Barcelona Visitors Guide
Hey friends, here are some of the things we think will make your visit more fun! We counted, we’ve had nearly 200 people visit Barcelona since we moved here. Some to see us specifically, some passing through on a grand adventure, and even a few here for work. Hopefully this guide has helped. And hopefully it will continue to evolve so we can share a bit of our experience and recommendations about this amazing city.
Neighborhoods
Barcelona has lots of amazing and really diverse neighborhoods. Here is a brief overview so you know where to wander.
Rather than north & south, the city maps are typically oriented from the point of view of the Mediterranean, with up being West-ish. So typically, it is referred to as left & right, up & down.
Pro Tips
A few more things we lean on, two we built and one we swear by.

Barcelona Events
We’ve added a few new features too. Barcelona Events gets refreshed before each weekend with what’s happening in and around the city, from festivals to sporting events, the well-known to the genuinely obscure. We’ll keep adding sources over time, but it’s already a good way to see what you might run into. That said, there’s ALWAYS something going on, so keep your ears open. Hear music or a commotion? Wander over and see what it’s about. Could be a manifestation (protest), could be a dance party.

Barcelona’s Best Coffee ‘n Books
We created a Google List of our favorite coffee & book spots (we think they go well together). We have some listed on this page, but this Google Maps list will be the most up-to-date and easiest to find. Click the button or scan to download Barcelona’s Best Coffee ‘n Books.

Local Michelin Guide
Barcelona is an embarrassment of culinary riches. Download the Michelin Guide app — even if you never eat at a starred restaurant, it’s the best way to discover what’s worth your time in any neighborhood. Beyond that: trust Google reviews (they’re accurate here), make reservations via The Fork or directly through Google Maps, and always say yes to a vermut de la casa. Wander into any old bodega that looks like it hasn’t changed since 1950 — it probably hasn’t, and that’s the point. Skip eating on Las Ramblas, but do walk through the Boqueria for a snack. And before you leave, find yourself some proper Jamón Ibérico — not Serrano, not prosciutto. Here’s a guide so you know what you’re ordering.
Eixample
The Expansion
“The Expansion” We have lived in both Right and Left Eixample. Both great. The division between left and right is Carrer de Balmes — a couple of blocks from Passeig de Gràcia–literally the passage to Gràcia. Eixample is where you will find the heart of Modernismo (modernism) architecture, with never-ending, amazing shops and restaurants.
Additional information about Eixample
Esquerra de l’Eixample
Left Side of the Eixample

