and Sant Joan Despí will open their doors to the public during the Night of the Museums 2025 ranging from guided tours to artistic performances Gaudi's well-known Casa Batlló will take part in the event for the first time this year The Night of the Museums (La Nit dels Museus) is an annual event designed to explore the cultural heritage of Barcelona and surrounding areas It offers free access to 95 museums and cultural spaces from 7:00pm to 1:00am.  the date coincides with International Museum Day a day established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums This year's edition will be one of the most extensive editions to date with new participants such as Casa Batlló the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona – The Greenhouse and the Museum of Mathematics of Catalonia (MMACA) Additionally, venues returning after not participating in 2024 include the Museum of Water the Museum of the History of Immigration of Catalonia (MhiC) All museum entries and scheduled activities during the Night of the Museums are completely free of charge and most don’t require prior registration Starting April 28, the event's official website will provide detailed information about the participating venues, activity schedules, and reservation links for activities that require advance booking.  Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Barcelona terrassa de The Hoxton Foto: The Hoxton The best rooftop bars in Barcelona for drinks with a view (updated 2025)With views like this it would be rude not to – here are our absolute faves Everything tastes better from above – whether it’s a spicy margarita or a simple croquette Sometimes rooftop spots offer a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle; other times they lift you skywards into a little bubble of comfort and indulgence If you’ve already explored some of Barcelona’s best restaurants it might be time to check out the city’s finest rooftop bars – perfect for slowing things down and savouring each sip It’s sort of a right of passage to chase the best views in the city whenever you can 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to nightlife in Barcelona Ricard Martin is the food and drink editor at Time Out Barcelona. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  Time Out Market Barcelona doesn’t just feature 14 of the best chefs in the city – you’ll find four fantastic bars too two of which are outdoors on the terrace with spectacular views over the city If the views from the Nobu Hotel and its Japanese restaurant are already some of the best in the city just imagine what they’re like from its rooftop bar Perched on the 25th floor right next to Sants Station it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama Do you need to be a hotel guest to enjoy it The stunning cityscape comes with a small but well-curated food menu and a much longer drinks list expect Japanese-inspired tapas (like Padrón peppers with miso) fresh bites (such as salmon tartare with tamari honey and hijiki seaweed) and sandwiches (like a yuzu miso cheese bikini with payoyo cheese) Time Out tip: Vertigo Sessions runs every Saturday from 7-11pm featuring live music with the city at your feet.  Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Monday to Sunday Coya is no ordinary hotel restaurant – it’s the ground-floor dining spot of the W Hotel and the 11th location worldwide for the Coya group And we’re talking full-on luxury: handcrafted wooden and leather furniture The food is Peruvian classics with an international twist Address: Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday 7.30pm-1am The Kimpton Vividora Hotel is what you’d call a boutique hotel – a discreetly luxurious five-star stay tucked away between Plaça Vila de Madrid and Carrer del Duc vintage-style façade gives little away but inside you’ll find 156 rooms and three different spots to eat and drink: the Fauna restaurant Let’s focus on the latter – perched on the seventh floor it offers panoramic 360-degree views and a top-notch food menu (all ideal for sharing – think croquettes Foto: Barceló RavalYou might have guessed this, but this bar has 360-degree views over the city. Found on the 11th floor, this is Barcelona like you’ve never seen it, with panoramic views at 40 metres high. It’s open daily from 12pm to 2am, and the cocktails are really fabulous. The best way to enjoy 360 is on the weekend when they run a (very reasonably priced) brunch on the rooftop: head up to the heavens Look out for Sercotel Rosellón’s terrace, which boasts jaw-dropping views of the Sagrada Familia, one of the world's most photographed monuments. This terrace is unsurprisingly one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, and beyond the basilica, the terrace offers panoramic 360° views of beautiful Barcelona.  Time Out tip: You’ll need a reservation for this one, and there’s sadly a bit of an extra fee for non-hotel guests. Address: Carrer del Rosselló, 390, 08025 Barcelona, Spain Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm-7.30pm Carlos GarralagaAs the name suggests, this spot is you're on the tenth floor of the Hotel Majestic with Barcelona at your feet and views stretching from Tibidabo to Montjuïc But that’s not the only thing that brings us back here again and again Time Out tip: Order the blinis with smoked salmon and the octopus with saffron potatoes and Pico de Gallo vinaigrette Foto: Hotel MonumentThe Monument Hotel doesn't have its name just for show: it’s located in Enric Batlló's house, an architectural gem from the 19th century, that's part of the Golden Square of L'Eixample. Its rooftop Verbana is an intimate and green space with a pool sofas and a chill out area and an extensive food menu with some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste Its especially famous for the bokata martintxo, a Galician beef steak sandwich with sardine cream and chips but there’s more traditional dishes on offer too like the oxtail ravioli with foie gras sauce.  Time Out tip: Head there at lunchtime on a weekday where you can get a Michelin-starred lunch for a really reasonable price Foto: Hotel PalaceIf you like a roof terrace with a bit of history, this is the place. El Palace was inspired by the romantic garden of the palace built by Francesc Cambó and the paintings of modernist artist Ramon Casas It’s basically a very beautiful rooftop garden boasting a pool and over fifty plant species and the perfect antidote to that flashy neon ‘luxury’ often associated with rooftop bars they put on a fantastic lineup of activities from outdoor movie nights (with all-you-can-eat popcorn) to yoga dance the evening away for no extra charge Whereas the view from this terrace may not be outstanding the kitchen’s crunchy chicken definitely is so make sure you don’t miss out on the culinary delights of Catalan and Spanish cuisine while delighting in this green oasis in the centre of Barcelona Many of Barcelona’s rooftops offer only limited views of the city – but that’s definitely not the case at Grand Hotel Central’s La Terraza With its seemingly endless pool and stunning views that stretch across almost the entire city it’s no surprise the Sky Bar nearly always busy This exclusive rooftop combines an infinity pool and jaw-dropping views of the Barcelona skyline and you can book your spot via the hotel’s website but that actually goes towards whatever you order in food and drinks Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! facebooktwitterspotifytiktokAbout us Contact us Time Out Worldwide and close proximity to the metro stop of Barceloneta There is cable car stop on the beach of Sant Sebastià; from there you can take a breathtaking ride towards the Montjuïc hill and reach the observation platform near the Miramar hotel A couple of minutes inside one of these historical red cabins will give you the chance to experience a bird’s eye view of the stunning views of Barcelona from an unusual perspective and breathtaking height The W Hotel opened in 2009 and has become a new emblem of Barcelona and one of the most controversial buildings in the city Its unusual architectural form and transparent glass exterior reflect the waves and its numerous top-floor events promote discussion The building has had a lot of success; it has won a prize as the best architectural project among hotels in Europe But there has been sharp criticism and scandal: the hotel was built too close to the sea and broke all the rules of private housing plus some ecologists have wanted the building to be demolished The Marenostrum Tower, nowadays a headquarters for the Gas Natural company, is another controversial piece of Barcelona’s contemporary architecture, created by Enric Miralles reminds visitors of an odd Tetris figure and has provoked much debate among both the professionals and dilettantes such a whimsical architectural shape was meant to resolve the two main objectives – to create a noticeable building and to avoid suppressing the low houses of the historical center of La Barceloneta Take a look for yourself and decide what you think Historical Museum of Catalonia | Courtesy of Elena Isaeva The Museum Of Catalan History The Museum of Catalan History situated in the red-brick building right in front of numerous white yachts of Port Vell displays the roots and the development of Catalonia from the prehistoric times to the contemporary epoch Apart from the rich and well-presented museum expositions the building has an observation platform and a restaurant at its top floor from which you can enjoy the picturesque port views of Barcelona Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy The aquarium of Barcelona is one of the largest in Europe and hosts more than 11,000 types of fish and sea creatures immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea and observe the fauna and flora of the tropical gardens A real gem in the museum is its huge oceanarium – 36 meters in diameter and five meters in depth – where all the guests may observe the wild marine species at a very close proximity Braver adventurers can try out real diving sessions with the sharks View Tours >> La Barceloneta’s Centre | Courtesy of Elena Isaeva The market of La Barceloneta situated in the historical center of the district offers the freshest seafood and a delicatessen in the area each morning You may find a couple of good restaurants based on the marine cuisine the market building deserves attention as a good example of sustainable and contemporary urban architecture Thanks to the special equipment on its roof it can save more than 40 per cent of solar energy it collects which is later used to maintain the inner systems of the complex The French Station of La Barceloneta | Courtesy of Elena Isaeva The French train station (Estació de França) The French train station was built in 1929 and used to be one of the central transport hubs of Barcelona before the new one Designed by the architect Pedro Muguruza and the engineer Andreu Muntaner it has an exquisite and luxurious interior The elaborate art deco and art nouveau details make this place worth a visit alone It’s no wonder that this building has been declared a Local Cultural Legacy by the City Hall of Barcelona Check out these tours and excursions in Barceloneta, Barcelona, and Spain I am a professional linguist and translator I have been always passionate about travel seems to be my eternal source of inspiration and I with great pleasure share my discoveries Sports The Most Epic Hiking Trails in Spain's Sierra Nevada See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips How to Spend the Perfect 24 Hours in Santander Architecture Spain’s Most Impressive Bullrings See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Food & Drink The 5 Best Food Markets in Madrid See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips How to Attend a Bullfight in Spain Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd More than 90 free activities and the participation of 95 cultural spaces will turn Barcelona and its metropolitan area into a large open museum on the night of May 17 the annual cultural event that will open the doors of 95 museums and cultural spaces for free between 19:00 and 01:00 hours Among the novelties this year there will be several additions that will participate for the first time in La Noche de los Museos: Casa Batlló Espai Moja – Catalunya: Patrimoni Viu Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona-L’Hivernacle and the Museu de Matemàtiques de Catalunya (MMACA) Also returning will be spaces that did not participate in 2024 Museu d’Història de la Immigració de Catalunya (MhiC) and KBr Fundación MAPFRE We leave you all the information about the open museums and also the exhibitions you can see in them visitors can enjoy up to 94 extraordinary activities Some of the most outstanding proposals are: The Night of the Museums will also be an opportunity to visit both the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of numerous centers although it will also be possible to tour them freely Entrance to the museums and participation in all the programmed activities will be completely free of charge and in most cases no prior registration will be required From April 28, the official website of the event will offer detailed information on the participating spaces, schedules and booking links in cases where advance registration is required. SpainChevron CataloniaChevron BarcelonaChevron Nobu Hotel BarcelonaSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links this city has a key card with your name on it These are our local experts' picks for the best of the best Read our full Barcelona travel guide here Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination and sustainability credentials top of mind This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date 2024Almanac remains one Barcelona’s hottest hotels even though its seventh birthday is just around the corner (where does the time go?) it still looks brand spanking new: Everything is shiny and modern from the tech-forward rooms to the sauna