29 d’abril 2014

Barcelona tips

I used to forward this email to friends that asked me for recommendations in Barcelona. I wrote it probably 4 or 5 years ago but it's been building up since then. I moved back to Barcelona in July 2013 and many things have changed. This list will evolve eventually but if you're coming to our lovely Barcelona for a long weekend, I believe this is a good starting point.

Where to stay: although I never needed to find a hotel, these are 2 places I would recommend:
  • Praktik hotels (http://praktikhotels.com/) there are 2 in Barcelona, both very well located. Nice, very cute and not too expensive. Also in Madrid.
  • Budget hostel but amazingly located is the Equity Point Centric in Passeig de Gràcia (http://www.equity-point.com/). Can't be more central and its building is modernism at its best.
Gaudi Buildings (MUST GO):
Other places to visit:
  • Passeig de Gracia (similar to 5th Avenue in NY)
  • Las Ramblas, the most authentic street in the city (careful with thieves) 
  • Portal de l’Angel (shopping and it takes you to the Gothic Neighborhood)
  • Gothic Neighborhood (La Catedral, just walk around the area, just beautiful)
  • Passeig Maritim (old Harborwalk)
  • Plaza Espanya and Avinguda Maria Cristina (L1, red line or L3, green line, stop: Espanya) which takes you to the MNAC (http://www.mnac.es/index.jsp?lan=003) which is the National Art Museum, the building is just amazing (lighted during the night). Climb up to get a great picture of the city. At 8PM (check timetable), fountains water show, music, light, worth seeing. This area is called Montjuic (name of the mountain where the Olympic Stadium is)
  • MACBA (www.macba.es), another museum in the Rabal neighborhood (not recommendable during the night). The museum is amazing; the surroundings have a special environment, very cultural. Near this museum, a lot of good and cool restaurants.
  • La Boqueria (www.boqueria.info/), fresh food market. With restaurants and bars inside and behind the market, very recommendable, although full of turist
  • Barcelona football/soccer team stadium: www.fcbarcelona.com
  • Parc de la Ciudatella, near El Born, good on Sunday morning for a walk. Zoo is located inside the park. A lot of musicians playing, people just enjoying the park.
  • El Born (beautiful old neighbourhood, newly renovated market with amazing shopping and eating throughout) and Santa Maria del Mar (gorgeous church, check inside)
Places to eat
  • My new favourite: Bar Mundial, Placa Sant Agust Vell, 1. Food amazing!!! (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d697612-Reviews-Bar_Mundial-Barcelona_Catalonia.html)
  • Els quatre gats (4GATS, www.4gats.com): café where Picasso used to hang out.
  • El Xampanyet, very good for tapas, don’t miss it. Address: Carrer Montcada 22, near to the Picasso Museum, El Born.
  • Can Culleretes (www.culleretes.com): the Oldest restaurant in Barcelona offering traditional Catalan Cuisine. 
  • Agua (www.aguadeltragaluz.com): seaside, really good, not too expensive. I always liked this place.
  • Quimet & Quimet, address: Carrer Poeta Cabanyes, 25. Metro: Paral.lel (L3, green line). Best tapas in the city, quite expensive.
  • La Paradeta (http://www.laparadeta.com/). Address: Carrer Comercial, 7 (El Born). Fresh fish, cheap, very good quality
  • Any place in El Born, Gothic, la Barceloneta or Chiringuitos at the beach (summer time only)
  • Pipus Barcelona (http://www.barcelonapipus.com/): if you're going to visit the FCB (Football Club Barcelona) museum or planning to go for a match, good stop over for a pizza or their amazing burgers. They would make you feel like home. Great whether you're a big group, only a couple or family with kids.
Places to party or for a drink or 2:
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