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Introduction to Barcelona

Despite being the oldest district, it is one of the liveliest and most diverse areas of Barcelona, with contrasting Gothic architecture and winding streets against the contemporary restaurants, shops and bars.

Four neighbourhoods comprise the Ciutat Vella district: La Barceloneta, the Gothic Quarter, El Raval, and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is the city’s beach neighbourhood, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Moll d’Espanya of Port Vell, and the El Born neighbourhood. The neighbourhood has three beautiful beaches of Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià and Somorrostro. Staying in Barceloneta during the summer months gives you the most enviable location to be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave the city’s golden sands. 

The Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter contains some of the city’s oldest buildings and a plethora of iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia (Barcelona Cathedral), the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, and the bridge that crosses Carrer Bisbe. The neighbourhood is also renowned for its iconic squares, including the Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Jaume, and Plaça Reial. Here you can find numerous excellent bars and restaurants to enjoy some tapas and drinks.

El Raval

 El Raval borders Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla, which is lined with many bars, restaurants and cafes. One of the most recognisable points to El Raval is La Boquería Market, which offers fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, meats and much more. There is also the Palau Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s first commissions built in 1888, which is now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera were formerly separate neighbourhoods, but are now joined as one and colloquially referred to as ‘El Born’. This area is sandwiched between the Gothic Quarter and the Parc de la Ciutadella and stretches all the way up from Barceloneta to the Palau de la Música Catalana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site concert hall). It is one of the most popular areas of Barcelona to live in, thanks to its delightful fusion of authentic, historical Barcelona, with the vibrant buzz of contemporary life, and an abundance of excellent restaurants and bars.

Eixample

Eixample is home to the iconic Passeig de Gràcia avenue, lined with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada, and some of the city’s most prestigious 5-star hotels and restaurants. It’s the ideal district for anyone with an appreciation for the finer things in life! Some of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks and architecture take their home in Eixample, such as Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. The area is also characterised by its famous grid-structure layout of buildings, designed by Idefons Cerdà to allow better sunlight and traffic flow to the city.

Gràcia

Gràcia was once its own municipality for several years, before being joined to the city of Barcelona via the Eixample extension in 1897. The area has maintained its small-town, unique image and feel. Despite having plenty of accommodation, independent shops and bars, Gràcia is considered as an unknown spot to tourists. It is home to Gaudí’s iconic Parc Güell, a fantastic green space with panoramic views over the city and with sculptures crafted by the artist himself. For a more peaceful and authentic experience of Barcelona, Gràcia is an excellent option for any traveller to the city.

It may feel overwhelming deciding where to stay on your visit to Barcelona, but thanks to the excellent transportation and compact nature of the city, everything will be in easy access no matter where you choose. However, we imagine your first visit will leave you eager to come back for more!

History of Barcelona

Eixample is another excellent place to stay in Barcelona, as one of the most modern, quietest and safest areas in the whole city. In Eixample, there are some of the most famous landmarks of Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Sagrada Familia. It is a popular choice all-round for any visitor but is particularly good for those travelling with a family or those that want a more relaxed stay. The iconic Passeig de Gràcia street is in the heart of Eixample, the most expensive avenue in the whole of Spain.

The Gràcia district is a popular option for those coming to Barcelona, offering a peaceful, small-town experience of the city. Due to being slightly out of the centre and once an entirely separate town to Barcelona, it has a unique, bohemian feel. The area is charming, the perfect place to get lost while you explore its leafy streets. The Parc Güell and Casa Vicens take their home in Gràcia, so there’s still attractions to be found here too.

For high-end shopping: Mandarin Oriental On a prime location on the luxurious Passeig de Gràcia, this hotel is perfect for anyone with a penchant for designer shopping. There’s a rooftop pool, luxury spa, and some suites even have a view of Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló. 

