BARCELONA
Welcome to the head and heart of Catalonia; here’s where you should start.
Hotel: Hotel Brummell
A short distance from Montjuïc, in Poble Sec, sits this charming 20-room boutique hotel. Hotel Brummell is off the beaten track, on purpose, and is within walking distance of mountains, city and sea. Feeling overwhelmed? Try hitting the pool, the sauna, or one of the free yoga classes for some downtime.
Gallery: Joan Miro Foundation
Visiting the Joan Miro Foundation is a must for those who want to learn more about art history in Barcelona. The gallery displays pieces spanning the career of surrealist master Joan Miro all year long. Visitors can take an extensive guided tour, available in English.
Restaurant: Cafeteria of the Centre Civic Can Deu
Try the ‘Cau Deu Civic Centre’ in Les Corts if you want to escape tourist hotspots. The modernist building houses the best-kept secret of the Civic Centre, a simple cafeteria with delightful tapas, dishes and cocktails you’ll daydream about.
Historic Site: Montjuïc Castle
The Montjuic area of Barcelona is ideal for first-time visitors. ‘Montjuic’ means “Jewish Mountain” in ancient Latin and Catalan, a reference to the ancient Jewish cemetery. There is no better way to take in the historic wonder of the area than visiting Montjuic castle. The castle offers mesmerizing views of the Barcelona harbor and a 360-degree tour, where you can learn more about its history.
Cultural Centre: CaixaForum
Managed by the ‘La Caixa’ bank, CaixaForum hosts annual concerts, events and exhibitions. Every October, they host their free-to-enter “Microconsiertos” program, a collection of small concerts, including “SOULDADE,” a fusion of soul, bossa nova, swing and jazz. CaixaForum also has a library and a café for maximum convenience.
Live Venue: Gran Bodega Salto
For a truly cultural experience, Gran Bodega Salto is the place to go. The venue hosts a wide range of theatre, poetry and music events. This bar-come-music venue is the headquarters of ‘Cultmusic,’ a non-profit highlighting the artistic side of Poble-Sec, that also integrates other local cultures into their program.
Bar: La Whiskeria
For a date, to hang with friends or a solitary nightcap, Barcelona’s best bar La Whiskeria is the place to go. La Whiskeria serves a vast array of international whiskey, providing something for the seasoned connoisseur, whiskey novices, and everyone in between.
Public Space: Jardins del Theatre Grec
Look no further than the Jardins del Theatre Grec (Greek Theatre Gardens) for a laid-back afternoon. It is the perfect spot for quiet walks in the scenic rose garden and a break from the bustle of the city.
Club: Warehouse BCN
Warehouse BCN is loved by locals and frequented by tourists in search of an authentic Barcelona clubbing experience. Warehouse BCN has two rooms providing sounds from techno to deep house and nu disco, which go deep into the early hours.
