Barcelona: Where Every Corner Has a Story

Sunrise balcony view from room at SLS Barcelona

I stayed at the SLS Barcelona on the coast. A five-star hotel that earns every one of them. The lobby and front desk staff set the tone, and the balcony from the room seals it. The detail that stuck with me is the turn-down service. The first night I thought it was an intruder because I wasn’t expecting it. Each night, the attendant leaves two cards on your pillow. One with the hotel name and another with a quote for a good night. This is the kind of thing that tells you the hotel is paying attention. The hotel is a little outside of the city center, about 20 minutes by car, and 30 or so by public transit. The public transit system is easier than many think, and you can get a 30 day pass with unlimited rides for around 25 euros.

Cards on pillow from turn down service at SLS Barcelona

Outside Sagrda Familia before tour

A visit to Sagrada Familia is a must. About a month before my visit, it became the world’s largest cathedral after workers placed the cross on the Tower of Jesus. Standing inside and watching the light come through the space, and knowing the planning that went into the building is an experience for any traveler. Spend time walking around the neighborhoods. El Born has food and shopping, The Gothic Quarter is known for tight corridors and murals like the kissing wall.

Inside Sagrada Familia

An entrée at Nectari

I’m a foodie and that means eating is always on the itinerary. There are plenty of places to grab tapas, cava, or a beer. Many people will drink sangria, which is good, but it you want to drink like the locals, order a tinto de verona. It’s red wine with lemon-flavored soda and usually a summer drink, but they were serving it when I visited in the spring. Anxoita is a bodega you stumble into and don’t want to leave because the chefs are cooking right in front of you if you are sitting at the bar. I also had a Michelin star meal at Nectari. Foodie tip, book lunch at restaurants where it is hard to get into, the food and the service is just as good and it is easier to get a reservation.

Watching chefs cook at Anxoita bodega

One of the Plaça Espanya fountains at night

View of the harbor with SLS Barcelona in the background

Book your tours before you go. Many of my excursions and tours were booked through our partners. Barcelona will fill every hour you give it, and a lot of the top tours sell out. Make a plan, but still leave time to wander and save the spa for when you need a break.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Barcelona page.