Barcelona

Barcelona Travel Guide

• About Barcelona

With mountains on one side, the sea on the other and an exciting urban hub in between, Barcelona has to be the ultimate city destination. The home of modernist artist Gaudi and with a cultural verve unmatched in Spain, the capital of Catalonia is a jumble of fantastical and modern buildings, medieval streets and lively beaches. Locals still mention the 1992 Olympics as a watershed for the city. It spurred a decade of redevelopment, particularly along the seafront and port area, helping Barcelona transform into a vibrant metropolis. Nowadays, Spain’s second largest city is at least the cultural equivalent of Madrid but tensions with the capital have even led to a growing campaign for independence among the Catalan people. For the moment though, Barcelona remains an integral part of Spain. Although a very modern city, Barcelona remains a stronghold of traditions, divided into 10 districts, each with its own character. The Gothic Quarter, stretching from the seafront to La Rambla, is where the city’s oldest buildings can be found – there are numerous historic churches, including the grand cathedral, La Seu, as well as countless bars and shops. La Rambla, the most famous road in Barcelona, runs through the heart of the city; it was described by the Spanish poet Lorca as “the only street in the world I wish would never end”, and is essential viewing. As for the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, his most famous work is La Sagrada Familia in the Example district. This spectacular dreamlike cathedral is still being worked on nearly a century after the artist’s death. Parc Güell is a metro-ride away on the hill of El Carmel in the Gràcia district, while his many buildings such as the colourful and amorphous Casa Batlló are must-sees. With so much to do in the city, it’s easy to forget the beautiful nature that surrounds Barcelona. In the north stands Mount Tibidabo, while overlooking the sea is the looming hill of Montjuïc. Of course, if you don’t fancy climbing them, you can just stick to the beaches – saving your energy for the nightly parties.

• Barcelona History

The pre-Roman history of the Barcelona area is disputed, though settlements dating back thousands of years have been found here. It is thought that the Laietani, an Iberian people, settled here in the 3rd century BC. During the 2nd century BC the Romans contested the peninsula with Carthage, and by the end of the 1st century BC, the Roman colony of Barcino was well established. With the eventual fall of the Empire in the 5th century, Barcelona was conquered by the Visigoth kingdom, By the 8th century, Moorish armies swept through the Iberian peninsula and took the city. It changed hands again in 801 when the Franks took control. In the 9th century, Guifré el Pelós brought most Catalan counties under the House of Barcelona. By the end of the 12th century, it had combined with Aragon through marriage and over the next two centuries the Catalan-Aragonese Empire sprawled through Catalonia, southern France and even southern Italy. After Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabel of Castile married in 1469, Spain finally incorporated the Catalan region, which revolted against royal authority in 1640 and declared a republic. Philip IV crushed the rebels in 1652. After the War of the Spanish Succession from 1701 to 1714, things got worse for the city. Defeat by the Bourbons after the Siege of Barcelona led to the abolishment of Catalan political institutions, while Castilian law was imposed in the newly centralised Spain. The city recovered through trade and industrialisation, and by the 19th century, Catalonia was the richest region in Spain. Barcelona absorbed six municipalities in 1897 and the new district of the Example was laid out, while modernist architecture by the likes of Gaudí filled the city. Barcelona was bombarded for three days in March 1938 at the height of the Spanish Civil War, and fell into nationalist hands in January 1939. Again, Catalan identity was suppressed, but its wealth continued. After Franco died in 1975, the area gained status as an autonomous community. Despite this, calls for greater powers and even independence have intensified over the decades, headed by Barcelona.

• Did you know?

One myth names Hercules as the city’s founder, another Hamiclar Barca, father of Hannibal. The Olympic Games in 1992 is credited with spurring Barcelona’s development into a modern, global city. During the three-day bombing of Barcelona in the Spanish Civil War, up to 1,300 people died and 2,000 were wounded. The air raids were launched by Mussolini, who supported Franco.

• Weather in Barcelona

Barcelona enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. With both beaches and excellent indoor attractions, it really is an all-year-round holiday destination. July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures of around 27°C (81°F). December, January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F) during the day, dipping to 5°C (41°F) at night.

