Barcelona on a Shoestring

Description:

This spot is good for anyone who likes non-industrial fast food. Their slogan is "Here we love what you eat." The assortment is based on all-natural ingredients, with no coloring or preservatives. They have a wide selection of sandwiches, on wholemeal or white bread, homemade desserts, natural fruit juices and salads. The tables are high and small and there is a terrace on Passeig the Gràcia where you can eat while soaking up the sun.

Description:

El Xampanyet is one of the city's liveliest wine bars, and it has been serving some fabulous cavas, fresh cider, anchovies and tapas since the 1930s. Located close to the world-famous Picasso Museum, this place draws a huge number of tourists, who simply adore the lovely atmosphere, the colorful decor and the friendly staff.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check out, Tapas 24, a great tapas restaurant on Paseo de Gracia and Diputacio. There's always lineups so get there as early as possible. (before 2 to avoid the 2:30 lunch crowd)

Description:

The Champs-Elysees of Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia is the best place to go to do a little shopping, enjoy some entertaining people watching while sipping a café on an outdoor patio, or just a great place to stroll up from Placa Catalunya and into the Gracia neighbourhood. Showcasing popular names and brands such as, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Armand Bassi as well as trendy Spanish stores like Zara and Mango, Passeig de Gracia is one of Barcelona's chicest streets. Full of wide sidewalks, interesting people and tasty restaurants and tapas bars, Passeig de Gracia always has an energetic and exciting buzz. It is also one of the most easily accessible streets, as it's in the center of the city and has direct connection to most of the metro lines including the yellow and green lines. If you want to shop in 'peace' try to come during the week, as weekends are packed.

Our Local Expert Says:

For everything and anything foreign, check out FNAC department store, right across from the Plaza. It contains all types electronic gadgets, magazines in all languages and also has a nice coffee shop below. Best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Description:

If coming to Barcelona, you have to frequent Placa Catalunya. One of, if not the most popular plaza in Barcelona, this 5000 meter square is the cross roads between where the old city and the new city meet. Sitting at the top of the Gotico and Raval and leading into the Eixample and Gracia neighbourhoods, Placa Catalunya is not only a landmark but a gathering point for locals and tourists alike. Hosting outdoor, free concerts and celebrations, Placa Catalunya is right next to El Corte Ingles, FNAC and an abundance of other popular shops and cafes. There's always something happening in the plaza, even if it's just hippies sitting and playing guitar while children run around screaming, it's never dull.

Our Local Expert Says:

The dancing water fountain performance is one of Placa Espanya's biggest selling points. Best to be seen at night, this combination of dancing water, music and lights is an unforgettable experience. Night shows are only on Friday's and Saturday's from 7-9pm.

Description:

Situated at the foot of Montjuic, in the distric of Sants-Montjuic, lies Placa Espanya. One of Barcelona's most well known squares and designed by one of Gaudi's disciples, Placa Espanya is a great place to visit not only for its famous 'magic fountain' performance, but because of its close proximity to almost everything. It's just a short walk from the up and coming barrio, Poble Sec and is also walking distance to cool sites such as the National Art Museum of Catalonia, one of Spain's finest. Originally built in 1929 to be used for the Universal Exposition, today Placa Espanya is used by the public for all types of gatherings and events.

Description:

Barcelona's most formal park is also the one most steeped in history. The area was formerly a loathed citadel, built by Phillip V after he won the War of the Spanish Succession (Barcelona was on the losing side). He ordered that the "traitorous" residential suburb be leveled. Between 1715 and 1718, over 60 streets and residences were torn down to make way for the structure, without any compensation to the owners (although many were relocated to the neighborhood of Barceloneta). It never really functioned as a citadel, but was used as a political prison during subsequent uprisings and occupations. Once the decision to pull down the old city walls was made in 1858, the government decided that the citadel should go, too. Work on the park began in 1872, and in 1887 and 1888 the World's Fair was held on its grounds, with the nearby Arc de Triomf serving as the event's grandiose main entrance.

Today lakes, gardens, and promenades fill most of the park, which also holds a zoo . Gaudí contributed to the monumental, Italianate fountain in the park when he was a student; the lampposts are also his. Other highlights include the Hivernacle, an elegant, English-style hothouse with an adjacent cafe...

