Spend three days in Barcelona
| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 1,605,602 |
| Languages spoken | Catalan and Spanish |
| Currency | Euro (EUR); 1 EUR = (appr.) 1.34 USD |
| Average temperature | Summer: 77F; winter: 50F |
| High season | June to September |
Barcelona is one of the rare cities that everyone enjoys. It’s a “one size fits all” destination that’s suited for the young and old, the loaded and penniless, and the cultured or otherwise. The incredible architecture, museums and arts scene make the capital of Catalonia an alluring city break for the culture vultures, while its throbbing nightlife, chic hotels, designer stores, and achingly trendy restaurants attract the gilt-edged jet set. Indeed, Barcelona is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities on the face of the planet, and it’s a place that offers infinite adventures.
All prices are listed in U.S. funds.
Day 1: La Rambla
After an intensive redevelopment program, Barcelona has become a very accommodating city for tourists. You’ll find that the airport is easy to navigate and the roads from the airport to your hotel are even easier -- particularly if you skip the car-hire queues and use public transport instead, which is the sensible thing to do in any sprawling metropolis.There are many wonderful places to stay in Barcelona; it’s all just a matter of taste. If you’re after all the luxuries and comfort afforded to a big hotel chain, you won’t go wrong staying in the five-star Hotel Palace (formerly the Hotel Ritz). While it may not be stepping much out of your comfort zone, the classically styled hotel is centrally located in the main commercial and financial areas of the city -- near to Paseo de Gracia and La Rambla -- and is a stone’s throw from the astonishing must-see medieval quarter of Barri Gótic.
If you’re looking for something a bit trendier, Hotel Omm may be more suited to your tastes. It was constructed and fashioned by architect Juli Capella and renowned interior designers Sandra Tarruella and Isabel Lopez. Situated near Hotel Palace in Paseo de Gracia, Hotel Omm comprises all the amenities of a hotel chain -- such as two world-class restaurants, a swimming pool, a health center, and a nightclub -- while retaining its boutique-hotel heart and soul, which is evident in every inch of its intelligently thought-out and well-executed design. Even the cupboard space in the bedrooms has been extended in anticipation of the shopaholic clientele.
For those who consider a hotel nothing more than a place to rest your head, you may be suited better to Hostal Parisien, also on La Rambla -- what isn’t? Cosy, quirky and buzzing with music and the various comings and goings of the young crowd who stay here, Hostal Parisien provides a new twist on mid-range accommodation.
As you’re staying in the historical hub of Barcelona, you might as well spend the day exploring it -- every fascinating inch if possible. Start by dropping in on some of Barcelona’s most famous museums, including the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the Picasso Museum, and the Joan Miro Museum. The Picasso Museum is Barcelona’s most visited, with more than one million people passing through its doors every year. Browse the Malaga-born artist’s work in chronological order, and trace his creative development from his early days right up until his final works. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is also pretty special, as -- aside from the wide range of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works to be found inside (and a chance to see the largest collection of Catalan art in Spain) -- you’ll be afforded remarkable views of the city courtesy of the museum’s elevated position.
Before the sun sets on your first day, ensure that you’ve squeezed in a visit to the Parc de Joan Miro, where you’ll be able to soak up some much-needed sun, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, which is an eclectic display of color, light, water, and music, and perhaps most importantly, Gaudi’s magnificent unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia. Arguably the most important sight in Barcelona, the church’s construction began in 1882 and continued (and still does to this day) after Gaudi’s death in 1926. Featuring a hybrid mix of modern and Gothic architectural elements, it was one of the only churches to survive the Spanish Civil War, and is perceived as a symbol of Barcelona’s strength.
While you still have some euros in your wallet, head to La Dama on Avinguda Diagonal for dinner. It’s one of the only restaurants in Barcelona to receive a Michelin star and has served the likes of dignitaries and other well-heeled locals and celebrities. Situated in a stunning 19th-century building that’s a level up from street level -- which you get to via an incredible Art Noveau elevator -- La Dama serves sumptuous Catalonian dishes, such as the salmon steak with onions and vinegar that’s derived from cava.
Day 2: Tapas and flying dutchmen
On day two, spend the morning hitting the shops. Browse such designer stores as Calvin Klein, Armani, Versace, and Gucci on Avinguda Diagonal before heading to El Corte Ingles -- one of Spain’s best high-end department stores -- in Placa de Catalunya. Avoid shopping for clothes along the main stretch of La Rambla -- while it’s great for culture vultures, shoppers will find the goods here overpriced as it is the city’s principal tourist zone.If you can’t tear yourself away from La Rambla, visit the Mercat de la Boqueria. Situated on the central sidewalk of the main avenue, the Mercat de la Boqueria is a colorful market that sells exquisite fresh produce and local delicacies, flowers, crafts, clothes, and wines. Frequented by the locals, you’re assured a good bargain or two here. Even if you don’t buy anything, take the time to stroll through and soak up the ambience. Use the T1 Tombbus service as the line is designed especially for shoppers.
Recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch somewhere in the Mercat de la Boqueria, which is filled with restaurants that serve international fare. Recommended is Bar Pinotxo, where you’ll be able to enjoy some traditional Spanish tapas, whereby you try a little portion of everything. The Bocarones, little boneless fish in an oil-vinegar sauce, are particularly tasty.
Now that your stomach is satisfied, go catch a Barcelona FC football match in the afternoon at the Estadi del Futbol Club Barcelona. Found on Avinguda Aristides Maillol, the 98,800-capacity stadium is one of the largest in the world.
Spend your second evening in Barcelona dining at the Caelis restaurant inside the Hotel Palace. You’ll be in good company inside the walls of this magnificent restaurant, as Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner have all paid a visit. Despite the classical style of the hotel -- replete with oversized candelabras, hanging chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and French doors looking out onto Via Catalonia -- Head Chef Romain Fornell’s recently renovated dining room is stark and minimalist. Something certainly seems to be working here; however, as the creative and seasonal Catalan cuisine is some of the best in the city. No wonder Fornell was the youngest person in France ever to receive a Michelin star.
Show the world how cultured you are by rubbing shoulders with the city’s high society at Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Barcelona Opera House. Rebuilt in 1994 after being ravaged by a fire, today the Opera House is one of the most important in the world, and its program includes opera, dance, concerts, recitals, and cinema. Conclude your second evening by taking in a performance of The Flying Dutchman from the privacy of your own box.
Day 3: Bathing beauties
Walk the 20 minutes from the end of La Rambla to Barceloneta Beach and be sure to take in the Monument de Colom and the Port de Barcelona along the way. Spend the rest of the morning unwinding beside the warm waters of the Mediterranean before enjoying a traditional seafood lunch of calamari or gambas pil-pil (prawns in sizzling tomato and garlic sauce) from one of the chiringuitos (beach bar). Wherever you are in Barcelona, you’re never far from interesting architecture, and that is no truer than on Barceloneta Beach. Look around, and you’ll see a variety of odd-looking structures dotting the sands.After a relaxing morning on a sun lounger, you’ll be raring to go. So hop on the train for an hour-long ride south to Tarragona. There you’ll find Universal Studios PortAventura, one of Europe’s largest theme parks. Like the Universal Studios in the US, the park is divided into themed zones, including Mediterrania, Polynesia and Mayan Mexico. If you only do two things make them a ride on the 68.3 mph Dragon Khan (the biggest roller coaster in Europe) and the entertaining cowboy show in the Far West. After you’ve pumped enough adrenaline, make your way back to Barcelona for your final evening.
Spend your last hours in Barcelona getting acquainted with the club scene. If you’re looking for a place with character, have your first drink at the magical La Fira boutique bar. The owner bought the scraps of a funfair to create the wonderfully inspired interior, which boasts a corridor of distorted mirrors, carousels and swings. You’ll think you’re drunk and seeing things even if you’re not. Have a go on the bumper cars and have your palm read before moving on to the next venue.
Dance the night away at Razzmatazz, Barcelona’s most famous club. Comprising of three different music zones -- goth upstairs in the Temple Beat room, indie-pop in the Pop room on the ground floor, and rock and electro in the dancehall downstairs -- you’ll almost certainly find something you like. They even bring in world-class DJs to get the night going, so club kids like you can’t afford to miss it.
trips for the trip
- The Spanish usually eat lunch between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and between 9 p.m. and midnight for dinner. Fortunately, most kitchens in the touristy areas of the city open earlier to cater to foreigners.
- Tips are usually only reserved for restaurants. Work at about 10% of the total bill, and you won’t go wrong.
- Even though the predominant language in Barcelona is Catalan, speaking Spanish is perfectly acceptable, especially if you make the effort to throw in the odd Catalonian phrase.
barcelona or bust
Wedged between the Mediterranean Sea and the rolling green Tibidabo hills -- with the Pyrenees Mountains only 45 minutes away on the train -- Barcelona is one of those tricky destinations where you’ll be torn between packing your skis or your swimming trunks. The answer is to pack them both, as you’ll be able to do both during the same vacation. Mix an enlightening history lesson with a spot of retail therapy, a little siesta with a lot of fiesta, and you’re halfway to understanding what Barcelona’s all about. Everything is under one roof here, and what more could you possibly ask of a city?Resources:
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Barcelona Travel Guide
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