Restaurants
Restaurants
Albe Barcelona
Lebanese tapas with a cozy, neighborhood feel.
Albe is a great example of Barcelona doing other cuisines really well. The menu is built for sharing, the flavors are bold and comforting, and it’s easy to settle in for longer than planned. If you can, ask for seats by the window. It’s the best spot in the room and perfect for people-watching while you eat.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Ali
Exceptional Turkish cooking in a relaxed, welcoming space.
Ali is one of those places that surprises people. The food is consistently excellent, deeply flavorful, and clearly made with care. It’s not flashy, just very, very good. A reliable choice when you want something comforting and memorable.
Billy Brunch & Garden
Popular brunch spot with a hidden back garden.
Billy Brunch is busy for a reason. The food is solid, portions are generous, and the space is larger than it looks. Weekends can be chaotic, but weekdays are much easier with little to no wait. If you’re eating here, try to sit out back. The garden makes all the difference.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Bodega Borràs
Classic Catalan bodega experience.
This is a proper old-school spot. No frills, no trends, just traditional food and a room that feels unchanged in the best way. A great place to experience the more timeless side of Barcelona dining.
Cervecería Catalana / Vinitus / Flauta
Reliable, crowd-pleasing tapas.
These three are essentially the same restaurant under different names. They’re popular, busy, and very consistent. Not a hidden gem, but a solid choice when you want classic tapas that everyone will enjoy. Expect crowds and fast-paced service.
Cervecería Catalana: Open map
Vinitus: Open map
Flauta: Open map
De Cruz Morales
Butcher shop by day, restaurant by day too.
This one is special. De Cruz Morales is first and foremost a butcher, and their restaurant reflects that. The meat is exceptional, simply prepared, and deeply satisfying. It’s a very Barcelona kind of place and feels wonderfully local.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Disfrutar
Three-Michelin-star molecular gastronomy and one of the best restaurants in the world.
Disfrutar is not just dinner, it’s an experience. Reservations need to be made far in advance, the meal lasts four to six hours, and it’s a serious investment of time and money. In 2024, it was named the best restaurant in the world and the best restaurant in Europe. If you can secure the Living Table chef’s counter, it’s even more special. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Glug
Natural wine bar with small plates and a cozy, lively atmosphere.
Glug is always a good idea. Great natural wines, comforting food, and a room that feels alive without being chaotic. It’s one of those places that quietly becomes a regular because it never disappoints.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Malparit
Modern Catalan cooking with a strong wine focus.
Malparit consistently hits the sweet spot between fun and serious. The bar seating is excellent, the food is reliable and well executed, and the wine list makes it very easy to stay longer than planned. Works equally well for a proper dinner or a more spontaneous night out.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Mediamanga
Japanese-inspired comfort food with a casual vibe.
Mediamanga is fun, approachable, and easy. It’s a great option when you want something relaxed that still feels a little different from typical tapas.
Mont Bar
Refined tapas with a Michelin star.
Mont Bar is tapas elevated. The dishes are thoughtful, polished, and beautifully executed. It’s a great choice when you want something fancier but still rooted in small plates and sharing.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Pepa Bar a Vins
Wine-focused bar with an old library feel.
Pepa feels intimate and a little romantic, with shelves of bottles and a cozy, intellectual atmosphere. It’s a great spot to slow down, drink something interesting, and snack thoughtfully.
Robata
Japanese and sushi-focused restaurant.
Robata is dependable, well-executed, and a good option when you want Japanese flavors without fuss. A nice change of pace from Spanish cuisine.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Suru
Tiny, very Catalan hideaway near the market.
Suru is easy to miss and that’s part of the appeal. Small, local, and unpretentious, it’s a great place to sneak away from the busier streets and feel like you’ve found something just for yourself.
Mesa Lobo
French-influenced bistro with Nordic restraint.
Mesa Lobo is elegant without being stiff. The cooking is precise and seasonal, and the room stays calm and welcoming. A favorite for long dinners and meaningful conversations.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Porta
Argentine-owned brunch spot with a sunroom.
Argentine-owned and worth seeking out. A quaint sunroom juts into the sidewalk — perfect for a relaxed brunch with a glass of wine. We love the owners and have even had them cater for us.
DeLaCrem
Favorite gelato spot.
A favorite gelato spot. It can get busy, so just hang out, enjoy your company, and wait your turn — it’s worth it.
Drinks
Drinks
Curtis Audiophile Café
Vermut, vinyl, and a DJ-driven atmosphere.
Curtis is part listening room, part vermutería, part night out. It’s intimate and intentional, and reservations are recommended. A great place to start or anchor an evening.
Sips
One of the best cocktail bars in the world.
Sips has earned its reputation. The drinks are inventive and precise, and the back room offers a more immersive experience. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through Instagram.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Hemingway Gin & Cocktail Bar
Classic cocktails with a cozy interior and outdoor tables.
Small inside but perfectly formed. Hemingway is easy, comfortable, and dependable. A great place to settle in for one drink that often turns into two.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Morro Fi
Neighborhood vermutería.
Grab a vermut, and if it’s full, order one para llevar and enjoy it on a nearby bench. This is Barcelona at its simplest and best.
Garage Beer Co.
Our favorite brewery in town.
Garage consistently makes excellent beer and keeps things relaxed and welcoming. A great stop for something casual and well-crafted.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Tandem Cocktail Bar
Our local bar.
Tandem feels timeless. Classic cocktails, calm energy, and the kind of place that becomes a regular without effort.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Bodega Picarol
Quick vermut stop with real bodega energy.
Perfect for a short pause and a glass of vermut. Simple, local, and exactly what you want it to be.
Ideal Cocktail Bar
Classic cocktails in an elegant space.
Ideal leans traditional and polished. A good choice if you want something calmer and more refined.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Vertical
Intimate wine bar with a thoughtful, well-curated list.
Vertical feels calm, intentional, and grown-up. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, drink something interesting, and actually talk. A favorite for quieter evenings and a great counterpoint to some of the louder wine bars around the city.
Coffee
Coffee
The Roast Club
Coffee and quick breakfast.
Reliable coffee and an easy stop when you need something fast and good.
Lady Babka
Bakery specializing in babka.
The poppyseed babka is the standout here and a personal favorite. Worth going out of your way for.
Ripa
Takeaway-only bakery.
Everything is good, and it’s hard to leave with just one thing. Perfect for grabbing something on the go.
Billy Café / Billy Brunch
Walk-up coffee and full-service restaurant.
Good for a quick coffee or a longer brunch. There’s usually a wait, but it moves quickly.
Bonsai Coffee
Neighborhood specialty coffee shop.
Simple, well-made coffee and a calm place to pause.
La Papa Barcelona
Relaxed coffee spot with good pastries.
A comfortable stop when you need caffeine and a break from walking.
Blackbird Coffee
Second location, solid stop.
A second location, and a solid stop on your way to wherever you’re headed next.
Markets & Bakeries
Markets & Bakeries
Baluard
One of the best bakeries in Barcelona.
Exceptional bread and pastries, with multiple locations around the city. Always worth stopping.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
La Castafiore
Fresh Italian pasta shop.
A great place to pick up handmade pasta and sauces. Simple, high quality, and very tempting.
Mercat del Ninot
Local neighborhood market.
A traditional market with excellent meat, seafood, cheese, and produce stands. Less touristy than some of the bigger markets and very much part of daily life here. Google Maps: Open map
Additional information about Esquerra de l’Eixample
Dreta de l’Eixample
Right Side of the Eixample

