Discovering Barcelona
Are you passing through the Catalan capital and want to discover Barcelona? Here are my recommendations to prepare your trip and to help you discovering the city of Barcelona.
In this article, we’ll leave a little aside our skateboard. For those who still have doubts, no, skateboarding is not only tricks, broken legs, Tony Hawk or competition. It’s also about meeting new people, discovering your city and opening your eyes to the world around you. For the lucky ones, it is also travelling to new countries, new continents… and of course, meeting new cultures.
Local gastronomy
What better way to start this introspection than to present the Art of the Table of the Country.
Feeling a little peckish?
Paella? Tapas? Pinchos ? Patatas Bavas ? Jamón ? Churros ? Turrón ? Crema catalana? A set of light meals to keep your body in shape…
Most of us may have already had the opportunity to try the paella or tapas. In areas such as “Las Ramblas“, prices may be a little higher on average. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t stop there, just that you will mainly pay for the location and place, rather than for the quality of the food. A good paella turns on average around 20 €uros per person. An example of a reputable restaurant: the Dentelière
Dare the churros con chocolate! So famous that the business place has its own name, the “churrería”. An address that comes up often, the churrería J. Argiles.
I would now like to talk to you a little more about pinchos, because this is a type of restaurant that we do not know in France.
“Carrer de Blai, the Pinchos Street! But what are Pinchos? A small slice of bread on which a portion of food is placed, usually fixed with a toothpick (pincho in Spanish). It’s almost obligatory for my family and friends who always ask for their dose. Very good atmosphere, but the restaurants are quickly taken over. Be patient to get a table or try to be there early, around 7pm. Two of my favorites: Tasqueta de Blai for the wide choice and the atmosphere. And Blai 9 for the slightly more elaborate pinchos.
Don’t worry, there are also other specialties that are a little lighter for our stomachs. The pan con tomate (tomato crushed on a loaf of bread, with a little oil and salt). The escalivada, a starter made with peppers, onions and aubergines. And, if you are in Barcelona around the end of January, then you will have the opportunity to taste the Calçotada. One of the most traditional food in Catalonia (calçot is a vegetable between leek and onion).
And for meat eaters, the Botifarra, a Catalan sausage with white beans. The Fouet, a small dry and fine sausage, perfect for aperitifs. And the Bellota ham, or the Pata negra, the elite of hams.
Thirsty?
Missed again for the diet… how to resist a good cold beer, Mortiz or Estrella to stay local. Do you prefer wine? Then we order a Jarra de Sangría por favor!
As for the bars, there are too many of them not to stop for a moment… especially during hot season. Of course, here again the prices will depend a bit on the area. The half-pint of beer can vary between approximately 1,70€ and 4€. Treat yourself and have a copa de vino at one of the many rooftops in the city such as the Skybar Barcelona.
You are a big group and looking for large tables? My advice for a young, rustic and unusual bar: the ovella negra. In the Universitat area you will find many student bars, including Espit Chupitos with more than 600 different shots.
Discover the Nevermind bar, right next to the Macba, a must-see spot for skaters and rock n roll fans.
For fans of Spanish poetry/theatre, a nice bar: Tinta Roja in the Poble sec district.
Café Ethiopia, a super quiet bar in African style, hidden at the end of a small alley in the Born district.
The main districts
In Barcelona, each district has its own identity. It is difficult to mention each of them in the same article, but I will try to guide you to the fundamentals.
The Gothic
First of all, let’s start with the unmissable Gothic Quarter. And how can we approach the subject without mentioning its magnificent cathedral of Santa Creu/Santa Eulalia. When you visit the cloister, you will then discover the legend of the 13 geese it shelters. Just behind the cathedral, I recommend you to make a stop at the museum of the history of Barcelona. Once out of the museum, you will have a much better view of the development of “Barcino” over the centuries.
Afterwards, walk through the narrow streets to the Plaça San Jaume, where Barcelona City Council and the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Palace of the Generalitat de Catalunya) are located. On the way, look up to the sky to see the different buildings and especially the ornaments of the Bisbe Bridge. Finally, before reaching the ramblas, a stop on the magnificent Plaça Reial is a must.
The Raval
If you follow this route, you are now on las Ramblas, the passage that connects Plaça Catalunya with the port and the statue of Christopher Columbus. Once you have crossed the rambla, welcome to the Raval. It is a very cosmopolitan district, where almost 50% of its inhabitants are of foreign origin. On the edge of the ramblas is the famous Boquería market, the oldest covered market in Barcelona, where you will be conquered by all the Catalan gastronomy. Just next door, the splendid Güell Palace designed by Gaudi.
Finally, walking up the narrow streets, you will come across the Plaça dels Angels: the MACBA. This square is certainly the most famous skateboarding spot in the world. On this square, hundreds of skaters gather to share a session in front of the city’s museum of contemporary art. For cat lovers, go and take a picture next to the statue of the cat “El gato de Botero”. Also have fun counting the number of cats you can see in the “El jardinets dels gats” shelter.
