Romance In Barcelona

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.

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Step into the chic Hotel Omm for a cutting edge dining experience. Trendy interiors replete with large windows, clean lines and hand-painted plates, beckon you time and again. The culinary expertise of the Roca brothers keeps the diners coming in for more. Creative cuisine consisting of contemporary Catalan fare makes up the innovative menu. The 'half portions' option makes sure you enjoy your meal perfectly and ensures that you don't overstuff yourself. Choose from dishes like sea bass with lemongrass, monkfish with wild mushrooms, or the baby goat roasted in honey and rosemary. Make sure you try their trademark desserts. If selection becomes a tad too difficult, just order the recommended "Joan Roca" set menu, consisting of five dishes and wine. Delicious!

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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.

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Sexuality has always played an important role in social customs and art. That's the general message you'll take away from this attractive little museum that only opened to the public in 1997. The prize exhibits are the collection of Chinese and Japanese engravings and a few other early-20th century artefacts. You'll see some stimulating illustrations of the Kama Sutra, some Japanese erotic drawings and replicas of African phallic sculptures. There's an interesting collection of 1930s photos depicting the brothels and habitués of Barcelona's red light district ( Barri Xinés).

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Barcelona has a pretty happening nightlife and Ginger is testament to that. This trendy and chic nightclub in the Barri Gòtic square invites pub crawlers from all over the city. The pub has two levels where you get some excellent cocktails and wines, with finger foods like foie gras, sausages and tapas to aid the downing process. The regulars swear by the Pimms-a rare, traditional specialty. The rhythmic music makes you dance the night away. Visit this place once and you are sure to come back for more. So why not try it out?

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:

Built in 1964, the winery offers quality wines, which are manually checked before going to the market. A tour to the vineyard gets visitors first hand information from the owner himself and tips on tastings and pairings. Watch where the award-winning wines are made and take a bottle or two home. Call for tour reservations.

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.

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The chic atmosphere here attracts elite Barcelonans of all ages. The more mature patrons, specifically the black-tie, post-theater crowd, head upstairs, leaving the downstairs section to loud music and flaming youth. Up and Down is the most cosmopolitan disco in Barcelona, with impeccable service, sassy waiters, and a welcoming atmosphere. Technically, this is a private club -- you can be turned away at the door.

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Rooftop pool above, designer boutiques below. This hotel enjoys a prime location on the Passeig de Gràcia, just two blocks from Gaudí's La Pedrera and Casa Batlló and walking distance to Las Ramblas. All 303 recently redecorated guestrooms feature Mediterranean colors and wireless Internet access. Luxurious rooftop penthouse just added. On the rooftop terrace with panoramic views are a swimming pool and a bar, which leads to a health center with sauna and steam room.

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Dominated by a huge gilt mirror and low lighting, El Salón has long been a favorite for couples looking for a romantic dinner spot. The menu, which changes daily, pushes the definition of eclectic with Asian, Italian, and especially French influences on local market produce. It's been around long enough to have a firm and faithful following, especially among the expat community, and though the standard varies it's usually very good.

Description:

Barcelona by night is just as, and even more, splendid than the day tour. Touring the city shows monuments and churches in a different light altogether. The streets and fountains come alive. It is amazing to note that more tourists are out in the night, visiting bars and other nightspots.

Description:

This is one of the oldest theatres in Barcelona. It is located in the charming Avenida del Paralelo, which was the thriving theatre district in Barcelona in the early 20th century. At the beginning of the 1990s, however, the original building was demolished and a hotel plus this new theatre were built, just in time for 1992 Olympics. The new theatre has a large auditorium seating 1014, and state-of-the-art technology, and it usually schedules commercial plays.

Description:

This eatery has been in business since 1836 and has built up a loyal clientele that always packs the place. It serves traditional Catalan cuisine, with a few good ideas from Cantabria and Galicia thrown in. Try the Mixed Steamed Vegetables or Butifarra Amb Mongetes (sausage with beans). Follow that with one of their famous rice dishes, such as Arròs A Banda (like a two-course paella) or Arròs Negre (rice cooked in squid's ink).

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:

Step into the snug environs of Pla, where contemporary Catalan cuisine, along with some Asian and Italian items, is served up in a friendly ambience. The music and wine are a definite add-on. Well-received by locals and tourists alike, the Carpaccio, appetizing salads, curries and pastas are all hot favorites. The multi-lingual staff is also extremely helpful. Have a good meal!

