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Discover Barcelona: Best Places to Eat, Stay, and Explore

Everything you need to know for visiting Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona—a city where golden beaches meet Gothic alleyways, and the Spanish sunshine is almost as dependable as a good meal. From iconic architecture to world-class art, vibrant neighbourhoods, some of the best food, drinks and coffee you’ll find anywhere in Europe, this is a place that knows how to live well.

Below, you’ll find my top picks for eating, drinking, and soaking up the best of Barcelona.

  1. Planning your visit to Barcelona
  2. When to visit Barcelona
  3. Getting around
  4. What to see and do in Barcelona
  5. Where to eat in Barcelona
  6. Where to drink in Barcelona
  7. Where to stay in Barcelona

Planning your visit to Barcelona

Essentials to know

  • Currency: Euro (€). Card is widely accepted, but keep a bit of cash for small bakeries and markets, just in case.
  • Language: Catalan and Spanish are both official. You might find the same dish named differently on menus depending on the chosen language.
  • Plugs: Type C and F – two round pins. Bring an EU adapter if you’re coming from further afield.
  • Weather: Warm most of the year, but a light layer is always a good idea for cooler days.
  • Etiquette: Keep your valuables close — pickpocketing and petty theft can be common in popular tourist areas.
  • Local Culture: Long, late meals are the norm— so bag those late reservations and embrace the slow pace.
  • Local Events/Festivals: Summer brings street parties (festes majors), January sees Epiphany celebrations, and a Kings Day parade. Book well ahead if visiting during La Mercè in September.

When to visit Barcelona

Admittedly, I’m Scottish, so I may have a pretty low bar for ‘great weather’ but Spain is particularly blessed with a mild climate for most of the year.

  • Spring (April to June): Warm and sunny but not unbearably sweaty, and less crowded than peak summer.
  • Summer (July to August): Hot stuff. Expect peak crowds, bustling streets, and festivals galore.
  • Autumn (September to October): Still sunny, and warm enough to take a dip in the sea, but more manageable for those (like me) who struggle with temps above the mid-20s.
  • Winter (November to March): My personal favourite season to visit (and ideal if you’re escaping somewhere with harsher winters). Weather is mild and lovely, and less competition for attractions and restaurants is a major bonus. Note that some restaurants take a break in January, so check ahead if you have your heart set on somewhere.

Getting around

Barcelona is ultra walkable, but for those moments when your feet need a break (a full day walking in sandals can do that to the best of us), here’s how to get around like a local:

  • Metro: Fast, clean, and covers most of the city. Trains run from 5am-midnight Monday to Thursday, until 2am on Fridays and Sundays, and on Saturday’s they run 24hrs. Grab a card for 10 rides—it’s cheaper than single tickets.
  • Bus: Less efficient but good for still seeing some sights above ground.
  • Taxi: Affordable and reliable. Still always good to check they’ve got the meter running.
  • Bike/Scooter Rental: For the adventurous. There are bike lanes throughout the city, but less ideal for the narrower streets in the Gothic Quarter.

What to see and do in Barcelona

Barcelona ticks all the boxes for a European city break. The architecture is iconic, the neighbourhoods are packed with character, the food is unmatched (but we’ll get to that later). There’s so much to see and do, even after several visits and a brief stint living there, I still discover new places each time I go back.

Here are some of my top picks:

  • Sagrada Família
    • An architectural marvel. The unfinished Gaudí masterpiece is a must see. Its gothic spires and stained glass windows are like no other basillaca you’ve ever seen on planet earth.
    • Visit: sagradafamilia.org/en
  • Park Güell
    • It’s colourful, quirky, and filled with the typical eccentricity of Gaudí’s otherwordly creations. The iconic tiled bench is a popular photo spot so visit early to avoid appearing in everyone else’s selfies.
  • Casa Batlló
    • Gaudí again, because you can’t get enough. This modernist mansion is a design lover’s dream.
    • Visit: casabatllo.es/en
  • La Boqueria Market
    • Touristy but absolutely worth braving the crowds for. Grab some jamón ibérico while you stroll, or vie for a space at El Quim de la Boqueria for standout tapas.
  • Montjuïc
    • The mountain is home to lush gardens, museums, spectacular views, and a castle at the top. A scenic (though steep in places) walk, or take the cable car for panoramic views.

Where to eat in Barcelona

Let’s be honest—you came here for the food. Barcelona is a culinary powerhouse, from rustic tapas joints to Michelin-star gastronomy. Explore my detailed guides below to sample what Barcelona has on the menu.

Some top picks include:

AM

  • Funky Bakers
    • Multiple locations. Depending which you choose, grab a pastry to go or dine in for leisurely brunch.
    • Visit: funkyandco.com
  • Granja Petitbo
    • All day dining, with great brunch options, in a space you’ll want on your pinterest board
    • Visit: granjapetitbo.com
  • Origo
    • Dinky bakery in Gracia for incredible breads and sweet bakes
    • Visit: origobakery.com
  • Flax & Kale
    • Another all day spot, their nourishing breakfast dishes will get your day started right.
    • Visit: flaxandkale.com/en

PM

  • El Xampanyet
    • Iconic tapas bar in the Gothic Quarter. Always buzzing, always incredible.
    • Visit: elxampanyet.com
  • Bar Bodega Quimet
    • Local gem in Gracia for a taste of authentic Barcelona. The octopus is standout.
    • Visit: bodegaquimet.com/en
  • La Plata
    • Barcelona at its best. A tiny menu that gets everything right.
    • Visit: barlaplata.com
  • Bar Cañete
    • Elevated Spanish dishes in an old school and vibey setting. Book ahead.
    • Visit: barcanete.com/en

Where to drink in Barcelona

For coffee:

  • Morrow
    • Incredible coffee and prime people watching on Gran Via des Cortes Catalanes.
    • Visit: morrowcoffee.com
  • Three Marks Coffee
    • Coffee roaster and cafe for coffee and pastries with sunny outdoor seating.
    • Visit: threemarkscoffee.com
  • Nomad
    • If you’re serious about coffee, you’ll be in heaven here.
    • Visit: nomadcoffee.es/en
  • Syra
    • Multiple locations. Coffee is reliably great, also good for Matcha.
    • Visit: syra.coffee/

For drinks:

  • Morro Fi
    • Don’t leave the city until you’ve tried a vermut in the vibey-est place to be had
    • Visit: morrofi.cat/
  • Bar Brutal
    • An icon in the natural wine scene. Note – you need to order food, but you won’t be sorry about it.
    • Visit: barbrutal.com
  • Salvatge
    • Laid back natural wine bar in Gracia, serving wine on tap or by the bottle.
    • Visit: barsalvatge.com

Where to stay in Barcelona

Hotels:

Apartments:

  • Airbnb: Barcelona is well stocked with Airbnb’s, and if visiting during off season you can snap them up for great value (and save your budget for more tapas)