Description:

This private youth hostel has no single rooms, but offers several dormitory-style rooms sleeping four, six and eight people. There are 45 beds in total. The communal bathrooms and showers are kept very clean. There are no private facilities. The hostel is very popular; it is a good idea to call in advance to reserve a place. It is in one of the old buildings that surround Plaça Reial, in the heart of the old town. Although the surrounding area is a bit run-down, it is full of character.

Our Local Expert Says:

Although it's a massive tourist trap, Las Ramblas is a great place to shop for gifts. Check out the jewelry stands at the bottom of Las Ramblas, even locals buy things there.

Description:

Whether or not you've been to Barcelona, everyone's heard of Las Ramblas. One of the most renowned walkways in Europe and perhaps the world, this incredible stretch starts at el Colon (Christopher Columbus Statue) by the sea and extends all the way until Plaza Catalunya. Sprinkled with street vendors selling everything from fine jewelry to caged pigeons, the greatest attraction on Las Ramblas is the one of a kind street performers. Depicting the most innovative costumes it's possible to stare at a man sitting perfectly still on a toilet for as long as it takes until someone drops a Euro in his bucket and he makes a funny face. Overcrowded and a hot spot for pickpockets and prostitutes, Las Ramblas is still a definite must see if you're coming to Barcelona.

Description:

This street runs from Carrer Ferran to Carrer Ample, and is very typical of an old town street, with lots of places to eat, drink and socialize with the hoards of young people that populate them. Picasso found the inspiration to paint his famous Las señoritas de Aviñón in a brothel located here, too; the painting does not refer to the French town, as people often assume. It is an agreeable place for a late-afternoon stroll; it still maintains all the charm it once had centuries ago.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check out Chiringuito 23 on the main Barceloneta beach. Great view, reasonably priced food and efficient, friendly service. Everyday after 4pm there's an original happy hour cocktail.

Description:

What used to be one of the dodgiest neighbourds in Barcelona, is now thriving with tourists, locals and all those who appreciate living by the sea. Barceloneta is a diamond in the rough as it posseses both that genuine barrio feel, while at the same time its home to some of the most delicious and well known touristy restaurants in the city. Visit the many seaside patios and chiringuitos for the must try Spanish paella and daytime sangria before hitting up the beach. A perfect place for Sunday strolls with the family, bike rides, surfing and kite surfing or ideal for just working on the tan, Barceloneta is never dull, especially between the months from May-September. The best time to make a beach appearance is in the morning, as it doesn't usually fill up until 1 pm when it often overflows with people. Barceloneta is also home to the Maritime Museum, the casino, as well as some of the most popular (and cheesy) night clubs the city has to offer. There's also a great little plaza across from the market equipped with ping pong tables and a small park for the kids.

Description:

This was once the Counts of Aragón's Barcelona residence. In the Roman period, it was the residence of the local governor, and later belonged to the Visigoth Ataulfo. Its Roman origins can be seen clearly in the façade. Now, after a series of renovations and expansions and a whole slew of Barcelonan counts, we're left with a Gothic building with one tower, called King Martin's Tower, which was used as a viewpoint and observatory.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are a couple of ice cream parlors on this street which can save you on a hot day.

Description:

Extending from the Liceu on the Ramblas to Plaça Sant Jaume, this is where Saint James' Church was constructed in the fourteenth century, on the site of an ancient synagogue. Today only the facade of this church remains, the rest of the building dates from the XVI and XVII centuries. The rest of the buildings on the street are from later periods. It has been changed to a walking street, making it much more pleasurable to stroll along. There are a lot of shops and cafés here as well - check out the grocers' shops that still have wonderful display windows like in past.

Our Local Expert Says:

Calle Ferran in the Gotico, has some of the chicest and unique designer stores in the city. Watch your bags though, the Gotico is infamous for theft.

Description:

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona, the Gotico remains at the heart of Barcelona's downtown district. Both grungy and trendy, this neighbourhood is filled with small nooks and crannies, bars, cool restaurants, niche shops and eclectic jewelers. Just a stone's throw from the Born and the beach, the Gotico is home to Barcelona's magnificent Cathedral which dates back to 14th century. It is also home to Placa Reial, the most well known square for backpackers as it's home to the ever so popular Kabul Hostel.