Restaurants
Restaurants
Compartir Barcelona
Creative Mediterranean cooking from the Disfrutar team.
Compartir delivers much of the magic of Disfrutar in a more relaxed and approachable way. The food is rooted in tradition but executed with creativity and precision, making it ideal for sharing and lingering. It’s still special, still Michelin-recognized, but far less of a commitment than its three-star sibling.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Rooq
Fried chicken sandwiches done right.
Rooq is casual, satisfying, and very easy to love. The fried chicken sandwiches are the star, and it’s the kind of place you go when you want something comforting and unfussy. Bonus points for the owner’s ECU connection.
Sartoria Panatieri
Thoughtful, ingredient-driven pizza.
Sartoria Panatieri is often mentioned among the best pizza spots in the city, and for good reason. The dough is excellent, the toppings are intentional, and everything feels carefully made. A great option when you want pizza that actually feels special.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Gringa All Day
American comfort food done right.
For when you’re just jonesing for an American meal. Chicken and waffles, and all the comfort food you didn’t know you needed in Barcelona.
Coffee
Coffee
Brew Coffee
Specialty coffee in a relaxed setting.
Brew is a reliable stop for good coffee while exploring the neighborhood. Straightforward, consistent, and easy to pop into between walks.
Lot Roasters
Specialty coffee and bean-to-bar chocolate, roasted and made in-house.
Lot Roasters roasts its own coffee and makes its own chocolate on-site — you can watch both happen from the counter. The coffee is excellent, and the vibe in this place keeps growing. Our favorite stop when we’re heading north out of town, but also worth stopping in when you’re just walking by.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Drinks
Drinks
El Nacional
A grand, unexpected food hall worth seeing once.
El Nacional is impressive the first time you walk in. While it’s not where we’d spend an entire evening, it’s absolutely worth stopping in for a drink just to experience the space. Go in, look around, have one drink, and move on.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Old Fashioned
High-end whiskey and classic cocktails.
If you’re looking for rare bottles and serious pours, this is the place. Yes, you can get high-priced Pappy here. It’s intimate, polished, and unapologetically focused on the drinks.
Markets & Bakeries
Markets & Bakeries
Baluard
One of the best bakeries in Barcelona.
Baluard consistently delivers excellent bread and pastries and has several locations across the city. A staple worth revisiting whenever you’re nearby.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Colmado Quílez (Liquor Store)
Large, well-stocked specialty liquor store.
This is the go-to spot when you want a serious selection of wine and spirits. It’s expansive, well curated, and easy to lose time browsing. Great for picking up something special or restocking for a longer stay.
Colmado Quílez (Gourmet Deli)
High-quality deli and gourmet food shop around the corner.
Same name, different space, and equally worth visiting. This location focuses on gourmet foods, cheeses, prepared items, and excellent pantry staples. An ideal stop if you’re cooking or building a picnic. Google Maps: Open map
Additional information about Dreta de l’Eixample
El Barri Gòtic
The Gothic Quarter

The old city with tons of history and great shops & restaurants. Calle Laietana separates El Barri Gòtic from La Ribera & Las Ramblas separates it from Raval. This area is worth wandering around and getting lost, grabbing a drink, then getting lost again. Make sure to see the Roman Walls and Jewish Quarter.
Restaurants
Restaurants
La Alcoba Azul
Great tapas in the Gothic Quarter.
You’ll know it by the giant melted candle. Great tapas, atmospheric, and an easy stop when you’re wandering through the Gothic Quarter.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Wander and discover
Let this neighborhood surprise you.
Gòtic is one of those places where the best move is to wander. The narrow streets around the cathedral hide plenty of small, good restaurants that don’t always show up on lists. Rather than chasing a specific reservation, walk, peek inside places that feel busy with locals, and trust your instincts. Some of our best meals here have been unplanned.
Coffee & Bakeries
Coffee & Bakeries
Dumas
Specialty coffee tucked into the old city.
Dumas is a reliable stop when you need a proper coffee while exploring the maze of Gòtic streets. Small, focused, and very welcome when you’ve been walking for a while.
Coto
Modern café with good coffee and a relaxed feel.
Coto offers a calm break from the intensity of the neighborhood. A nice place to reset, grab a coffee, and plan your next wander.
Right Side
Specialty coffee and light bites.
Right Side is an easy, dependable stop for coffee in Gòtic. Good for a quick pause before heading back into the crowds.
Additional information about El Gòtic
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera
(including El Born)