and rooftop dipping pool Book a Terrace Suite with a separate living room and a sun-drenched wraparound terrace overlooking Gran Via one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares—don’t worry It’s clear that tech is a big deal at Almanac temperature and curtains are all controlled from the in-room touch panels (which can be confusing until you get the hang of them) including our personal favorite: the in-room popcorn machine just begging you to Chromecast a movie of your choosing onto the giant flat screen TV 2024The culinary scene at Hotel Arts is top-notch: Two-Michelin-starred Enoteca restaurant is a culinary destination in its own right People come here from all over to try Chef Pérez’s elegant tasting menus that showcase his love of the most Catalan of umami flavors “mar i muntanya,” which translates as sea and mountain (or surf ‘n’ turf) But we are talking about far more epicurean combinations like scallops cooked in chicken stock or cuttlefish served with truffle if you're looking for a blissfully relaxing stay right next to the Mediterranean—with views to die for and plenty of outdoor space—combined with discreet If you imagined the Mediterranean mecca of Barcelona to be brimming with luxury beachfront hotels if you want to stay within easy striking distance of the city center in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic (Olympic Port) district Sofitel Barcelona Skipper strikes the perfect balance between luxury and affordability Slightly less flashy than Hotel Arts or W Barcelona—but considerably more accessible—this is the ideal stay for families and couples who want a comfortable base close to the beach without breaking the bank The rooftop terrace is the hotel’s crowning glory—or pièce de resistance if you will—with its panoramic Mediterranean views But you also get a fascinating snapshot of raw Barcelona life stealing glances into people’s terraces and the pretty—and gritty—reality of that Like a small-scale version of Versailles in the center of Barcelona and it shows in everything from the fancy doormen in top hats to the old-school room keys to the lavish fabrics and furnishings It is a stately grande dame hotel that has been one of Barcelona's leaders in luxury ever since it first opened in 1919 then El Palace’s Art Suites are among the prettiest money can buy Each one is inspired by a former prominent guest—from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood dancer and actor Josephine Baker—and their particular artistic preferences There’s also a Roman-style mosaic bath for those Insta-worthy tub moments Lower floors are distinctly businesslike with their muted gray and white color palette and restricted views with the 12th floor and up offering eye-popping panoramas of Barcelona stretching all the way down to the Mediterranean the spacious 430-square-foot Junior Suites are worth the splurge with their massive bathrooms featuring free-standing tubs and walk-in showers big enough for two or more You might be surprised to learn that this is the area most Barcelona locals would prefer to live in While you’ll find fewer tourist sites around here with shopping at El Corte Inglés and L’Illa and FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium all mere minutes away and the Mediterranean beyond—some of Barcelona’s best The rooms are where the W really blows you away The “Fabulous” rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows The room is kitted out with innovative lighting that can transform the mood with a couple flicks plus an oversize work desk and a chaise longue for daydreaming and gazing Guests have been known to stay inside this room for the entire duration of their stay or the switch that allows you to control the window blinds without ever getting out of it there is something magical about waking up here Since then both the hotel and the area have had a glow-up Nobody will ever know which caused what but who cares since Nobu Barcelona is just a couple blocks away from some of the city's hottest local restaurants and wine bars and you can reach central Barcelona in a matter of minutes by cab Inside it’s a zen fantasy: a beautiful abstract tapestry highlights the impressive double height of the lobby The painting behind the reception desk–inspired by the Japanese ink art of sumi-e–is a motif that is carried across the hotel a running theme throughout the common areas and guest rooms 2023There is a reason why Mandarin Oriental Barcelona figures year after year not only on lists of the best hotels in Barcelona from the friendly doormen to the impeccable lobby and a lovely rooftop plunge pool all round out the experience at this totally-worth-the-splurge grande dame Rooms at Mandarin Oriental have a new look following a pandemic-era glowup the new palette blends all the hues of the Mediterranean from the elegant teal headboards to the snug terracotta armchairs The Deluxe Garden room is the most affordable in the house which—given that this is the Mandarin Oriental—means $600 and up Despite being on the smaller side (starting from 345 square feet) the room is flooded with light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows new InterContinental Barcelona offers great-value yet elegant stays for travelers who don’t mind not being smack bang in tourist central The building may look a bit underwhelming from the outside but the chic and airy interior common areas with their high ceilings and statement art pieces This is an ideal base for outdoor activities in Montjuïc as well as for the Fira Barcelona Convention Center so expect a heady mix of relaxed holiday-makers The most popular rooms are the classic rooms with access to the Club InterContinental lounge they are some of the largest in the city at this price point while the added advantage of the lounge includes privileges such as private airport pick-up and transfer and complimentary drinks and snacks from 7 a.m you cannot overstate the value of a truly great location And nowhere competes with shiny new ME Barcelona in the convenience stakes ME Barcelona belongs to stylish ME by Meliá lifestyle brand “that seeks to fuse innovative style with local tastes.” At ME Barcelona this translates into a contemporary city hotel with plenty of social spaces to attract both visitors and the local community where the guest’s individual interests—be it in music You will never be more than a 10-minute walk from El Born the Barri Gòtic or the Gaudí masterpieces that line Passeig de Gràcia Even la Sagrada Familía can be reached on foot in only 30 minutes Yurbban Passage is located in a converted textile factory like so many of Barcelona’s other upscale hotels The best rooms in the house are the two premium rooms on the top floor The view from these private decks is jaw-dropping Favorite features here are probably the spa and roof terrace which set the hotel a cut above other four-stars in this price range from its old parquet floors to the wood-paneled ceilings and grand spiraling staircases The cotton theme runs through the orb-shaped chandeliers like cotton flowers; the 300-thread Egyptian-cotton sheets in the more minimal rooms; and the fact that guests can order candy-colored hand-stitched shirts from the very sharp concierge desk which is known as the Gossypium (the Latin name for the genus of plants that produce cotton) welcoming lobby combines cream and teal shades with warm fabrics and strikes just the right balance between contemporary and classic and surprisingly spacious quarters at this centrally located five-star gem Tech is a priority here: Chromecast is installed on the flat-screen TVs and bedside controls to open and close the blinds and activate the do-not-disturb sign And all rooms include access to the swanky Despacio spa where you can slow down and relax after a day of urban exploration You'd think a room labeled Cosy would be cramped but I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of space The One’s smallest room class is unconventionally expansive The Cosy room probably has the best price-quality ratio of any five-star hotel room Built to blur the line between place-for-tourists and place-for-locals colossal windows thaw the barrier with local life outside The ceilings stretch higher than a supermodel’s legs its tropical plants could rival Jack’s beanstalk for size This four-star’s impact goes to a galaxy way above The seventh-floor pool terrace offers satiation in the form of cooling dips and waiter service—for your pressing cava-and-olive needs—between 12 p.m Maximum vacation glow comes via the Seventy Lifting Facial where organic cosmetics by local brand Scens are massaged in using skin-perking Kobido techniques Ronda Sant Antoni sits on the border of the trendy Sant Antoni neighborhood the considerably scruffier Raval district and the queer-friendly part of the Eixample The rooms get plenty of natural light from the large while the top-floor suites are well worth splashing out on for their private terraces and open-air bathtubs as well as plenty of details that hark back to the Catalan art nouveau This is an ideal base for young people with an interest in nightlife and trendy bars and restaurants While the Poolside Standard is an excellent option for budget travelers each featuring its own private outdoor bathtub and terrace and a spectacular bedside view across the city Brummell works with Istanbul-born Seyma Ozkaya Erpul the woman behind local favorites Funky Bakery and Funky Eatery Ozkaya has set up her own in-hotel bakery from where she distributes sweet and savory danishes and the highly addictive and ultra-cheesy Basque cheesecake The hotel reopened in mid-2024 under new management following a major refurb and decidedly Mediterranean vibe (to replace the rather corporate—dare we say combined with a soft color palette of warm terracotta All the furniture is bespoke and inspired by the Catalan Noucentisme movement–from the lighting to coffee tables and headboards Bathroom amenities and a house scent from the Barcelona-based Carner perfumiers fill the space with a deliciously sensual aroma one of the five Courtyard Large Terrace rooms at this renovated modernist mansion downtown—you can treat yourself to a private terrace and lots of direct sunlight for an affordable rate Though the service at Casa Bonay can be spotty at times the excellent bars are still worth a visit for stiff drinks and friendly locals The best rooms in the house are the Courtyard Large Terrace rooms and plenty of that beautiful Spanish sunlight The only drawback is that the rest of the hotel overlooks you Perfectionists will spot small signs of wear and tear creeping into that new-hotel gloss but original hydraulic floor tiles (with wild geometric patterns) and statement sliding doors keep design buffs focusing on the wows Monument is a chic hotel in a glitzy location It would be easy to find a hotel this impeccable somewhat intimidating but Monument’s courteous staff will put you at ease from the moment you step through the door When you learn that Spain’s most Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui has been put in charge of gastronomy at Monument you will not be surprised that the culinary offering here is a cut above the rest one of only two three-Michelin-starred restaurants in central Barcelona but by no means underwhelming one-star Oria to the generous à la carte breakfast and fabulous weekend brunch both served on Monument’s splendid Verbena rooftop terrace this is the place to impress even the pickiest of gourmands and a heated rooftop pool with 360-degree views stretching from the old port all the way to the top of Montjuïc The view of the rooftops and streets toward the back of the hotel is peaceful unlike the buzz of tourists and street vendors on the other side The 1898 combines exceptional public spaces with solid rooms all slap-bang in the middle of Las Ramblas in an unbeatable Gothic Quarter location a stone’s throw from the marina but the accommodations are seriously comfortable—the Hypnos beds are the same sort favored by the British royal family so expect to wake up feeling like a prince or princess Lauded chef Marc Gascons serves Catalonian specialties made from locally sourced products at the hotel's Informal restaurant Don’t miss the soft gnocchi with truffle in winter Make time to head up to the Rooftop de Informal terrace where you can gaze out at the marina from your spot in the pool Should you dare to make eye contact with the door handle you sense that he’s poised to throw himself at it in order to save your hand from the indignity of touching its weighty naturally—the atmosphere is more art gallery than hotel Brushed concrete walls and floors could be stark; but here they're elegant The elegant Passeig de Gràcia is next door placing Gaudí’s Casa Batlló a five-minute walk from your breakfast and putting you within credit-card-tapping distance of the city’s best designer shopping the Alma is like your friend who wears a simple T-shirt and jeans and still manages to turn every head The common spaces will make you want to check in and never leave whether it's by the roaring fire in the red velvet library in winter or the sunny rooftop plunge pool come summer The plush furnishings and red velvet curtains and armchairs are present throughout the hotel which come in sizes ranging from small to medium the Wittmore’s rooms don’t offer views of Barcelona’s distinctive architecture or the port—instead they all face the inner courtyard and vertical garden since was named after a character from The Royal Tenenbaums and the feeling that you’re in someone’s decked-out private apartment rather than a hotel this is one of the best deals around for those wishing to stay on the emblematic Passeig de Gràcia you're encouraged to treat it like your home There’s an “honesty bar” (pour yourself a drink and leave the money in the jar) is partially built into the city’s ancient Roman wall and impeccably laid out; some have even been built into an ancient Roman defense tower without being stuffy—you’ll find foie gras and caviar five-star boutique