Barcelona, Spain
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North Spain
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BCN
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Spanish
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Eur
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+39
If you’re looking for a city guide a little thin on culture and a little heavy on cava, you’re in the right place. If you’re happy to appreciate Gaudi’s finest work from the rooftop bar opposite, rather than participating in an audio-guided tour – this may be the place for you. Barcelona is our base, so when we aren’t travelling the globe sourcing your new spots, we are of course selflessly dedicating ourselves to sourcing you the best local watering holes, hangover recovery spots and experiencing culture the only way we know how – through cuisine.
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Something Spanish
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Pintxo Street
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Carrer de Blai is the most famous tapas street in Barcelona, where you will find tapa bar after tapa bar. A true way to immerse yourself into Spanish culture, sit outside amongst the crowds to try affordable and delicious food. The theory behind Pintxo is finger food held together with a toothpick, and these small bites are a key part of the gastronomic experience in Spain.
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Insider tip.
Pincho J is our favourite spot on the street. Must not miss the mushroom Croquettes!
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Location:
Carrer de Blai, 26, 08004 Barcelona
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Something Spanish
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El Nacional
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A popular gastronomic experience located at the very heart of Passeig de Gràcia. El Nacional is effortlessly divided into quadrants to offer you diversity in both cuisine and atmosphere with four separate restaurants and bars. You can try traditional recipes from around the Iberian Peninsula, and wash it down with the finest cava. This is the perfect spot for meeting friends, with enough variety to satisfy differing tastes.
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Insider tip
Try the classic cheese and salted tapas along with a glass of vermouth.
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Location:
Passeig de Grà cia, 24 Bis, 08007
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Something Spanish
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Pez Vela
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Located on the beachfront in Barceloneta next to the W hotel, Pez Vela serves up some of the freshest paella in town. It’s airy open plan styling and decked flooring provide the perfect nautical backdrop to sit and watch as the ocean glistens during sunset. Settle into the comfortable armchairs and enjoy the candlelight, exquisite aromas and the fresh scent of the ocean.
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Insider tip:
Their seafood paella is the freshest in town.
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Location:
Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19-21
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Something Spanish
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Paz 19 by Sensi
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A modern twist on tapas with a cosy candlelit interior – Paz 19 by Sensi is a fresh take on Spanish dining with an in-house mixologist crafting signature tipples. If you like your cocktails with a side of theatrics then this is the spot for you.
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Insider tip;
Order their pasta tapas - Fresh truffle ravioli, parmesan cream and truffle oil.
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The Bars
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Casa Bonay
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A fun and stylish pitstop for creatives. Comfortable seating and huge dark room accompanied by moody tunes make it the perfect place to nestle and recover from a heavy night before. Casa Bonay is a renovated residence that offers guests a true sense of Spanish taste with mosaic tiled floors and a lounge bar on the ground floor. Unbeknown from the outside, Casa Bonay also features it’s very own roof top terrace Its breezy New York cool belies a Mediterranean simplicity that sees quality over frippery, and craftsmanship over glamour.
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The Bars
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Ocana
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Located on one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona – Ocana exudes fun and vibrancy. It has something for all tastes as it transitions from an open terrace by day, to an underground bar by night. Expect a shake up on traditional Spanish culture, through live music and performances.-
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Top tip:
The underground candlelit bar is a hidden spot which flaunts its very own mixologist. Head downstairs for a cocktail and a photo in the retro photobooth.
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The Bars
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Bar Sauvage
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Top quality cocktails, alternative music, street food and a DJ. One of our favourite spots located in El Born, mainly because of the atmosphere and middle-ground between a bar and a club that it provides. We usually pop in here for margaritas and a plate of their vegan tacos – which are probably the best we have ever had!
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Insider tip:
After 11pm on the weekends an underground club appears.
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The Bars
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Boca Chica
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Boca Chica is the epitome of elegance bringing the sophisticated presence you’d expect from a New York speakeasy to Barcelona’s Eixample district. It exudes a luxurious private members club vibe, although it has an open-door policy (as long as you’re dressed smartly, that is). Expect an intimate space, with wood panelled walls, large oil paintings and deep leather couches scattered throughout. Even better, Boca Chica is always host to a fun crowd.-
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Insider tip:
The bathroom in the basement has it's own DJ booth and turns into a party in itself.