Description:

El Foro offers the perfect blend of food and culture-placed in the Esquina Comerç area, this restaurant not only serves up delicious Italian and Argentinean fare, but also holds art exhibitions. Every week, local artistes put up their paintings and sculptures at this venue. So if you love art as much as food, visit this place for a satisfactory mix of both. Check the website for details.

Description:

This is the place to go to, if you want to update yourself with the news and current affairs while at the same time enjoy your coffee and a snack. The smart, modern bar with limited seating is close the newsagent's stall and has a number of TV screens permanently tuned into satellite stations like CNN or Eurosport. The regulars tend to be people who work in the offices nearby. The café has a terrace in Plaça Catalunya where customers can sit outside in summer.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best for children during the day

Description:

Coined as 'Plaza Del Tripi', George Orwell Plaza is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and attracts somewhat of an eclectic crowd. With the recent renovation of the square into a playground for children, the area has somewhat cleaned up its act yet remains a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, especially late nights on a Friday or Saturday. An ideal place for young ones to spend time after the bars close, eating shawarma and buying beer from the vendors in the plaza and along the adjacent calle Escudellers.

Description:

Looking for an accommodation that is cheap and centrally located? This hostel could be your pick. It's nestled between the Ramblas and Plaça del Pi. The building's late 19th-century façade is painted with charming plant motifs and looks great after its restoration in 1992. Ask for one of the quiet, cozy bedrooms overlooking the Carrer Casanyas.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take note of the exceptionally narrow bed in the Casa Museu Gaudi, it's a wonder he was able to sleep on it.

Description:

Nestled in a ceramic mosaic wonderland, Antonio Gaudi spent most of his life with his niece, living in Casa Museu Gaudi,a building designed by his colleague Francesc Berenguer and situated in the mesmerizing Park Guell. From 1906-1926, Gaudi lived in this modernist building which is equipped with half a dozen rooms that are split between two floors. Casa Museum Gaudi is right in the middle of the park and today it has been converted into a museum. If you have an extra 4 Euros it's definitely worth a look inside as the entire place (on the inside) was furnished and designed by Gaudi himself. Gaudi's Casa is open daily from 10am-8pm and closed on Catalan holidays.

Our Local Expert Says:

To experience a little more of the local side, walk slightly off the beaten path and further into the garden. There's often groups of hippies chilling, playing guitar and hanging out in the sun. They always welcome visitors.

Description:

One of Barcelona's greatest attractions and one of the few that are absolutely free, is Gaudi's incredible Park Guell. Get anywhere near the Vallcarca stop on the green line and you'll see tourists lumped together, maps in hand, asking locals for Park 'Guay'. Designed and built by Gaudi between 1900 and 1914, this spectacular mix of garden, park and architectural dream is a small oasis within Barcelona. From the mosaic benches, to the meticulously tiled rooftops, Park Guell is both fascinating as it is serene. One of the best places to spend a sunny day, the park is a great place to listen to music, enjoy a few copas of vino or just relax with a good book.

Description:

Gaudí's incomplete masterpiece is one of the city's more idiosyncratic creations -- if you have time to see only one Catalan landmark, you should make it this one. Begun in 1882 and incomplete at the architect's death in 1926, this incredible temple -- the Church of the Holy Family -- is a bizarre wonder. The languid, amorphous structure embodies the essence of Gaudí's style, which some have described as Art Nouveau run wild.

The Sagrada Família became Gaudí's all-encompassing obsession toward the last years of this intensely religious man's life. The commission came from the Josephines, a right-wing, highly pious faction of the Catholic Church. They were of the opinion that the decadent city needed an expiatory (atonement) temple where its inhabitants could go and do penance for their sins. Gaudí, whose view of Barcelona's supposed decadence largely mirrored that of the Josephines, by all accounts had a free hand; money was no object, nor was there a deadline. As Gaudí is known to have said, "My client [God] is in no hurry."

Literally dripping in symbolism, the Sagrada Família was conceived to be a "catechism in stone." The basic design followed that of a Gothic church, with transepts,...

Description:

This place doubles up as a traditional cafe and a trendy bar. It is close to both the Ramblas and Plaça Sant Jaume. The jet black façade with its art deco touches and period pieces and modern paintings by Francesca Llopis on the walls give the place a classical appearance. During the mornings and afternoons this place appears to be a regular cafe and tempting cakes, sandwiches and delicious ice-creams such as green apple, lemon and ginger are served here. At night, however, the establishment converts itself into a cocktail bar where you can chill out while listening to some music.