The Born
Cross via Laietana on the right side of the Gothic Quarter and enter the Born. There you will find the splendid palace of Catalan music. The Saint Catherine’s market with its multicoloured ceramic roof, the centre of culture and memory, the church of Saint Mary of the Sea or the chocolate museum for the most gourmet. If you’ve crossed the Born, you’ll come across the Ciutadella Park. Built on the grounds of a former military fortress, this is the largest park in the city centre. Where people of Barcelona can enjoy long sunny afternoons lying on the grass. Be careful, the park is still home to a Mammoth… be careful. To the north of the park, an exit leads to the Lluís Companys passage and the Arc de Triomphe. To the south, but still inside the park, is the Barcelona Zoo.
The Eixample
This is the most modern part of the city centre. Here you will find the Plaça Catalunya, the Rambla Catalunya, the Passage de Gracia (showcase of the Barcelona bourgeoisie in the 19th century). But also two of the Gaudi’s houses, Casa Milá and Casa Battlo. Or the Barcelona bullring “plaza de toros Monumental“. Finally, how can we talk about Barcelona without thinking in the basilica of the Sagrada Familia. Although his work is still not finished, it is still as beautiful as ever. We hope to see the end of the work around the year 2026.
Gràcia
We continue our visit a little further north and here we are in Gràcia. The bohemian district of Barcelona. Full of life, but at the same time very quiet, we almost have the impression to have left Barcelona. There are many squares like the Plaça de la Revolució, the Plaça del Sol, the Plaça de la Virreina, or the Plaça de la vila de Gracia with its huge four-sided clock. Also discover the first house of the architect Gaudi: Casa Vicens.
Montjuïc
Let’s jump to the South of Barcelona. In fact, to Montjuïc, Barcelona’s guardian mountain. In the past, there used to be a watchtower at the top of this mountain, which was used to inform people of the arrival of boats in the city. Then, in the 17th century, a military fortress was built to protect the city from attacks. This is the castle that you may have already seen in the background of the city. To get there, you can take a funicular, a cable car, a taxi, but also the bus line 150. For the more sporty, put on your sneakers and admire the view. Montjuïc Castle offers a panoramic view, where you can observe the logistics platform or the sweep of the planes landing at Barcelona airport.
On the hill you will also find the Sant Jordi Palace and the Olympic Stadium (Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games). In the enclosure, you can also get closer to the huge white telecommunications antenna, the “Calatrava Tower“.
Poble-sec
At the foot of Montjuïc is the Poble Sec district, where there are many bars and restaurants. If you walk up the entire avenue Parralel, you will reach the huge roundabout that is the Plaza de España.
For an overall view, you can go to the top of the Arenas, which is actually an old arena converted into a shopping centre (because if you didn’t know that, Barcelona is against bullfighting). Tip: you have to pay for access from outside with the elevator, but you can go up for free from inside with the escalators. Once at the top, you will see many monuments with a 360 degree panoramic view. In front of you, you will see the Venetian towers, the magic fountain, and the magnificent National Art Museum of Catalonia, which for me is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. If you plan to visit the museum properly, allow several hours. Indeed, there are many works of art inside…
If you stay in Barcelona for a while, I’m sure you’ll want to discover other areas. For football fans, Les Corts district where the Camp Nou is located. Pedralbes with its beautiful monastery, a very relaxing place. Sarriá-Sant Gervasi, one of the most luxurious areas of the city. The Carmel and its steep slopes… La Barceloneta with the Hotel Vela and its overflowing beach in summer, or Vila olimpica and its Olympic port.
Tourisme and outings
How to discover Barcelona without missing out on its main tourist activities? Well, to start I share a good plan with you, many museums are free on Sundays from 3pm. You will find this list here.
The classics
I imagine that you will have already booked your tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia, and that you will certainly have planned a trip to Güell Park. Two of the most visited places in Barcelona. About the Güell Park, the part of the mosaic benches, the lizard and the hypostyle room are now paying. So if you want to relive the scene from the “L’auberge espagnole” movie, don’t forget to reserve your entrance. And if you still don’t have your tickets for the Sagrada Familia, it’s here.
If you have time, the Sant Pau Hospital is really worth a look. It’s a new kind of XXth century architectural ensemble. You’ll learn a lot about life in the old days. The visit is interesting and lasts approximately 1h30.
Gaudi’s houses, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá, a most peculiar architecture, as spectacular outside as inside. To save time you can also book online. Moreover, the price is usually cheaper with this type of booking. In the same style, I also recommend the Palacio Güell, which is a little more accessible in terms of budget.
Las ramblas, the place to discover mimes and street artists far too talented. After spending several minutes contemplating the artists, you can resume your walk, with a short stop at the Liceu theatre. Without forgetting the boquería market to buy a turrón vicens (nougat), or good fresh fruit. At the end of the Ramblas, you reach the statue of Christopher Columbus, the port, and a shopping centre the Maremagnum.
