Smart travel
Guide to
Secret Barcelona Can you keep a secret? We hope so, because with this guide we’re going to let you in on some of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets! We’ve asked our local guides to compile for you their favourite things to do in Barcelona; from the best local activities, to hidden nightspots, and the secret places they love to go with friends and family. We’ve done this so as well as visiting the usual tourist haunts, you’ll also have the option to get off the beaten track, meet locals, make new friends, and take home with you some unique experiences from the real Barcelona! ;)
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BARCELONA & ITS NEIGHBORHOODS IF THEY WERE A PAIR OF SHOES THEY WOULD BE...
·THE Raval·
the classic well-worn Converse All Star
·Gótico QUARTER·
Women’s sandals with optional foot tatoo
·El Born·
A pair of cool Nike Air sneakers
·Poble Sec·
Casual Style, Original Adidas
·La Barceloneta· Hawaiian flip-flops stained by Mojito
·Sarrià· ·& Pedralbes·
Spotless Lacoste shoes
·Gracia·
A mix of Martin boots and “hipster style” shoes
BARCELONA IN JUST 1 DAY IN 24 HORAS YOU CAN DO SO MANY THINGS IN BARCELONA! Breakfast on the terrace of the MNAC (Spectacular views) and visit to the museum Private Gaudí route with a fan of his work Tapeo (¡delicious tapas!) with a local foodie. Discover the best places Barcelona Skyline from the sea Enjoy it from a private boat True Catalan dinner at Cal Boter And if you still have the energy, let’s have a drink at el Ciclista
info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
Really delicious… .. “Patatas Bravas” at the mythical .. Bar Tomás, the most traditional and best.. .. Tapeo tour with locals (often the less glamorous bars are the ones with the best tapas!) .. A real Paella at Xàtiva restaurant in Gracia (no sea views, but the most unique Paellas in the world - they have more than 20 .. different paellas to choose from!)
·1· EAT BARCELONA IN A MOUTHFUL
Bueno, bonito y barato .. Cafè Pagès, an authentic and very local restaurant in Gracia with excellent seasonal market food. .. Eat, savor and enjoy a delicious paella that you cook yourself at home with a lovely chef, the great Marta.
.. The fried egg carpaccio with shrimps and potatoes at Bar Mut
On Sundays you can’t miss…
The most “in” among locals
The traditional vermouth route. Catalan people love to start the day with a vermouth (it starts at noon, but we don’t know when it ends!...).
Martínez, a quality “chiringuito” (beach bar) specialising in rice dishes. And what’s left to say about the Pez Vela? Except it’s loved by both locals and “guiris” alike (foreigners)..
La Barceloneta, much more than a paella!
An undiscovered gem...
.. Café Kafka, in this restaurant you’ll feel like you’re in a French bistro. Very chic! (Tip: It’s perfect for dinner). .. Don’t forget the Juanita Lalá, with delicious Mediterranean food and cocktails at good prices. Plus live DJ sessions!
Mar y Rufo, a very original, small and not very glamorous bar where you will be served authentic, seasonal fresh market cuisine. It is located right next to the Santa Caterina market and hosts Pablo and Samu will make you feel completely at home. A little bit expensive, but worth every euro.
info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
·2· Fall in love with barcelona from above Get to know Las Ramblas With a local architect who will also take you to private houses built hundreds of years ago, where you’ll meet the unique characters that still reside in them.
Enjoy a walk in the
Gothic neighborhood with a photographer that lives in the area. Joan will make sure you take home some incredible pictures of the most enchanting places.
If you are into sports...
A Secret place In the Carmelo neighborhood you can still find the remains of bunkers that were used during the Civil War. From there you can enjoy a stunning 360º panoramic view of the city.
Experience A different tour in the city center
Get rid of your maps and travel guides and put yourself in the hands of a local expert in art and history. Discover the sights and secrets of the neighborhood “from the horse’s mouth”.
If you are into Barça... (the soccer club) discover some local secrets about the history of the club with a secret tour in the old quarter
and outdoor activities, you can go running in the Collserola Natural Park, - a favourite of Barcelona locals. From there you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city while exercising at the same time ;). Or maybe you prefer going for a walk whilst marvelling at the views? In that case we recommend a walk through Carretera de les Aigües with a local.
Climb... t aboard a fishing boa in the port, pick up the day’s catch, and get to know how Barcelona’s fish market works. The best thing is that you get to choose your fish, and they’ll cook it for you in a local restaurant. Straight from the sea to the table!
visit a ... famous designer’s studio and create your own artwork.
·3· OFF the beaten track info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
·4· Best day trips from barcelona
Catalonia is not only Barcelona, so catch a train, get on a coach and visit some of these jewels...
Discover...
we guarantee It’s worth it!
So far so close...
Tossa de Mar , with a local, one of the most magical places on the Costa Brava! You’ll go on a boat trip, eat a typical fisherman’s lunch and spend the day getting to know all the cultural treasures of Tossa. (We warn you: you’ll fall in love with this place!)
·5·
Escape to Montserrat (mountain) and Sitges (sea) the best combination for sheer contrast! Spectacular Horseback riding tour among vineyards (you’ll feel like an important landowner) and take part in a wine tasting session
the sounds of BARCELONA
Places that Catalan people love to go... Cadaqués - the village that inspired Dalí - , and the entire Empordà area (the Catalan tuscany). Even better - La Cerdaña only one and a half hours away from Barcelona, perfect for adventure activities.
Enjoy
Blues in your soul?
Enjoy intimate concerts in an alternative bar with an indie atmosphere, Heliogábal (a hipster’s paradise).
Learn
A blues-lover will take you to the most authentic and local blues bars in the city where you’ll meet and enjoy a drink with the local musicians.