A favorite–old windy streets. You will get lost here for sure, but that’s okay. So many cool places to wander into.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Bar del Pla
Casual, dependable neighborhood restaurant.
Bar del Pla is relaxed, welcoming, and consistently good. It’s an easy choice when you want something unfussy but well executed, especially after wandering the narrow streets nearby.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Cal Pep
Classic Barcelona institution.
Cal Pep is famous for a reason. It’s lively, fast-paced, and built around excellent ingredients. Reservations are recommended if you want a table, but sitting at the bar is part of the experience. Expect energy, crowds, and very good food.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
El Set
Charcuterie, wine, and simple tapas in a lovely space.
El Set is calm, warm, and thoughtfully put together. The charcuterie trays are excellent, the wine list is strong, and it’s a great place for a slower, more intimate meal. Reservations are available and recommended.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Narciso
Italian sandwiches done right.
Narciso is casual, quick, and incredibly satisfying. The sandwiches are the star, and it’s an easy lunch stop while exploring El Born. There’s also a location in Left Eixample, but this one fits the neighborhood perfectly.
Coffee
Coffee
Hidden Café
Great coffee and a solid place to work.
Hidden is a favorite for good reason. The coffee is excellent, the space is comfortable, and it’s one of the better spots in the area if you need to sit down and get some work done.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Nomad Coffee
One of the most influential specialty coffee names in Barcelona.
You’ll find Nomad coffee all over the city, but their Born locations are great places to experience it directly. High-quality roasting, consistent execution, and a strong local following.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Xiloteca
Specialty coffee with a calm, focused vibe.
Xiloteca is small, thoughtful, and very much about the coffee. A good stop when you want something quiet and well made.
La Cigarra
Classic café with character.
La Cigarra feels old-school in the best way. A nice place to slow down, grab a coffee, and soak in the neighborhood atmosphere.
Drinks
Drinks
Collage
Craft cocktails with a rum-forward focus. And the place both my Dad and Father-in-law said they had their first craft cocktail on the trip where we decided to move to Barcelona!
Collage has evolved into a rum-driven cocktail bar, and it works. Creative drinks, cozy space, and a slightly off-the-beaten-path feel that suits the neighborhood well.
Dr. Stravinsky
One of Barcelona’s most respected cocktail bars.
Inventive, serious, and beautifully executed. Dr. Stravinsky is a destination for cocktail lovers and worth seeking out even if you’re not nearby.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
El Xampanyet
A Born classic.
Order a bottle or two of their famous in-house sparkling xampanyet and enjoy the chaos. There are no reservations, it gets crowded, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Pro tip:
If you can’t get into El Xampanyet, grab a spot at the bar or outside at Bodega La Puntual next door (bar or outdoor seating only). Same owners, and you can order the xampanyet there.
Paradiso
Deli in front, speakeasy in the back.
Paradiso is playful, creative, and very well executed. Getting in is part of the fun. Expect inventive cocktails and a memorable experience.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Story
Home of one of the best vermut de la casa in the city.
Story is relaxed and very easy to love. Order the house vermut and settle in. A perfect stop before or after dinner.
Especiarium
Wine and vermut bar with a neighborhood feel.
Especiarium is unpretentious, friendly, and a great place for a glass of something interesting without the fuss. Google Maps: Open map
Additional information about Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera
El Raval
The Outskirts

Dirty, grungy, awesome. But know where you are and keep your wallet tucked away! There is no vibe like a weekend night Raval vibe.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Dos Palillos
Japanese-inspired tasting menus from the team behind Dos Pebrots.
Dos Palillos is refined, creative, and quietly exceptional. The experience blends Japanese techniques with Mediterranean ingredients, and the execution is precise without feeling stiff. A great option when you want something special but still intimate and personal.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Dos Pebrots
Mediterranean cooking with historical inspiration.
Dos Pebrots is thoughtful and inventive, drawing from ancient Mediterranean cuisines and techniques. The menu is creative but grounded, and the space feels calm and intentional. A great place to slow down and really enjoy the food.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Makan Makan
Southeast Asian cooking in the heart of Raval.
Makan Makan is more of a lunch spot and a great excuse to explore a grittier, more authentic part of the neighborhood. Bold flavors, comforting dishes, and a very local feel. Go hungry and embrace the setting.
The Paella Club
Hands-on paella cooking class.
This is less a restaurant and more an experience, and it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll cook paella from start to finish, learn the techniques, and eat very well along the way. Book in advance. It’s tons of fun and a must-do, especially with friends or family.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Coffee & Bakeries
Coffee & Bakeries
Dalston Coffee House
Australian-style coffee with a relaxed vibe.
Dalston is a solid stop for well-made coffee and something small to eat. Easy, dependable, and very welcome while exploring Raval.
Departure Coffee Co.
Specialty coffee with a clean, modern feel.
Departure is focused on quality and consistency. A good place to reset with a proper coffee in the middle of the neighborhood.
OSS
Minimalist coffee bar with serious coffee.
OSS is small, focused, and very much about the coffee. A great stop if you care about what’s in the cup.
Karma
Neighborhood café with a casual feel.
Karma is easygoing and comfortable. A good place to sit for a bit, have a coffee, and watch the neighborhood move around you.
Sip
Specialty coffee with a minimalist approach.
Sip is consistent, calm, and well executed. A good place for a no-nonsense coffee break.
Lodetto
Italian-inspired bakery and café.
Lodetto is a great spot for pastries, coffee, or a light bite. Refined but relaxed, and a nice counterbalance to the energy of Raval.
Drinks
Drinks
Caravelle
Brewery, café, and brunch spot.
Caravelle is versatile in the best way. Coffee during the day, beer later on, and a relaxed atmosphere throughout. A good anchor spot in the neighborhood.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Two Schmucks
One of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona.
One of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona — and they’ll be the first to tell you so. Ranked in the World’s 50 Best, and deservedly.
Additional information about El Raval
Gràcia