hotel—and you’re willing to splash the cash—there’s no better spot in Barcelona than the Mercer This has always been one of the city’s seedier areas which these days also means it's rather hip The lobby is black and white and red all over most of which come with a lounge area either incorporated into the room itself or located in a separate space across the hall Many rooms have views of the interior vertical garden while others have balconies facing the street Apart from 24/7 complimentary snacks on the ground floor there is also an honesty bar on the roof terrace Casa Camper shares its premises with Dos Palillos a Michelin-starred Japanese “tapas” bar by chef Albert Raurich off one of the prettiest squares in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter The comfy rooms are to a certain extent customizable to your own preferences including a menu of different bed linens and pillows The best room in the house is definitely the Junior Suite with its views of the charming Sant Felipe Neri Square below This spacious room is all done up in sophisticated neutral tones and delicate fabrics And do not leave without booking a table at A Restaurant for top-notch Catalonian cuisine with global influences Staying in an actual medieval castle is the kind of thing you probably dreamed about as a small child and now's your chance to make it come true timeless cream décor offset by striking modern artworks including the signature bright-white staircase The Edition Barcelona is right on the border of the city's enchanting medieval Old Town and the Modernist Eixample neighborhood The location is within easy stumbling distance of the city’s buzzing bar and restaurant scene and close enough to the historic squares and narrow winding alleyways of El Borne and the Gothic Quarter to allow you to check them out before the crowds descend you could easily walk past Motel One’s boxy modern façade without noticing it is a riotous party with geometric textiles and imaginative chandeliers—plus a huge bar that could get you swinging from them Each of Motel One’s 71 European hotels adheres to the same philosophy: that a budget price point shouldn’t mean dreary shoebox-sized spaces in lieu of interesting design While every bedroom has the same dimensions (so if you’ve stayed in one Motel One you’ll know exactly what you’ll get in another) A completely average and nondescript hotel in Barcelona can easily set you back 200 euros a night in peak season it does so with design panache—and a damn good bar while the seniority shows a little in the fancy staircases and posh doormen the hotel still manages to feel distinctly modern not tacky or tired The 430-square-foot Junior Suite Passeig de Gràcia is spacious and offers killer views of the iconic boulevard below The color scheme is understated (muted creams and beiges) and the ceilings are very high The Majestic itself may be more than a century old but the room is stocked with all the requisite contemporary luxuries from a Nespresso machine to complimentary Wi-Fi It’s the kind of room that’s so gorgeous and comfy you may want to cancel your dinner plans and ordering room service with their matching luggage sets and four-figure shoes come to this grande dame on the Passeig de Gràcia for the spacious suites Torre Melina is a relaxing oasis just 20 minutes from central Barcelona Every guest room at Torre Melina is bright and spacious and almost all (at least from the fifth floor and up) have impressive views of either the city or the mountains.The smallest Deluxe rooms are generously sized at 320-square-feet you’ll find what Meliá calls its RedLevel rooms referring to those that come with a host of perks included: from unlimited complimentary access to the Beso pool club (other hotel guests have to pay an additional fee that is redeemable against food and beverage orders) one-way transfer between the hotel and Plaza Catalunya and even complimentary 24-hour rental of an electric Audi up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world The 38 Best Restaurants in Rome, Italy The 18 Best Louisville Restaurants The 38 Best Restaurants in Mexico City according to a local gastronomic tour guide From Barcelona’s towering churches and bustling avenues to the sun-drenched beaches and idyllic plazas, it’s obvious why this city captures visitors’ hearts and refuses to let go. As befits the city’s Mediterranean lifestyle, you can eat incredibly well here, and often for not very much money (though Barcelona loves a pricey tasting menu But it’s also too easy to have a downright disappointing meal if you settle for any old paella-slinging bar along Les Rambles (known in Spanish as La Rambla) or La Barceloneta Get yourself some classic tapas and paella (both great but neither entirely Catalan) but be sure to also seek out local gems serving bitter sweet vermouth Northeast Asian sharing plates with natural wines and Catalan nose-to-tail yakitori — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg The city simmers with an astounding variety of food at all prices from opulent old-world fine dining at the city’s original Ritz hotel to a sensory adventure through the young and ever-evolving international food scene Two relatively new restaurants join the list to kick off 2025: Achaar and Masa Vins both leaders in Barcelona’s fast-growing natural wine scene is a time capsule of traditional Catalan dining serving generations of loyal customers since 1946 El Camarote d’en Tomàs is a seafood restaurant off the beaten tourist path with a laser focus on fish and shellfish from around Spain prepared in a way that highlights the pure flavors of exceptional ingredients Eater updates this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Barcelona dining scene Sam Zucker is a freelance writer Chef Ryuta Sato built a name for himself at popular restaurant Sato i Tanaka before opening this tiny sushi bar with just eight seats specializing in omakase servings of super-premium sushi you’ll need to score a reservation well in advance and savor each bite straight from chef Sato’s expert hands A post shared by SENSATO (@sensatobarcelona) Long considered the best ramen in Barcelona Ramen-Ya Hiro used to command massive lines of diners on Carrer Girona until the restaurant delighted loyal customers by finally accepting reservations after more than a decade of service hungry patrons no longer have to fight over tables to taste chef Hiroki Yoshiyki’s deeply flavorful and nuanced broths with just three choices of hot ramen — soy ramen with a combination pork-chicken-seafood broth and local seafood garnish — and two cold ramens: tsukemen (chilled noodles dusted with dry mackerel powder and lime served with a soy yuzu dipping sauce) and hiyashi chuka (cold noodles with roast char siu pork Try to reserve a table at least a week ahead of time though the restaurant does still save space for walk-ins each night A post shared by Ramen-Ya Hiro (@ramenyahiro) Barcelona is in the throes of a natural wine renaissance and Masa Vins is opening some of the most interesting bottles in the city The cuisine of co-owner chef Antonella Tignanelli is rooted in the Mediterranean but globally inspired Delicate dishes like seabass crudo with mandarin oil and sumac share space on the menu with bar snacks like the kimchi grilled cheese “bikini.” Brimming with youthful energy Masa Vins was created by Tignanelli and co-owner Dani Bajc to be a place to hang with friends there’s an emphasis on Eastern European labels and the food menu changes every three months with the seasons The place is nearly always busy and there aren’t many tables Large parties can book through Instagram DM From restaurateurs Majid and Mani Alam along with Bilal Khan Achaar Bar is part of the growing roster of restaurants under the Alam Brothers umbrella Their latest is an Indian canteen and natural wine bar named for the ubiquitous South Asian pickled vegetable condiment (which they make in-house) as well as adding in some Pakistani favorites like the Lahori samosa The 150 natural wines on offer have been curated by sommelier Irene Cavalli to pair excellently with the bold seasoning and aromas of dishes like tandoor-roasted lamb chops This kitchen cranking out aloo paratha and palak pakoras has breathed new life to a space that was once an old warehouse embracing the stripped-down post-industrial aesthetic that is omnipresent in Poblenou a district akin to the Brooklyn of Barcelona Order as much as you can; the menu isn’t huge so with a handful of friends you might be able to try it all The team at pizzeria Sartoria Panatieri focuses on seasonality taking the pies to a whole other level and making this one of the hottest spots in the city This self-described “farm to pizza” restaurant meticulously selects every ingredient that graces its creative pizzas or goes into its exceptional house-made salumi organic flour is the base for toppings like sobrasada or Cantabrian anchovy with escarole and Kalamata olive puree This flagship location has the most interesting food and nicest space while the location in Gràcia on Carrer Encarnació serves the company’s most popular classic pies Don’t be deceived by the old-school appearance and simple menu at Ultramarinos Marín Seats at chef Borja García’s open kitchen are among the most sought-after in the city This humble-looking asador (grill-centric restaurant) is a temple of product-driven Catalan cooking dedicated to holding classic recipes to the highest standard Through his training at the iconic Etxebarri and Noma García works magic with minimal ingredients The myriad in-house preparations include grilled langoustines Don’t miss the house-cured fish charcuterie or the simple yet extraordinary grilled smashed potatoes with garlic alioli A post shared by Ultramarinos Marín (@ultramarinosmarin) The freshest news from the food world every day Berbena is a popular addition to the blossoming world of chef-driven and begin your meal with hearty chunks of house-made sourdough smeared with rich Then dive into the assortment of seasonal small plates featuring whatever is fresh that day from grilled sea bass collar with preserved lemon to an omelet of wild mushrooms with roasted onions Shellfish and other seafood are always in abundance and vibrant vegetables often play a starring role in the nightly specials as are the small-production wines from local vineyards Linger over dessert as you enjoy excellent coffee from nearby SlowMov specialty roasters and espresso from the gleaming La Marzocco machine and every other component of its famous fried chicken sandwiches in-house Pick your main course and round out the meal with twice-cooked fries tossed in the house spice blend and a side of coleslaw (vinegar- or mayonnaise-based) There’s also a wide selection of craft beers and a chocolate brownie topped with stout caramel and a scoop of ice cream A post shared by Rooq Chicken (@rooqchicken) Seyma Ozkaya Erpul is originally from Turkey but has called Barcelona home for over a decade She left her previous career as an engineer and marketing professional to pursue her passion for great food and design opening the first Funky Bakers in the heart of El Born While that location remains a popular takeaway coffee shop the full Funky Bakers experience can be had at the Eatery and Deli location in Eixample One side is a highly curated gourmet grocery while the other is an all-day bistrot serving colorful and creative dishes from around Northern Europe and the Mediterranean A post shared by (@funky.bakers) An exciting addition to the Barcelona dining scene this wine bar opened in April 2023 serving what the team calls Northeast Asian cuisine created together with partners Woody Wang and Arthur Holland Michel is an evolution of various businesses — private dinners homemade chili crisp — that chef Dan Jin (who goes by Tan) developed at the start of the pandemic Chef Tan has a particular passion for the dishes of her native region of Northern China but she also loves the flavors of Japan and Korea when a fixed price menu includes a variety of dishes and dessert (including vegan and vegetarian options) the exciting a la carte menu is perfect for sharing Dishes like grilled koji-cured mackerel with green onion oil or Iberian pork loin katsu are paired expertly with an eclectic selection of natural wines the bar features rotating local DJs starting at 11 p.m Named for a tiny island nearly 800 miles off the coast of India in the Bay of Bengal the cuisine of Little Andaman is light and vibrant and vegetables playing the starring roles in many plates equally suited for a lunch with friends as it is for an intimate date night While many dishes are inspired by the flavors of Little Andaman the menu also features an ample array of small plates from coastal regions all across India like mustard and five spice-seasoned shrimp skewers and Goa-style spiced lamb sorpotel with poi bread The menu is extremely veggie/vegan friendly with plenty of gluten-free options as well There is a weekly prix fixe lunch menu Monday through Friday and three different tasting menus in the evenings (short and long tapas menus allowing diners to sample the widest variety of dishes A post shared by Little Andaman (@little.andaman) Barcelona’s brunch scene and design aesthetic meet the fragrant streets of Tel Aviv at Balabusta chicken and cauliflower shawarma with fresh pita Check out the weekday fixed price lunch menu (popular with the local working crowd) or get in line for the weekend brunch when you can enjoy a simmering crock of hearty shakshuka A post shared by La Balabusta (@labalabusta) who has come to be known for his elegant and simplistic approach to seafood at Estimar launched Amar inside the emblematic Palace hotel in spring 2022 which first opened as the original Ritz Barcelona in 1919 making it a perfect stage for Zafra’s homage to classic fine dining Amar serves a section of dishes from the original Ritz hotel restaurant menu Spain — both centers for meat in their own right — chef Joaquín Ignacio Sánchez is at the helm of Carnal a Barcelona boho take on