Description:

You will never go hungry in Barcelona, what with the numerous grab-a-bite restaurants at every nook and cranny. This is just one of them. Salads and sandwiches are put together and wrapped up speedily for those who want to satisfy a growling stomach, but do not have the time to relish a lavish spread. The snacks are fresh and the portions, generous. Talk about fast food!

Description:

This busy, bustling little bar is full of personality and has been open since 1960, serving customers the tastiest tapas. Some of their specialities include Chistorra (spicy red sausage), Chicharrones (home-made pork rinds), Morcilla (black sausage), fried squid, Montaditos (like canapés), seafood, meatballs with cuttlefish, fried baby fish and more. There is no menu and no fancy wine; just house red, white and rosé and a selection of beers. It is packed all day long but it's worth squeezing in.

Description:

Next door to the Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló was designed by Gaudí in 1905, and is hands-down the superior of the three works in the manzana. Using sensuous curves in iron and stone and glittering, luminous trencadis (collage of broken tiles and ceramic) on the facade, the Casa Batlló is widely thought to represent the legend of Saint George (the patron saint of Catalonia) and his dragon. The balconies are protected by imposing skull-like formations and supported by vertebrae-like columns representing the dragon's victims, while the spectacular roof is the dragon's humped and glossy scaled back. St. George can be seen in the turret, his lance crowned by a cross. The building was opened to the public in 2004, and although its admission price is steep compared to many other Gaudí attractions, the interior of the building is no less spectacular than the exterior, with sinuous staircases, flowing wood paneling, and a stained-glass gallery supported by yet more bonelike columns. Custom-made Gaudí-designed furniture is scattered throughout.

Our Local Expert Says:

Explore new bars that are slightly less touristy yet very trendy in the Raval. Check out the Betty Ford Bar, where everyone goes to see and be seen. But get there before 10 or you'll be standing all night.

Description:

One of the most controversial, yet interesting places to visit in Barcelona, is the Raval. It is said that in ten years the Raval will be one of the most desirable barrios to live in and over the past few years it has made great strides in 'cleaning up its act.' Once known as the city's 'red-light distrcit', since 1988 the government has invested a lot of money into urban regeneration projects making the area both modern and safer. Full of life, the Raval is one of Barcelona's most authentic and vibrant neighbourhoods as it's filled with tons of cafes, bars and restaurants. The Raval is also home to the very popular MACBA (museum of modern art) and CCCB, the exhibition center next to it, where one can see young Catalan skaters practicing on their boards in the square almost any time of day. Centrally located, the Ravel is right beside Las Ramblas and is walking distance from the Gotico, the beach and Placa Catalunya.

Our Local Expert Says:

Head up Passeig de Gràcia or Rambla de Catalunya from Plaza Catalunya to find good tapas bars and outdoor cafes.

Description:

To cope with the exponential expansion outside the city's medieval walls, Ildefons Cerdà developed a new city plan in 1850: a grid structure of vertical and horizontal streets that formed squares when they crossed. Cerdà wanted to build residential accommodation in these square blocks and have communal yards in the middle with gardens where children could play. This part of the plan was sadly never accomplished, but the original design gives the blocks plenty of light. L'Eixample was built between 1860 and 1920, coinciding with the boom in Modernist architecture that is well represented here. The district is divided between the Dreta de L'Eixample (The Right) and the Esquerra de L'Eixample (The Left).

Description:

The best thing about Barcelona is that everything is so accessible and depending on how much stamina you have, within walking distance. A great way to see the city is to start at one end and venture to the other. The beach is a good beginning and one can trek up from the Colon, up Las Ramblas to Placa Catalunya. From there the possibilities are endless. Explore the narrow streets and plazas of Gracia or shop along Paseo de Gracia and experience Gaudi's presence that resonates throughout the city. There are so many renowned monuments in Barcelona, it's hard to see them all. The best way is to grab a map and follow your feet or hop on a bus.

Description:

This functional spot was designed for young people. It is decorated with huge windows and careful style, and attracts a heterogeneous clientele daily. Some of the customers are artists, representing the Barri Gòtic's ambience. They offer a starters menu with varied salads and some surprises, and a pizza menu with odd combinations such as Roquefort cheese with apple and salmon with mint. The waiters are fast, attentive and always smiling. Try any of the chef's pastries for dessert. In the summer you can enjoy your meal at the tables outdoors.