An old suburb that is now part of Barcelona, it is a super cool area with good restaurants, narrow streets, & squares to grab a drink and some tapas. They take siesta seriously, so best after about 5 pm or so.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Berbena
Small, intimate restaurant with exceptional cooking.
Berbena is currently one of our favorite restaurants in the city. The space is tiny, the food is outstanding, and everything feels thoughtful and intentional. Reservations are a must. If you can, ask for the chef’s table. It’s a special way to experience the meal and see the care that goes into every dish.
Pompa
Casual neighborhood restaurant with a lively feel.
Pompa is easygoing and fun, with food that feels generous and comforting. A great option when you want something relaxed but still very good, especially for an easy dinner in Gràcia.
Brabo
The best steak. Just the best.
Brabo is all about the meat, and it delivers every time. Sit downstairs if you can. The ambiance is better and makes the experience feel more complete. This is where you go when you want a proper steak and zero compromises.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Fonda Pepa
Traditional Catalan cooking with handwritten menus.
The menu here is handwritten in Catalan. Ask them to translate and trust whatever you choose. It’s one of those places where everything works, and the experience feels deeply local and very Gràcia.
Magatzem de ses Illes
Balearic-inspired cooking with a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
This is one of those quietly great places you’re happy to have in your back pocket. The food is excellent, and the vibe is intentionally casual. Not fancy, not trying to be. Just really good, and very easy to return to.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Formatgeria
Exceptional cheese shop.
Not a restaurant, but absolutely worth a stop. Incredible cheeses, knowledgeable staff, and perfect for building a picnic or bringing something home.
Tangana
Creative, modern cooking in a relaxed space.
Tangana blends contemporary ideas with comforting dishes, all in a space that feels very much of the neighborhood. A solid choice for dinner when you want something interesting without formality.
Parallelo
One of the two best gelato spots in Barcelona.
Parallelo is excellent and dangerously easy to return to. Rich flavors, great texture, and also available on Glovo if you’re staying in. A must-stop dessert in Gràcia.
Coffee & Bakeries
Coffee & Bakeries
Cosa
Neighborhood café with a calm, welcoming feel.
Cosa is an easy place to start the day or take a break. Good coffee, friendly energy, and a very local crowd.
Duo
Stylish café with well-made coffee.
Duo balances good design with solid coffee. A nice place to pause while wandering through Gràcia.
Nook
Cozy specialty coffee spot.
Nook feels small and personal, with coffee that’s taken seriously. A great stop when you want something low-key and well done.
Balzac
Classic café with old-school charm.
Balzac feels timeless and comfortable. A good place to sit, linger, and watch the neighborhood move around you.
Drinks
Drinks
Bodega Marin
Old, gritty bodega with vermut and wine from barrels.
This place is as real as it gets. No polish, no pretense, just vermut and wine poured straight from barrels in a room that feels frozen in time. A Gràcia classic.
Elephanta Gin Bar
Gin-focused bar with tasting flights.
Elephanta is fun and a little different. Order a flight of gin and tonics and settle in. A great option if you’re in the mood for something playful but still well executed.
Additional information about Gràcia
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

