Day One
Morning - Gaudí
No visit could ever be complete without exploring Barcelona’s architecture and experiencing Gaudí's genius. If you’ve got the energy then do a walking tour, otherwise grab a double decker tourist bus.
Lunch - El Xampenyet (Carrer de Montcada, 22)
Established in 1929, this family-run place may be small, noisy and crowded, but when it comes to tapas, it’s in a league of its own.
Afternoon – Museu Picasso (Carrer de Montcada, 15-23)
Located right next door to El Xampenyet, this museum may not boast Picasso’s most important masterpieces but it’s got an excellent collection of the Catalan artist’s earlier work so it’s still well worthwhile.
Break – Granja Dulcinea (Carrer Petritxol, 12)
A ten-minute walk from the Museu Picasso is Granja Dulcinea, where you’ll discover Barcelona’s best hot chocolate and very moreish churros.
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Dinner – Tickets (Avinguda del Parallel, 164)
After closing El Bulli, Ferran and Albert Adrià decided to go democratic. Tickets (and its adjoining cocktail bar, 41 degrees) serves up Bulli’s playful, innovative cuisine in a more accessible setting. And at a more affordable price. The catch? Reservations must be made three months in advance.
Latenight – Eclipse (Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents)
Still have energy? Then head to the electric pink and blue-lit confines of Eclipse, a nightclub up on the 23rd floor of Barcelona’s W Hotel.
Day Two
Breakfast – Baluard (Carrer Baluard, 38)
Baluard is a fifteen-minute walk away from Hotel Arts. There’s nearly always a line to get in but once you taste this bakery’s buttery croissants you’ll understand why some people queue all day.
Morning – Barceloneta
The long beach that stretches from the Hotel Arts to the W is a great place to make like a local and soak up the rays for an hour or two.
Lunch – Barceloneta Restaraurant (22 L’Escar)
Overlooking the marina, the aquarium and the city, Barceloneta serves the most delicious paella and black rice you’ll ever eat.
Early afternoon – The Miró Foundation (Parc de Montjuic)
A gift from the Catalan artist Joan Miró to his native city. Besides its vast collection of Miró’s works, this beautiful Brutalist museum is one of Barcelona's most exciting showcases of contemporary art.
Late afternoon – Las Ramblas
There’s much to see and do here. Check out the street performers, have a coffee at Cafe de L’Opera or an ice cream at Patagonia, discover the beauty of Plaça Reial and of course make sure you get to La Boqueria - Barcelona's most spectacular food market - before 8pm.
Dinner – ABaC restaurant (Avenida del Tibidabo, 1)
This sexy little eaterie two Michelin stars and as you’d imagine it serves exceptional dishes including re-imagined traditional Catalan specialties.
