Barcelona - Greatest Hits

Living in Barcelona, I am often asked for recommendations of what to see, eat, and drink in the city. This guide is an intro to what I consider the “Greatest Hits of Barcelona” - it is a collection intended for first time visitors or returning travelers looking to dine like locals. In this guide you will find: 📍Sites (both the popular and off the beaten path) 🍴Restaurants 🍦Desserts 🍸Drinks Each with a description and some special tips from me!

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Sites

Antoni Gaudí

La Sagrada Familia

@lauriealvarado

Designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. It is also unlike any church you will visit. The detail put into every piece of construction is astounding. La Sagrada Familia is the one site you cannot leave Barcelona without experiencing. Helpful hints: - Buy your tickets ahead of time as they do sell out - If you want to climb up one of the towers, you will have to select a time at which you can enter the church and another at which you can enter the tower. - Best times to go are first thing in the morning for less crowds or later in the afternoon for the afternoon lighting. - Don't miss the museum on the way out. You can catch a glimpse of the workshop and learn more information about Gaudí and his process.

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Park Güell

@lauriealvarado

An urban park designed by Antoni Gaudí, commissioned by Eusebi Güell, who the park is named after. It is now a UNESCO Heritage site and there is a small fee to enter but worth it to see the intricate detailing in all the symbolic elements designed by Gaudí. Helpful hints: - Book tickets ahead of time to avoid the line; they sell out especially in high tourist season. - Part of the Park is open to the public and free, if you want to catch a glimpse but not pay the entrance fee. - There is a picnic area inside the park. You are allowed to bring in your own food and enjoy a picnic in one of the most unique parks in the world!

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Casa Batlló

@lauriealvarado

Casa Batlló was once a single family residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. Visiting Casa Batlló is a beautiful journey inside the mind of a creative and architectural genius. I highly recommend the audio tour for any Gaudí site so you don't miss all the design and intention behind the smallest details. Helpful hints: - Book tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines and times do sell out. - If you were to choose either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera to tour, I would choose Casa Batlló. - *Secret local tip* If you enter the home goods store, Servei Estacio, around the corner on Carrer d'Aragó, you can go to their outdoor patio area and get a view of the back of Casa Batlló and the terrace for free!

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Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

@lauriealvarado

La Pedrera is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. The home contains floor after floor of bedrooms and an interesting history lesson of how wealthy families lived at the beginning of the 20th century. Helpful hints: - Book tickets ahead of time to avoid long cues and time slots selling out. - They often host music and dinner sessions on the roof which are a unique way to experience this amazing home.

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Casa Vicens Gaudí

@lauriealvarado

Considered to be Antoni Gaudí's first major architectural project. I have only seen it from the outside but will plan to visit the interior very soon (will update further when I do!) Helpful hints: - Book tickets online as they are more expensive at the box office - Bring your headphones to use the audio guide

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Popular Sites

(that are popular for a reason)

Mercado de La Boqueria

@lauriealvarado

The most famous neighborhood market in Barcelona. It is worth a visit to see the hustle and bustle. The restaurants inside are also quite tasty and not all of them are only for tourists. 💡Helpful hints: - It will be crowded. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

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Cathedral of Barcelona

@lauriealvarado

While I have been to the Cathedral, I have not been inside! Going to view it from the outside is still worth it as the surrounding plaza is always full of activity and it is a good stopping point as you wander the streets of El Born and Gótico. 💡Helpful hints: - At Christmas, there is a Christmas Market in front of the Cathedral.

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Arc de Triomf de Barcelona

@lauriealvarado

Arc de Triomf was built as the entrance to the 1888 Barcelona World's Fair. It begins the promenade of Passeig de Lluís Companys, a wide pedestrian street typically filled with lounging locals, street performers, and photographing tourists. Eventually ending at the entrance of Ciutadella Park. 💡Helpful hints: - Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

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Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium

@lauriealvarado

Atop Montjuic lies the heart of the Olympic stadiums built for the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. The Barcelona 1992 Olympics are considered one of the best examples of successfully investing the capital for the Games to improve the lives of inhabitants and visitors to the city. Any visit to Montjuic should include a walk around the Olympic structures, and the best part is, the visit is free!

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Ciutadella Park

@lauriealvarado

Barcelona's main park. There are small grassy areas used by many to picnic and enjoy the sun. There is also a small kids playground. And of course, the beautiful fountain. 💡Helpful hints: - There is a large wholly mammoth statue near the fountain that makes for a fun photo opportunity. - Baby ducks and geese can often be spotted in the fountain in the spring. - There is a snack bar near the fountain if you need a food or drink break.

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Off the Beaten Path (a bit)

MUHBA Turó de la Rovira (Mirador de les bateries)

@lauriealvarado

Referred to as The Bunkers, this is a cool viewing spot to see the whole city. People tend to bring some drinks and snacks and sit here at sunset, Recently, the neighbors have been getting upset with the level of noise and trash. So the site may be closed on certain days. Additionally, if you do visit, please be respectful.