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The Bars
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Numero Nueve
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The area of Born gallantly holds the title of the coolest district in Barcelona due to trendy cocktail bars like Numero Nueve popping up. Maintaining its original Spanish charm, this open front ensures you don’t have to step away from the vibrancy of the city’s streets during summer (plus it is an active open invitation to step inside if you do happen to be walking by). It’s prime location, friendly staff, and extensive cocktail list make it the perfect hangout spot to meet friends (not too many though – this is an intimate space).-
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Insider tip:
Avoid going in a big group - you will sturggle to find a spot where you can sit together.
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Location:
Carrer de la Vidrieria, 9, 08003 Barcelona
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Oh you Fancy Huh?
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Cecconis
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Located in Barri Gòtic, Cecconis is the signature restaurant of members-only club, Soho House. Open to the public, Ceconnis provides an atmosphere of retro sophistication with brick-arch ceilings and intricate fittings. The bar, lined with linen-clad lampshades is just waiting for you to take seat and sip Prosecco from crystal glasses. Serving unrivalled Italian cuisine from their open kitchen, their bottomless Sunday brunch buffet is a must.-
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Insider tip;
save room for Sunday brunch - an all you can eat set up of the finest quality is presented as a royal banquet.
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Location:
Passeig de Colom, 20, 08002 Barcelona
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Oh you Fancy Huh?
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Boca Grande
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Known for being a regular hangout for famous faces, Boca Grande is a hub for high service, fresh seafood and a high-quality wine list. The interior breathes sophistication, with dark wood fixtures and floor to ceiling glass cabinets, lined with endless bottles.
The benefits of Boca Grande don’t stop there – it is also home to one of the best cocktail bars in town – Boca Chica. They share underground toilets with their own piano and DJ, so be prepared for a toilet break that doubles up as it’s very own party.
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Insider tip:
Follow up your evening meal with a visit to their upstairs cocktail bar - Boca Chica.
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Oh you Fancy Huh?
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Cotton House
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Cotton House holds a sophisticated stance in Barcelona. From the second you step foot in the building and walk up the spiral marble staircase, you will feel as though you have been transported back in time to an old movie. The building screams history, without actually screaming it, with impressive tiled floors and vintage exposed lightbulbs. Our tip: go for the set menus to get the most out of every course. We recommend following up with a glass of white wine on the outside terrace, because, why not?-
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Fun fact
The hotel was once the former Cotton Textile Foundation, once a Barcelona landmark.
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Places to stay
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Soho House
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Not many other hotels in the city even come close to the bar that has been set by Soho House (quite literally, it’s bar is amazing). Soho’s in-house design team have made sure that every detail has been dealt with to make the trip effortless. From the Marshall radio playing softly as you enter the room, to the evening knock on your door to offer a free cocktail from the vintage drinks cart. Soho really have made the house a home. This, combined with staff that treat you like a friend rather than a guest, make it the warmest of welcomes. You also don’t have to worry about the typical travel items you’ve forgotten – they provide chargers, toothpaste, robes, hair ties, adapters and every Cowshed product you could wish for.-
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Insider tip:
Booking a room at Soho gives you complete access to everything - be sure to dip into the spa (quite literally).
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Location:
Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4, 08002
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Places to stay
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The Barcelona EDITION
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The Barcelona EDITION breathes elegance onto the hotel scene. It’s strategically positioned on the edge of El Born District, just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and the more tourist-heavy, but beautiful, Gothic Quarter. The 5* hotel has more tricks up its sleeve in the form of multiple bars; a speakeasy-inspired lounge with its own curated cocktail menu, an impressive bar in the lobby with a modern twist and a rooftop with its own mini pool to dip into whilst exploring the city in one full birdseye swoop.
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Not to miss.
If you don't stay in the Edition, make sure you visit the rooftop for some of the best views in the city.
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Insider tip:
In the basement, you'll find a hidden restaurant and cocktail bar that doubles up as a nightclub. Its worth checking out the events.