the traditional Spanish steakhouse hefty cuts of dry-aged beef are charred over oak embers and finished at the table on a searing-hot stone slab allowing diners to dial in their preferred doneness The steaks on offer come from around the globe and are aged in-house between 45 and 150 days with prices that range from accessible to wildly extravagant; the menu’s most luxurious item is the 120-day-aged 2-pound ox chuletón (bone-in rib-eye) from the legendary Bodega El Capricho near León warm up with some American black angus beef cheek croquettes or A5 wagyu tartare kissed with a blowtorch and served over a caveman-esque length of roasted bone marrow Chef Rafa Peña’s passion for food is as great as his disregard for formality and fine dining accolades Gresca is a must-visit for lovers of nose-to-tail cooking who want to experience the best of seasonal Catalan cuisine without the stuffy service and delicate portions of some Michelin-starred restaurants but there are some mainstays that every first-timer at Gresca should experience such as the roasted chicken with fines herbes A post shared by The Hungry Pulpo (@the_hungry_pulpo) In an antique bar space with over 100 years of history on a coveted corner in one of the trendiest parts of the Eixample Soma opened in 2021 to instant accolades from the gourmands of Barcelona Cozy decor and a Parisian-style terrace set the stage for a menu of Catalan tapas with a strong Italian character and hints of France galetes de socarrat de risotto (a risotto cooked until compact and crispy like the bottom of a classic paella) A post shared by SOMA (@somabcn_) focus on offering exceptional products from their home regions of Catalunya and Galicia They precisely plate vibrant dishes like pickled mussels with pumpkin and Galician seaweed pancakes with wine-braised wild boar — though the experience of eating at Besta is generally a more casual affair than all that makes it sound There are always a few meat dishes on the menu but seafood is the star here; don’t miss out on the grilled zamburiña scallops and the oyster- and seaweed-infused gin tonics A post shared by Besta Barcelona (@bestabarcelona) a Mexican American woman who grew up in Los Angeles with her partner Gaston Gabrielli and chef Nick Hosea modern American diner where the draw is simple: truly delicious food and bottomless filter coffee from specialty roaster Three Marks Coffee and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich is tongue-numbingly good Too many brunch spots in Barcelona rely on Instagram-worthy visuals to compensate for mediocre flavors and cookery A post shared by GRINGA ALL DAY (@gringaallday) It’s rare in Barcelona to see a classic trompo slowly but Xuba Tacos takes its tacos al pastor very seriously The restaurant lovingly layers spiced pork on the spit Alongside classics like al pastor and carne asada like black beer-batter sea bass tacos with crispy leeks and sauteed lobster tail tacos with cilantro emulsion like wild mushroom and roasted chestnut tacos A post shared by Xuba Tacos (@xubatacos) Don’t let the prime location fool you; Batea is all about excellent quality seafood without the exorbitant prices you might expect so close to the Passeig de Gràcia The menu features the best of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the kitchen strives to be classic without falling into stale tropes of tradition Begin your meal with a mini seafood tower from the raw bar and the Betanzos-style omelet (a Galician specialty) topped with red prawn tartare or sauteed baby squid A post shared by Batea Barcelona (@bateabarcelona) An homage to the beloved tortilla (Spanish omelet) Los Tortillez gives off nostalgic 1980s airs — with red banquettes and a tile-clad bar straight out of one of Pedro Almodóvar’s cult classics — but it’s actually a relatively recent addition to the beautified the restaurant has quickly become a point of reference in the city for some of the best al momento Spanish omelets personal-sized tortilla variations; classic ingredients like chorizo and manchego rub shoulders with truffles Round out your meal with some tapas like tender sauteed cod cheek pil pil and shrimp al ajillo swimming in a bath of blistering hot olive oil and sizzling garlic A post shared by Los Tortillez (@lostortillez) With no signage or any identifying information visible from the street the small Suru Bar makes meals in its intimate space feel like serendipity A row of counter seating gives diners a view into the open kitchen where chefs prepare star dishes like grilled chicken skin skewers with chilled shrimp tartar vibrant spring peas with smoked chorizo and cured egg yolks and a brochette of crunchy pig ear with charred chicken gizzard and tender squid thanks to the prime location just across the street from the famous Ninot market and the dishes range from yakitori on a traditional Japanese grill to explorations of all things offal Meals are rounded out with an extensive selection of local and international wines A post shared by Suru Bar (@suru.bar) The location of Flax & Kale just off the Pasaje de las Manufacturas is by far the brand’s best and the menu is distinct from the other locations boasting the company’s astonishingly good wood-fired vegan pizzas (that also happen to be gluten-free) Chef Teresa Carles has been pioneering “flexitarian” food in Barcelona since 2014 and other highlights of her menu include bao stuffed with jackfruit “pulled pork,” house-made cilantro jalapeno kombucha like miso-glazed Spanish mackerel with hibiscus dashi and yellowfin tuna bibimbap for those craving some extra omega-3s Biercab has a rotating selection of draft beer flowing from 30 taps and an international bottle list so staggeringly extensive that it borders on intimidating so there’s likely no better place in town for lovers of craft beer As if the tremendous selection isn’t enough where many craft beer bars have a small menu of basic snacks) Try the extra-spicy potatoes or the grilled wagyu steak with a house-made Asturias and Catalunya are starkly different in culture and landscape the two cuisines exist in sumptuous harmony El Chigre is housed in an ancient stone building from 1769 and offers products of Asturian fame — from spanking-fresh Atlantic shellfish to cave-aged cabrales blue cheese — alongside beloved Catalan dishes like esqueixada (chilled bacalao salad) and charcoal-roasted Pyrenees pork knuckle for two When merriment ensues and your cider misses the glass (as it’s known to do) not to fear; the floor is blanketed with sawdust Where to Eat in Barcelona’s Tourist-Heavy Old City Gelida has been an important social hub for the neighborhood be it old friends meeting for a weekend lunch or workers loading up on calories before sunrise The menu is full of classic Catalan dishes but the breakfast-forward spot is best known for esmorzars de forquilla many people opt for a light breakfast (think croissant and coffee) but the tradition of beginning your day with a hearty plate of stewed veal or pork cheeks is still alive at institutions like Gelida a gelatin-rich stew of veal head and hoof (though Gelida uses veal necks the sauce is meant to be sopped up with pieces of crusty baguette and washed down with a house Gandesa long-macerated white wine from the region of Terra Alta A post shared by (@gastrotip) This small corner bar just one block from the old port of Barcelona has been serving the same four dishes since 1945 the floured and fried boquerones (anchovies) are the true star Now run by the grandson of the original founder Bar La Plata sells over 85 pounds of the little fishes per week The place is nearly always busy and only has a few tables so do as the crowds do and eat standing up at the bar or even in the street if no seats are available Plump pork meatballs braised in tomato sauce and a dusting of grated ricotta salata come together in one of the newest sandwiches on the menu at Compà a panini shop dedicated to the flavors of Calabria In addition to the original location a few streets over from the Barceloneta beach owner Vittorio Cicero has recently expanded with a new shop in the uptown neighborhood of Gràcia giving the city two chances to try his irresistible creations like mortadella with burrata and pistachio pesto or Calabrese lardo with spicy ‘nduja spread Choose from nearly a dozen sandwiches including rotating specials all served on 48-hour slow-fermented focaccia ask to add the bomba Calabrese chile relish but the sandwiches are meant as street food so get yours to-go and head to the beach or the nearest plaza A post shared by Compà|Panini de Calabria (@compa_barcelona) One of the oldest restaurants in the beachside neighborhood of La Barceloneta this is the birthplace of the famous “bomba de la Barceloneta,” a mouth­watering fried potato croquette stuffed with savory ground beef and topped with aioli and hot sauce which now appears on menus all over the city try the calamars a la planxa (grilled squid) and grilled sardines (in summer) A post shared by LA COVA FUMADA (@la_cova_fumada) A longtime favorite for a mix of modern and classic tapas Bar Cañete is a quintessential Barcelona dining experience Tables in the bustling dining room can be reserved for groups of four or more The best seating is along the bar at the gleaming open kitchen where diners get up-close views of chefs at work and white-jacketed servers darting back and forth with bottles of cava and artful plates of hand-cut jamón The menu of tapas and larger plates changes with the seasons but don’t miss house specialties like giant red prawns that arrive daily from the docks sea anemones with cured Iberian pork belly Chef Jordi Artal and his team fill the seasonal tasting menus at two-Michelin-starred Cinc Sentits (Five Senses) with modern interpretations of Catalan cuisine Spring might bring artichoke or venison presented with bits of molecular flair (a spherification here But while Artal’s dishes are undoubtedly intricate and delicately composed they also aren’t wanting for bold flavor or heartiness A restaurant at this level shouldn’t leave you hungry; this one doesn’t Suculent isn’t defined by one genre of cuisine but packs its tasting and a la carte menus with as many delicious dishes as possible It’s a favorite among chefs for nose-to-tail cooking and fine dining makeovers of grandma’s Catalan comfort food (with influences from Asia and Latin America) but don’t miss mainstays such as the beets with beurre blanc and smoked eel the royal custard of porcini mushrooms with sea urchin and the braised hare canelon with foie gras and Codium seaweed A post shared by Suculent Restaurant (@suculent_restaurant) Found on the restaurant-­rich street of Carrer del Parlament this classic­-meets-­modern bodega stands out in the Sant Antoni neighborhood Enjoy a glass of wine from the shop’s old barrels which the business also sells “a granel” (by the liter) and various craft beers; snack on tapas and Catalan dishes; or just browse the gourmet shop There is a little something wonderful here for everyone The creation of chef Victor Ródenas and brothers Ignasi and Marc García this youthful take on a simple Catalan casa de menjars (house of food) combines the best parts of a traditional vermouth bar with the refined seasonal Catalan cooking of a fine dining veteran The lively yet casual atmosphere is the perfect place to enjoy the varied dishes: confit artichokes with spring peas escabeche oyster shooters with chicken jus beef tendon stew with fried hake and pickled chile peppers and mini paella with shrimp tartare and pig trotter carpaccio This is a gathering place for neighborhood regulars first and foremost A post shared by Maleducat ~ CASA DE MENJARS (@maleducat) Owner Badr Bennis and head chef Nicola Valle were inspired by the freedom they found in New York’s creative Italian restaurants At the upscale yet informal Benzina (“Gasoline” in Italian) they serve a menu of updated Italian classics The atmosphere is more akin to a rock and roll bar than your typical red sauce spot The menu is refreshed every couple of months with dishes like cacio e pepe risotto with fried squid and mandarin reduction Roman-style gnocchi with slow-cooked rabbit and kale balsamic-roasted pork loin with maitake mushrooms and confit eggplant parmesan topped with basil sorbet Some high-end seafood spots in the city are places to see and be seen; this intimate the supreme quality and freshness of the fish has kept any desire to modernize or adulterate classic Catalan cuisine at bay El Camarote d’en Tomàs displays the day’s catch on heaps of ice at the bar an impressive sight that immediately greets visitors and plump sea urchin roe scooped from the shell and laid across a butter-smeared cracker with a dash of lemon on top be sure to start with the superb and refreshing esqueixada de bacallà a popular cold preparation of salt cod bathed in olive oil and olives that is near and dear to the hearts of many Catalan people a popular organizer for creative events and pop-ups that fuse eating and art Tucked away on a quiet street in Poble Sec is the perfect scene for a rotating roster of colorful sharing plates inspired by Catalan traditions and the flavors of the Mediterranean paired with unique natural wines from small local producers smoked sardine with sour cream and whole grain mustard and a pork confit sandwich with red cabbage play upon well-worn local staples with surprising flavors A post shared by TIBERI BAR (@tiberi.bar) There are plenty of places to try paella in Barcelona Perched on the side of Montjuïc with a panoramic view of the city and port the restaurant is far removed from the hubbub of the beach district dig into the famous rice dishes like the señorito paella — garnished with peeled and shelled seafood which keeps fingers clean — and the decadent lobster rice as well as classic tapas and the inviting oyster bar Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been battling for supremacy in Spanish soccer since the start of the season with all three sides leading the standings at different points of the campaign the