Curator’s statement
My husband is Catalan, so for the past 13 years, I’ve spent the holidays in Barcelona and the surrounding area. Safe to say, at this point, I know the city inside and out, from local-approved restaurants to how to beat the crowds at must-see attractions and the neighborhoods to stay in (and the ones to avoid). There is so much art, history, and incredible food in Barcelona that you absolutely cannot miss!
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Things to do in Barcelona
Visit the Mercat de la Boqueria on Las Ramblas. Yes, locals really do shop here and grab a bite at one of the mini restaurants inside.
Book a visit to architect and artist Antoni Gaudí’s Parc Guell just before sunset to ascend just in time to catch the sun setting over the entire city.
Beat the crowds at two of Gaudí’s other works of architectural art—Casa Battló and La Pedrera—with morning tickets.
It’s taken over 100 years, but Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, is almost complete and will leave your jaw on the floor.
Ride the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle, an old military fortress with incredible views of the city.
Take a stroll along the Playa de la Barceloneta and by the port.
Wander the narrow streets of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, ducking into galleries, boutiques, and hole-in-the-wall bars.
Get a new outlook on Pablo Picasso through the extensive collection of his art at the Picasso Museum.
Places to eat & drink in Barcelona
Bar Pimentel: This buzzy, no-fuss spot in El Born serves up authentic tapas... but save room for the crema catalana!
Sartoria Panateria: Let’s just say it was ranked #2 pizza in the world on the World’s 50 Best Pizza List for very good reason.
Bar Cañete: Not exactly a best-kept secret as its known for a celebrity sighting or two, but the food and the atmosphere is what you come here for again and again.
Quimet & Quimet: There are no seats at the oldest bar in Barcelona—and only about 20 people can fit inside, standing. Order from a long list of cold montaditos (assorted things on toasts), plus the house vermouth.
El Xampanyet: Another must-visit tapas spot in El Born. No fuss, no vibey Instagram aesthetics. Just good, authentic bites.
Elche: Despite the fact that you’re in Spain, Barcelona is not home to paella, but you can get great paella at Elche.
El Nacional: There are a few touristy restaurants that are actually worth it, and this multi-restaurant spot is great for pleasing larger groups or trying various things.
Need to know
Barcelona is generally a safe city, but it is known for pick-pocketing, so don’t keep your belongings in your back pockets and always be alert (like any city).
It’s also relatively easy to get around here, whether on the metro or by Uber, but figuring out the metro is your best bet as there can be a lot of traffic or road closures.
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Barcelona page.