reservation otherwise you will not have a table. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
La Paradeta – Best fish in Barcelona
Do you like fish? Then this is a must-visit! The waiting line starts half an hour before opening and is usually full of locals. When you go inside, you will see a counter full of the finest freshest fish just out of the sea. You choose your own fish, indicate how much you want and then it is prepared. There is no English spoken. This is not a fancy place, think of bright fluorescent light and napkins on the ground. But the great fish will make you forget this immediately. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Mosquito – Asian tapas in Barcelona
This is an Asian restaurant where you can eat delicious Dim Sum. In addition, there are many special beers. For Ries, it was his first time eating Dim Sum at this place. The first of many times… he was hooked on it immediately. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
El Vaso de Oro – The best tapas in Barcelona
Well, there is obviously also a tapas restaurant included in this section. At El Vaso de Oro you will only see locals. You will find yourself hanging at the bar, ordering food from the glass showcases. This will be served within a few minutes. My favourite? The grilled, salty peppers. Click here for the location on Google Maps!
Six awesome things to do in Barcelona!
Six fun activities and things to do for a city trip to Barcelona!
1. Rent a Supboard and go Supping (Stand Up Paddle) in Barcelona!
The sea at Barcelona is often relatively quiet. You won’t be able to surf here, but what you can do is to hire a SUP board and paddle around for a nice sunset. This wasn’t our first time supping by the way! We learned how to sup on the Gili Islands in Bali.
2. Must do activity in Barcelona: bike around the city!
No, of course not an organized bike ride, but just rent a bike for a few euros and drive around the city. Barcelona is getting more and more cycle paths every year, and being a Dutchie (we bike everywhere in The Netherlands) we really noticed that the people of Barcelona are slowly getting used to bicycles. We especially liked the challenging rides in the hilly surroundings of Montjuïc.
3. Must visit sight: Cable Car Montjuïc.
This is really a classic thing to do when you are in Barcelona. When you have climbed up the Montjuïc, catch your breath while enjoying the view of the city, sitting in one of the Cable Cars.
4. Skating, walking or running on the boulevard!
Barcelona’s boulevard is the place to be! This kilometre-long road along the sea is always full of athletes, walkers or skaters. Rent/borrow a longboard or rollerblades and cruise on the boulevard. We can’t board at all, but here in Barcelona, we pretend we can and borrow the boards from friends. Afraid to fall but want to work out? Running is also great here! And finally, an evening stroll here is also perfect!
5. Take an excursion to Montserrat (mountain & monastery)
Just outside Barcelona is the Montserrat mountain. During half a day you will get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and wander through nature. Of course, you will also visit the beautiful monastery that has been carved into the rocks. During the tour, you will learn everything about that age-old building. With public transport, it is quite difficult to get here (and not very cheap), so save yourself the hassle and visit this place with a tour. Click here to book an excursion to Montserrat.
6. Visit Gaudi’s houses: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà
In addition to Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, the famous architect and artist Antoni Gaudi have also designed two beautiful houses: Casa Battlo and Casa Mila. These gigantic buildings are beautiful to see from the outside as well as from the inside. From crazy corners, strange towers that are connected by narrow stairs to beautiful mosaics and art. A walk through these houses is really one of my favourite activities in Barcelona.
Each house can be visited separately. Click here to directly buy tickets for Casa Battlo (with audio guide). And click here to buy priority tickets for Casa Mila (with audio guide). If you would like to take a tour, consider visiting them both and also going directly to Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. Click here for such a Gaudi tour of more than 10 hours.
The best accommodation in Barcelona: hotels!
Below you will find the best accommodations in Barcelona. There are three hotels in different price ranges. From a budget hostel to a mid-range hotel and then a luxury option! Be on time booking these places, the hotels below are very popular.
Primavera Hostel €
Primavera Hostel is the budget option in Barcelona. The rooms are playfully decorated and you are close to the Sagrada Familia. There are beautiful private rooms, but also dorms. From 61 euros in a private room (two people).
Vasanta Hostal Boutique €€
This modern hotel is located in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. The lobby is already a picture, but the rooms themselves are delightful and fully equipped! You stay here from 95 euros with a private terrace (two people).
Book nowHotel Barcelona 1882 €€€
Cool off in the pool: check. Near the Sagrada Familia: check. Gym: check! Wonderful beds: check! Hotel Barcelona 1882 has it all! You sleep here for as little as 155 euros including a delicious breakfast (two people).
Click here for all my blogs on Spain!
Thanks for sharing this amazing barcelona hotspots.
Amazing post!! I would add a private boat trip along the coast of Barcelona to anjoy the skyline from the sea.
We did it last year with www.rentaboatbarcelona.com and it was the best part of our trip.
Enjoy Barcelona!!