balance is starting to lean more and more towards Hansi Flick's side Real Madrid kicked-off matchweek 30 needing a win to put the pressure on Barcelona and they did the exact opposite. Their first league defeat at home vs. Valencia since 2008 gave the Catalans a golden opportunity to go six points clear at the top Barça couldn't take full advantage of Los Blancos' loss and had to settle for a draw vs. Real Betis they extended their lead atop the standings by one point this weekend Atlético Madrid came from behind and defeated Sevilla away with a Pablo Barrios winner in stoppage time It's a massive result for Diego Simeone's men considering anything but a win would've essentially seen their title charge come to an end Here's how the next five league games of the La Liga title contenders look like Barcelona extended their lead in the La Liga title race. / IMAGO/ZUMA Press WireNext up for the La Liga leaders is a visit to Leganés, a relegation candidate that Barcelona will look to defeat to take revenge from a disappointing home defeat in the reverse fixture Flick's side will then visit last placed Real Valladolid before the much anticipated second league El Clásico of the season Defeating their bitter rivals at home in the league for only the second time this decade could potentially crown Barcelona as new La Liga champions Los Blancos look to defend their La Liga crown. / IMAGO/Alberto GardinReal Madrid must find their form quickly Los Blancos where finally punished after weeks of lackluster performances where their individual quality kept them afloat Carlo Ancelotti's men will visit Alavés up next one of the most struggling side in Spain's top-flight They will then host Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be a very tight battle where Los Blancos must find a way to emerge victorious vs A trip to José Bordalas' Getafe is always an unpredictable match but Los Blancos have done there in recent years Celta Vigo travels to the Santiago Bernabéu where they haven't won in nearly 20 years If Los Blancos manage to string together wins then they could arrive to El Clásico on May 11 with a chance to take the lead in the title race with only three games left in the season Atlético Madrid can no longer afford to drop points or they're title chances will disappear / IMAGO/ZUMA Press WireFueled from their dramatic victory Atlético Madrid must win their next five games to stay alive in the title race their next two fixtures are against the bottom two teams in La Liga hosting Real Valladolid and then visiting Las Palmas Rayo Vallecano should be three points considering Diego Simeone hasn't lost to Rayo since 2013 Then comes another trip to a side immersed in the relegation fight with a bout vs By the time Atléti hosts Real Sociedad to close out their next five game run we'll know if Los Colchoneros have a realistic chance of winning the third league title of the Simeone era or if what once looked like a promising season will end without a single piece of silverware ROBERTO CASILLASRoberto Casillas is a Sports Illustrated Soccer freelance writer covering Liga MX, the Mexican National Team & Latin American players in Europe. He is a die hard Cruz Azul and Chelsea fan. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER Pedro Soma and Adrian Simon Gill share their experiences of signing and playing in Barcelona's youth teams with Luis Garcia who hope their education at Barça will serve the United States men's national team in the coming years as more young Americans break through in Europe To have three the same age all make Barça's senior side Goalkeeper Kochen and midfielder Soma are already regulars with Barça Atlétic the Catalan side's reserve team that competes in the third tier of Spanish football but for picking up a serious injury in 2023 just days after training with the first team for the first time He recently returned after over 14 months of rehabilitation work and is now re-finding his rhythm in the U19 team - Spanish Supercopa: Athletic Club vs. Barcelona LIVE 1/8, 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ The three of them sat down together with ESPN analyst Luis García -- who also came through at Barça before going on to play for Liverpool and Atlético Madrid among others -- to discuss their different journeys so far their bond off the pitch as Americans abroad joining from local youth side Cornellà in 2018 after his family had relocated to Spain "The room just started spinning around me," he says of the moment a coach at Cornellà told him about Barça's interest A year later, Kochen (Miramar, Miami) joined him at the club. He was playing for the Marcet Football Academy and thought his dad was winding him up when revealing the club, whose famed La Masia academy produced the likes of Lionel Messi what a harsh joke my dad's playing on me.' It's incredible Those are the only words to describe that moment." The perception on the outside is often that kids in academies at big clubs have it easy you're not just competing against the opposition but with your teammates to be retained for the next season it was a different environment than they'd been used to "One of the most difficult parts was realising I need to be in my position and the ball's going to get to me that way," midfielder Gill says 10 or play wherever you want and get the ball just learning the tactics behind it and being able to be calm There's also the expectation that you need to win everything but I think that that's the right expectation Kochen adds: "On the field it was pretty hard because it's a whole other intensity -- it's a whole other world about their experiences in the club's fabled La Masia academy. Courtesy of ESPN"I think you'd always see it before Gill intervenes: "I remember the first training with him but it wasn't like Lamine Yamal as he is now He just got the ball and dribbled past five people Kochen adds: "There's this one match we did before the winter break It was one of his first times coming up with our 2006 age group Kochen's progress has not quite matched Yamal's -- no one's has -- but it has been impressive. Goalkeepers often get their chance later in the development process, but he has already debuted with the first team in a non-competitive match and was a regular on the bench last season in LaLiga and the Champions League He's playing with Barça Atlétic this year to gain match experience He has also been part of USMNT squads under Mauricio Pochettino "Everything's a step quicker," Kochen says of training with Hansi Flick's team They're competing in the top competitions in the entire world Everything's much more demanding and everybody's so much quicker You notice that when you step on the pitch with them "[Senior goalkeeper Marc-Andre] ter Stegen's been really accommodating At first it's a little intimidating because he's my role model Stepping in the locker room for the first time and seeing him was a surreal experience He's always giving me tips on what to do better." Kochen and Gill were joined at the club by Soma (Boca Raton who has an American father and a Brazilian mother and he made the leap from Cornellà to the 27-time Spanish champions this is the best club in the world," he says reflecting on his first few months at Barça "It doesn't just matter what you do on the weekend It's a constant fight even when you get minutes to then do good on the field Soma is a versatile midfielder who has captained the U.S at youth level. He usually plays a deeper role, but can also get forward. When the name of Weston McKennie is brought up, he agrees that the Juventus midfielder is "a good reference" for comparison "The last couple of games I've been playing as the No so I do arrive [in the box] a bit more," he says of his changing roles play1:21Marcotti blasts Barcelona for Dani Olmo mismanagementGab Marcotti explains the latest in Barcelona's struggle to register Dani Olmo Perhaps it's best to get Kochen's take on Soma the footballer The two have known each other since being rivals in Miami though it was pure coincidence their respective families moved to Spain as he's the only one of the three yet to get his driver's license -- although Soma has just passed his theory test "He's a really complete player," Kochen says Especially being a goalkeeper at Barcelona It's nice to have a player like him in midfield to always bounce passes off or third man combinations." Soma is equally complimentary about his driver There are one-on-one situations and I know Diego's going to stop them he's the best shot stopper I've ever played with and probably trained with Whenever you're in the game and you have Diego in goal he's just happy to be back doing what he loves after a challenging year Sign up for ESPN+ "Later in the recovery process was actually harder for me just consistently coming in and knowing I'm not going to play," he says "Putting in the effort knowing playing is seven months away [was tough] but then finally coming back and being able to be with my team and train is one of the best things in the world It revitalised everything I feel about football but it's all worth it to finally come back I still have a way to go to get to the intensity that I was at before injury but physically I feel basically up to where I was." It helps to have a good family network around him but also the familiar faces of Kochen and Soma Gill is an NFL obsessive who supports the Denver Broncos Kochen follows the Miami Dolphins in NFL and the Miami Heat in NBA and takes huge offence that Soma prefers the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Lakers "One side of my family is spread around California," Soma protests it brings us closer together for sure," Kochen says And I've been with Adrian for six years at the club We're definitely known as the gringos of the team." Gill offers a more local colloquial term for gringos: "The guiris all three could yet travel various paths in international football and Kochen has Peruvian and Venezuelan roots the latter also sounded out by the Spanish Federation [RFEF] who will likely take part at the Under-20 World Cup later this year "I've been with the national team for over three years now Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and others to bring you the latest highlights and debate the biggest storylines. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only). adds: "Our goal is to bring a next great generation for the USMNT We've got so many young kids playing in Europe at the top level around Borussia [Dortmund]'s first team or Barça's first team Kochen is the furthest along in his international career Mexico and the United States as a realistic goal but I'm there for whatever the country needs," he says If it's the first goalkeeper in the 2026 World Cup Luckily for U.S. fans, Pochettino's past as a player and manager at Barça's local rivals, Espanyol has not affected Kochen's involvement with the senior side 'We have a [Barça player] here,'" Kochen laughs "It's the first thing he told me [that he played for Espanyol] I'm really happy to have a coach like him who's admired by lots of people in the world of football." Pochettino's appointment has certainly gone down well with Barça's trio of Americans who are hoping his success will also be their success "Some Latino blood for the United States is never going to be bad building and more and more you can see more youths becoming professional Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Mercat del Encants and dust off your Catalan or Spanish pocket phrasebook to buy picnic fixings or order tapas Whether it’s a weekend browse for vintage clothes or collectibles or a lunchtime spin of a food market where the salt-tang sizzle of just-caught seafood on an open grill and stalls piled high with sun-ripened fruit and veg entice there’s a market with your name on it in Barcelona Read on for eight of our absolute favorites.   Though just a quick metro trundle from the center, Mercat de la Terra in Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies still flies under the radar. And that’s a good thing. In the shadow of the lofty redbrick towers of an old power plant in the once-gritty, now-hip Poble-Sec neighborhood, this farmers’ market run by Slow Food Barcelona delivers a feast of sustainable Join Barcelonians for a Saturday morning wander around the stalls to stock up on picnic provisions you can stop to try seasonal dishes like calçots (a tasty cross between a leek and spring onion) in early spring Opening times: 9am-3pm SaturdayGetting there: Take metro line 2 or 3 to Paral-lel Rolling like the crashing waves of the Med mosaic-tiled roof was designed by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue and completed in 2005 and freshest fruit and veg.    Arrive nice and early for morning coffees and pastries at the polished wooden bar of gloriously retro Bar Joan Or pop by later for a satisfying lunch of capipota (Catalan beef and chickpea stew) or paella Opening times: 7.30am-3.30pm Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm SaturdayGetting there: Take metro line 4 to Jaume I La Boqueria is more popular, but those in the know squeeze in a visit to the equally outstanding (and less touristy) Mercat de Sant Antoni It’s amazing how the crowds of La Rambla quickly vanish when you head just a few blocks over This gorgeous red-and-gold brick and wrought-iron market was originally designed by Catalan starchitect Antoni Rovira i Trias in 1882 Following a massive revamp and reopening in 2018 it has brought a real buzz back to the Sant Antoni neighborhood tomatoes as big as your fist – you name it fresh produce gives way to the Mercat del Llibre Dominical Fancy a bite to eat? Swing over to chilled Bar Bodega Chiqui for tapas and sushi paired with vermouths and wine from the barrel, or try cozy, retro-cool Casa Dorita for wood-fired bread topped with fantastic charcuterie 8.30am-2pm SundayGetting there: Take metro line 2 to Sant Antoni  A great, silver-gold mirrored canopy, towering 25m high, floats like a futuristic magic carpet above the architecturally striking Mercat dels Encants (‘Market of Charms’) Designed by architects b720 Fermín Vázquez the edifice is a real attention-grabber in Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood It’s also a cracking place for a flea market shop art and second-hand books – sift through the junk to find treasures time your visit to catch one of the auctions in full swing (early morning is best) Friday and Saturday; auction 8am-8pm Monday Wednesday and FridayGetting there: Take metro line 1 to Glòries  A rainbow of fruit and veg, strings of chiles and garlic, hanging jamón and fresh seafood - benvinguts (welcome) to Barcelona’s big one: Mercat de la Boqueria a Modernista marvel of a food market right just off La Rambla which takes you gallivanting around Spain on a tapas-sized plate this market is more than just a place to shop: it’s a place to throw yourself wholeheartedly into Barcelona life then pull up a stool at a bar for a glass and a plate But come between 8am and 10am in the morning and skip past the stalls at the front and head for the back to find fewer crowds and a more authentic vibe.  