First time I ever went abroad was to Barcelona to visit a friend when I was in college. We went all over Barcelona, I remember we attempted to go on an adventure on the train to a chair lift and hike (i still don't know where we were). We spent time on the beach and even went to the club, Prisma. We ate at a clubby restaurant, Nubar (name has changed). There was one restaurant Beyoncé was rumored to be at and it has since closed (Da Greco). We ate at Brunch and Cake for lunch one day which has since expanded like crazy.
Fast forward exactly 10 years later (how am I that old) and I went back with Evan and his family. We did some of the same tourist things like visit La Sagrada Familia & Park Guell. The amount of work that had been done on La Sagrada Familia was shocking. They added an escalator and elevators up to the two towers. Previously, you walked in (could by tickets there) and walked up to the top of the towers (no elevators or tickets needed). Now, if you want to visit the towers, be sure to prebook a ticket and select a tower. I wouldn’t say it’s a “can’t miss” but might as well if you are there! Park Guell also requires tickets and is a walk uphill from La Sagrada Familia (if you decide to go that route.) I love the architecture all around Barcelona. The neoclassical houses sprinkled throughout city and the main house Casa Battlo. My favorite restaurant in Barcelona is the Michelin star tapas bar, Mont Bar. It was intimate, all the food was delicious, music was great and for a tasting menu it didn’t seem so formal or long (normally Evan always complains about the length of these meals). We also ate at Compartir, the sister restaurant to the number - restaurant in the world, Disfrutar. It was so so. Very Spanish , if you love paella you will love this spot. Other restaurants that were on my list I hope to try soon are, Two Schmucks, Bar Lobo, Bo de B, Dos Prebots. Evan and I went to two of the bars on the top 50 bars in the world list, Sips and Paradiso. A don’t miss is Honest Greens. We ate here every day for lunch because we could not get enough. The sweet potatoes fries are life changing. It’s a super casual healthy lunch spot and there are many throughout the city! Hotels: Soho House (opening 3rd house, pool house) Cotton house, Marriott bonvoy The W on the beach , Marriott bonvoy Hotel Palace Sites: La Sagrada Familia- reserve online in advance, and book a tower with tour. Park Guell Guadi- Guadi has a lot of his neoclassical buildings sprinkled throughout the city. Restaurants: ABaC- 3 michellin star, has stunning patio & interior seating Disfrutar- list books up a year in advance! Playa Grande- beach club restaurant Honest Greens- delicious healthy lunch (or dinner) spot, order at the counter, v casual Brunch & Cake - trendy brunch spot, multiple locations El Nacional- food hall with lots of tapas options Bo D Be- casual sandwich spot Berbena- bib gourmand, offers lunch only fridays. dinner spot, casual yet trendy restuarant. "festival" inspired cuisine. Fire- located at the Novelty Shop: Good Coffee- cute coffee shop around the city Love Cycle- spin studio |