The A to Z of Barcelona

 

Barcelona is a city in the North-West Spain, has a population of 1.6 million people and is the capital of the Catalonia region. It's famed for it's culture, rich history, picturesque beaches, delicious food and vibrant nightlife. Oh - and it's one of the greatest cities in the world.

With a place as vast and multifaceted as Barca, it's hard to know how to get the most out of the special city. After all, where do you start? But after spending six months there, I have (some) idea of it's best bits.

So without further ado, here's my A to Z of Barcelona. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, my comprehensive guide will give you the 4-1-1 of what to see and do in one of the best places there ever was. Let's get into it.

Arc de Triomf 

I'm kicking things off with one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks - the Arc de Triomf. Built in 1888, Barcelona's Arc de Triomf is one of the fifteen Arc de Triomfs in the world, but it's striking red brick makes it stand out from the rest. 

Not only does it make for a great photo opp, the palm tree lined boulevard beside it takes you directly to Barcelona's green nucleus - Parc de Ciutadella. Parc de Ciutadella is one of the largest parks in Barcelona's city centre. Fun fact: it's beautiful Cascada Monumental Fountain was designed by a young Antoni Gaudi! From yoga lessons, to salsa classes, to live music, to trapeezists in the bandstand, there's always something to see and do in Parc de Ciutadella.

 

Big Bang

Located in the heart of Raval, Big Bang is a cozy independent bar that hosts live jazz shows and open mic nights. The inviting space welcomes musicians of all abilities and is a great way to see live music in Barcelona on a budget. 

Carmel Bunkers 

Carmel Bunkers was originally a Spanish civil war hideout. Now, it's the most breathtaking viewpoint in the city. And possibly one of the best viewpoints you'll ever visit. The Bunkers is busy day and night - but dusk is the most popular time to go. Hundreds of people of all ages dot the mountain top, and as corny as it sounds - it feels like a movie. 

Diagonal Mar

Diagonal Mar is a shopping centre on the marina by Barceloneta beach. Built in the year 2001, the huge space boasts multiple shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, and a massive terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean ocean. The building is a testament to Barcelona's more modern, industrial architecture that you'll also see in places like Diagonal Avenue. 

El Bosc de les Fades

El Bosc de les Fades is Catalan for "The Fairy Forest". The whimsical, fairytale inspired space is tucked away off La Ramblas, is designed like a magical forest and screams fairytale grotto core - AKA every fantasy fan's dream. 

 

Fabra Observatory 

Are you curious about the stars, or want to do something a little different in Barcelona? Then head to Fabra Observatory. Located on Tibidabo hill, the observatory offers guided star gazing sessions and lessons about astronomy. It opened in 1904, and is one of the oldest functioning observatories in the world!

Gracia 

Gracia is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city and is also known as Barcelona's "beloved bohemian barro". With lots of Catalan bistros and picturesque squares, Gracia allows you to enjoy the charms of Barcelona without being too overrun by tourists. Syra Coffee is my favourite cafe there.

Hospital de Sau Pau

Close by to Sagrada Familia stands one of Barcelona's most impressive architectural sites - the Hospital de Sau Pau. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a former hospital now open to the public, is a breathtaking Modernist complex with stunning mosaics and gorgeous landscape gardens.

Incognito Cocktail Bar

Incognito Cocktail Bar is exactly what it sounds like. The speakeasy style bar sits in the heart of Raval, and the cozy space is known for it's sophisticated cocktail menu.

Jamboree 

Founded in the year 1960, Jamboree is a music venue that features a mix of live music artists of the jazz, blues and hip-hop genres. The buzzing bar has something on every night of the week. 

Kraft 

Kraft is another great live music venue. The two-story bar hosts many an open mic night in its tavern-like basement. Kraft mainly plays rock music, and also has a wide selection of craft beers (hence the name).

La Cova 

La Cova is my favourite bar in Barcelona. Founded in the heart of Barceloneta, La Cova is the epitome of the phrase "hole-in-the-wall". The intimate establishment is covered with retro posters and graffiti, and has an undeniable rustic charm. It's a nice spot to stop in for some drinks and snacks after a long day at the beach. 