Description:

This is one of the friendliest and most pleasant of the city's inexpensive inns. You'll find it in the Raval district just off the Ramblas. The area is a bit noisy but full of life, character, color and atmosphere. Only half of the bedrooms have baths and a limited number have a view of the street or the pretty Modernist inner patio, where breakfast is served in summer. Nevertheless, the bedrooms are kept spotlessly clean and provide a comfortable and economical place to stay.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take note of the uniformity in style of the architecture and consider the fact that this church was built relatively quickly.

Description:

The church of Santa María del Mar provides an exceptional example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Imagine the sea once rose closer to this place of worship, and think of how important of a symbol it was for the wealthy maritime class who had their hands in its construction. From the outside the horizontal lines and heavy façade deceive those who enter the church to find columns stretching lightly towards the Gothic vaults. Appreciate the simplicity of the interior which is missing the elaborate altar and chapel pieces typical to Spanish churches. A fire set by anarchists in 1936 burned through those heavy decorations.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're a museum buff save money on entrance fees by buying the Articket at participating museum ticket offices, tourist information centers, or on-line at www.telentradas.com. It includes seven museums: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Fundació Caixa Catalunya, Fundació Joan Miró, Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Museu Picasso.

Description:

The Casa Milá is a fine example of Modernism, which is Cataluña's version of Art Nouveau. Organic and flowing with images of nature at every turn, this is one of Gaudí's many masterpieces. The sea comes to mind with the curving balconies perhaps lined with wrought iron kelp. The octagonal tiles inside forming starfish and other sea shapes are also used along Passeig de Gracia's sidewalk, the street on which the Casa Milá sits. The building is held up by pillars and not by supporting walls creating a greater flexibility in design especially in the façade's windows. The rooftop could be the icing on the cake with its chimneys shaped like medieval warriors with helmets on. Everything practical is turned into art. While the Casa Milá was one of Gaudí's last secular buildings, there are still inscriptions of Ave María in Latin demonstrating the architect's strong religious self.

Description:

After a long day of museums, let loose at the magic Fonts. Feel like a kid again with the excitement of the colorful fountain show set from the Plaça de Espanya to the MNAC museum. Imagining the fountains' plumbing system below is mind boggling, not to mention counting the over four thousand light fixtures used to create the magic. While the light, water, and music show is flowing, the Art Deco flair of the 1929 fountains is often overlooked. The magic is choreographed to varied musical medleys, and is not to be missed on a warm summer night. Winter shows are on Friday and Saturday nights, and spring and summer shows are from Thursday to Sunday.

Description:

This pretty little restaurant in Dreta Eixample will serve you some exquisite Catalan delicacies for surprisingly low prices. You will love to taste their Spanish regulars like gazpachos and carpaccios but if you wish to try out something new, L'Hostal will surely not disappoint you. However, it's not always easy to get a table as they do not take reservations, and you might even have to queue up, but then it's worth the wait.

Our Local Expert Says:

As a tourist, any night is a night out. Schilling is open till 3am every night.

Description:

This place doubles up as a traditional cafe and a trendy bar. It is close to both the Ramblas and Plaça Sant Jaume. The jet black façade with its art deco touches and period pieces and modern paintings by Francesca Llopis on the walls give the place a classical appearance. During the mornings and afternoons this place appears to be a regular cafe and tempting cakes, sandwiches and delicious ice-creams such as green apple, lemon and ginger are served here. At night, however, the establishment converts itself into a cocktail bar where you can chill out while listening to some music.

Description:

Having one of Barcelona's most desirable locations, in the heart of Ciutat Vella, this little hotel opens onto the tree-shaded Plaça Sant Josep Oriol, where cafes huddle around the Gothic medieval church of Santa María del Pi. The five-floor hotel has been upgraded and improved in recent years, with the installation of an elevator, though the over-bright general lighting dissipates the charm for some. Much of the original architectural charm remains, and though the guest rooms are somewhat austere, they are comfortable and equipped with bathrooms with tub/shower combinations. The quieter units are at the top and 5 of the accommodations have private terraces, while 26 have small balconies. Under separate management, Bar del Pi, on the ground floor, is a favorite of artists and students who live nearby.