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Mercat de la Concepció

@lauriealvarado

My neighborhood market ❤️ Similar to La Boqueria but on a much smaller scale. If you wanted the market experience without the crowds, you can visit here! 💡*Special tip* In the same building as the Mercat is a 24 hour plant and flower shop should you be looking for some greenery.

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Palau de la Música Catalana

@lauriealvarado

One of my favorite places I've visited in Barcelona. The design and construction are amazing and so intricate. The ticket is pretty inexpensive and comes with an audio tour. 💡Helpful Hints: - You can scan the website on the dates of your visit to see if you can catch a show here as they have a wide range of events happening year-round. - Don't miss the sculpture, Carmela by Jaume Plensa, around the backside of the Palau.

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Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

@lauriealvarado

Currently the fountain is turned off due to the drought. However, typically there is a beautiful light show that runs 2-3 times per night depending on the season.

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Montjuïc Castle

@lauriealvarado

This castle and fort date all the way back to 1640! You can go inside for a small fee or simply walk around to enjoy the impressive walls and catch a glimpse of the gardens. 💡Helpful Hints: - In the summer, the Castle hosts outdoor concerts and open air movie screenings. Check the dates to see if you can catch one! - Admission is free every Sunday after 15:00 and all day the first Sunday of each month.

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El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria

@lauriealvarado

In the 1990s, excavations began to start construction of a library on this site. Lo and behold, they found ruins from the 1700s, so they decided to keep the remains and open the ruins to the public! This is a cool site to check out if you're in the area, it's free to go in and walk above the ruins or you can book a tour to walk down below.

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Restaurants

Breakfast & Brunch

Picnic

@lauriealvarado

One of our favorite brunch spots and a well known institution with locals and tourists alike. 🍴Favorite items: - French Toast - Croquetas (not your typical croquetas!) - Juices and Lemonades (you can also add a shot to make them into cocktails)

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The Hardware Société Barcelona

@lauriealvarado

One of my favorite brunches in the city with continuously changing menu, unique dishes, and cute decor. 🍴It's hard to pick favorite items as they are always changing but a few: - Croque Madame - Eggs Benedict - *Plus all coffees come with a tiny donut!

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The Egg Lab - Brunch

@lauriealvarado

All different kinds of eggs benedict. Big portions and reasonable prices

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The Egg Lab

@lauriealvarado

Second location of The Egg Lab. A bit smaller than the first location but no less delicious.

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Granja Petitbo

@lauriealvarado

Solid brunch option with a nice, big terrace. They are open all day, so you can also go for lunch, dinner, or drinks in the evening. Go early on weekends as there's always a wait! 🍴Favorite items: - Pancakes - Cesar Salad (Good salads are hard to find in Barcelona, and this is a well done Cesar!)

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Hammock Juice Station

@lauriealvarado

A fun place where you can sit in hammocks to eat plus the food is great! 🍴Favorite items: - Protein Bowl - Vegan Pancakes

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Funky Bakers

@lauriealvarado

I'm nervous sharing this one because I don't want it to get too crowded but I think it has a healthy instagram presence, so I don't think I'm the only one giving away this local secret! Really great food and drinks both for brunch and dinner. Next door is Funky Bakers Deli which is a very cute shop to buy kitchen and home decor items plus food items for take away. 🍴Favorite items: - Bakers Breakfast for 2 (definitely for two, even 3 or 4) - Menemen - Babka French Toast - Any of the Pide's (Turkish Pizza)

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Gringa All Day

@lauriealvarado

A delicious option for breakfast or brunch, Gringa is modeled after the typical California diner. If you're looking for big portions, friendly service, and SoCal vibes, this is the place for you. 🍴Favorite Items - Chilaquiles - Breakfast Burrito

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Lunch & Dinner

Bar Jai-Ca

@lauriealvarado

Small, authentic tapas place with good seafood items. 🍴Favorite Items: - Mussels al vapor - Boquerones (anchovies) en vinagre - Bomba (fried mash potato ball filled with meat topped with spicy sauce) - Vermut de la Casa

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Santa Ceviche

@lauriealvarado

One of our favorite Peruvian places known for homestyle cooking. *Note - they have limited opening hours, so check before you go! 🍴Favorite Items: - Ceviche al aji amarilloo - Alitas Santas - Jalea Mixta - Pisco Sour

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Els 4Gats

@lauriealvarado

A Barcelona institution, famous because Picasso used to hang out here. A cute interior but a bit overpriced, go for the history, have a drink and some pan con tomate, but I wouldn't eat a full meal here. 🍴Favorite Items - Pan con Tomate - Gin Tonic

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Teòric Taverna Gastronòmica

@lauriealvarado

Another I'm scared to share as it's already tough to get a reservation here! But I believe this place is on it's way to earning a Michelin star, so I have to sing it's praises. Amazing food, friendly staff, and well-priced for how good it is. Menu is a seasonal tasting menu so no favorites but I've loved everything I've tried here!

