How to enjoy the ultimate weekend break in Barcelona
Our digital writer Christina Geggus explores the Spanish city of sunshine, sangria and surrealism. Here’s her guide to what to see and do in 48-hours
Where to stay
Four-star Sercotel Rosellón, in the buzzy Eixample neighbourhood is just 200m from La Sagrada Familia , the incredible cathedral designed by surrealist architect Antoni Gaudí, which has taken 141 years to construct (and is still not finished!). Many of the double rooms (which start from £143 per night) boast great views of Gaudi's final masterpiece and the hotel's popular rooftop terrace has a 360degree panorama of the cathedral spires.
Must-see
La Sagrada Familia is a must and so engrained in the city's identity that locals refer to anything that takes a long time to do as being ‘un poco Sagrada Familia’. One of the most magical parts was seeing the sunlight streaming through the iconic stained glasswork at sunset.
If time allows, head to La Pedrera-Casa Milà too on a before hours tour with Get Your Guide. Originally designed to break the mass of straight-line architecture in Barcelona, this enchanting property was once one of the most-hated homes in the city. Now revered for its design, you can visit before the crowds arrive and see its stunning rooftop terrace with strangely curving chimneys, and watch people swarming along Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s busiest shopping streets, below. Casa Milà before-hours and terrace tour from £64.34pp.
Head to the beach
Not many European cities have beaches as beautiful as those in Barcelona. There are nine across Barcelona’s 4.5 kilometres of coastline and Sant Sebastià (near the W Hotel) is calmer than Barceloneta which is closer to the centre. You can also take a susent catamaran tour along Barcelona’s coast or view Barcelona from above on The Montjuïc cable car where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its magnificent coastline.
Markets
Barcelona’s most famous food market is La Boqueria just off the Ramblas but I also recommend doing a food tour (from £96 with GetYourGuide) of Mercat de Santa Caterina, a favourite with the locals. Blissfully tucked away, I enjoyed delicacies from each vendor. My favourite treats were Sarró de Cabra (Catalan cheese — think goat’s cheese but smoother) and acorn-fed Ibérico ham.
Other areas to explore
Head to trendy El Born for its narrow medieval streets with gorgeous artisan shops and cafes, away from all the crowds.
Where to eat
Bar Jai-Ca is a family run tapas restaurant in the fishing quarter of Barceloneta and the ideal lunch spot. From tasty Padron peppers to creamy Bombas (meaty style potato balls topped with Bravas sauce) and refreshing Spanish Vermouths (traditional aperitifs), this is every foodie’s heaven. If you love seafood, Pez Vela, is a gorgeous seaside restaurant serving delicious paella. But remember the Spanish eat a lot later than us; lunch is from 2-4pm and no-one goes out for dinner before 9pm. For something sweet, Granja Dulcinea in the Gothic Quarter serves divine chocolate churros, I loved the Crema Catalana; crème brûlée but with a delicious citrus flavour.
Nightlife
Barcelona is a city that comes alive when the sun sets, there’s always a buzz along pedestrianised La Rambla and on one of the sides streets I stopped off at a 'tablao' and enjoyed my first ever traditional Flamenco show. El Born and The Gothic Quarter are also great places to party the night away. Olé!
Feeling inspired?
GetYourGuide offer a range of unforgettable activities in Barcelona – my favourite being the exclusive 'Originals by GetYourGuide' experience of visiting La Sagrada Familia after-hours with only 10 other people to meet head organist Juan de la Rubia and hear him play. If you like the sound of this, click here to be in with a chance of winning an exclusive free tour of La Sagrada Familia for 4 August.
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