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Things to see in Barcelona

Attractions

• Parc Güell

Created by the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí, Parc Güell is a fantasy-land that combines features of the natural landscape with Gaudí’s architectural extravagance to create a park that is a popular stop for visitors to Barcelona. Constructed between 1910 and 1914, the park was intended as a residential garden city inspired by the English garden city movement, but was not a commercial success and became municipal property in 1923. Climbing up the side of a hill to the north of Barcelona and offering excellent views of the city, the park has fantastic pavilions, stairways, columned halls and the giant lizard that divides the grand stairway. Guadí’s former residence – Casa-Museu Gaudí – houses a collection of furnishings and memorabilia. Address: Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 934 091 831 Opening times: Daily 09:30-19:30. Website: www.parkguell.cat  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• La Sagrada Familia

With its curving Gothic and art nouveau forms, the Sagrada Familia is the iconic symbol of Barcelona and is prided as Antonio Gaudí’s finest work, even though it was only a quarter complete at the time of his death. Construction has been on and off ever since, only passing the half-way point in 2010. Despite these ongoing construction works, the Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s most visited attraction and with thousands of visitors every day, queues are long (timed-tickets available online). The entrance fee goes towards the cost of construction with a projected completion date of 2026 – the centenary of Gaudí’s death. The Nativity facade and the Crypt are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Address: Carrer de Mallorca 401,08013 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 932 080 414 Opening times: Basilica: Daily 09:00-20:00. Website: www.sagradafamilia.cat Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the artist and is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The museum itself is spread over five large town houses close to the Parc de la Ciutadella. The impressive permanent collection is devoted to the artist’s early work, including a large number of childhood sketches, paintings from the Blue Period (1901-1904) and the Pink Period (1907-1920), exhibition posters, ceramics and cubist works. There is a particular focus on the artist’s life-long links with Barcelona. There are also two exhibition spaces for temporary exhibitions. Address: Carrer Montcada 15-23, 08003 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 256 3000 Opening times: Tues-Sun 09:00-19:00 (to 21:30 Thu). Website: www.museupicasso.bcn.cat  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu)

The imposing architecture of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia) – known as La Seu, (‘seat’ in Catalan), dominates the city’s Gothic Quarter. It was named after Barcelona’s patron saint – Eulàlia – and built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of an earlier basilica. In what seems to be a theme with Barcelona’s religious buildings, it was not completed until the 20th century when the spire and facade were added. Highlights include the carved choir stalls, the Capella de Lepanto (Lepanto Chapel) and the tranquil cloisters containing a pond of 13 white geese. Take a lift to the rooftops for a panorama of Barcelona and beyond. Address: Plaça de la Seu, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 342 8262 Opening times: Mon-Sat 08:00-19:30. Website: www.catedralbcn.org  Admission Fees: No although a donation is requested for the afternoon hours (there is a charge for the roof, chapter house, choir and cloister museum). Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• La Pedrera – Casa Milà

Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera, is a masterpiece by Barcelona’s most famous artist, Antonio Gaudí. The undulating apartment block on the corner of Passeig de Gràcia is an intriguing architectural marvel. The roof terrace is made of a series of sentry-like chimneys and offers an excellent view across the city. The loft space of Casa Milá houses a museum, Espai Gaudí, dedicated to the architect and one of the apartments is open to view – furnished in the style of the early 20th century. Address: Passeig de Gràcia 92, 08008 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 932 142 576 Opening times: Daily 09:00-20:30. Website: www.lapedrera.com  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

Santa Maria del Mar is counted among the most beautiful churches in Barcelona and is the only surviving church in the pure Catalan Gothic style. It was the place of worship for the shipwrights and merchants of medieval Barcelona – many of whom have tombs below the floor. It is located just to the northeast of the Barri Gòtic, at the heart of the fashionable La Ribera district. Of its many stained-glass windows, the window of the Ascension, in the chapel of Santa Maria, and the Lavabo in the chapel of Sant Rafael, as well as the great rose window are the most impressive. Address: Plaça de Santa Maria, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 310 2390 Opening times: Mon-Sun 09:00-20:00. Website: www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

