( travel )

11.11.23

Destination / Barcelona

I compiled our Stay, Eats, and Do's of Barcelona. I have kept a long list of just about all the things we have done here so far, and I whittled down my list down to a few favorites. Stay -  There are lot of great hotels in BCN. These are a few boutique spots I like. Eat - BCN is known for its food. Shortening this list was tough.  Do - Try for a couple of these on your visit.
Destination / Barcelona


STAY / 


The Alma 
The Cotton House
Casa Bonay


EAT / 


BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

La Papa
Cute spot with great coffee.
Known for the picture worthy Avocado Toast.
They had me at the Pistachio latte. 

Lady Babka
It will be hard to decide what pastry to order here.
They are all almost too pretty to eat. 

Bohl 
Wholesome and healthy spot with beautiful decor.
Think Acai bowls, Chia seed puddings, and fresh juices. 

Funky Bakers
A great restaurant if you have time to sit
or a cute takeaway retail next door if you are in a hurry. 

Citizen Cafe
My kids can attest that the pancakes are amazing
and I can get you the Pastrami sandwich
and Pastrami eggs benedict are definitely worth an order. 

Gringa 
A little taste of America in Spain.
Think chicken and waffles and possibly the best breakfast burrito you will ever have. Get there early unless you want to wait in line. 

Brunells 
Delicious pastries to grab while walking the old city. 

LUNCH


El National 
A food hall with a taste of Spain in each restaurant.
A must visit. 

Tapeo 
With multiple locations,
there are a few to choose from.
Delicious Tapas.


Vinitus
First come, first serve, this place is always crowded. 
Three words come to mind - Chic, Tapas, Sangria.


And for those on the go, grab a Boccadillo (a simple, and famous, sandwich on a baguette) at any cafe or tapas bar. Sometimes you don’t have time for a sit down lunch while exploring. 

COCKTAILS


Sips 
Admittedly, we have not been, but this just got voted the best bar in the world, so be prepared for amazing cocktails and a long line. 

Paradiso 
Voted in 2022 as the best cocktail bar in the world. Again, worth the line just to say you have been.


DINNER


Disfrutar 
Maybe the hardest reservation to get in BCN. We are going in a week and I landed that reservation in the summer. Considered the No. 2 Restaurant in the world at the moment, the anticipation...
Come
As Texans, we know Mexican food. We were skeptical to try, it was worth the hype. Some of the best mexican food I have ever had. 

Bronzo
Great pizza and pasta. In the old section of the city, so the ambiance makes for a fun night. 

Albe 
Delicious modern Lebanese food and delicious cocktails to match. 

Tragaluz 
on a hidden little street, you can find Traguluz. Beautiful restaurant and great food. 

Mr. Porter
Swanky steak house with a fun scene. 

Rare
A little taste of home. The best burger in BCN, IMO. 


DO / 


Sagrada Familia 
considered Gaudi’s masterpiece, it is a must do. Still under construction, it is a sight to behold. 

Picasso Museum

Picasso was from Spain, so this is a can't miss.

Arc de Triomf 
A fun stroll. There are always people singing and performing on the street. 

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
A must do for anyone into architecture

Park Güell

One of Gaudi's famous works and a beautiful view of the city. Pro tip, wear walking shoes. 

Stroll along the beach
As a coastal city on the Mediterranean, a beach walk is always nice. 

Stroll El Born
Narrow, medieval streets filled with nice shops, restaurants, bars, and roman ruins. 

Day trip to Costa Brava
A little over an hour north with beautiful coastlines and scenic Mediterranean beaches. Lunch at Mooma to round out a great day.

Visit a Food Market
Stroll and sample things from different stalls. Mercado de La Boqueria is the most famous