Just up the hill from Left Eixample, the area around El Parc Turó has lots of nice boutiques and is worth a visit if you’re in town for a bit. Gaze or hike up the hill to Tibidabo and Sagrat Cor for a great view of Barcelona.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Parking Pizza
Modern pizza spot with a lively, stylish atmosphere.
Parking Pizza is consistently good and always buzzing. The pizzas are well-executed, the menu is approachable, and it works equally well for casual dinners or meeting friends. A reliable favorite in this part of the city.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Parking Sótano
Steak-focused restaurant ideal for groups.
Parking Sótano is a great option when you’re dining with a group and want something satisfying and straightforward. The steaks are the highlight, portions are generous, and the space makes it easy to settle in for a longer meal without feeling rushed.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Rabbit’s Bar
Relaxed neighborhood restaurant with personality.
Rabbit’s Bar feels local, comfortable, and easy. It’s the kind of place you end up at because it’s nearby and return to because it’s consistently good. A solid choice when you want something unfussy but well done.
Colmado Wilmot
Neighborhood restaurant with a market-driven feel.
Colmado Wilmot blends the feel of a local colmado with a thoughtful restaurant menu. It’s polished but still approachable, and a great example of how good this neighborhood is for quieter, high-quality dining.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Kina Barra
Counter seating, good food, great energy.
Grab a seat at the counter — it’s the best spot in the house to watch the action and enjoy a great meal.
Coffee & Bakeries
Coffee & Bakeries
Sip
Specialty coffee with a minimalist approach.
Sip is a calm, focused coffee stop that does the basics very well. A great place to pause, reset, and enjoy a properly made coffee while exploring the area.
Nudes
Bright, modern café with good coffee and light bites.
Nudes is easy to like. It’s comfortable, well-designed, and a dependable stop for coffee or something small to eat while wandering the neighborhood.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Flying Monkey
Beloved bakery known for excellent pastries.
Flying Monkey is worth seeking out. The pastries are consistently excellent, and it’s one of those bakeries that locals happily go out of their way for.
Oz Bakery
Labneh, bread, and a great coffee stop.
A great stop for coffee, but don’t leave without the labneh and bread. One of our favorites.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Ours
Quiet upstairs coffee spot.
The upstairs is a perfect hideaway if you need to open a laptop and get some work done. Good coffee too.
Drinks
Drinks
Gin Palau
A proper gin bar.
A proper gin bar. Extensive selection, knowledgeable staff, and a good room to settle into for the evening.
Additional information about Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Sant Antoni

Some of the most amazing restaurants in the city, including those from El Barri (The group from the creative director of El Bulli — worth googling)
Restaurants
Restaurants
Benzina
Italian cooking with incredible pasta.
Benzina is all about the pasta, and it’s outstanding. Simple, bold flavors done extremely well. A great choice for a relaxed but memorable meal, and one we happily return to.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
COME
Mexican fine-dining with a modern, creative approach and a Michelin star.
COME (by chef Paco Méndez) combines the depth of traditional Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients and world-class technique. Méndez previously led the Michelin-starred Hoja Santa, and at COME he continues to innovate with thoughtful tasting menus built around seasonal and local produce, bold Mexican flavors, and refined execution. The experience includes welcome drinks and snacks, beautifully plated courses, and an extensive list of Mexican spirits and pairings. This is one of the few Mexican restaurants anywhere with a Michelin star, and a must-visit for a special night in Sant Antoni.
Website · Instagram · Michelin Guide · Google Map
Last Monkey
Creative Asian-inspired tapas.
Last Monkey is playful, different, and full of flavor. The small plates are inventive and well executed, making it a fun place to share dishes and try a lot of things. A nice change of pace from more traditional options.
Maleducat
Modern Mediterranean cooking with attitude.
Maleducat has a bit of edge in both the food and the vibe. The menu is creative without being precious, and it’s a good option when you want something interesting but still approachable.
Ocho BCN
Bold flavors and excellent meat.
Ocho is a great place for a hearty meal. If you go, order the Secreto Ibérico. It’s the standout dish and absolutely worth it. Solid, satisfying cooking in a comfortable setting.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Flipa
Tiny sandwich and vermut spot.
Flipa is one of those places you wish was around the corner from your apartment. Excellent sandwiches, great vermut, and zero pretense. Perfect for a quick stop that often turns into a longer one.
Drinks
Drinks
Meresme
Neighborhood brewery with a relaxed feel.
Meresme is a great spot for locally brewed beer and an easygoing atmosphere. Perfect for a casual drink without overthinking it.
Varmuteo
Classic vermut stop.
Varmuteo is straightforward and satisfying. A great place to pause for a vermut before dinner or while wandering the neighborhood.
Coffee
Coffee
Origo
Specialty coffee with a loyal following.
Origo is one of Barcelona’s specialty coffee staples. Well-roasted beans, consistently good cups, and a comfortable place to stop while exploring Sant Antoni.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Moltama
Charming café with excellent pastries.
Moltama is a lovely little stop for coffee and something sweet. Calm, welcoming, and a nice contrast to the busier streets nearby. Google Maps: Open map
Additional information about Sant Antoni
El Poble Sec
The Dry Village