The Palau Nacional on Montjuïc – built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition – houses the National Museum of Catalonian Art, which boasts a stunning collection of gothic, Romanesque and medieval treasures and religious artefacts. The museum also displays the collections of the Museu D’Art Modern and has several Catalan art works from the Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza collection. It regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and has a library and archive of art publications that is open to the public. The most impressive approach to the Palace is up Avinguda de La Reina Maria Cristina, from Plaça Espanya – the avenue is lined with fountains that are floodlit by night. Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Palau Nacional, 08038 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 622 0360 Opening times: Tues-Sat 10:00-20:00. Website: www.museunacional.cat Admission Fees: Yes (free first Sunday of every month and Saturdays from 15:00). Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Joan Miró Foundation

Located on Montjüic, the Joan Miró Foundation is one of the most innovative galleries in the city. Dedicated to the life and works of this Catalan artist – Miró was born in Barcelona – the major part of the collection was donated by Joan Miró himself. The world’s most complete collection of works by Miró can be found at the Foundation with the permanent collection consisting of over 14,000 pieces of his paintings, graphics and sculptures. A programme of temporary exhibitions displays work of other artists from historical avant-garde to the latest trends in today’s art. Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 443 9470 Opening times: Daily 10:00-20:00, Mon Closed. Website: www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• FC Barcelona Museum and Nou Camp

The Nou Camp Stadium is home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s legendary football clubs and the largest stadium in Europe. A visit starts with the changing rooms then moves on to the tunnel, dugouts, down to the pitch and the managerial bench area, the TV studio, and directors’ area, culminating with a panoramic view of the entire facility. The FC Barcelona museum tells the history of the club and displays its numerous trophies as well as having one of the best private collections of football memorabilia in the world. The impressive multimedia zone lets you relive some of the club’s greatest moments. Address: Carrer Arístides Maillol, 08028 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 902 189 900 Opening times: Daily 10:00-18:00. Website: www.fcbarcelona.com  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Looking rather incongruous in the down-at-heel surroundings of the Raval district, to the west of La Rambla, Barcelona’s brilliant-white Museum of Contemporary Arts was at the forefront of efforts to regenerate this traditionally seedy area of the city when it opened in 1995. It houses a permanent collection of post-1940s international art, as well as various temporary exhibitions. Address: Plaça del Angels 1, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 481 3368 Opening times: Daily 11:00-19:30, Tues Closed. Website: www.macba.cat  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Barcelona Turisme

Address: Pl. de Catalunya, 17, L’Eixample, 08002 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 932 853 832 Opening times: Daily 08:30-20:30. Website: www.barcelonaturisme.com Other information desks can be found at the airport, Central-Sants station, Plaça Sant Jaume, Montseny, the Rambla, the Cathedral, Mirador de Colom, and at the cruise terminal.

Tourist passes

The Barcelona Card offers free admission to some of the city’s major museums and discounts off others as well as free public transport and discounts at some shops and restaurants. It is available for two, three, four or five days, and can be purchased from the main tourist offices at Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Sant Jaume and the airport. The ArticketBCN: is valid for three months and gives admission to: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), Fundació Joan Miró, Museu d’Art Contemporani of Barcelona (MACBA), Fundació Undació Antoni Tàpies, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and Museu Picasso.  Website: www.articketbcn.org It is available from any of the six attractions, branches of Caixa Catalunya and travel agencies. The Arqueoticket offers entry to Barcelona’s four most important archaeological museums in Barcelona including the Museu d’Aqueologia de Catalunya. It is valid for one year and is available at any of the four museums. Passes can be purchased online from Website: www.barcelonaturisme.com

Things to do in Barcelona

• Become a mosaic master

Mosaic is synonymous with Barcelona (almost) as much as football, with both Gaudí and Picasso famously excelling in the art form. At Mosaiccos: they’ll teach you how to create multi-coloured patterns out of tile or glass like the best of them. You can choose either one or two hour sessions, and obviously you will be able to take your masterpiece home. Telephone: +34 93 295 57 17 Website: www.mosaiccos.com