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Places to stay
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Sir Victor Hotel
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In the heart of Barcelona, Sir Victor Hotel was designed with the modern-day traveller in mind. Once you’ve ditched your belongings, we recommend taking a peek at what the rooftop has to offer. Bar? Check. Swimming pool? Check. Views over Gaudí’s masterpiece, Casa Milà? Double check! Not many places can tick those off the list in one go, so grab a white Sangria, sample a sharing plate or two – and take in the culture without having to leave your extremely comfortable and well-positioned seat. -
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Places to stay
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Little Beach House
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Part of the Soho House family, Little Beach House is a beachfront members club in Garraf – just half an hour outside of Barcelona. With serious Miami vibes, this little seaside retreat takes you from balcony to beach within just a few steps. The rooms are very airy and seaside chic – including all of the Soho staples, such as robes, chargers, amenities.-
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Insider tip:
Rent a sun lounger and get your own fringed parasol to snooze underneath.
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Rooftops
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Mandarin Oriental Rooftop
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A beautiful way to wine & dine alfresco poolside. Not only known for its 360 views over the surrounding Barcelona area, Terrat provides tasty authentic Peruvian cuisine. With it’s very own pool, you can dip whilst you enjoy a cocktail while the city humms below. Terrat also provides the most beautiful breakfast backdrop for those who want to come wake up gently with the Spanish breeze. Grab a cappuccino and let the world pass by.
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Insider tip:
The rooftop closes during the winter so if you are visiting near to the end of summer - be sure to check the dates.
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Rooftops
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Grand Hotel Central
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Grand Hotel Central is a luxurious afternoon interlude for those who want to take a break from wandering the streets of Barcelona (or just from the rooftop bar they were in prior to this one). Rooftop visitors can watch the city unfold from the heights above, with views out and over Born and the Mediterranean Sea. This vantage point is is the ideal setting where the sky turns red, orange and finally dark blue, a colour scheme mirrored within its own private infinity pool.-
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Insider tip.
Live musical bands frequent the sky bar on Sundays from 1-6pm.
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Location:
Via Laietana, 30, 08003
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Rooftops
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Sir Victor
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With panoramic views that sweep the city, you can sit directly opposite Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Milà while you dine. The lively restaurant is a great retreat from the hum of crowds in the city below and the rooftop pool is a tranquil invitation to sun-soak in between cocktails. The menu is healthy and offers creative options for shareable plates – so you can really enjoy the best of both worlds.
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Insider tip:
Check out the events calendar as they often hold soirees and DJ sets.
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Best dish on the menu:
Cerviche.
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Places for a hangover
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Mr Robinsons
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It’s a well known fact that Mr. Robinson is Barcelona’s secret to curing your hangover. Head their to sober up from the night before with a large portion of nachos and a Bloody Mary. Up for round two? As the sun sets, it transforms to a lively hub, offering a middle ground between bar and club.-
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Insider tip;
Arrive early, especially in the peak of summer and of an evening - there are often queues to get in.
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Location:
Pla de Palau, 16, 08003
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Places for a hangover
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Surf House
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A beachfront bistro, this is the perfect pitstop to recover from a heavy night before. Surf House has a relaxed atmosphere that comes complete with sea breeze and an indulgent menu – featuring the best nachos & Bloody Mary’s we’ve ever tasted. It also hosts a range of healthy smoothies and juices so you can rebalance. Sit, sip, and watch the waves roll in front of you.-
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Insider tip:
Buckets of beers are also available if you want to pick up where you left off and continue the party.
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My body is a temple
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Honest Greens
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Honest Greens is the place to go for a brief but healthy pit stop. If you’re wandering near Passeig de Gracia but want to take a break (momentarily, of course) from the tapas and sangria sampling – this is the place for you. Their menu works on a three-step building process for you to add any ingredient that you could wish for. The end result? a flavoursome melody of health.-
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Insider tip
The healthy desserts are a perfect non guilty indulgence. Follow up with a chocolatey protein ball or a cauliflower brownie with your oat milk latte to go...
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Location:
Rambla de Catalunya, 3, 08007
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My body is a temple
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Flax and Kale
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Flax & Kale offers one of the healthiest menus in the city. Placing high importance on nutrition and not just fads – Flax and Kale have something on the menu for everyone, including home delivery and a comprehensive juice range for cleanses or just to grab on-the-go. They can be found various popular areas in Barcelona – so you won’t struggle to get your fix. Drop in and pick up the Party Recovery for a little afternoon pick me up.
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Category: City Guides
Coming Soon
An Intimately curated selection of places we have enjoyed and experienced first hand, that unanimously stand for beauty, creativity and sophistication.
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Barcelona City Guide
Coming Soon
An Intimately curated selection of places we have enjoyed and experienced first hand, that unanimously stand for beauty, creativity and sophistication.
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