Visit Blai for some Donostia (San Sebastian) pinxos or on your way to the Olympic stadium.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Deanassus
Modern Mediterranean cooking with a refined touch.
Deanassus is polished without feeling stiff. The cooking is thoughtful, seasonal, and well executed, making it a strong choice if you want something a little elevated while staying close to the neighborhood’s laid-back energy.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Carrer de Blai
A pinxos crawl, not a single stop.
Carrer de Blai is packed with pinxos bars and is absolutely worth wandering. Don’t overthink it. Just stop wherever looks good, grab a few pinxos, and move on. In the more traditional spots, they’ll simply count your used toothpicks at the end to calculate the bill.
This is also a great place to pre-game if you’re heading to an event or a match up on Montjuïc.
Additional information about El Poble Sec
Sants

Sants is a train station, but also has some great spots, especially around the places listed here.
Restaurants
Restaurants
La Mundana
Creative Mediterranean cooking with a neighborhood feel.
La Mundana is thoughtful, inventive, and consistently excellent. The menu changes, the flavors are bold, and everything feels carefully considered without being fussy. A standout restaurant in Sants and absolutely worth the trip.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Smash House
No-nonsense smash burgers.
Smash House does exactly what you want when you’re craving a proper smash burger. Simple, indulgent, and very satisfying. You can eat in, or order on Glovo if you want a burger fix at home.
Coffee
Coffee
Garage Coffee
One of Barcelona’s best specialty coffee roasters.
Garage Coffee is a must if you care about coffee. Excellent beans, well-pulled shots, and a strong local following. A great stop while exploring Sants.
Website · Instagram · Google Map
Drinks
Drinks
La Libreria Cocktails
Intimate cocktail bar with character.
La Libreria is cozy, calm, and well executed. A great place for a properly made cocktail in a relaxed, slightly hidden setting. Perfect for ending the night.
Additional information about Sants
La Barceloneta
Little Barcelona

The beach! Also, a very cool old neighborhood with great old bodegas. The further north you go, the more chill the beach. Go too far north, and the more nude the beach.
Port Vell

This was home of the 2024 America’s Cup. Sail or take a peek all the amazing super yachts. Then, wander back through Gotic or El Born.
Coffee
Additional information about Port Vell
Additional information about La Barceloneta
El Poblenou
The New Village

The start-up part of the town–also on the Mediterranean. We used to say it wasn’t necessary, but if you are here for a bit, it is actually one of our favorite places, and totally worth a visit unless you’re here for a while, want to be a hipster and visit a ton of great coffee houses and cool shops.
Restaurants
Restaurants
Pécora
Chill coffee spot with mellow vibes and easy people-watching.
Part of the Poblenou coffee crawl on your Día de los Cortados tour. Pécora’s casual, friendly environment and solid coffee made it an instant favorite on the route. Great as a first or last stop during a coffee wander.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
La Campechana
Mexican comfort food and solid micheladas.
Lunch here was a highlight from your 52 Citas: tacos, micheladas, and really solid flavors. It’s worth the stop for hearty Mexican food with local character.
Google Maps: Open map
Website: Website
Instagram: Instagram
Sensorial Café
Another coffee stop from your Día de los Cortados.
Sensorial was a logical follow-up stop after La Campechana. Easy, specialty-driven coffee and a good mid-afternoon break on a Poblenou wander.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Coffee
Coffee
Home of the First Annual Día de los Cortados, Poblenou has you covered when it comes to the beans…
Frutas Selectas (Nomad)
Top-tier specialty coffee in a beautifully designed space.
Part of the Poblenou coffee scene and a must-visit for coffee lovers. Frutas Selectas is one of Barcelona’s standout cafes, roasting in-house and offering excellent espresso and filter options.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Ugo’s Corner
Friendly neighborhood coffee spot with solid drinks.
Another stop from your Día tour — casual, welcoming, and a great place to grab a cortado or espresso, often with locals around.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Otsu
Stylish, modern coffee destination with great quality.
Also featured in your coffee crawl as a standout. Otsu nails both espresso and filter drinks — solid choice when you’re craving quality.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Taulat 44
Laid-back coffee with a local vibe.
A pop-up / neighborhood stop on the tour — simple, easygoing, and a nice contrast to the more trendy espresso bars.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Ombu
Coffee stop with a relaxed, leafy feel.
Part of your tour, Ombu offers a chill environment and good coffee, especially nice if you’re exploring Poblenou’s quieter streets.
Google Maps: Open map
Instagram: Instagram
Additional information about El Poblenou
More about Barcelona!

