Barcelona is gothic, fun, beachy and modern all in one. The capital of Catalonia offers something for every type of traveler. If you’re looking for a beachside getaway, head to Barceloneta. If bar hopping and food tasting is more of your style, check out El Born. I could keep going but you get the idea. Barcelona is a must-see and after spending 5 days in the city, I get the hype. Here are some of my favorite restaurants and city attractions I highly recommend adding to your list for when you visit.
Dinner spot: 7 Portes
With an old-school vibe, checkered floors and authentic Catalonian cuisine, 7 Portes has hands down some of the best food in Barcelona. 7 Portes has been around for 185 years… insane! As you go through their menu, you get the feeling that this place is a true representation of the local culture and people that have been there for centuries. Some of the top menu items we had the pleasure of trying are the cannelloni with truffles, the traditional paella and the mussels. They also have a great selection of Spanish wines to accompany your dinner. Lastly, I can’t say enough about how great their service was. From the moment we walked in, they took care of us and made sure we had the best experience. You should however note that the Spaniards like to take their time with dinner, so don’t expect the waiters to be jumping down your throat to get the check, pay and leave.
Catedral de Barcelona + Sagrada Familia
These two holy sites in Barcelona are unbelievable. Even if you’re not religious, the unique architecture of each will blow you away. Catedral de Barcelona is located in the gothic part of the city and if you buy their self-guided tour, you’ll get the chance to go to the top and take in the views of Barcelona. Sagrada Familia is just as amazing – if not more. Book your tickets ahead of time, download the app and get ready to experience something unlike anything else you’ve seen before. From the moment you step out of the metro, you’ll just find yourself in awe that something so magnificent and grand is standing right in front of you. The organ, stained glass and extraordinary towers are ones you have to see while in Barcelona.
La Boqueria
Picture aisles and aisles of Spanish ham, patatas bravas, freshly fried fish and homemade fruit smoothies and that’s basically La Boqueria. Situated right off Las Ramblas, this market has been around for centuries and today, is considered one of the top attractions in Barcelona. While locals go here to pick up their daily dose of seafood, tourists are gawking at the rows of food and stands with smiling Catalonians standing behind trying to get your attention.
While in the city, one of the best things you can do is to also just walk and explore without a destination in mind. Go up and down the slim roads, stop at a hole-in-the-wall café and take in the lively and welcoming ambiance of Barcelona. Everywhere you go people are excited to see you, ready to welcome you with open arms and show you why Barcelona is so well-liked across Europe and ultimately, the world.