Montjuic

You can't talk about Barca's best bits without mentioning Montjuic. Montjuic is a large hill which is home to the Catalonian National Art Museum, the Magic Fountain, an historic castle, an Olympic swimming pool and one of my favourite terrassa bars in the city, Salts. Sit at the Mirador de Montjuic for sunset, you won't regret it.

NAP 

NAP is a pizza restaurant chain with locations in Barceloneta and L'Eixample. It's cheap, cheerful, is open late and never fails to supply top quality pizza.

Ovella Negra 

Ovella Negra is Catalan for "Black Sheep", and is the best sports bar in Barcelona. The lively Raval hot spot is equipped with pool tables and free popcorn, and has an equally energetic sister bar by the Marina. 

Park Guell 

Park Guell is one of Barcelona's top landmarks. It's a masterpiece from architectural genius and Barcelona native, Antoni Gaudi, and was built between 1900 and 1914. The park features psychedelic and surrealist statues, and you guessed it - has some stunning views. 

Quirat 

If you've got some spare Euros and are feeling fancy, head to Quirat. The fine dining restaurant is located at the Intercontinental Hotel and exclusively uses locally sourced ingredients. 

 

Ramblas 

La Ramblas is the most famous (and one of the oldest) streets in Barcelona. Located by Plaza Catalunya, La Ramblas features a plethora of restaurants, bars and sketch artists. If you walk the entire 1.2km long road, you'll reach the Barceloneta beach. 

Sagrada Familia 

La Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Barcelona. Designed by the one and only Antoni Gaudi, work on the La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 - and is so intricate - it remains unfinished to this very day. This building is an emblem of Barcelona, and truly, you've never seen a church (or building, rather) that looks like it anywhere. If you want to skip the queues and save some Euros, you can arrive at 7am on a Sunday to attend the church service and thus, go in for free.

Tibidabo 

Tibidabo is another one of Barca's mighty hills, and the stunning Sagrat Cor Church sits atop it. This beautiful interiors are adorned with gold accents and murals displaying key moments in Spain's history. The Tibidabo neighbourhood itself is a lovely hill-top oasis, far removed from the cosmopolitan Barcelona. There's even a small theme park below the church! 

Urban Gallery 

Barcelona is known for it's cool street art, and Urban Gallery is a testament to it. Poblenou, one of my favourite neighbourhoods, is scattered with impressive street murals and artworks from both local and international artists.

 

 

Vila Olympica 

Now we're headed to the coast to Vila Olympica. Vila Olympica is a beachfront neighbourhood that was developed in 1992 in preparation of the Olympic Games. Play some water sports, admire the modern architecture, or hit up one of it's lively nightclubs if you're visiting in the evening. 

W Hotel Bar

Barcelona's W Hotel bar is open to the general public, and the rooftop watering hole boasts stunning sea views of the Mediterranean ocean. The famous sail-like structure can be seen from almost any section of Barcelona's beaches, and is a key part of the city's iconic skyline. 

Xemei 

Barcelona isn't short on delicious Italian restaurants, and Xemei is one of them. Xemei is located in the Montjuic neighbourhood and possesses a classic Venetian menu. Choose any of it's shellfish dishes and your taste buds will be incredibly satisfied.

Yakumanka

Second to last on my A to Z of Barcelona is restaurant Yakumanka. This groovy eatery pairs Peruvian classics with Iberian dishes. It's a bit of the expensive side, but it's a fabulous place to go for a birthday, an anniversary, or any other special occasion. 

Ziryab Tapas Bar  

Last (but certainly not least), is Ziryab Tapas Bar. You didn't think I'd write a whole Barcelona blog and not include any tapas recommendations, now did you? But Ziryab is a tapas bar with a twist. It's a fusion restaurant that blends traditional Tapas dishes with Middle Eastern flavours, and sits in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

There you have it. My comprehensive guide on the A to Z of Barcelona. I hope it's as helpful to you to read as it was fun for me to write. Big love, Barcelona. You'll always have a piece of my heart.