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:

Managed by the Ritz-Carlton chain, this hotel occupies 33 floors of one of the tallest buildings in Spain, and one of Barcelona's landmark skyscrapers. It lies about 2.5km (1.6 miles) southwest of Barcelona's historic core, facing the sea and the Olympic Village. Planned as a key project of the 1992 Olympic Games (but not finished on time), the Arts wore the luxury hotel mantle and remained the shining example of "New Barcelona" for over a decade. All its rooms have recently been renovated and new amenities such as a luxury spa added. Privileged clients flock here for the incredible skyline and the Mediterranean views, club rooms with their open bars and free snacks, state-of-the-art executive suites, Aqua de Parma toiletries, and a million other details that make this hotel top of its class. Its decor is contemporary and elegant. The spacious, well-equipped guest rooms have built-in furnishings, generous desk space, and large, sumptuous beds, flatscreen TVs, DVD players, and B&O sound systems. (Four units are equipped for guests with disabilities). Clad in pink marble, the deluxe bathrooms have fluffy robes, Belgian towels, dual basins, and phones. The hotel features the city's only...

Our Local Expert Says:

Interior rooms are quiet, exterior rooms have windows overlooking the entertaining street.

Description:

Located in between Plaza Espanya and the University, the innovative and minimalist Hotel Soho, designed by Alfredo Arribas, gives its guests the privileged opportunity to get to know Barcelona from the heart of the Eixample.

The hotel welcomes guests with a fabulous glass-paneled lobby, and features 51 rooms, an outdoor pool on the terrace with incredible panoramic views of Gran Vía, a Media Center with free ADSL Internet access, a mezzanine with terrace on the first floor, free wireless Internet access throughout the building, and private parking with a special discount for hotel guests.

Among the many tourist destinations within walking distance are some of Barcelona's most cherished landmarks: Plaza Catalunya, the Passeig de Gracia, la Rambla, the Gothic neighborhood and cathedral, as well as some of Gaudí's most famous buildings, the Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Multiple forms of public transportation accessible from the hotel can take you across the city and to other popular destinations in minutes.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Head to the back of the Olympic Stadium and check out the Galeria Olimpica where you'll find a great narration with videos, posters and images showing the history of the Olympic Games in 1992.

Description:

Home to some of the greatest football matches, rock concerts, festivals and most importantly, the main attraction for the 1992 Summer Olympics, Estadi Olympic de Montjuic (Olympic Stadium), has become a center piece for Barcelona events. With a capacity of 56, 000, Olympic Stadium has played host to RCD Espanyol since 1998, the Barcelona Dragons American Football Team and has seen rock icons such as Bruce Springstein, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Guns n' Roses, Madonna and Bon Jovi grace its stage. Even if you're not in town for a specific concert or event, it's worth just passing by this monstrous building which is located in the Anella Olimpica on Montjuic, as the view overlooks the harbour and is quite spectacular.

Our Local Expert Says:

On Paseo Del Born there's a few great tapas bars where all you have to do is buy a drink and you eat for free. Best to arrive before 9pm, as most places stop serving at 10pm and all the good food usually comes out between 6-8pm.

Description:

Combine gourmet food and Catalan culture on a pre-dinner walking tour of Barcelona's famous tapas bars. It's a great way to begin your visit of Barcelona - not only do you get an overview of this fabulous city, you also learn how to order tapas (bar snacks) and discover some of the best bars and cafes Barcelona has to offer. Plus, your friendly, informative guide can offer suggestions to help you get the most from your stay in Barcelona.

Your tapas walking tour of Barcelona begins at a restaurant offering a wide selection of local, delectable tapas. Here you will enjoy three tapas with a glass of wine or beer, while your food and wine guide provides insights into the flavors of the wine, the cuisine and Spanish culture.

From here your guide will lead you to Barcelona's most famous street, La Rambla, with its bird cages, tapas bars and local restaurants. On your stroll down La Rambla you will make a detour to La Boqueria, the city's famous food market which offers an array of fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, live seafood, cheeses and every type of meat imaginable.

You'll continue to the Gothic Quarter, where you will discover the architecture, atmosphere, language and gastronomy...

Description:

This restaurant is one of the many popular places in El Born. It used to be a salt storehouse, but was later converted into a welcoming bar-restaurant. White is the predominant color. The furniture is amazing and the bar is enormous. It is always full of trendy, modern young people. The menu changes with the seasons and offers delightful salads, steamed vegetables, warm pears, teriyaki chicken, etc. Their desserts are homemade, the music is well-chosen and the wine list is splendid.