• Create your own Cava

An hour outside Barcelona, the Penedes wine region is generally considered the country’s best wine-producing location after Rioja. A tour by Barcelona Life: will take you around the vineyards and cellars (with lots of sampling going on) and then let you get involved in making your own cava, the country’s version of champagne. Website: www.barcelona-life.com

• Eat all the food in La Boqueria

Like London’s Borough Market, the reputation of La Boqueria: as a gastronome’s mecca both precedes it and is well deserved. Telephone: +34 93 318 25 84 Website: www.boqueria.info Whether you’re looking to browse the myriad stalls or find a seat at one of the many restaurants inside, anyone who’s into their food won’t want to leave.

• Explore the Gothic Quarter

The narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic contains an exemplary collection of gothic buildings from Catalonia’s Golden Age in the 14th and 15th centuries as well as Roman ruins, squares and restaurants. Plaça Sant Jaume is the epicentre of the city’s political life, overlooked by the Renaissance-style Palau de la Generalitat (location of the Catalan government) and the Ajuntament (city hall). Nearby, the Palau Real on Plaça del Rei houses the History Museum of Barcelona, Museu d’Història de la Ciutat. The museum admission fee allows access to the cellar and other beautiful medieval buildings.

• Lose an afternoon in El Raval

Despite its relatively central location, just to the right of Las Ramblas, the El Raval district has managed to retain its vibrant and sometimes seedy identity. Check out the street art daubed across shop shutters on Rambla del Raval or have a beer in Bar Marsella: where Picasso and Hemingway were said to have done some of their best drinking. Telephone: +34 93 442 72 63

Barcelona tours and excursions

Barcelona tours

• Walking tours

The Barcelona Tourist Office runs four walking tours that circle around various themes, such as gourmet, gothic and Picasso. One interesting walk worth checking out is ‘La Ruta del Modernisme’, which takes you through the works of world-famous architects who made Barcelona the world capital of Modernisme. Several sites on this self-guided walking tour are not usually open to the general public. Telephone: +34 93 317 7652 , +34 93 285 3834 Website: www.rutadelmodernisme.com

• Boat tours

Las Golondrinas offer several boat trips around the harbour and along the coast. These depart daily from Port Olímpic. A round trip around the harbour takes approximately 35 minutes, while catamaran trips along the coasts last 1 hour 30minutes. Energetic visitors can opt for a one-way ticket and walk the 4km (2 miles) back to Barceloneta from the breakwater. Telephone: +34 934 423 106 Website: www.lasgolondrinas.com

Barcelona excursions

• Figueres and Girona

Two hours away from Barcelona are the medieval cities of Figueres and Girona. You can easily combine them in a day trip, with trains from Barcelona serving both cities on one route. As the birthplace of world-renowned artist Salvador Dali, Figueres is home to the impressive Dalí Theatre and Museum. Designed by Dalí himself in 1960, it now houses the world’s most extensive collection of Dalí’s artwork, as well as his remains. Enroute back to Barcelona, take a few hours to wander around Girona’s medieval fortified walls, linger by its river’s edge or visit the town’s two gothic cathedrals and the old Jewish quarter. Telephone: +34 97 241 9010 Website: www.girona.cat

• Montserrat

Poised 1,219m (4,000ft) above the outskirts of Barcelona, the Montserrat Monastery has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries. Numerous miracles have supposedly happened here, centred on the icon of La Moreneta (Black Virgin). There are numerous hermitages and caves tucked within the mountains, which can be reached on foot via a network of hiking paths. The Montserrat Museum features paintings by masters such as El Greco, Caravaggio and Picasso. Located 60km (37 miles) to the northwest of Barcelona, Montserrat can be reached on FCC trains departing hourly from Espanya station. The scenic view along the cable car up to the mountaintop monastery itself is worth the journey.

Shopping in Barcelona

Shopping is one of Barcelona’s greatest attractions, with a bountiful 5km (3 miles) shopping strip, stretching all the way from the water’s edge at Port Vell to Diagonal.