If you’re by the Cathedral
The secrets of flamenco with a traditional singer and dancer “bailaora”. ¡Ole, Qué arte!
stop for awhile and listen to the musicians and groups that play on the streets: classic music, swing… awesome! info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS!
·6· BARCELONA’S NIGHTLIFE
onic T & in G t a e r g a h Let’s start wit k in Spain
1 drin r e b m u n e h (now t er!)… e b y b d e w o ll fo If you are around Raval:
The Bar Olímpic has become the cool meeting point nowadays, but there are always the classics like the Betty Ford, Negroni, Tahití or 33/45.
Gracia Quarter .. Bobby Gin Bar in the Gràcia neighborhood is the perfect place. Classy drinks and excellent service… a place with an underground touch ;) .. Another option is Condes de Barcelona Hotel where you can have a great Gin & Tonic while you enjoy stunning views of the city.
... Hang out with a DJ Get to know The most underground clubs of the city. Stay until your body says “enough”!
Like a local!
Cultura y copas
And if you’re in the mood for something more relaxed and different, join some locals on their private terrace and enjoy a homemade Gin & Tonic and some sushi ;)
Culture and drinks are combined in this, an unconventional tour with locals. Get to know the bars the great artists of the city used to frequent.
¡Let’s move the bod y!
In the upper part you can find the classic Otto Zutz or more posh places like Bling Bling, Sutton or Luz de Gas. If you go downtown and you want a decidedly bizarre but unique experience - involving Drag Queens, all things Kitsch and music you can dance to - Cangrejo is the place for you!
Go to sleep with a full belly: Have some delicious “chocolate churros” in the traditional Churrería “el Trébol” and... sleep like a baby. info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
·7· FILL YOUR SUITCASE WITH LOCAL FASHION!
“Shopping route”...
Go on this Slow shoping route with a young fashion designer. You’ll go to the best boutiques, and, if you’d like, you can also visit her studio and see the clothes she designs. Simply perfect!
s… e r o t s e s e h t h it w y z Go cra
·LadyLoquita·
Clothes and accessories for the most romantic women (you’ll travel in time).
Alternative tour ..Enjoy an alternative tour to the most exclusive stores guided by an expert local stylist. .. ..If you fancy a haircut why don’t you have it in a different place like La Poupee or La Pelu.
·Limited Editions·
For all those shoes & sneakers freaks, you’ll find the most exclusive ones here.
·Rock Baby·
Stylish punk and alternative clothes for babies and kids.
·Les Toppetes·
More than simply a perfumery, and lot’s more!
Don’t miss
Discover the vintage interior design stores in Sant Antoni and Raval with a cool hunter: la Valnot, El Recibidor, and don’t forget to go to Cash Depot, that kind of warehouse that will surprise you with all the forgotten gems you’ll find inside.
info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
·8· EXPERIENCE ART AND CULTURE EVERYWHERE
CCCB
Bigote de Señor Smith
A Highly recommended tour
Don’t miss the expos at CCCB and the Filmoteca cinema courses, very close to each other in the creative Raval neighborhood.
You’ll definitely be surprised by this space for “interaction and creation” called Bigote de Señor Smith: art gallery, shop for handmade products, workshops and bar (you have to venture inside to know what’s going on!).
Follow the steps of the three most emblematic gay artists - Ocaña, Jean Genet and Keith Haring - with an art collector.
galerías de arte gratis
for sculpture lovers...
Mythical
Some free and very interesting Art galleries: H2o, Toni Tàpies o ADN (among many others).
Why don’t you Visit the studio of a wellknown sculptor and create a work of art with him?
To top it all off, you can eat or have a beer in the mythical 4 Gats, where artists such as Picasso and Santiago Russinyol used to relax.
Save the date!
23 June
St John’s eve, Fireworks, firecrackers, bonfires, “Coca de lladrons” (a special sweet) topped off with a crazy party on the beach to celebrate the arrival of Summer! BOOM!!
14-21 august
11
La Diada, the national festivity in Catalonia (we celebrate a defeat, it’s just the way we are!).
24
September
september
From the 14th to the 21st of August come and celebrate the traditional fiesta of Gracia (another Barcelona neighborhood) with a local resident (the most popular party in Barcelona!) Fiestas de “La Mercé”, Barcelona’s patron saint: popular culture, concerts, more fireworks… Barcelona on the streets!
“Castellers”
Take part in a rehearsal for one of the most spectacular local traditions: “Castellers” (human towers) You can join a “Colla” (a group of people who build “castells”) and get an insider’s perspective of true Catalan culture.
·9· Feel the catalan traditions
If you’d like to know more about upcoming events in Barcelona. Email us at support@trip4real or call us on +34 629 677 039, we’ll be glad to help you, and answer any questions you might have! info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039
10 “MUSTS”: YOU CAN’T MISS
·10·
tourist! a ) st ju ( e b ’t n o D
Say “si us plau” and “merci” instead of please and thanks
If you say in a taxi “tinc una mica de pressa”, it will be quicker
30 euros is too expensive for Sangria and Paella
Vermut tastes better than sangria
Bar Tomás in Sarria has the best bravas in Barcelona
Go by foot to the Gothic Quarter and Born
Raval has beautiful shops to visit
Close your bag
Always wear sunscreen on the beach
The Mexican hat is from Mexico
Turó de la Rovira has the best views of Barcelona
And when you’re leaving, never say “goodbye”,
Avoid Sagrada Familia’s queue buying tickets on the internet
but “see you soon”!
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL Remember…
¡There is SO much more to see than just the city center! ;)
This is just a guide, the real Barcelona, like any other place in the world, lies in its people. Find a local, make new friends, and take home with you some unique experiences from the real Barcelona! ;)
Discover hundreds more activities like this at Trip4real.com info@trip4real.com / T. +34 629 677 039