Favorite places to eat and stay in the Gothic Quarter (Barri GĆ²tic), as well as top sights to see in Barcelona, Spain.
I'm also including Bonus Barcelona Tips below - happy travels!
* Save this list for a future trip*
Perfect for a quick bite at the counter. Located inside the Santa Caterina Market, they also have tables but there's usually a line for those. Tasty fried sardines washed down with local beer.
Enjoyed tasty jamon, conserva anchovies in olive oil, and vermouth in the old bar thatās been there since 1930. You can buy conserva (tins) to go for souvenirs or for later snacking!
La Plata has a simple menu of only four classic dishes, which have not changed since it was founded in 1945. Salad with tomato, onion and Arbequina olives; botifarra Catalan sausage on bread; fresh anchovies; and finally, deep-fried sardines (pescaditos). Have a chupito (small glass) of PenedĆØs wine from the barrel; you can also try drinking from a porrĆ³n!
Line starts ~30 minutes before opening time but well worth the wait! Delicious Pluma Iberica (pork and peppers)... wash it down with a tasty glass or two of Catalan cava!
We enjoyed their 9-dish contemporary tasting menu with wine pairings. Located in the Jewish quarter of the Barri Gotic, the restaurant offers creative Japanese-inspired tapas as well.
Located directly across the plaza from the Barcelona Cathedral, this comfortable and upscale hotel offers a welcoming and stylish atmosphere.
Generous buffet breakfast and rooftop bar perfect for cocktails at sunset.
Make sure to reserve the updated Design rooms!
With a view of the Barcelona Cathedral and close to PlaƧa Catalunya, this hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with a bar and chill-out pool.
Spacious rooms and excellent buffet and made-to-order breakfast.
Not to be missed! The largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, it was designed by architect Antoni GaudĆ and is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
You can buy a ticket from their website for guided or unguided tour.
Note: While much is made of visiting the towers, we didn't think it was necessary. Also, you can peruse their gift shop online so you know what you'd like to purchase when you get there.
Park GĆ¼ell is a sprawling wonderland of colorful mosaics and nature-inspired architecture. Offers stunning examples of Catalan modernism by Antoni GaudĆ.
Tip: Make reservations for the first morning time for less crowds. Make a beeline to the main terrace for views and then head down to the fountain with Dragon for pics.
This place wins as the most underrated tourist site with spacious grounds and beautiful examples of Catalan modernism, as well as long underground galleries.
Tip: It's located relatively close to La Sagrada Familia.
Another of Antoni GaudĆ's masterpieces, this place is worth a visit even if only to get an up close view from the outside of the exterior. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by GaudĆ.
Tip: During the summer months they offer Magic Nights combining a visit, concert, and drink. For more info check out - https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/visit-magic-nights/
MontjuĆÆc, meaning "Jewish Mountain" in medieval Latin and Catalan, is a hill overlooking Barcelona harbor. A great place for views on a clear day, you can also ride the TelefĆØric de MontjuĆÆc cable car to/from Barceloneta beach. For more info visit - https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en
Lively (and usually crowded) market with vendors selling almost anything food you can think of. Located just off the Las Ramblas pedestrian street, it is now mostly filled with tourists but worth a visit nonetheless.
Tip: Make your way near the back of the market and enjoy delicious and refreshing fresh fruit juice! Some vendors will accept credit cards but it's easier and quicker to pay in cash.
While not as well known, Santa Caterina Market offers a more local and authentic experience compared to La Boqueria (which is now overrun with tourists).
Tip: While here, enjoy a snack or meal at Bar Joan!
Add to
Details
Bonus Barcelona Tips!
š Barcelona is located in the Catalan region. Some in the region speakĀ and identify as Catalan while others speak Spanish (there is a difference). Pay attention to your surroundings and familiarize yourself with a few Catalan and Spanish words!Ā Ā
š We visited during the month of May, which is an ideal time to visit though weather can be variable. Bring an umbrellaā¦ and layers are key!
š Many places are closed on Sundays (and Mondays) so those are especially good days to plan tours.
š Speaking of tours, we really enjoyed theĀ Devour Tours - Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour -Ā https://devourtours.com/tours/barcelona-tapas-taverns-hist
š Also consider a cava, sherry or vermut tour, or a visit to the Montserrat
Monastery (Devour Tours now has a Montserrat and cava day trip - https://devourtours.com/tours/barcelona-day-trip-to-montserrat-and-winery/Ā Ā Ā Ā
š For public transportation in Barcelona, buy the unlimited 10-ride T-casual Metro pass for ease of travel on the Metro.
š The Aerobus Barcelona offers comfortable, convenient, and inexpensive service to the airport to/fromĀ PlaƧa de Catalunya - the large central square in central Barcelona. For info and tickets visit -Ā https://aerobusbarcelona.es/?lang=en
Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you found this list and suggestions to be helpful!Ā š
I've had a passport since I was born, and Iām a travel enthusiast, educator, consultant, certified professional coach, and veteran. I enjoy exploring different countries and cultures:
~ š32 countries (so far)
~ š¢Sailed on 11 cruises (more soon)
~ š«My favorite destination is wherever Iām going next!
I hope you'll find my tips and first-hand experiences helpful in planning your travel adventures! Thanks for visiting, and letās keep exploring, sharing, and learning from and with one another. Wishing you safe and happy travels!
Be sure to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikihuntington/