Embraced by the Mediterranean Sea and bordering Montserrat mountains, only here does haute cuisine follow tapas, and techno follow flamenco. As one of the few metropoles on earth to have seriously sandy beaches on its doorstep, Barcelona is a city where you really can have your cake and eat it.
Get your sweat on at Sala Apolo before plunging into the sea at Mar Bella. If energy levels are low, Quimet & Quimet knock out fine tapas which should perk you up for all the latest cultural vibrations over in CCCB. Showing you the best of both worlds is our essential listing of the Catalan capital.
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Camper offers more than just comfortable shoes. The company’s hotel, Casa Camper, is steps away from the La Boqueria market in busy Raval but provides guests with bountiful countryside hospitality.
Take advantage… read more
CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona) was designed by architects Albert Viaplana and Helio Piñón and constructed in 1994, doing its part to upgrade the then haywire Raval district.
This public consortium and… read more
Located in the heart of Poble Sec, Quimet & Quimet has carved out a reputation for being one of the best places for cold tapas in Barcelona. Apart from the distinguished fare, the dining experience is… read more
Sala Apolo is arguably Barcelona’s premier music venue. Incorporating two concert, club and cinema spaces, it hosts a wealth of visiting talent and has amassed a dedicated following for its regular club nights.
Live… read more
No credit cards, no phone reservations, and no service until everyone is seated.
All these conditions (and more) are what you encounter when you arrive at the front door of this Poble Sec signature locale. Sixteen years… read more
Discos Paradiso is run by two young Catalan music enthusiasts Arnau and Gerard, who before opening this record shop made a voyage by bus through Europe to scour for vintage vinyl.
Their hoard of old school gems… read more
Seldom before did la Guardia street have an excuse to attract such a flock of bold, stylish and inked up folk; until Miscelänea provided a reason for young art types to arrive.
The wide garage door of Guardia #10 opens to… read more
These impressive Arabian-style baths are the result of an ambitious warehouse renovation in Barcelona’s trendy Borne district, conceived by a group of Andalucians and designed by renowned Catalan architects… read more
Mar Bella beach is great for those looking to avoid tan-lines, offering a designated nudist area. If that’s not your bag, you can drop the kids off at the children’s play area next to the Bac de Roda… read more
Everybody loves a good market—there’s something universally charming about the gritty hustle-and-bustle and perpetual exchange of one person’s garbage for another’s kinky treasure. The Mercat… read more
Casa Camper
Following family footsteps
Hotel
CCCB
The key to contemporary competence
Culture
Quimet & Quimet
Famed tapas and enough booze for a river
Food
Sala Apolo
The full musical monty
After Dark
La Tomaquera
The snails expert
Food
Discos Paradiso
This could be heaven
Shop
Miscelänea
United we appreciate
Culture
Aire de Barcelona
Soothing waters
Escapism
Mar Bella
Clothes are optional
Escapism
Mercat Del Encants
Riches & rubbish
Escapism
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