They say it’s the most European, avant-garde, and Mediterranean city. Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the finest stages for architecture; a multicultural mosaic that invites you to wander and explore. It’s the fusion of the old and the new. Jaime Sabartés once said it was ‘Heaven with a sea view,’ Federico García Lorca noted ‘There’s no city in the world like it,’ and Anthony Bourdain famously remarked, ‘When it comes to food, you’ll struggle to find somewhere better than Barcelona.’
Related: Best Restaurants in Madrid | Nightlife: Where to Have a Drink in Barcelona
WHERE TO DINE
Gresca
Gresca is pure celebration. Located in the Eixample district, this restaurant has become a foodie favourite—and a must-visit for singer Dua Lipa! Gresca has cemented its status as a Barcelona hotspot with its simple yet high-quality, traditional Catalan fare. At the helm is renowned chef Rafa Peña, recipient of the 2023 National Gastronomy Prize. A true essential.
Address: C/ de Provença, 230, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 516 193
Lluritu
‘An ode to life, to lightness, austerity, and joy’—this is how Lluritu, a laid-back seafood bar, defines itself. It’s an affordable and informal meeting spot to indulge in fresh seafood and cold beer. Nestled in the heart of Gràcia, Lluritu is a hidden gem rarely stumbled upon by tourists but cherished by locals. A seafood bar of yesteryear, with all the charm and flavours to match.
Address: Carrer del Torrent de les Flors, 71, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
Phone: +34 938 553 866
Alapar
Alapar can be described as a Mediterranean izakaya, a traditional tavern with an Asian twist. These days, you can’t move in Barcelona without encountering sushi, but Alapar’s version is truly unique. Informal yet refined, it boasts Michelin pedigree, thanks to founders Jaume Marambio and Vicky Maccarone. Their philosophy? Small plates, premium ingredients, and a commitment to seasonality. ‘Mediterranean produce, executed with Asian techniques like pickling, marinating, and cutting,’ as they say.
Address: C/ de Lleida, 5, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona
Phone: +34 938 872 096
Casa Amàlia
At Casa Amàlia, tucked beside the Mercat de la Concepció, owners Jordi Castán and Sergi Suaña serve five tonnes of rice annually, thanks to their famous paellas. Since opening in 1950, they’ve been offering a Km0 experience—sourcing most ingredients from the market next door. Expect Catalan market cuisine with a sustainable, innovative twist, minus the steep prices of nearby Las Ramblas.
Address: Ptge. del Mercat, 14, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 589 458
Azul
Chef Romain Fornell, Michelin-starred, has launched a new rooftop dining experience blending Barcelona’s lifestyle with Mediterranean cuisine. Set atop the Ocean building, Azul boasts 360º views across the city. Once home to Shakira and Piqué’s Blue Spot, the expansive 1,200-square-metre space features four interconnected dining areas, each offering panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Address: Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 101, planta 8, Ciutat Vella, 08038 Barcelona
Phone: +34 937 140 695
WHERE TO DRINK
Florería Atlántico
Nestled in the heart of El Born, this establishment is hailed as the finest cocktail bar in Buenos Aires, and one of the top twenty in the world. And it doesn’t stop there — its food menu, featuring both exquisite cocktails and traditional Argentine grill, is just as impressive. The venue exudes a clandestine atmosphere inspired by the Prohibition era of the 1920s. Awarded “Bartender of Altos Bartenders” in 2020, Giovannoni brings a contemporary twist to classic Argentine drinks. Sustainability is at the core of their ethos, with locally-sourced ingredients from regional farmers.
Address: Av. del Marquès de l'Argentera, 19, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 650 515 960
Especiarium Bar
The name gives it away: Especiarium is one of the most inventive cocktail menus in Barcelona. Each collection is named after a spice, and let’s be honest, they’re all Instagram-worthy. Expect the unexpected — think salmon-infused gin or chorizo-flavoured whisky. Antonio Naranjo, a two-time World Class Bartender of the Year, is the mastermind behind these “disruptive drinks.
Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 29, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 318 899
Boca Chica
Described as ‘the perfect equation to pleasure,’ Boca Chica sits atop Boca Grande in the Eixample district. The modernist, elegant décor, crafted by local design legend Lázaro Rosa-Violán, attracts the city’s coolest clientele. In summer, the terrace is a must, and don’t miss a visit to the bathroom, which boasts a DJ booth, photobooth, mirrored walls, and its own bar. For a luxurious treat, Boca Chica is well worth it.