• Key areas

La Rambla has the usual selection of souvenir stalls while Barri Gòtic offer a quirkier, if more expensive, shops. For local style, try Barcelona’s designer boutiques along Avinguda Diagonal.

• Markets

Barcelona’s main food market, La Boqueria, off Rambla Sant Josep, is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona thanks to its colourful myriad of fresh produce and local fare. Other food markets include Concepció along Carrer Aragó and the Gastronomic Fair at Plaça del Pi. For antiques and curios, visit the flea market called Els Encants market on Plaça de les Glories Catalanes, the largest of its kind in Europe (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 0700-1800). The Mercat Gòtic de Antiguitats (Thursday 0900-2000 except August) outside La Seu in the Plaça Nova sells antiques and collectible objects.

• Shopping centres

International chains, designer shops and modern department stores can be found in the area around Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia and along Avinguda Diagonal. The most famous shop in the city is El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya – part of a national chain, considered to be Spain’s leading department stores.

• Opening hours

Standard shopping hours in Barcelona are Monday to Saturday 09:00-20:30, with many of them closed for lunch 13:30-17:00. Large department stores do not generally close for lunch. Shopping malls also stay open throughout the day and the Mare Magnum is also open on Sundays.

• Souvenirs

Barcelona has football related souvenirs available from the Nou Camp Stadium shop, while Gaudí-inspired gifts can be bought from the Association Gaudí showroom, Vilassar de Mar. Poble Espanyol, Montjuïc sells ceramics and craft gifts from around Spain including Catalunya.

• Tax information

IVA (value added tax) of 21% is charged on most goods and services in Spain. Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport, on goods worth €90 or more.

Restaurants in Barcelona

Although the majority of Barcelona’s restaurants serve up traditional Catalan dishes, many have been updated with a contemporary twist. There is not much of an appetite amongst locals for international cuisine, with the notable exception of Japanese food. However, from Michelin starred restaurants to neighboured tapas bars, there is something for all tastes and pockets. The Barcelona restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €60) Moderate (€20 to €60) Cheap (up to €20) These Barcelona restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent. Spanish VAT (IVA) of 10% is included in all menu prices, 5% of tipping is customary.

Expensive

• Alkimia

Cuisine: Modern Catalan Alkimia is one of Barcelona’s best modern restaurants, thanks to the creative cuisine of audacious young chef Jordi Vilà, whose avant-garde twist on traditional Catalan cooking has gained him a Michelin star. Signature dishes include guinea-fowl terrine with pistachio and green apple guacamole and steak tartare served with olive-oil ice cream. With only 6 tables seating a maximum of 18 people, booking is essential (there’s also a private dining room seating 60). Address: Ronda de Sant Antoni 41, Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 207 6115 Website: www.alkimia.cat

• Botafumeiro

Cuisine: Open since 1975, Botafumeiro is something of an institution in Barcelona, with an old-world formal dining room and waiters wearing starched white jackets. Specializing in Galician seafood, the menu includes live clams or spider crab pie to start, and fresh lobster, rice dishes and seasonal wild fish for mains. There’s also a selection of meat dishes and a good wine list. The restaurant is open all day, too. Address: Carrer Gran de Gràcia 81, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 218 4230 Website: www.botafumeiro.es

• Cinc Sentits

Cuisine: Catalan fusion With one Michelin-star, this swanky restaurant in Eixample has been creating quite a buzz on the Barcelona restaurant scene. It offers a choice of a four- or six-course tasting menu – with inventive dishes using locally sourced Catalan products. Chef Jordi Artal creates elaborate contemporary Catalan dishes with influences from all around the world with dishes such as pa amb tomàquet, tomato sorbet and wild sole with grilled scallion, sweet potato and roasted salsafy. Address: Carrer Aribau 58, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 323 9490 Website: www.cincsentits.com

