The Best of Barcelona in a Week

Advisor - Malak Yacout
Curated By

Malak Yacout

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  • Boutique Travel

  • City Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Solo Travel

  • Spain

  • Barcelona

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

  • Bucket List-Worthy

  • Foodie

An architectural church in Barcelona, Spain.
Curator’s statement

Barcelona, Spain, is a city that draws the heart rather than the brain. To spend time in Barcelona is to live a bit longer. I’d house this city in a heartbeat, and honestly, I'm afraid you'd relocate if you did everything in this guide.

The Fora Difference

Book with Malak to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Barcelona, Spain

Sir Victor Hotel

A stylish hotel with a rooftop pool on one of Barcelona's most popular streets.

Fora Perks
  • Welcome treat in room on arrival.

  • Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.

  • €50-€100 hotel credit.

W Barcelona

An architect-designed hotel on the Barcelona Boardwalk, with 473 rooms and suites and a hotspot rooftop lounge and bar.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter five-star hotel with modern colonial style, lush rooms and a stunning garden courtyard.

Advisor - Malak Yacout

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Things to do in Barcelona, Spain

Colorful Park Guell in Barcelona.

Vibe check: Walk, rent a bike or swim at La Barceloneta. Barcelona has more beaches closer to the airport El Prat. Yet, Barceloneta never gets old.

On a hill overlooking all of Barcelona, lies Parc Guell, where you can visit the Gaudi’s house-turned-museum and get a sneak peek into his world. His stunning masterpieces include the longest (and most colorful) bench in the world. The birds sing louder than the touristic crowds and it’s just such a highlight to bask on such a monumental bench in the terrace in the sun.

Get lost in the beautiful streets of El Born neighborhood. If you don’t know where to start, pin Carrer de l’Argenteria and go from there. Then, pass by The Perfumery for a niche boutique experience and spend the afternoon at the nearby splendid Parc de la Ciutadella.

On the weekend, visit the local markets “Boquerias” to see Barcelona in motion, and grab yourself an aged manchego (Spanish cheese) baguette.

Don’t miss out Moco Museum, for the coolest contemporary art. Housed in an old building in the Gothic Quarter, the museum brings thought-provoking contemporary artists and traditional architecture in a seamlessly choreographed setup.

Watch the sunset at Bunkers.

Shop on Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s answer to Champs Elysees.

Day Trips

Consider Sitges a small beach town that reminds me of Brighton, UK, Andorra to cross off one of the small countries on your bucket list or even Montserrat if you’re into hiking.

Places to eat & drink in Barcelona, Spain

A food spread on the table.

Pez Vela for seafood and good life ambiance. A crowd favorite at Barceloneta.

Ca L’isidre, awarded the best chocolate soufflé.

Elsa y Fred for a fantastic seasonal lunch or brunch outdoor in El Born. A must try! I had their tuna belly burger, and Truffle Brie foccacia and I’d do anything to rewind that meal and sunny setting right now.

Albe, a fire combination between Lebanese and Catalan cuisine.

The rooftop at the Barcelona Edition Hotel is excellent too.

Honest Greens - A filling meal and a healthy alternative to fine-dining, junk food and carts.

Get in touch for an extensive Map and Excel Sheet all the must try's in Barcelona, listed by cuisine, reviews and neighborhood!

Need to Know

For more travel tips in Barcelona, check out Arlette Dieddricks' guide, City Guide to Barcelona, Spain.

Advisor - Malak Yacout

Travel Advisor

Malak Yacout

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Barcelona.