Planning your trip to Barcelona: Top 10 local recommendations! It’s great going abroad. We all know that. The excitement of packing, finding things to do and flying, it’s all good fun. But, how about some information from the locals in Barcelona to make your trip super authentic? We’ve got 10 recommendations from them, the people who know Barcelona better than anyone!
1. Take yourself off the beaten path It’s so common that when we travel we end up going to where the guidebooks tell us to go. That’s normal. But, there’s a lot more to Barcelona than the beach and Las Ramblas, the city has so much to offer in other unknown neighborhoods. Take the ‘Horta’ neighborhood. It’s tucked away at the back of the city near the bottom of the mountains which surround Barcelona and has many hidden treasures, including a renaissance labyrinth garden that only the locals really know about. Or there’s the Sants district which has lots of interesting cafés – the perfect spot to sit on a terrace and watch the city pass by with a fresh coffee. Suggested local activity: Discover Barcelona's neighborhoods on a vintage bike
2. Make friends in Gràcia Gràcia, Barcelona’s untapped district, has very few tourists and it’s a stone’s throw away from the center, just a short 20 minute walk. The neighbourhood has a lot of character and feels very much like its own little town outside of the city centre (in fact it used to be). Plaça del Sol, one of it’s most popular squares, translates to ‘Sun Square’ which makes it a perfect place to grab a beer, catch some rays and make friends, at least thats what all the locals do! It’s the perfect place to make friends with locals. Don’t be afraid, asking a local one question will probably give you a friend for the rest of your evening. A great way to meet some cool, laidback locals. Suggested local activity: Food lovers tapas & cava tour in bohemian Gràcia
3. Discover el Carmel Neighborhood & ‘The Bunkers’ Widely considered as Barcelona’s best kept secret, el Carmel neighborhood is situated on the top of a small residential mountain/hill. You won’t find any mention of it in guidebooks, because, on paper, there’s nothing much to see up there. But little do the travel writers know that at the top of this mountain sits an abandoned World War Two bunker. This amounts to around 20 concrete slabs, and despite how unglamourous that sounds, these slabs have become a hotspot for your Barcelonians to take in the best views of the city, 360*. It’s a great place to go during the sunset, with a few beers, a guitar and maybe a date you want to impress. Please note that the Bunkers are under maintenance until March 2015 but don’t worry there’s still good spots to see the entire city! Suggested local activity: Somewhere above Barcelona
4. Go partying to Jamboree, Pipa Club, Sidecar Jamboree is a great little find in Plaça Reial, the centre for Barcelona’s manic nightlife. It’s a club that plays a unique mix of hiphop downstairs and fun, poprock music upstairs, so something for everyone. It should also be mentioned that Barcelona has a big jazz scene and Jamboree is also home to some of the best jazz music in Barcelona so it’s great if you’re eager to hear some saxophone on your trip. We can’t forget funloving, dresseddown Sidecar which has an eclectic range of music either! After a good dance you can just move a few doors along in Plaça Reial to Pipa Club for a late night tipple in this hidden speakeasy. You’ll have to ring the bell! Suggested local activity: Enjoy the most authentic nightlife in Barcelona
5. Enjoy the Gin & Tonic The locals of Barcelona have really embraced gin, adapting & adopted the gin & tonic as their own. In fact, you’re probably more likely to find a better G&T in Barcelona than you are in London! The city has countless bars dotted everywhere serving this bitter concoction. Beware however, not all of them do it well. Take yourself down to Bobby Gin or Dry Martini if you’re looking for a cool atmosphere and a BIG gin and tonic. And when we say big, we mean fishbowl big! You can even get tipsy with a local as you learn to prepare a gin and tonic with them. Suggested local activity: Gin Tonic experience with a cocktail master
6. Take a day Trip to Sitges If you’re one for topping up your tan then you’re in the right city. Whilst Barcelona has some really awesome beaches, they can get pretty busy during summer. So, if you’re looking for a little peace and tranquility on your trip then take the train to Sitges. It only takes 30 minutes and before you know it you’ll be sitting on the golden sands watching the Mediterranean Sea do its thing. A bonus is that Sitges has its own range of cute restaurants and boutiques so you can add even more pleasure to your trip. Suggested local activity: Day trip to Sitges (for both LGBT and non LGBT)
7. Take a run or walk in Collserola Natural Park Sports are big in Barcelona, the beaches are fitted with outdoor gyms, the city is incredibly flat which makes it great for cycling, running, skateboarding and the sea makes it even easier to go for a refreshing morning swim. Collserola Natural Park is a great green space planted at the top of the city and makes for a really good running or walking spot. It’s really high up so you get fantastic panoramic views of the city as you run around these mountainous trails full of wildlife and Catalan vistas! Suggested local activity: Guided trips to the Natural Parks of Barcelona
8. Go for Beer and Bravas Barcelona is going through a beer revival with new variations popping up from local breweries all the time. However, the classic combination of beer and patatas bravas (roasted potatoes with a secret delicious sauce) shouldn’t be missed. Some of the city’s best can be found at the Fabrica Moritz in Sant Antoni. It’s a beautifully designed bar with many beers to choose from as well as one of the best places to get some bravas – whether you want them Catalan style or Madrid style, they’ve got the bravas for you. If you’re looking for something a little less mainstream, visit Mingus Bar in downtown for all the city’s latest craft beers and a great relaxed Barcelona skatervibe. Suggested local activity: Tapas & Beer in el Born, the coolest neighborhood
9. Try a Conesa sandwich while visiting the Gothic Quarter Conesa is an institution – it’s a tiny little sandwich place located near in the Gothic area. Here you can get your sandwich to order with really fresh and tasty ingredients. Great if you’re looking for a beach snack. Sometimes there’s a queue out the door but don’t let this put you off. Once you have one of the sandwiches here, you’ll be going back the next day for round two! Suggested local activity: Gothic Quarter tour
10. Go to the beach No matter what season it is, Barcelona in general has an extremely mild climate and a trip to the beach, be it a walk or a bathe, is always worth it. During the summer months Barceloneta and the city’s most central beaches are extremely crowded (and the temperatures reach +30*), so make sure you jump on the metro to Poblenou or even out of the city to Castell de Fells for a refreshing dip along less crowded and much cleaner beaches. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them In winter. Barceloneta, the Olympic Marina and Badalona are all great destinations for a beautiful stroll along the coast. You’ll appreciate just how fantastic a city built along the coast can be and find more than one excuse for a cheeky little drink or lunch. Suggested local activity: Barcelona Beach bike tour