Moderate

• 7 Portes

Cuisine: Traditional Catalan The building housing 7 Portes is a national monument and has the distinction of forming the backdrop to the first photograph ever taken in Spain, in 1840. Past diners have included kings, politicians and an array of famous names from Alexander Fleming to Ava Gardner. The large dining room is traditionally Catalan, as are the individually decorated private rooms seating two to 80 diners. Its old-world charm and legendary paella, zarzuela (fish stew) and fidueà (seafood and spaghettini) maintain its status as one of Barcelona’s favourite restaurants. Address: Passeig Isabel II 14, 08003 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 319 3033 Website: www.7portes.com

• Cantina Machito

Cuisine: Mexican Despite the kitsh decor, the restaurant serves up cheap, authentic and surprisingly tasty Mexican fare. Many of the ingredients are imported from Mexico and lovingly prepared by the Mexican-born chef. Typical Mexican items such as margaritas, tacos and guacamole make an appearance, as do unusual puddings such as lime and tequila mousse. Address: C/ de Torrijos, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 217 3414 Website: www.laantiguademexico.com

• Kynoto

Cuisine: Japanese, Mediterranean With its orange décor, low seating and soft lighting, Kynoto Sushi Bar is a warm and cosy space that serves excellent sushi. Try their special – Kynoto Moriawase – an assortment of sushi and sashimi. With only six tables, booking for the restaurant is essential but they also have three bars where you can order sushi with your drink. Address: Carrer del Correu Vell, 8, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 932 68 2540 Website: www.kynoto.com

Cheap

• Elisabets

Cuisine: Catalan Lively, loud and well-loved, this Barcelona institution is popular with students and a steady crowd of local workers. In addition to tapas and pizzas, they offer generous portions of homemade Catalan dishes such as patatas rabiatas – fried potato with a spicy bolognese sauce and pimientos de Padrón – scotch bonnet peppers. Wash it down with a jug of beer in this central, cheap and cheerful neighbourhood restaurant. Address: Carrer de les Ramelleres, 3, 08001 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 317 5826 Website: www.elisabets1962.com

• Euskal Etxea

Cuisine: Basque Situated in the Basque Cultural Centre, the atmospheric pintxo bar serves some of the best tapas in town, ranging from simple to the most intricate creations. The Basque restaurant starts serving tapas around noon, and again around 1900 – get there early to avoid disappointment. Its specialties include chicken tempura with saffron mayonnaise and melted provolone with mango and crispy ham. Address: Placeta Montcada 1-3, 08003 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 310 2185 Website: www.euskaletxea.cat 

• Les Quinze Nits

Cuisine: Catalan, Mediterranean A Barcelona institution, Les Quinze Nits is the jewel in chain of Barcelona restaurants that is branching out through Spain. Les Quinze Nits is master of the cheap-but-chic concept offering tasty local food at low prices in a great setting. At lunch and dinnertime the restaurant is bursting at its seams, with long queue of patrons – there are no reservations – snaking through Plaça Reial. The hectic atmosphere here can be overwhelming so don’t expect to while your day away here. If you’re a budget traveller looking to sample local foods then this is the place to go. Address: Plaça Reial 6, 08002 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 317 3075 Website: www.lesquinzenits.com

Barcelona Nightlife

Barcelona is one of Europe’s best places to party with the city picking-up its rhythm after midnight and partying till dawn. For dedicated party animals, a seven-day BarcelonaNightCard ( Website: www.barcelonaturisme.com ) offers free entry until 2am to 19 of the city’s top clubs. Each neighbourhood has a distinctive character – head to the Born for elegant, designer bars or to Raval for a more traditional vibe. The glitziest nightspots are at the stylish Port Olímpic or Port Vell, where the Maremagnum shopping complex transforms into a nefarious collage of cafés, bars and nightclubs. This area also plays hosts to several bars modernos themed with designer décor. More intimate venues can be found in the Gothic Quarter and are popular with locals and tourists alike. Barcelona Website: www.seebarcelona.com Guía del Ocio booklet Website: www.guiadelociobcn.es Both provide nightlife listings and are available from newsagents and newspaper stands. Caixa Catalunya runs the central ticket agency and has numerous ticket collection points throughout the city. Website: www.ticketea.com