Address: Passatge de la Concepció, 12, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 675 149
Punch Room Edition
The Punch Room is the latest incarnation of The London Edition’s speakeasy concept. Inspired by the cosy libraries of English manor houses and 19th-century private clubs, the bar captures the essence of punch with its five key ingredients: European spirits, African spices and citrus, teas from China and India, and sugar from the West Indies. Its current menu takes inspiration from the Catalonian region. With retro music, elegant decor, and a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a stylish evening.
Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 936 263 330
Bar Brutal
More relaxed than the others, Brutal has been a go-to since 2013 for those looking to enjoy natural and artisanal wines — with up to 300 varieties to choose from! Founded by Joan Valencia, the bar features a selection of the finest national and international labels, with an emphasis on eco-friendly producers. The wine is accompanied by a Mediterranean menu that changes seasonally, perfectly complementing the Brutal style.
Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 199 881
WHERE TO SHOP
La Manso
This is one of the country’s most coveted jewellery brands. The experimental designer Adriana Manso enlisted Carmelo Zappulla to craft the interior of her first physical store, where Catalan modernist architecture is the muse. Shelves, 3D-printed to resemble Barcelona’s iconic façades, create a striking backdrop for Manso’s organic, ‘90s-inspired pieces. It’s the latest open secret in Barcelona, collaborating with designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and already adored by Spanish style icons such as Rosalía and Blanca Miró.
Address: C. d'Enric Granados, 20, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Phone: +34 638 677 109
Santa Eulalia
This family-run boutique, open since 1843, was among the first to bring haute couture to Catalonia. Now under the direction of Luis Sans, the fourth-generation owner, the store continues to offer a curated selection of fashion’s finest. Its physical shop is a treasure to visit, and its website boasts an extensive archive detailing Barcelona’s evolution as a fashion capital over the centuries.
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 93, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 150 674
Discos Paradiso
At Discos Paradiso, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find. Since 2010, it’s become a hub for Barcelona’s dance and experimental music scenes. Owners Gerard Condemines and Arnau Farrés, united by their obsession with rare finds, scoured Europe for vinyls, and now their shop in El Raval houses one of the finest collections for connoisseurs and curious shoppers alike. The space also hosts exhibitions and events, making it more than just a music shop.
Address: C/ de Ferlandina, 39, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 296 440
Unusual Store
Opened in 2019, Unusual specialises in ‘extraordinary and original’ items. From shoes, furniture, and art to magazines and everyday objects, it’s one of the first concept stores in Poblenou, Barcelona’s emerging artistic district. The shop also invites guests to enjoy drinks and music on its tropical terrace.
Address: C/ de Ramon Turró, 147, Bxs, 1, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
Phone: +34 655 101 069
La Manual Alpargatera
La Manual has been crafting espadrilles in the heart of the Gothic Quarter since 1941. Founded by Señora Emilia with the vision of making espadrilles a chic yet affordable fashion accessory, their expertise in Catalan craftsmanship spans 80 years. They were the first to dare to add a heel to this ancient design, a move that brought espadrilles into the world of high fashion. Today, they are a staple across Spain, from Salvador Dalí to Penélope Cruz—there’s nothing more Spanish than a pair of artisanal espadrilles. La Manual feels like summer.
Address: C/ de Montcada, 13, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 935 418 881
WHAT TO SEE
Joan Miró Foundation
On the Montjuïc hill, offering unrivalled views over the city at its finest, stands the Miró Foundation, housed in a rationalist-style building. Inside, you’ll find some of the most emblematic works of the Catalan painter Joan Miró i Ferrà – an astonishing 104,000 pieces, all donated by the artist before his death. The hidden gem of the Foundation is its library, where you can immerse yourself in books on art, ceramics, painting, and other disciplines. A visit to the Foundation is the perfect way to escape the city’s hustle and bustle without ever leaving.