Learn from others about Barcelona
Here are some links to a bit more information about the various parts of town. Visit all of them if you can.
- https://housinganywhere.com/Barcelona–Spain/barcelona-neighborhood-guide
- https://devourbarcelonafoodtours.com/barcelona-neighborhood-guide/
- https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-trendiest-neighborhoods-in-barcelona/
Places to visit & things to do
- La Sagrada Familia – worth getting a tour guide from Context Travel or at least through the church when booking
- Tibidabo – you can walk from town, but it is a long walk, so we suggest you take a cab to the base and hike from there – there are amazing views of the city
- Camp Nou – FC Barcelona! Vamos Barça!
- Maritime Museum – great exhibits and history of Barcelona waterfront
- Montjuïc – you want to walk here or cab it and walk back
- Fountains
- Castell de Montjuïc – lots of torture and prison stuff here
- Brightside Sidecar Tour
- Barcelona Tiles — make sure to pay attention
Museums and art
There are so many museums–we’ve only hit the surface. Google and visit the ones that sound fun. If you’re looking for some galleries, the streets around Concell d’Cent are loaded with galleries. Fun to browse — the Limna App can help you with valuing if you’re interested in pricing.
In addition to formal art, there is lots of great street art around the city too. Gràcia, El Born & Raval seem to have the highest concentration. Here is my Instagram Petsolt Aveces just for photos of street art.
Day trips
- Figueres – to see the Salvador Dali Museum (book tickets in advance)
- France – It is really close!
- Montserrat – Monastery on top of a mountain, hiking
- Olympics – 1992 Olympic stadium and grounds
- Penedes – white wine and cava region (tours available from the city)
- Priorat – amazing terraced wine country (mostly reds)
- Tarragona – roman ruins
Language
Yup, it isn’t Spanish. But Spanish (Castellano) works everywhere. And English works almost everywhere too. But if you want to endear yourself to the locals, here are a couple of Catalan phrases:
- Good Morning – Bon dia.
- Good Afternoon – Bona Tarda.
- Good Night – Bona nit.
- Please – Si us plau.
- Thanks – Gracies or Merci.
- Cheers – Salut.
- Do you speak English? – Parla angles?
Books
We love to read books that take place in the place we’re visiting. Here are a couple to consider…
- Cathedral by the Sea – Very Pillars of the Earth about building Santa Maria del Mar in El Born – plenty of middle ages Barcelona history
- Fear and Loathing in La Liga — Yep, there are a lot of reasons Barça and Real Madrid don’t get along
- Shadow of the Wind – takes place in our neighborhood & Barcelona over several years and books. It is a series–but you can read just the first or all of them.
Transportation
First… walk.
The city is very walkable and safe. We walk everywhere.
Taxis
You can walk anywhere in the city. If you’re feeling like you want to take a taxi, they are easy to grab on the street. You can also use the app Free Now, which will call a taxi if you are out and can’t find one. There is Uber too, but they can’t use the taxi lanes, so we stick with taxis. Also note that if you’re down by the port or El Born, they have to go a long way around to get back to Eixample. This is just because of how the streets run–they aren’t trying to add distance.
Metro
Pretty easy to navigate. There are several within a couple of blocks of pretty much anywhere — can be a good way to move around.
Trains
Trains go to Montserrat, Sitges, and all kinds of other great places. But there are a few stations, so make sure to check for the right one. If you’re heading further, the high-speed trains will connect you to places like Madrid, Lyon, & Paris.
Crime
Crime is mostly petty theft — Barcelona is a very safe city. I would much rather walk the streets of Barcelona at night than most places in the States. That said, as a tourist destination, it is known for pick-pocketing. So just be smart. No open bags; keep hold of things when you’re in highly touristy places; don’t leave your phone sitting on the edge of a table; don’t have a trunk with all your belongings open and unattended; etc. Just use common sense, and you should be fine. One small tip: Most of the theft we’ve known about has been non-natives, so beware of small groups doing something distracting — that’s kind of the calling card.
News
Read about the latest events, politics, sports and changes in the city at Catalan News in English.
Average Temps
Barcelona is one of the sunniest cities in Europe — around 300 days of sun a year. Temperatures are mild year-round, but there’s a real difference between a beach afternoon at 14:00 and a shaded alley at 20:00. Layers are a good idea, especially spring and fall.
| Month | High / Low (°C) | High / Low (°F) | Rain (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15° / 8° | 59° / 46° | 4 |
| February | 15° / 9° | 59° / 48° | 3 |
| March | 17° / 11° | 63° / 52° | 5 |
| April | 19° / 13° | 66° / 55° | 5 |
| May | 23° / 16° | 73° / 61° | 4 |
| June | 27° / 20° | 81° / 68° | 2 |
| July | 29° / 23° | 84° / 73° | 2 |
| August | 29° / 23° | 84° / 73° | 2 |
| September | 26° / 20° | 79° / 68° | 4 |
| October | 23° / 17° | 73° / 63° | 5 |
| November | 18° / 12° | 64° / 54° | 4 |
| December | 16° / 10° | 61° / 50° | 3 |