Bars in Barcelona

• Sense Nom

Sense Nom is lounge bar with a bohemian atmosphere that is sandwiched between Barcelona’s gay district and upmarket Eixample. In the early evening it serves burgers, beers and premium gins and caters to the after-work crowd, but as the night wears on, it starts to live up to its name with DJs taking over the basement and people hitting the dancefloor. Address: c/ Muntaner 7, 08011 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 627 485 037 Website: www.restaurantsensenom.es

• El Quatre Gats

One of the most famous artists’ hangouts in Barcelona is El Quatre Gats was inspired by the famous Le Chat Noir in Paris It is a classic bar decked out in antique paintings with teak wood frames, wrought iron chandeliers and a vintage bar. It has a good range of beer and live music from 2100. The original menu, designed by Picasso, is on show in the Museu Picasso. Address: Carrer de Montsió, 3, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 302 4140 Website: www.4gats.com

• Monk Barcelona

It’s not the easiest place to find, but when you do it is well worth it! it’s called Monk in Barcelona. you head through this shop, through a secret door, through a mirrored hallway, and then you end up in this. Address: Carrer dels Abaixadors, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona Website: www.monkbarcelona.com

Clubs in Barcelona

• Les Enfants Club

The longest running nightclub in Barcelona first opened its doors in 1963 and is still going strong. There are two dancefloors, one with a mixture of disco and 1960s soul, the other a playing indie, pop and rock. Without the pretentions of some of the other Barcelona clubs, it attracts a friendly crowd there to enjoy themselves rather than be seen. Address: Carrer Guardia 3, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 67 754 3622 Website: www.discoenfants.com 

• Marula Cafe

Those after something other than techno will find it in this intimate club in the Gothic Quarter, which plays funk, soul and latin – but sometimes rock, pop and jazz as well. Two bars are separated by a small dance floor. Address: Barrio Gotic, Carrer dels Escudellers 49, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 933 187 690 Website: www.marulacafe.com

• Moog

The split-level Moog club, in the Chinese Quarter, offers the best of European techno and electro music and also hosts big international DJs. If you’re looking for something original, head upstairs for some indie retro pop numbers. Located right in the centre of Barcelona, Moog is small but extremely popular. What’s more: it’s open from midnight till dawn, 365 days a year. Address: de l’Arc del Teatre, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 319 1789 Website: www.moogbarcelona.com

Live music in Barcelona

• Centre Artesà Tradicionarius (CAT)

For cultural performances, the Centre Artesà Tradicionarius offers traditional folk music from Catalonia, Spain and the rest of Europe. With a spacious, comfortable theatre, the centre hosts music concerts in the evenings. Here, you can expect to find regular harmonica, orchestra band and drum performances. Address: Travessera de Sant Antoni 6-8, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 218 4485 Website: www.tradicionarius.com 

• Jamboree / Los Tarantos

Every night, the cavernous Jamboree hosts jazz and Latin and blues. On Mondays, the outrageously popular WTF vocal jam session is crammed with a young local crowd. Upstairs, slicker sister venue Los Tarantos stages flamenco performances and from midnight onwards connects with Jamboree to become one big nightclub playing Latin or funk sounds. Address: Plaça Reial 17, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 319 1789 Website: www.masimas.com

• Sala Apolo

Known for its forward-thinking music policy, this club pulls in a reliable crowd almost every night of the week. Live music gigs – pop, rock, folk etc – take place until midnight, after which DJs – electronica and techno – take the helm. Address: Nou de la Rambla 113, Barcelona. Telephone: +34 93 441 4001 Website: www.sala-apolo.com

Barcelona Food And Drink

Food In Barcelona

• Fideua

Fideuà is essentially paella made with pasta instead of rice. Like paella it should be cooked in a big paella pan so if you’re cooking for large numbers it’s almost impossible to cook paella in an average kitchen because of the size of the pan.

• Escalivada

Escalivada is a traditional Catalan dish made with peppers, aubergines and onions. The name escalivada comes from the Catalan verb escalivar, meaning to cook slowly in ashes for a char-grilled result. However, this recipe uses the more common method of oven roasting the vegetables.

