I don’t think there is a city in all of Europe with such charisma and individuality. Barcelona;This city is full of it! I recently spent a few nights in Barcelona, exploring during the day and enjoying food at night. We asked our local friend David to show us around Barcelona’s best eateries and must-see city attractions. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of your 4 days in Barcelona.
Check-in: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
Every time I visit Barcelona, I check in at the following locations: Mandarin Orientalone of my favorite properties in the collection for so many reasons. The location is in the heart of the city, just minutes away from Gaudi architecture, great cafes and restaurants, and in the heart of the shopping district.
The hotel itself is a homage to modern Barcelona, with impressive interiors and one of the city’s most famous restaurants. On this visit, we also discovered the hotel’s rooftop bar and casual restaurant, where we spent several nights enjoying cocktails and sunset views (even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy the view while sipping vino or sangria!).
Eastern Standard Chinese | Walk of Grace, 38-40, 08007 Barcelona
Visit Boqueria Island for local produce
Still one of my favorite destinations despite the crowds, La Boqueria is a must-visit in Barcelona. The prices are a little higher than what you’d buy at the local market, but the fruit is fresh, the people are friendly, and the atmosphere is contagious.
La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona
Enjoy traditional tapas
For me, one of the biggest draws of any city is its food scene. Barcelona has a lot of delicious food. There’s one thing on my mind when I’m in Barcelona and its tapas. Here are the places to enjoy the best tapas in Barcelona:
thomas bar – Bar Tomas, a little further out of town, is reputed to have the best patatas bravas in all of Barcelona. If you’re a serious foodie or someone on a mission, you won’t be disappointed.
Bar Cañete – Probably the most famous tapas bar in town, but expect to be surrounded by tourists if you arrive before 10pm. However, if you come during Spanish dinner time (after 10pm), you’ll find that this place is just as popular among locals.
The National – Too expensive and too popular, but you can’t miss El Nacionale, my favorite restaurant in town. This is one of the most beautiful spaces to eat, with a huge selection of tapas, and a great place to start your evening.
El Born – It’s not the location, it’s the neighborhood. You should spend at least one night bar hopping in El Born, the busiest little neighborhood of the week.
Enjoy sunset drinks at the top of the Mandarin Oriental
Back at the hotel, we spent most nights on the rooftop of the Mandarin Oriental, taking in the panoramic views from the rooftop bar and pool area. This is a great way to enjoy luxury at one of Barcelona’s best hotels without paying for a night’s stay. Barcelona is truly a destination not to be missed.
Walk of Grace, 38-40, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Watch the sunrise at Park Guell
Anyone visiting Barcelona will have Park Güell on their list of must-visit attractions. But the biggest secret is to visit first thing in the morning when the park opens and book your tickets in advance. This is the best way to avoid the crowds and catch the morning light.
Park Guell | 08024 Barcelona
Step inside the Sagrada Familia
Another tourist must-see in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, a Hogwarts-like church. This unfinished masterpiece is another of Gaudí’s works and must be seen to be believed.
Sagrada Familia | Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
Marvel at Casa Batlló
My personal favorite of Gaudi’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló has one of the most beautiful facades in all of Europe.
Walk of Grace, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Take a day trip to Montserrat
On our last day in Barcelona, we ventured out of the city and to the top of Montserrat. You can take a cable car or train to the top and enjoy impressive views of Catalonia. The train is the best and cheapest way to reach Montserrat and is very easy to travel from the city.
I traveled with you from Europe cathay pacific airways Via Hong Kong. This has been a favorite route of mine for several years now, and it gives me another excuse to make a short stop in one of my favorite cities, Hong Kong. Thank you to Cathay for including me in the #lifewelltravelled campaign.