For sea views: The W Hotel Barcelona’s most iconic luxury hotel that offers the best sea views in the entire city. Shaped like a sail facing out to sea, as a nod to Dubai’s Burj al Arab, it’s a hotel that certainly makes a statement. With three restaurants, a trendy lounge bar and a poolside area, you’ll feel in the holiday mood for your stay.

For history lovers: The Serras Hotel Serras is set in the same 19th-century building where a young Pablo Picasso has his first studio all the way back in 1896! It offers views over the luxury yachts on the Port Vell marina from its leafy rooftop. 

If you would prefer a more authentic and private experience while staying in Barcelona, renting a luxury apartment is another great option. Many come equipped with rooftop terraces and pools, as well as all the home comforts you would require for a delightful stay. There are also many apartments for larger groups or families, of up to 6 bedrooms, so you that you can spend intimate time as a group. 

Although less common given being a city, it is also possible to rent a villa to stay in Barcelona. Heading slightly out of the centre to areas such as Gràcia, Horta and Pedralbes, you can find many luxury villas with space for extra-large group sizes. Renting a villa will give you ample space to relax, as well as the luxury of having your own private pool.

Park Güell is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, designed by Gaudí and his friend and patron Eusebi Güell. It offers some of the best views of Barcelona, and the park itself has more wonderful modernist works to enjoy.

For some more fresh air and a step into nature out of city life, the Parc de la Ciutadella is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. Created in 1877, the park has ample green space, an opulent fountain, and even a lake in which you can hire a rowing boat. If you’re travelling to Barcelona with children, the Barcelona Zoo is on the west side of the park too!

A stroll down the famous street in Barcelona, La Rambla, is another tourist favourite. It’s a large boulevard that runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the seafront, and is full of cafés, shops, and La Boqueria food market.

These are just a few of the most loved attractions in Barcelona, that are unmissable sights on your visit. There’s much more to see and experience, but we’re sure you will want to come back to discover more on the next time you come.

To continue the dining experience, sip on sumptuous cocktails while taking in the views of Barcelona from one of the many splendid rooftop bars that the city has to offer. One of our personal favourite rooftop bars is La Dolce Vitae at Majestic Hotel, found on the luxurious Passeig de Gràcia.

For those after an adrenaline rush, join the Williams Racing team on the Formula 1 Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya track to experience driving a Formula One car. An instructor will take you through the technical aspects in lessons, before you head out onto the track yourself to experience the home of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Take to the skies once more to bask in the beautiful Catalonian landscape on a helicopter ride down the coast. Trace the curves of Barceloneta beach and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

It’s well known that Barcelona is the perfect ‘instagrammable’ spot due to its awe-inspiring landmarks and scenery. Make yourself the star of the show and take home a memento of your trip with a private photoshoot session. A professional photographer can take solo or group photos in front of Barcelona’s most recognisable spots, so that you can cherish these moments forever.

Barcelona’s cosmopolitan population lends itself to an exciting variety of international cuisines on offer here too. The city is brimming with world-class chefs and thousands of restaurants to choose between.

For a fine dining experience, there is no better way to pass an evening than by a tasting menu at one of the city’s celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants. Barcelona excels in restaurants that offer superb quality tasting menus, such as double Michelin-starred Disfrutar, whose chefs were crowned the best in Spain in 2020. 

When talking about food in Barcelona, we simply cannot miss mentioning the local wines too. Catalonia is famed for its wine tourism, a wine tour in the region’s plethora of vineyards is an unmissable experience for your trip. The region has 12 Destinations of Origin, each with its own unique wines that have been shaped by the rugged Catalonian landscape. Cava is the region’s famed wine, but there is much more to discover here.

If you are after fresh air but still slightly afar from your desired destination to walk, hop onto a bike to cycle through the city. Barcelona’s ‘Bicing’ service has stations all over the city to pick up a bike from, it simply requires online registration first and then you are all set to cycle.

There are taxis readily available to hail across the city, and from the airport too. A more cost-effective way of travelling by taxi is to use mobile applications such as FreeNow or Cabify, which allows you to see an upfront cost as opposed to running by the metre.

 It is possible to drive through the city yourself, but as with any major city it will not be the most relaxing of experiences. However, having a car makes it easy to access other areas of Catalonia up and down the coast, and the coastal roads have fantastic vistas to enjoy. Many apartments offer underground parking with stays, and there are also several parking lots in the city too.

For a more unusual way to travel across the city, the Port Vell cable car connects from Barceloneta beach up to Montjuïc Hill. Head at sunset to enjoy beautiful views all across Barcelona and out down the breathtaking coastline of Catalonia.

To experience even more spectacular views, but less so to have a destination in mind, we recommend taking a sailing excursion on Port Vell. A breather from city life with the most wonderful views imaginable of the Catalan capital to accompany.

July-August high season in Barcelona means hot sunny days, warm beaches, and an increased number of tourists descending upon the city. Summer embodies Barcelona, with on average only 2 rainy days per month and a great selection of outdoor concerts, street parades and creative festivals. Temperatures only slightly drop during the night, so you can spend warm nights watching the sunset, cool glass of vermouth in hand.

Summer is the best time to enjoy Barcelona’s nine sandy beaches, stretching over five kilometres across the Mediterranean Sea coastline. The option is there to head straight to Barceloneta beach, the closest to the city centre, or to head to further beaches which are much quieter.

September is another lovely month to visit as the humidity and heat lessens slightly, and the crowds have calmed too. Locals return from their summer getaways to elsewhere in Spain, and the city retains its ‘lived-in’ feel. The largest street party in Barcelona, La Mercè Festival, takes place at the end of September. The streets come alive with events, parades, fire runs (Correfoc), and celebrations.

The weather stays warm and comfortable into October, still perfect for a day at the beach and with even less tourist crowds.

The city begins to get into the festive spirit in November and December, with Christmas lights and decorations adorning the city. To sample some festive delights such as torró, or turrón in Spanish, this is the time to go.

Tipping is not something that is expected nor obligated in Barcelona, unless you receive exceptional service and feel that it is necessary. This applies to taxi drivers, bartenders, waiters, etc.

If you decide to rent an apartment during your stay, ensure that it is with a reliable and trusted agency. Reputable agencies will take care of you during your stay and be on hand for any queries or requests. Good quality apartments will more often than not come with perks such as a free gym membership to accompany, or a parking spot if you choose to rent a car.

Although the most convenient beach to access, Barceloneta can often be crowded and very lively. Visit the beaches further up such as Nova Icária, Bogatell, Sant Miquel and Mar Bella, which are much more peaceful and quieter.

Thankfully with the return of democracy, Catalan was again accepted as an individual language and was taught in schools and universities. The majority of people from Barcelona that grew up here are perfectly bilingual in both Catalan and Spanish, as well as having excellent English skills too. 

The oppression of the Catalan language and culture of the past has cultivated a strong pride and sense of identity for people of Catalonia. It is more common to see Catalan flags flying from buildings across Barcelona than it is Spanish.

Catalans are very proud of their culture, there’s always a celebration to be had in Barcelona. The city comes together regularly for events such as La Diada de Sant Jordi, a romantic day where roses and books are exchanged between lovers. La Mercè is another big cultural celebration in Barcelona, held in honour of the Patron Saint of the city. Barcelona is buzzing with life and activity from morning to night – New York’s European cousin! 

Family and tradition are at the heart of every community in Barcelona. One of Barcelona and Catalonia’s most famous traditions is the sport of Castell, when groups of people climb on top of one another to form human towers.

Catalonia also has its own special Christmas traditions that may surprise you too. Tió de Nadal, meaning Christmas log, is a regular feature across households in Barcelona. It is a hollow log with a face, covered with a blanket and ‘fed’ by the children through December to help him to defecate their presents on Christmas Day or Eve. Certainly unique!

Weather in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona soon? See below for the latest weather forecast for Barcelona.

BARCELONA WEATHER