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La Pepita

@lauriealvarado

La Pepita never lets us down. A great option for slightly elevated tapas and a fun drink menu! If you can't get a reservation with La Pepita, try Mini Pepita which is just next door. 🍴Favorite Items: - Pepita Sky - Blueberry Gin Fizz - Esparaggo Blanco - Burrata Salad - Solomillo

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Bodega La Puntual

@lauriealvarado

One of the best authentic tapas bars in Barcelona. This place is big but it fills up fast, there is usually a line out the door. So get a reservation if you can! 🍴Favorite Items: - Alitas (boneless chicken wings, trust me, you have to try these) - Padron Peppers - Huevos Rotos - Grilled Octopus

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Taverna El Glop

@lauriealvarado

If you want to try Catalan food, this is the place to go! Portions are big, so go hungry and plan to walk it off after. 🍴Favorite Items

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Bar del Pla

@lauriealvarado

Solid option for reasonably priced and well done tapas. 🍴Favorite Items: - Croquetas - Patatas Bravas

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Betlem

@lauriealvarado

Sophisticated Tapas done really well, different options from typical tapas bar. Delicious specials and very nice staff. 🍴Favorite Items - Goat Cheese Salad - Pluma Iberica (Featherloin Pork Steak) - Seasonal Items are always a good bet here!

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Desserts

Anita Gelato

@lauriealvarado

My favorite ice cream in Barcelona. Although it's called "Anita Gelato," I find the flavors and texture are more akin to ice cream than other gelato spots in Europe. 🍴Favorite Items: - Chocolate Pretzel - Dark Chocolate - Passion Fruit

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Obrador DelaCrem

@lauriealvarado

A well-known and well-loved gelateria with a few locations in Barcelona. An ever changing menu of flavors and kind staff to help with tastings and recommendations. 🍴Favorite Items - Peanut and Salted Caramel - Dulce de Leche

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Demasié

@lauriealvarado

Known for their decadent cinnamon rolls and cookies that come in a wide variety of flavors! 🍴Favorite Items: - Oreo Cookie - Salted Caramel Cinnamon Roll

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Granja Dulcinea

@lauriealvarado

Can't have a Barcelona guide without including some churros! This is a very cute cafe that sells pastries and cups of steaming chocolate to dip them in. 🍴Favorite Items - Churros with Chocolate - Apple Tart

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JonCake

@lauriealvarado

Famous for their artisan cheesecakes in all different flavors, Jon Cake will not disappoint those looking for a decadent dessert. The line can be long but it's worth the wait. You can't go wrong with the Classic but also worth checking out what's on special!

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Drinks

Dr Stravinsky

@lauriealvarado

Dr. Stravinsky repeatedly makes an appearance on "best bars of the world" lists and for good reason. They make 90% of their ingredients in house and have a wide selection of intriguing and delicious cocktails. The menu is constantly changes and the flavors are so unique, favorites will depend on your drink preferences! So my advice, try a few and find your favorite 🍸

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14 De La Rosa

@lauriealvarado

Cozy and tiny cocktail bar in Gracia neighborhood. A menu of upscale classics and unique cocktail creations. 🍴Favorite Items - French 75 - Espresso Martini

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Bocanariz Wine Bar - vinos y tapas

@lauriealvarado

Cute wine bar with an interesting wine list. They also have a small food menu if you want to snack and drink!

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Salts - Terrassa Bar Montjuïc

@lauriealvarado

If you're spending the day up on Montjuic, I highly recommend a drink at this bar with great views of the city! *Tip - the pool is open to the public during the summer months. For a few euros, you could spend the day soaking in the sun and cooling off in the pool while overlooking all of Barcelona.

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Bar Sauvage

@lauriealvarado

If you're looking to dance the night away, this is the place to go. Bar Sauvage serves delicious cocktails and always has a DJ pumping downstairs. If you want to grab a table, go early. Be prepared to pay an entrance later in the night, which includes a drink or two.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurie Alvarado

Available for hire

I love to eat and I love to travel and I really love to put those two things together. Currently living in Barcelona, Spain, I have also lived in Thailand, South Korea, and several states in the US. Along the way I have visited 20+ countries and will continue adding to that list for as long as I can. As I constantly have friends and family and friends of friends and family asking for my recommendations and color-coded city maps, I am happy to have a way to share this meticulously planned travel with YOU! What I offer 🗺Guides and Maps - Recommendations for restaurants, bars, and sites in a city I have visited. Any recommendations are places I have been myself or have been recommended by local family and friends from each location. I also include favorite dishes and any helpful hints to make your experience the best it can be. 📲Custom travel services - Including consultation calls and personalized recommendations. If you want to speak to a human being (instead of spending hours searching the web) to ask a few questions and get some easy and honest answers, I’m here to help and happy to share all the travel wisdom I’ve gained over the years.

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