Simon & Claudia
Things to do
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
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Explore Gaudí’s iconic basilica, a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
La Rambla
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Stroll along Barcelona’s most famous street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Montjuïc
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Take a cable car or hike up to Montjuïc for beautiful gardens, the Olympic Stadium, and panoramic views of Barcelona.
Barceloneta Beach
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Relax at Barceloneta Beach or explore the quieter beaches like Ocata Beach in nearby Maresme.
Park Güell
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This vibrant park, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona. The park is filled with colorful mosaics, whimsical sculptures, and beautiful gardens, offering panoramic views of the city. The undulating forms and organic shapes make it a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
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If you're up for a chill day surrounded by nature, check out the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona. It's located on Montjuïc hill and has a cool mix of Mediterranean plants from places like Australia, Chile, California, South Africa, and, of course, the Mediterranean basin. Take a walk along the pretty paths, enjoy the unique plants, and soak in the awesome views of the city. It's a perfect spot to relax and take in some greenery.
Tibidabo
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For breathtaking views of the city, head to Tibidabo, a mountain that rises above Barcelona. It’s home to an amusement park, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, and offers a fantastic viewpoint of the city and the sea. To get there, take the Tibidabo Funicular from the base of the mountain, or if you're feeling adventurous, ride the TMB bus 111 from the city center.
Els Bunkers del Carmel
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This spot is a hidden gem that offers panoramic views of the city. Originally built as anti-aircraft bunkers during the Spanish Civil War, it's now a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset while taking in the breath-taking scenery. It's a perfect spot to relax and get some amazing photos of the city.
Eixample district
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The Eixample district was built in one go at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, following a distinctive pattern of blocks with chamfered corners. It is home to many buildings in the Art Deco style, locally known as Modernisme, designed by Gaudí and other renowned Barcelona architects. For over a century, the area now known as Eixample was off-limits for construction due to military restrictions. As a result, Barcelona's growing population created a densely populated suburb called Gràcia, which became a second "old city" with narrow streets. Though relatively recent (from the 19th century), it doesn't feature major landmarks but is known for its charming squares and pleasant terraces.
Day Trip to Sitges
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We highly recommend taking the scenic route along the coast (C31) when heading to Sitges. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, with stunning coastal landscapes that are perfect for a relaxing journey. Simon and Claudia even did this route on a scooter, making the experience even more fun and memorable! Sitges itself is a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of places to explore. It’s the perfect spot for a day trip!
Barcelona 1.walk (2-3h)
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A great place to start exploring on foot is Cinc d’Oros Square (formerly King Juan Carlos I Square), with its distinctive monolith. Here, the main avenue of Barcelona, Diagonal Avenue meets the old road to Gràcia, now Passeig de Gràcia, redesigned in the late 19th century to resemble the Champs-Élysées. Along Passeig de Gràcia, admire famous Art Deco buildings. At the end is Plaça de Catalunya, where you can take Portal del Àngel into the old city, passing the medieval city gate and Roman citadel with two towers. A narrow road to the right shows remnants of the Roman walls. Nearby are Roman columns and ruins in the City Museum, and the cathedral, with an elevator offering panoramic views. Continue to Plaça Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona. From here, you can head left to Santa Maria del Mar, straight for the medieval city, or right to La Rambla. La Rambla, once a commercial hub, now leads to the harbor and Maremagnum, home to an aquarium with Mediterranean species.
Barcelona 2.walk (2-3h)
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Begin your journey at Plaça Espanya, where you'll discover a unique shopping mall (Las Arenas) housed inside a former bullring. Nearby, two Venetian columns mark the entrance to a broad avenue that leads you forward. Stroll along this path to encounter the iconic Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, a masterpiece of modernist architecture. You're now on Montjuïc Hill, home to several remarkable landmarks. The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is perched here, offering a stunning collection of 12th-century paintings. As you continue, you'll reach the Olympic Stadium area, with notable structures such as the Palau Sant Jordi, designed by Arata Isozaki. The hill also hosts the Joan Miró Foundation, a museum housed in an architectural gem inspired by Le Corbusier. At the summit, accessible by cable car, stands the historic Montjuïc Castle, offering sweeping views of Barcelona. If you prefer, another cable car takes you directly to the harbor, sparing you the return trip to Plaça Espanya.
Museums
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- White Rabbit: This unique museum features 10 themed installations showcasing Catalan culture through sculptures, graffiti, virtual reality, video-dance, digital art, and more. It's a fun and engaging way to discover the hidden gems of Barcelona's cultural scene. - MNAC: It's a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts. · Palau Robert: a beautiful neoclassical building located on Passeig de Gràcia. Once the private residence of an influential aristocrat, it's now a vibrant cultural center hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events. Stroll through its lovely gardens and explore the diverse range of temporary exhibits showcasing Catalan culture and history.
Rooftop terraces
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Hotels’ rooftop terraces -no need to be staying in them. It’s something locals usually do as an “afterwork” activity: - Hotel Pulitzer - https://www.hotelpulitzer.es/es/eat-drink/la-terraza - Hotel Condes de Barcelona - Alaire Rooftop Bar - Hotel Gallery Barcelona - https://www.galleryhotel.com/gallery-rooftop-barcelona - Hoxton Hotel - Tope Restaurant - https://thehoxton.com/es/poblenou/tope-restaurant/
Suggested restaurants
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- Antic Villarroel (182 Carrer de Villarroel): Enjoy a lunch at Antic Villarroel, a cozy restaurant known for its delightful Catalan cuisine and warm ambiance, perfect for a midday break in the city. According to Simon, it’s "great bang for the buck." - Restaurant: Agua (30 Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta) - Asador de Aranda Tibidabo (31 Avinguda del Tibidabo) - Tasta Gràcia (Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla 155, Gràcia) - Bar Can Ros (Carrer d’Emília Llorca Martín 7, Ciutat Vella) - Restaurant Sintonia (Carrer Rosselló 249,l’ Eixample) - Cerveseria Catalana (Carrer de Mallorca 237, l’Eixample) - Xerta Restaurant (Carrer de Còrsega 289, l’Eixample) - Bodega La Puntual (Carrer de Montcada 22, Ciutat Vella) - El Colmadito (Carrer Major de Sarrià 12, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi) - Can Violí (Plaça d’Ibèria 2, Districte de Sants-Montjuïc)
Others
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> One of the best bakeries: - Jansana Gluten Free - Baluard (they have 3 locations) > The best croissants: - Hofmann - Escribà > Best “Xocolata amb xurros”: - La Pallaresa - Granja Viader