Lunch, you say? Make it El Quim de la Boqueria, a much-loved tapas bar of chefs It’s worth the wait for creatively prepared signatures like fried eggs with baby squid zhuzhed up with olive oil and one of Barcelona’s best tortillas.  Opening times: 8am-8.30pm Monday-SaturdayGetting there: Take metro line 3 to Liceu   Though hidden away in a repurposed 19th-century wool factory in Poblenou this monthly market has become Barcelona's most stylish weekend hangout Push past the industrial facade where 19 creative studios operate year-round and you'll discover a leafy oasis with plants winding through brick buildings and sunny courtyards this creative hub transforms into Palo Alto Market where carefully selected stalls showcase Barcelona's emerging designers The vibe is decidedly cool but unpretentious Food trucks line the path offering street food, while bars pour natural wine and craft cocktails to enjoy while catching live music performances of DJ sets. Unlike the city's traditional markets, Palo Alto asks for an entrance fee (€6.50 /US $7) (purchased in advance) and a timed window (five hours: morning to afternoon or afternoon to evening) ensuring a more relaxed growing experience without the tourist crowds.  Opening times: It's open the first weekend of every month from 11am to 9pm Getting there: Take metro line 4 to Selva de Mar or Poblenou In a vaulted, light-drenched space, the stalls heave with everything from meat, fish, and freshly baked bread to glossy olives and melons, tomatoes, and strawberries that taste of sunshine. Once you’re done with shopping, prop up the bar at one of the tapas joints. A firm fave is Barra Perelló where you can dig into stunners like grilled artichokes with anchovy cream and Cantabrian anchovies with smoked butter toast 8am-6pm SaturdayGetting there: Take metro line 5 to Hospital Clínic  A whisper away from the Med and its briny breezes and Platja de la Barceloneta, Mercat de la Barceloneta is all about the fish Originally a Modernista marvel constructed in 1887 the market was revamped in 2007 by architect Josep Miàs and is now a wavy glass-and-steel Dip in and you’ll find the kind of seafood that makes the supermarket offerings back home pale by comparison We’re talking great shiny mounds of boat-fresh mussels Stay for lunch. One of the best picks is La Cova Fumada with the menu chalked up on a board and pocket-money prices and everyone’s favourite bombas (deep-fried potato and meat balls) go well with a jug of the house sangria Opening times: 8am-3pm Monday-Saturday Getting there: Take metro line 4 to Barceloneta Doing a brisk trade since 1888, Barcelona’s Mercat de la Llibertat bears the elaborate Modernista hallmark of Francesc Berenguer i Mestres With its soaring redbrick walls and ornate wrought-iron swirls it’s now the beating heart of Barcelona’s boho-cool Gràcia neighborhood You won’t find overwhelming crowds here - just a well-edited selection of goodies from freshest fruit Hungry? Try to snag a stool at the bar of Hermos Peix boasting brilliantly fresh ingredients from the adjacent fishmonger Watch chefs sizzle and stir as you sample the likes of ajo blanco (chilled white gazpacho soup) laced with crushed almonds and herb oil and monkfish tempura slick with kimchi mayo 8am-3pm SaturdayGetting there: Take metro line 3 or 5 to Diagonal Lost & Found Market: Fashion-forward visitors should also check out this vintage market featuring stalls with overflowing clothes, accessories, and other pre-loved items like second-hand cameras, luggage, and more. It is typically held every three months at Estació de França (check their website for exact dates and locations) from 11m to 9pm on Sundays Take metro line 4 to Barceloneta or Jaume 1 Flea Market Barcelona: Barcelona's wandering second-hand market transforms city spaces into pulsating market places every month. Beyond vintage clothing and pre-loved items, visitors can expect DJ sets and food pop-ups. Follow their Instagram for upcoming locations Mercantic: A rabbit hole of retro delights, this Sant Cugat market transforms a former factory into the ultimate vintage wonderland. Wander through stalls brimming with mid-century furniture, architectural salvage, books, records, and more. There's often DJs, live music and food, and wine tastings too. Open Saturday 9.30am to 8.30pm and Sunday 9.30am to 3pm. Take the FCG train, line S2 to Volpelleres. but sustainable tourism is part of our future The America’s Cup health and business congresses scheduled for the autumn and the ongoing promotion of the city as a party destination will all combine to push the influx of tourists to a new high the public-private consortium that runs the city’s tourism sector and it will push away low cost and massive tourism.” However, that’s easier said than done. It’s not enough, for example, to play host to luxury summits for global business or to tap into the health tourism sector by offering VIPs 24-hour check-ups in luxury clinics with prices ranging from €900 to €4,000 Mateu agrees with the need for a comprehensive and long-term approach capable of measuring and evaluating the harm done by tourism and adjusting policy accordingly but do more young people drop out of full-time education because they are tempted to earn a wage tending a bar It’s an example of how difficult it is to preserve the city’s original social and economic fabric gentrification caused by tourism is exacerbating a chronic housing crisis This is having profound social consequences for ordinary citizens losing long-term tenancies as landlords seek to turn their properties into short-term lets and tourist apartments despite being listed on holiday rental platforms How can you build a community-based city when the owners of the buildings, the apartments, the shops and restaurants have no ties to Barcelona except to extract maximum profit? International investment funds are snapping up commercial properties close to the main tourist attractions and it seems impossible to convince them that their profit is our loss. Take the beach as an example of what has gone wrong. Before the Olympics in 1992, we had almost no beaches. The maritime front north of the old harbour belonged to factories and shantytowns. Today, because of the games, we have more than 3 miles (5km) of beaches. The sea and the sand are a magnet for locals and foreigners, families and partygoers. It shows how urban planning can bring an industrial, depleted space to life. Free weekly newsletterThe most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment Few locals now remain on the seafront and fewer will stay Barcelona has always been an open city, a gateway to the Mediterranean and the Iberian peninsula, multinational and multicultural. As a European crossroads it has welcomed everyone. Workers from the Spanish south helped to build the city and people from the global south keep it going. About 25% of the population is foreign born But if mass tourism keeps growing at current rates (Spain received a record 85.1 million international tourists in 2023 Barcelona and other destinations will continue to lose their real identities and with them an authentic tourist experience The emotional reaction from some Barcelonians is to kick out the tourists. The project against the airport’s enlargement has many backers, as has the mayor’s recent proposal to limit the number of cruises. But putting up barriers won’t give us back our Barcelona. It is a model for contemporary architecture and urbanism, for cutting edge art, culture and food. Only by educating tourists and the tourist industry about the harms they are doing by treating my city as a playground – instead of a community of people who must be treated with respect – will the situation improve. And the tourists themselves will benefit too: making local friends and better memories to take back home. Xavier Mas de Xaxàs is a writer for La Vanguardia Dani Olmo (front) rejoined Barcelona in 2024 Barcelona do not have the financial capacity to register forwards Dani Olmo and Pau Victor The Catalans were granted temporary licenses by La Liga to register Olmo and Victor last summer But their registrations were then revoked in January by La Liga who said Barcelona had failed to prove they were compliant with the league's financial rules by their deadline of 31 December Spain's sports council (CSD) gave Barcelona permission to temporarily reinstate Olmo and Victor following an appeal with a definitive ruling on the pair's registrations expected by 7 April Barcelona - top of La Liga and in the Champions League quarter-finals - announced a deal on 3 January to sell VIP boxes at the club's Nou Camp stadium But La Liga says the deal was not recorded in the accounts submitted by Barcelona to the league last week for the 2024-25 season and that the deal had been approved by a different "No amount from the [VIP box deal] is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction," said La Liga in a statement La Liga said they were reporting the auditor to the Accounting and Auditing Institute "Barcelona did not have on December 31 [the financial fair play capacity] for the registration of the players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor," La Liga said Barcelona president Joan Laporta told reporters the league's letter was "an attempt to damage the club's image and go against FC Barcelona's interests" He said the club's legal team would respond to the letter "as forcefully as necessary" and questioned the timing of it with his side facing Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final later on Wednesday (20:30 BST) "Three months ago I said that Olmo and Pau Victor's registrations had been carried out correctly following each and every one of the requirements demanded by the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] and La Liga joined Barcelona from RB Leipzig in a £52m deal last summer has played 22 times this season and five times since the ruling Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Champions League semi-final updates: Calafiori back for Arsenal; Dembele returns for PSG Stunning stats and 'Ronaldo behaviour' - is Yamal cut out to rival Messi PSG's Dembele fit for second leg against Arsenal A gritty crime saga set in Liverpool starring Sean Bean Stacey Dooley explores Britain’s shoplifting epidemic Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week Is the risk that Mercedes took with Antonelli paying off Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China 'Calamity keeper' or 'human wall' - which Donnarumma will Arsenal face Zhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights VideoZhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights Alexander-Arnold leaves as modern Liverpool great - but fans will feel hurt 'Scheffler and DeChambeau wins further raise US PGA excitement levels' Match-fixing scandal to Crucible champion - fall and rise of Zhao 'We need to take a look at ourselves' - Arsenal stalling at wrong time Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Solskjaer on Besiktas Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer Poppy's tears Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Barcelona continues its commitment to improving public spaces and the latest initiative in Barceloneta is proof of this The remodeling of the children’s play area in parc de la Barceloneta is already underway and promises to be a more creative diverse and accessible place designed to encourage play among children of all ages and abilities stands out for the incorporation of a very particular element: an icosahedron that This central element not only adds a unique touch to the park but also serves as the core of a system of games arranged throughout the space creating different routes that invite children to move and play freely Deputy Mayor and Ciutat Vella district councilor Albert Batlle expressed his enthusiasm for the completion of the first phase of the project and stressed that the installation of the icosahedron will be the highlight of this new play area “It is good news that we are in the final stretch of this play area that will be characteristic of the Barceloneta neighborhood,” said Batlle Completion of the works is scheduled for November at which time the new children’s area will be fully open to the public One of the most important features of this remodel is its focus on accessibility The new play area not only incorporates innovative play elements but is also designed to be accessible to children with disabilities Games such as the accessible slide and sorral allow all children seesaws and other games designed to stimulate physical activity in an inclusive manner are being installed This refurbishment is part of a broader effort by the City Council to make play areas throughout the city more inclusive and accessible but has also included the renovation of other spaces in Ciutat Vella such as Pla de Palau and Pou de la Figuera with the aim of creating more play opportunities for all children The