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelon
Phone: +34 934 439 470
Terranova Books
Terranova is a publishing house, bookstore, and gallery in Barcelona, founded by filmmaker Luis Cerveró and bouquiniste Lucía Boned. Their mission is to bring a carefully curated selection of international art publications, rare vintage finds, and self-published zines to the city, catering to a niche clientele. In autumn 2021, Terranova unveiled its new space in a beautifully restored 19th-century modernist shoemaker’s workshop, ‘Lluch’. Each month, the left-hand window is dedicated to a different artist, displaying everything from sculptures to ceramics, furniture, and work by local designers and artisans.
Address: C/ del Comte Borrell, 99, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Gabriel García Márquez Library
The World’s Best Library (at least in 2023) can be found in the Sant Martí neighbourhood. That year, it won the prestigious prize awarded annually by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and Systematic, competing against libraries from countries like Slovenia, Australia, and China. This architectural wooden gem, named after Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, specialises in Latin American literature. It is also the first library in Spain to receive such a distinction.
Address: Plaça Carmen Balcells Segalà, 1, 08020 Barcelona
Phone: +34 930 026 512
Galería Mayoral
Eduard, Jordi, and Cristina Mayoral are the second generation of gallerists, continuing the legacy of their father, Manel Mayoral, who founded the gallery in 1989. The gallery hosts two types of exhibitions: themed group shows and individual exhibitions by renowned artists such as Miró, Picasso, and Dalí, as well as those with a special connection to Catalonia like Calder, Chillida, Saura, and Miralles. A must-visit to discover lesser-known masterpieces.
Address: C/ del Consell de Cent, 286, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 880 283
Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau
In the Eixample district, not far from the Sagrada Familia, Lluís Domènech i Montaner conceived the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau as a garden city for the sick between 1905 and 1930. For over 80 years, it served as a hospital, and its 13 colourful pavilions, adorned with Byzantine, Gothic, and Moorish elements, are surrounded by green spaces. It is one of the largest examples of Catalan modernist architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It’s certainly worth a visit.
Address: C/ de St. Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025 Barcelona
WHERE TO HAVE A BRUNCH
Gabby’s Brunch
Nestled in the heart of Poblenou, near the Nova Icària beach, Gabby’s is named after the founder’s younger brother, Canadian-born Anya. The café serves beautifully presented dishes, alongside coffee specialities, smoothies, and cocktails. “Gabby and I grew up in a home where cooking was a must. Our mother was an incredible cook, and breakfast was her signature. Brunch was our happy time – through thick and thin, I don’t remember a morning without joy at the table.” Every dish is 100% homemade, using the finest seasonal and local ingredients. From Canada, with love.
Address: C/ de Ramon Turró, 93, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona
Ugot
Ugot is a charming haven that transports you straight to the tea room of your dreams. Israeli founder Adi Nachson has turned an old warehouse into an oasis of affection. With carefully curated vintage crockery, lovingly restored flooring, and an eclectic mix of antique furniture, every detail here tells a story. “Ugot” means “cakes” in Hebrew, but beyond pastries, the menu offers those seeking a taste of Israel something special – like the spiced egg dish, Shakshuka, which wins hearts every time.
Address: C. de Viladomat, 138, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 637 361
Faire
This vegetarian gem in the Eixample district focuses on sustainability, serving delicious homemade dishes made from fresh, organic local ingredients. They’ve pledged to plant a tree with every purchase – and have already planted 30,236! Imagine your daily coffee contributing to reforestation and supporting local communities. That’s the ethos at Faire.
Address: C/ de Girona, 81, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona
Phone: +34 617 086 591
The Hardware Société
The Hardware Société, originally from Melbourne, was founded in 2009 by Di and Will Kesser, who still run the show. What started as a small café with 35 seats has expanded to Paris and now Barcelona, opening in 2022. Their mission? To reinvent breakfast and brunch. The fried brioche with a cloud of meringue, diplomat cream, seasonal mixed berries, and hibiscus syrup is a must-try.
Address: C/ de València, 193, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Phone: +34 930 089 416
Mr. Robinson
At Mr. Robinson, their philosophy is simple: “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” This concept is brought to life through their unique selection of dishes, cocktails, and nibbles. The story began with three partners from Sweden, Argentina, and Uruguay, whose idea was to capture their global experiences on a menu that takes you from Japan to Brazil, with stops in Italy and Argentina. Add a vibrant atmosphere and weekend DJs to the mix, and you’ve got a destination with a vintage vibe.
Address: Pla de Palau, 16, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 937 606 624
Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Editorial Team
