The Barcelona Guide.

Barcelona feels like a living work of art—striking architecture, sunlit plazas, and a beauty that’s woven into everyday life. It’s vibrant, a little relaxed, and full of character.

Barcelona is a city I could return to again and again—vibrant, beautiful, and full of life. Between the striking architecture and sunlit plazas, the lively restaurants and tucked-away cafés, every corner feels like a work of art. The food is exceptional—fresh, flavorful, and meant to be shared—best enjoyed over long, leisurely meals that turn into even longer nights. Just beyond it all, the beach adds an effortless ease, where afternoons stretch out under the sun before the city comes back to life. There’s an energy to Barcelona that feels both relaxed and electric, a place where culture, creativity, and fun exist in perfect balance.

A full map of each location is available at the bottom of the page for paid subscribers - and it’s constantly being updated with the latest openings and findings!

As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.

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Food

• Relleno (amazing quality and very affordable Italian)

• Xiringuito Escribà (great Mediterranean food on the beach)

• Suru Restaurant (creative cuisine and absolutely delicious)

• Bar Betlem (tapas bar - super good)

• Entrepanes Diaz (another tapas spot)

• El Xampanyet (very famous and likely crowded, a bit overdone but a classic)

• Quimet & Quimet (another famous tapas spot)

• Cañete (a fan favorite - get the squid sandwich)

• Ultramarinos Marín (get the fish of the day)

• MIKAN (Asian)

• Disfrutar (very famous, if you can get a reservation,

• Soma restaurant (Mediterranean - get the flan)

• Bar & Tapas Señora Dolores (really great tapas)

• Bar Mut (legendary spot and so good)

• fismuler barcelona (do not skip the cheesecake)

• Queviures Múrria (

• Direkte | Boqueria

• La Cova Fumada

• SENSATO Restaurant

• Candela Gastro-Bar Peruano (Peruvian)

• Berbena

• Bodega Passatge 1986

• Bandini’s

• Bo de B (grab sandwiches)

• Gigi Focaccia (another great sandwich spot, a few in the city)

• LABALABUSTA

• PUR Restaurant

• Gresca

• Restaurant El Passadís del Pep

• Can Boneta (multiple locations, reliable, affordable tapas)

• Maleducat

• La Pepita (great tapas)

• MONOCROM - Restaurant | Bistró | Vins naturals (Mediterranean)

• Xuba Tacos (tacos)

• Bistrot Levante (Mediterranean)

• Clara Restaurant

• Mont Bar (for a special occasion splurge meal)

• Tiberi Bar

• Robata (if you’re in the mood for sushi)

• Parking Pizza | Passeig Sant Joan (for pizza!)

• Can Fisher Restaurante playa Bogatell (great beach restaurant)

• Chiringuito Ancla (another great place to hang by the beach in the beach town of Castelldefels, a great day trip from Barcelona)

• Candela Canela - Best Specialty Coffee & Cinnamon Rolls (for Cinnamon rolls)

Drinks

• TWO SCHMUCKS

• Paradiso

• Canvis Nous (wine bar)

• Sips

• Can Cisa/Bar Brutal (wine bar)

• Bloody Mary Cocktail Bar

• Káktos Botanical Society

• La Caseta del Migdia

• Morro Fi

Activities

• Fundació Joan Miró

• Mies van der Rohe Pavilion

• Basílica de la Sagrada Família

• Casa Batlló

• Park Güell

• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

• Teatre Grec (check performances)

• Mercat de la Boqueria

• Shopping:

  • Muy Mucho Rambla

  • Casa Viva | Rambla de Catalunya

  • Vintage Stores:

    • cottonVintage

    • KewaY Bags

    • The Favorite Vintage

Hotels

5-Star

• Grand Hotel Central

• Hotel Casa Sagnier

• Mercer Hotel Barcelona

• Wittmore Hotel

• El Palace Hotel Barcelona

• Almanac Barcelona

• Nobu Hotel Barcelona

• Mandarin Oriental

• Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

• Hotel Arts Barcelona, Ritz-Carlton Hotel

4-Star

• Hotel Pulitzer

• ICON BCN

• Casa Bonay

Utilize my Barcelona recommendations with the map below!