transformation of the Barceloneta playground is not an isolated case It is one of the many interventions that the City Council is carrying out as part of a comprehensive urban renewal plan the 700,000 euro investment is a sign of the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its residents These types of unique spaces not only provide a place for recreation thanks to the integration of more green spaces and rest areas helps to create an environment where children can interact safely and creatively The renovations in the Barceloneta park are part of a broader series of measures to improve the city’s public spaces but also improve social cohesion and community life inclusion and creativity are the pillars guiding this renovation and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of life of Barceloneta’s neighbors This project is just one of many improvements that have been made in the neighborhood recently Other initiatives include the renovation of streets as well as improvements to facilities such as the new Primary Care Center on Carrer dels Pescadors and the Nautical Institute The renovation of play areas in Ciutat Vella is part of the Pla del Joc a l’Espai Públic an ambitious strategy to make Barcelona more inclusive and prepared for the challenges of the future This plan has changed the way play spaces are conceived in the city integrating accessibility and inclusion in a comprehensive way With the remodeling of parks such as Barceloneta Barcelona continues to move towards a city model where outdoor play and physical activity are a priority but also promote physical activity and well-being for children and their families This inclusive and innovative approach is not limited to Ciutat Vella The Barceloneta park joins other unique areas already in operation in the city such as the Poblenou park and the park of the Thirteen Roses Barcelona demonstrates its leadership in the creation of public spaces that respond to the needs of all its inhabitants The new play area in Barceloneta Park is an example of how Barcelona is transforming its public spaces to make them more inclusive and accessible With significant investment and innovative design this park not only offers new play opportunities but also fosters community life and inclusion This renovation is part of a larger effort to make Barcelona a more welcoming and future-proof city where all children can enjoy public space on equal terms Stock images by Depositphotos La venta de la nuda propiedad Copyright © 2022 Salirporbarcelona , All rights Reserved. Created by JEZZ Media A hundred trees still remain to be planted in this phase The entire project is expected to be finished in 2027 Rendering of the proposed La Rambla redevelopment project. Image Courtesy of Barcelona City Council, under policy of fair useTo combat gentrification La Rambla's urban planning aims to prioritize residential use and preserving rights for long-term residents managing tourism pressures is addressed through dedicated spaces for monitoring and managing large gatherings A comprehensive signposting plan aims to facilitate navigation while supporting sustainable tourism narratives and highlighting La Rambla's heritage Related Article UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2026: Barcelona and the Capacity of Architecture to Transform Reality The roadway is set to be reduced to a single 3.5-meter-wide traffic lane in each direction, supporting local resident access, bicycles, and public transport. Widening the pavements provides more pedestrian areas, and a dedicated service lane will be in the widest areas of the pavements, balancing pedestrian use with occasional service needs. Enhancements to the central pedestrian zones will include enlarging tree pits and improving the condition of existing trees. in an effort to fight over-tourism and alleviate the city's long-standing housing crisis You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Thursday August 22 saw racing at the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta get underway and Barcelona come alive as the FREE-TO-ENTER Official Race Village and Fanzones officially opened. Downtown Barcelona has become very much the place to be with the super-fast AC75 yachts competing head-to-head for the first time in a regatta series. Excitement has been building amongst the teams for some time, all eager to test themselves against the opposition after three years of designing, testing, training and development. The on-water action promises to be outstanding with many predicting that this will be the closest America’s Cup in living history and shoreside, spectators can catch the action live and on replay at the outstanding free to enter Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Race Village and Fanzones that have sprung up all around the Port Vell, La Barceloneta and out by Bogatell Beach. The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is aiming to be the most accessible of events and the Official Race Village along the Moll de La Fusta – which opens at midday each day – is the beating heart of the event's hospitality offerings. The Race Village and Fanzones are free-to-enter, although there will be crowd-control measures in place at peak times, the Official Race Village covers some 25,000 square metres capable of holding up to 9,000 spectators at capacity. Five super-large jumbo screens relay the on-water racing action and a selection of sailors who have competed that day will come to the main stage after racing between 18:00 and 19:00 to appear on stage and talk through what happened on the water that day from their perspective – the ultimate chance to get up close and personal with the sailing superstars of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. There are activations aplenty with event sponsors on site at the Race Village and Fanzones including Capgemini with a real AC40 Simulator and photobooth where people can take a picture and keep a memory from their visit. Acciona is featuring a virtual reality headset which will take users through an experience on an America's Cup Hydrogen boat, as well as explain the story of what Acciona Energía does and how their values align with those of the America’s Cup around sustainability and a cleaner future. Yanmar will have a photocall with Yanmar's iconic mascots Yanbo & Marbo, plus a Japanese Sake tasting of an exclusive bottle that has been created just for this edition of the America’s Cup.  Coca-Cola have installed interactive games around various Coca-Cola brands such as Fanta, Monster and Fuze tea, and are also highlighting to guests their sustainability measures and their project Mares Circulares. Inside the stand is a drinks bar open to everyone. Explora meanwhile, is taking visitors through a sneak-peak of the luxury experiences offered on an Explora Journey's ship, following always their motto 'Sail Unique', plus a replica of their boat inside the stand.  Estrella Damm is featuring a two-story structure with the biggest drinks bar in the Race Village on the ground level and a lounge area upstairs only for Damm guests, overlooking the main stage area.  Agbar is giving an explanation into clean water and the measures they are taking to ensure conservation and protection of Barcelona's water sources, whilst Cupra is showcasing two Cupra car models and a giant screen where fans can follow the racing.  Their stand also contains a cyclor simulator where the public can measure the Watts that they create over a period of 30 seconds versus what a real AC75 cyclor achieves. There is also the opportunity to customise Cupra x AC37 merchandise and the chance to buy Cupra x AC37 Club Merchandise.  The UniCredit activation features a 360-degree camera where fans can take photographs and videos as the camera turns around them. It also features information about the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup and the AC40s.  Official timekeeper Omega has a timeline of Omega's history with Emirates Team New Zealand and the America’s Cup as well as eight different clocks around the Race Village. Isdin have two carts that will be positioned at both entrances of the Race Village to apply all-important sunscreen to fans. Louis Vuitton, sponsor of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta, Louis Vuitton Cup, and the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup, have set up a kiosk where they will sell Barcelona City Guides as well as other books and guides produced by Louis Vuitton. Up to four beverage stations, selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, will be on site throughout from opening at midday through to close-down at 22:00 or 23:00 depending on the time of the week (with later opening at weekends on race days). These bars, specially designed for the occasion, will offer Coca-Cola products and its wide variety of soft drinks, Estrella Damm beer with a selection of its specialties, wines and sparkling wine from Juvé & Camps and sparkling Corpinnat wines from Recaredo. Gastronomy and beverages will be provided by a revolving number of vendors with eight different offerings during the week and up to twelve different operators providing a wide selection of local, regional, national and international cuisine during the weekend. The Official Race Village and Fanzones aim to cater for all tastes with everything from renowned chefs such as Nandu Jubany, Jordi Esteve (Nectari)  and Albert Raurich (Dos Pebrots), and award-winning restaurants such as La Mundana, Per Feina or Babula. The local street food scene is also represented with such well-known names as Corazón De Agave, Àcid Bar, La Pulponeta, Deligotessen or Fileteando. In addition, confectionery and ice cream specialists such as Pastisseria Hofmann, DelaCrem, Sant Croi or Guapaletas will provide outstanding dessert options. Furthermore, there is plenty to see around the Official Race Village with some ten exhibitors showcasing their products, an official store where you can buy a wide selection of team and event merchandise and mementos, plus a fascinating learning corner that explains the America's Cup, its history and unique place as the oldest international sports trophy in the world.  One of the most exciting activities is the incorporation of a Grilling Zone in the Official Race Village on the Moll de la Fusta. A local project that seeks excellence in slow cooking, the Grilling Zone offers a menu that changes according to the market throughout the competition with fresh produce on offer, grilled on the spot by BAKKIU masters.  There will be fresh fish and seafood from the Fishermen's Association of Barcelona, ​​a collaboration that unites the world of sailing with the genuine flavours of fishing in Barcelona, ​​promoting culture and respect for the marine environment and the maritime tradition of the city. Furthermore, there will be options of dishes featuring meat and vegetables that will be supplied by the Mercat de la Barceloneta with the aim of promoting local trade. Also located in the Official Race Village, is an area dedicated to oysters from the hand of Amélie, a French oyster ‘maison’ that is based on the ‘savoir-faire’ of the best artisans who raise and select exceptional oysters praised by the premier chefs and the most discerning, exquisite palates. Over the weekend of August 24-25 visitors to the Official Race Village can dance the evening away with special sets from local DJ’s through to 2300, but remember not to miss the official Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta prize-giving that will be held on the main stage between 1830 and 1930 on Sunday August 25. In addition to the Official Race Village, the organisers of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup have installed Official Fanzones at Plaça del Mar and Bogatell. These allow a direct view of the race area and on-water action with giant screens that go live when the Race Village stage show starts and allows spectators to view all the action once the race day begins. The fabulous Fanzones are also free entry and opening times for exhibits, food and entertainment vary from the Official Race Village with the Plaça del Mar and Bogatell Fanzones operating from midday to 2000. A very special ‘After Race Bogatell’ has also been created to offer a fun and festive post-racing meeting point that will attract attendees to the area during the weekends of the competition. A programme will showcase the wide variety of the DJ scene in Barcelona with a rotation of artists of complementary styles performing. Spectators might also want to check out the Port Olímpic viewing area, which overlooks the UniCredit Youth and Puig Women's team's bases and is located at the northern end of the race area, with a great view of the start and the racing action around the turning marks at that end. The Fanzone at Plaça del Mar totals some 4,000 square metres with a capacity of 3,000 whilst at Bogatell, the area is slightly smaller with some 3,000 square metres overall and a capacity of 2,000 spectators. Both Fanzones have a total of three exhibitors and a merchandise store, complemented by three to four food corners that will change every week, plus two beverage counters selling both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The history and rules of the America’s Cup is also visually displayed in dedicated areas at these venues. The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is bursting into life in beautiful Barcelona as the centrepiece of a stunning summer of sailing from the Port Vell. All eyes of the sailing world, and an expected global audience of some 1.5 billion will be focused on the stunning waters off La Barceloneta. Come and enjoy the Louis Vuitton 37thAmerica’s Cup – it promises to be the greatest show on earth. The beaches of Barcelona will begin this year’s bathing season on Saturday, April 12, with medium season services until April 21 and every weekend in April and May.   This means that the main services, including lifeguards, beach bars, cleaning service, and public bathrooms, will be available for beachgoers, along with information points.   