CITY GUIDE BARCELONA
©The Green Spot
INTRODUCTION
Barcelona, the capital of Catalunya, located at the Mediterranean sea, attracts millions of people every year. The city is re-known for its mellow vibes and mild climate all year round, a hotspot for creatives, travelers and entrepreneurs alike. It is a truly colorful metropole that is rich and diverse in culture, art and people.
ACCOMODATION
Cotton Hotel, Casa Bonay and Margot House are for the people with an eye for design. Room Mate Emma or Room Mate Pau are the perfect city hotel.
CAFE
Federal is definitely my favourite café in Barcelona. Either sit and work at the communal table downstairs, or head up to the terrace and sit outside. Café Cometa is another cosy place to read your daily newspaper, like Caelum. The best coffee you will find either at Nomad or at Satan. Brunch & Cake and Oma Bistro are amongst my favourites to get the first meal of the day. Granja Petibo is brilliant for brunch. For a coffee-to-go or quick bite to eat at the beach, stop by at Surf House. Around the corner you find La Heladeria Mexicana, which makes mouthwatering vegan ice-cream.
RESTAURANT
El Vaso D’Oro is a must-visit and serves the best tapas in Barcelona in a super authentic setting. You must try the Alchachofas (artichokes) and the Morcilla (blood sausage). Other than this one, El Xampanyet and Cal Pep are two great alternatives. 7 Portes is located near Port Vell and my choice when it comes to Paella. Can Majo a nice place to eat at the beach. If you are looking for fish go to Botafumeiro and if you are after meat book a table at Patagonia. The Green Spot (picture), Flax & Kale and Celeri will make the vegetarian and vegan hearts beat faster. Hoja Santa and Tickets are two hip upmarket and innovative restaurants, which are more pricey but worth a visit.
BAR
Bar Mut, Bar Brutal and Bar Marsalla are three classics in the city’s nightlife scene, especially is known for having service Dali, Gaudi and Picasso, so you will definitely find your creative groove there. On the other side Boca Chica and Ocana are two more modern bars. When it comes to Cosmopolitans, Margaritas and Gin and Tonics check in at Libertine or Dry Martini.
STORE
24 Kilates, Sivasdescalzo and Limited Editions offer the best soles for your feet. Shon Mott is a super cool and hip fashion label from Barcelona. It is a mix of James Perse, Norse Projects and Muji. At Optica Toscana you will find yourself a new pair of sunglasses. If you prefer paper over screen, pick up a book at Altair, which is my favorite bookstore. Bon Vent and Grey Street are two sort of gift shops,where you find anything from little gifts to things to decorate your home, or wear during the day. Wer-Haus is a great concept store, bundling cafe, event and working space, as well as a store all under one roof.
ACTIVITY
Go for a morning run along the city’s beaches. Embrace the views from either Montjuic or Tibidabo. Stroll through market stalls and pick up fresh food from the infamous La Boqueria, or the Santa Caterina market. If you are into architecture Gaudi’s buildings are obvious musts, as well as Estudio Bonfil is more than worth a visit. Go for a wonder through El Laberinto de Horta or Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital. Avoid Barceloneta, instead walk, metro, cycle, or taxi a little bit further down the strip to find a little quite patch of sand. A little bit further away, but worth the trip are Sitges and Badalona.