Food and Fun in Barcelona and Costa Brava

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Advisor - Jen Becker
Curated By

Jen Becker

  • Barcelona

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Architecture

  • Local Culture

  • Foodie

  • Coastal

Advisor - Food and Fun in Barcelona and Costa Brava
Curator’s statement

Barcelona is enchanting. The city’s legendary architecture, lively street culture and outstanding food delight you at every turn. The Mediterranean coastline of Costa Brava enables you to combine urban fun with sunlit beaches and quaint waterside towns.

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Day 1: Food, food and art

Barcelona candy market

You will most likely arrive in Barcelona in the morning, so drop off your bags at your hotel, grab a coffee and walk down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s main boulevard. Dive straight into Barcelona’s culinary delights at Mercat de la Boqueria. Here you will find everything from seafood tapas to colorful candy to fresh pastries, and much, much more. Eat your way through your jetlag!

Meander through the maze-like narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and enjoy getting lost exploring tons of cute shops, tapas bars and historic sites. Make your way to the Picasso Museum, with over 5,000 works in the permanent collection.

Day 2: Gaudi masterpieces

Barcelona maze street

Start your morning at Parc Güell, one of the whimsical masterpieces of famed Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi. Parc Güell is a park like no other, and you will be treated to colorful mosaic sculptures and panoramic city views.

Walk down the hill to the neighborhood of Gracia, with its quiet streets and creative vibe. Enjoy some shopping in small boutiques and art galleries and grab a bite at an outdoor table in one of the area's many pretty squares.

Spend the rest or your day discovering more of Gaudi’s awe-inspiring buildings, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and the unfinished wonder, Sagrada Família. Still have some energy? Then stroll down Passeig de Gràcia for some high-end shopping.

Day 3: Beaches, castles and more food

People on the beach of Barceloneta.

Grab a towel and set up for a day at Barceloneta, Barcelona’s main beach. Enjoy a paella lunch at your choice of the many restaurants that line the area. Then hop on a cable car ride up to Montjuïc for spectacular views and your choice of botanic gardens, museums and a 17th-century castle. Time your cable car ride for a spectacular sunset view of the city.

Day 4: Mountains and sea

Costa Brava hilltop

Pick up your rental car in the city and head towards Costa Brava, the area north of Barcelona filled with gorgeous mountains and quaint seaside villages. Stop for lunch overlooking the sea for the most amazing gazpacho at the restaurant at Hotel Aigua Blava. Then meander through the hilltop village of Begur, stopping in the cutest boutiques.

Day 5: Coastal villages

Boats at Costa Brava sea

Soak up all that Costa Brava has to offer. Spend the day in Cadaqués, enjoying the beach and delicious restaurants. Visit Salvador Dali's home, the medieval village of Pals, or on the beach near the colorful boats in Calella de Palafrugell.

Need to know

Restaurant Recommendations:

Dos Palillos: Asian Spanish fusion tasting menu

Sol Soler: Classic tapas place on quaint Plaça del Sol

Igueldo: Fine basque dining with creative plating

Restaurant AiguaBlava: Delicious food with scenic terrace overlooking the sea

Advisor - Jen Becker

Travel Advisor

Jen Becker

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