If you want to take some altitude, then go to Tibidabo. Also known as the magic mountain, it is located in the Collserola nature reserve. As well as being on the highest hill in Barcelona and giving you this incredible view of the whole city, there is also an amusement park for the youngest ones at the foot of its basilica!
Museums:
There are many museums in the city, I won’t go into detail about them all in this article, but here are just a few of many: the Barcelona History Museum, the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Macba), the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Wax Museum, the Chocolate Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, the Museum of Eroticism, the Maritime Museum, the Natural Science Museum, the Music Museum…
More unusual:
Can you find your way out of Horta’s labyrinth? One of the oldest gardens in Barcelona with a magical atmosphere that will please children and parents alike.
The Bunkers, located on the Turó de la Rovira, were built during the Spanish Civil War between 1936-1939, and used as an anti-aircraft battery to defend the city from bombing. Today it is one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Barcelona. It is quite difficult to park your car, but the bus line 24 should be able to take you there without any problem.
For the adventurous, there are also several underground visits, such as the anti-aircraft shelter in the Plaça del Diamond. Or the tunnel of the water house.
On the other side of Montjuïc, on the more hidden side of the hill, the Montjuïc cemetery. A huge cemetery of more or less 56 hectares, with some graves that are true masterpieces. Many of the most famous families who wrote Barcelona’s history are buried here.
Who doesn’t like cactus? Still on the hill of Montjuïc, take a stroll through the exotic garden of Mossén Costa i Llobera, a true haven of peace.
A few minutes from Barcelona, the Colonia Guëll, a surprising place. It is a workers’ city, with its own factory and a magnificent crypt. You can move freely around the city to discover the different buildings, but to enter the crypt you will need an entrance. Right next to the settlement, at the parking level, you can certainly see a tower. Venture quickly through the fields to discover the Torre Salvana, the devil’s castle!
About 50km from Barcelona, a majestic natural feature, the mountain of Montserrat and its monastery. Where you will be able to hike on many paths of different levels. There are also refuges on site for big expeditions. Keep your eyes open, you may come across the gaze of some of the four-legged inhabitants of the mountain.
Partying
If you’re here more to party and sunbathe on the beach, then you probably already know the Razzmatazz, the Apollo, the Pasha, the Opium or the OttoZutz…
And if you don’t have a precise program for your nights, all you have to do is walk a few minutes in the centre to be approached by party promoters and be offered the right plan for the day.
For the difficult tomorrows, instead of going to sip another piña colada on the Barceloneta, try to get away from the centre for example towards Badalona. You’ll find quieter and less crowded beaches.
Try to always keep an eye on your things when you go swimming…
Moving in Barcelone
As in all large cities, using your car to get around can be quite tricky. It is difficult to find a place in the street and private car parks are relatively expensive.
I can reassure you right away, the city’s public transport network is excellent! With 1 Zone 1 subway ticket, you will easily cross the whole city. Tickets can also be used in buses and trains! If you take a Zone 1, you will have the possibility to take the train to Badalona (North) or Castelldefels (South). The ticket can be used for connections during 1h15.
If you stay several days, take directly a 10 journeys card (available in machine in the metro stations). Attention, these tickets were previously non-nominative, but are since 2020 usable by only one person at a time. In itself, except for the airport metro which has a single rate of 4€50, you will easily cross the city for more or less 1€10.
For skaters, don’t hesitate to use the Barcelona spots map to quickly find the most mythical spots : Macba, Paralel… and use these few minutes more for your session!
Where to stay
Given the size of a city like Barcelona, the number of hotels per square kilometre is important. To book in advance I usually use Booking, and have never had any bad surprises until now. The prices are generally very competitive.
If you are alone, one of the cheaper options is the youth hostel. Again it depends on the season but you can find a place around 20€ per night. Discover Barcelona’s youth hostels.
Do you like skateboarding? Then I have something for you, a hostel with a mini ramp inside : Sant Jordi Hostel
If you are travelling in a group, then the most economical and comfortable option is Airbnb! You will have more freedom, the possibility to cook… Generally speaking, more privacy for you and your friends/family.
With this type of accommodation, I recommend that you book in advance as the apartments are quickly filled during the summer season.
If you come by car, and being located in the city centre is not your priority, why not find accommodation further up the coast? For example Badalona to stay very close, but be a little more quiet and find areas where you can park for free. Or Mataró, a little further away. In any case, you will always have the possibility to come back to Barcelona.
I hope I have provided you with enough information and made you want to discover Barcelona. I invite you to browse other blogs and archives of the city. Although my goal is to share my experience with you, we don’t all have the same desires and you may be looking for a different adventure.
For the curious ones, I leave you a link to a book that I use with my family to know new places that even the Barcelonians don’t know about:
I wish you all an excellent stay! Take advantage of every moment, every encounter and go home with your head full of memories.