• Escudella d’Olla

Escudella amb carn d’olla (with meat from the saucepan), which is typical at Christmas, contains a pilota, a mixture of minced meat, egg, garlic, parsley, salt and peppers made into a big meatball which is cut into slices for serving.

• Arròs negre

The arròs negre, also known as black rice, is a typical dish of Catalonia. It is made with rice, whitebait, and cuttlefish or squid. As a complement, other seafood such as shrimp or prawns are added.

• Mandonguilles amb sípia

Mandonguilles amb sípia is a dish that will please those who love both meat and seafood equally. This dish combines small pork meatballs, mandonguilles, with tender cuttlefish, sípia, in a savory sauce with peas. Another strange pairing, meatballs and cuttlefish feature the best of Catalonia, both the sea and land.

• Botifarra amb mongetes

Botifarra amb mongetes is a classic Catalan dish of sausage with white beans – though they are a particular kind of bean that is quite long and cylindrical.

• Bombas

Bombas are a deep-fried mix of mashed potato and minced meat in the shape of a bomb (those round ones you know from cartoons), topped with alioli (a Mediterranean garlic and olive oil mayonnaise) and a spicy sauce, which may include cayenne as well as tabasco.

Drink In Barcelona

• Cava

Also known as Spanish wine, Cava is often the drink of choice for locals in Barcelona. You’ll find all kinds of establishments selling Cava, and you can even get it relatively cheap.

• Quintos and Medianas

Quinto means “fifth”, which explains the 20 cl bottles known as quintos. Small bottles stay cold, which is why they’re a popular choice at neighborhood bars. Medianas weigh in at 33cl, making them more susceptible to going warm on a hot Barcelona day.

• Vermouth

There are two main types of vermouth Spain is known to drink: sweet vermouth and dry vermouth. The sweet version is also known as red vermouth and is traditionally made from a base of red or white wine which has been infused with botanicals such as cinnamon or vanilla.

• Cava Sangria

In a large bowl, mix the orange liqueur, vodka, white vermouth and sugar. Pour in the fanta orange and the bottle of cava and mix well. Add the orange quarters, squeezing the juice out, followed by the melon balls, the lime slices and the whole raspberries. Add plenty of ice and mix well.

• Anise

Anís del Mono It is made with anise grain of the best quality, picked rigorously, and it also contains chemically pure water, sugar syrup (refined and filtered) and alcohol.

• Jerez Cocktail

Jerez Cocktail – The Sherry is the main star of the beverage, but it’s usually complemented with notes of peach brandy or other fruity beverages.

• Orujo

Many establishments make their own Orujo in numerous different ways, although they will typically involve sugar, lemon, and coffee. Many Orujo use brandy as a base, and many of them can be quite strong. Orujo is very popular in Spain, with locals and tourists alike.

• Clara

A Clara con limón is one part Spanish beer and another part lemon soda. In this beer recipe, we simply mix Spanish beer with lemonade.

One of Europe’s most enchanting cities, artsy Barcelona is brilliant to explore on foot — and that’s why we think it’s so important to consider carefully when it comes your choice of hotel. A city brimming with things to see and do, Barcelona also plays host to a fascinating array of arts, music theatre and food festivals throughout the year. Expect pop-up exhibitions, film screenings and food-focused events in the town’s parks, bustling streets and trendy neighbourhoods. It goes almost without saying that no visit to Barcelona is complete without glimpsing Gaudí’s spectacular Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell, Jean Nouvel’s imposing Torre Agbar or the grand edifices of the Plaça de Catalunya. The city’s architectural and museum scene, however, is ever-evolving, so you’re sure to see something new each time you’re in town. You’ll also find a burgeoning array of sensational spots to eat and drink all across the city. Barcelona’s long, warm evenings lend themselves to convivial dinners in glittering squares, sharing tables at tiny eateries or dining in style at Michelin-starred restaurants before heading out on the town. A popular year-round destination, the best places to stay in Barcelona fill up fast — book your trip well in advance!