During the high season, between May 24 and September 11, the service will be available during extended hours.   This year, more swimming services will be available to improve accessibility for people who need personal and technical assistance to access the water. These swimming support points will be located at the beaches of Nova Icària, Barceloneta, Bogatell, and Fòrum.  At Nova Icària and Fòrum, services will operate from April 12 until October 5, from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm during the medium season and from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm during the high season. At Barceloneta beach, support points will operate during the high season, from May 24 to September 11, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. The swimming support point at Bogatell Beach is new and will operate during the high season from June 21 to September 11 from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm. Furthermore, 12 lifeguard towers will be in operation, and this number will increase to 21 during the high season. The best of Buenos Aires straight to your inbox Buenos Aires If you're in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, or Mar del Plata, the Tapeando 2025 festival gives you the chance to try the most delicious tapas from Spain from April 4th to 13th Over 70 restaurants will participate with their creations so you can create your own route and try everything In Argentina, we are just starting to learn how to enjoy tapas (in fact, in this article, we explain what tapas are) but the Spanish are experts: this tradition brings together their love for good food and their desire to explore new bars and experiment with new flavors For those of us who enjoy eating and drinking tasty things tapas in Barcelona is an unparalleled experience The city's gastronomic culture is one of the things that defines it and tapas is one of the best ways to experience it You may also be interested in: 9 Tapas to Try at Tapeando 2025 in BA discover the best neighborhoods for tapas in Barcelona Make sure to add them to your list for your next trip El Born is the perfect neighborhood for a tapas night. Its medieval streets hide traditional bars, like El Xampanyet, alongside more modern spots like Bormuth From classic bombas to creative montaditos El Born is also great for exploring the Picasso Museum wandering through independent design shops and enjoying the Basilica of Santa María del Mar and locals come from all neighborhoods to sit on their little stools This neighborhood is known for its relaxed vibe and a great selection of pintxos and tapas at good prices You may also be interested in: A Journey through Spain with Julieta Caruso In Poble-sec, Blai Street is the epicenter of tapas. Classic bars like Quimet & Quimet serve miniature delights with quality products, while other simpler spots, like La Tasqueta de Blai offer a variety of pinchos to choose from at a bar (none costing more than 2.50 euros) But Poble-sec isn’t just about tapas don't miss the opportunity to head up to Montjuïc Park for the best panoramic view of the city and take a stroll down Paral·lel Street traditionally home to theaters and cabaret Gràcia is also a neighborhood of squares: it has Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Sol in addition to being the gateway to the stunning Park Güell by Gaudí which should definitely be on your wish list if you’ve never been thanks to Mediterranean products: fried fish Its beaches are perfect for a sunny day by the sea and its seafront promenade is ideal for walking or simply enjoying the coastal atmosphere before stopping for a beer and a tapa or two Jai-Ca is a classic with a neighborhood vibe, and at Can Ramonet you can enjoy a more sophisticated version without losing the maritime essence El Eixample is synonymous with elegant bars and carefully curated culinary offerings. At places like Cervecería Catalana, tapas become a gourmet experience, while at Bodega Joan you can order classics like patatas bravas and calamari This neighborhood is also the heart of modernism in Barcelona A walk down Passeig de Gràcia is a must to admire Casa Batlló and La Pedrera In recent years, the Sant Antoni neighborhood has become a gastronomic hotspot. The revamped Mercat de Sant Antoni (the largest in Barcelona) has brought a wave of unique tapas bars. At Bar Alegría you can pair cured meats with natural wines the neighborhood is perfect for book lovers the market becomes a gathering spot for collectors of old books and comics By voting for your favorite tapa at Tapeando you could win a trip for two to Spain with Level but be sure to visit them all… for tapas About us With only nine matches left in the 2024–25 La Liga season, the Spanish crown is still very much up for grabs. Barcelona Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been immersed in the closest La Liga title race in recent memory for the entire season but only one can walk away as the new champions of Spain Barcelona, meanwhile, collected three points against Osasuna midweek and then against Girona on Sunday The Catalans remain unbeaten in 2025 and sit atop the table with 66 points Real Madrid trail by three points while Atlético Madrid now find themselves nine points off the league-leaders Here's the next five league games for the three Spanish giants battling for the La Liga crown Barcelona should have no trouble against 18th-place Leganés a week later but they did suffer a poor 0–1 defeat to Borja Jiménez's men back in December they welcome Celta Vigo to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys Celta have put together a few impressive results this season including a draw against Simeone's side last month The Catalans finish April against Mallorca who have their sights set on European soccer next year they are no match for Barcelona's firepower up top and neither are last-place Real Valladolid Kylian Mbappé is looking to lead Real Madrid to back-to-back La Liga titles. / IMAGO/PressinphotoReal Madrid's next league match comes against Valencia. Last time the two sides clashed, it took a stoppage time winner from Jude Bellingham to lift the defending Spanish champions over Valencia Next up are Alavés, a side that has just two victories in 2025. The much tougher task comes on Apr. 20 against Athletic Bilbao. Ernesto Valverde's men are just one of four teams to defeat Real Madrid in La Liga this season and Los Blancos will be looking for revenge Real Madrid must travel to the Coliseum to face Getafe a team that has not defeated Carlo Ancelotti's men in over three years Celta Vigo are next in line to play Los Blancos but the defending Spanish champions should comfortably collect three points at home Atlético Madrid hope to win their third La Liga title of the Diego Simeone era / IMAGO/Maciej RogowskiAtlético Madrid are now in must-win territory if they want to keep their La Liga title chances alive After dropping points in their last three matches they need to defeat Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán to keep the pressure on Barcelona and Real Madrid The good news for Atlético Madrid is their next two matches are against the two worst teams in the league Simeone's squad should easily walk away with six points from the pair of fixtures Atlético Madrid then host Rayo Vallecano at the Metropolitano; the Spanish giants were held to a 1–1 draw when the two sides clashed back in September What should be a comfortable match against Alavés follows Atlético Madrid might be too far back in the standings to make a run at Barcelona or Real Madrid AMANDA LANGELLAmanda Langell is a Sports Illustrated Soccer freelance writer covering the European game and international competitions. Barcelona’s food scene in 2025: the year that was 2024 blessed us with a ton of incredible new restaurants, including new faves Eldelmar, Aüc and Bajarí (all of which you’ll find on this list). And that’s not all: we opened the all-new Time Out Market Barcelona bringing the best of the city’s food scene together under one roof at the stunning Port Vell on the terrace-viewpoint of Maremagnum two restaurants that we’ve been shouting about since their opening received Michelin stars: Mae and Teatro But on our full list of the best restaurants in Barcelona, you’ll find both old and new, traditional and modern – you’ll find everything from old-school tapas and contemporary Catalan cuisine to Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican and more. The team at Time Out Barcelona have tried every single spot on this list so you can trust us when we say these are the best restaurants in Barcelona right now.  Ricard Martín is the food and drink editor at Time Out Barcelona. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines Time Out Market Barcelona sees 14 award-winning chefs bring local cuisine to the city all under one roof (including two with Micheiln stars) – find it at Port Vell, on the terrace-viewpoint of Maremagnum.  What is it? A spot with out-there, imaginative cuisine that stimulate all five senses (hence the name). BaLó doesn't refer to football; it's a blend of Barcelona and London the hometowns of Lena Maria Grané and Ricky Smith They’re chefs from the class of 1997 and 1996 respectively and their style – they met in London while working at Galvin La Chapelle – reflects the name: Mediterranean cuisine with Atlantic touches. The space (previously La Vaqueria) is airy They create cuisine that’s creatively tranquil remembered for the flavor and depth of dishes. We love the sea bass with cauliflower and the beurre blanc with grey mullet roe brimming with citrus notes and indulgent richness You can opt for the Baló Menu or the tasting menu – the latter a twelve-course showcase of a high-level gastronomic house that doesn’t adhere to any specific tradition but seeks to evoke emotion in each dish: think smoked eel and squid ink fritters What is it? Aürt opened at the Hilton Diagonal Mar in 2017 Unlike other Michelin spots where everything is about spectacle here there just 17 spots at one high table and the entire cooking process happens right in front of the customer with the chefs explaining and reasoning the dishes it’s intimate and it’s one of the best restaurants in Barcelona. Martínez sticks to his self-created label of ‘local exoticism’ and ‘japoterráneo’ (a mix of Japanese and Mediterranean influences) or a green curry with horchata instead of coconut milk.  What is it? Teatro is back under the direction of the Iglesias brothers The Michelin-starred restaurant’s spectacular layout hasn’t changed and watching thirty high-end professionals in action remains a show like few others in the city a seasoned talent with a background in the culinary world – his previous role was as the executive chef at Enigma and he’s worked at our faves 41º and Hacienda Benazuza.  Why go? Peña crafts cuisine that’s much more effective than showy with a display of technique and creativity that reflects organic growth and a desire to loosen the constraints of haute cuisine in favor of pure enjoyment a hollow breadstick filled with beef tenderloin where the addition of beef fat creates the sensation of devouring a grilled T-bone steak in a snack We also love the breaded sardines with tartar sauce and Iberian ham which feels like having a very posh afternoon tea.  a Michelin-starred temple of Nikkei cuisine you'll now find a Mediterranean izakaya or a traditional bodega with an Asian twist It's run by the very established Jaume Marambio and Vicky Maccarone who blend Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine Why go? The two cuisines might not sound like a match made in heaven with a hell of a lot of finesse and originality The dishes that combine slow Catalan cooking with Japanese influences take the spotlight here. If you're after cold dishes Eduard Xatruch and Mateu Casañas offer in Disfrutar is pure techno-emotional cooking that's a reminder of the mothership Why go? The dishes are incredibly imaginative and made with outstanding precision such as the famous macaroni à la carbonara made with ham jelly you'll find an explosion of the senses carried out at just the right pace.  What is it? Alkimia is divided into two parts: a modern gastro restaurant that's not so much an exclusive eatery but a comfortable one and a kitchen that carries on Alkimia's tradition of Catalan cuisine Why go? For the restaurant's signature Catalan cuisine with a modern try the caramelised cabbage with cheese and horseradish Albert Adrià has redefined his most personal project for the third time Enigma has transitioned from what he called ‘fun dining’ – a combination of creative small plates and dancing – to the traditional formula expected from an ElBulli stalwart: a 25-course tasting menu costing just over €200 Why go? On the menu you’ll find extreme creative avant-garde with the house’s trademark subtlety and sense of humour Here you’ll find succulent playful dishes lke wagyu steak tartare that transforms into an instant sobrasada with the addition of Mallorcan Tap de Cortí pepper as it touches the table.  What is it? Mae is a high-flying restaurant led by Catalan chef Germán Espinosa (formerly of Fonda España) Colombian chef Diego Mondragón (formerly of Bodega de Can Roca and Costa Rican restaurateur Mariella Rodríguez They practise ‘gastronomic glocalism,’ a synergy between globalism and localism to create new dishes This places Mae with one foot here and the other in Latin America lulo (a fruit that looks like a tomato but has a delicate citrus aroma) Why go? Mae’s cuisine is virtuosic and highly technical offering two tasting menus and an executive menu Think Maresme tomato with almonds and ají amarillo and mussel gelée with fresh herbs; corvina cured in kombu seaweed with lulo and radish infusion; and lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke What is it? Francesc Beltri and Nicolás de la Vega, chefs and co-owners of the creative Michelin-starred restaurant Slow & Low in Sant Antoni, have transformed an old, humble neighbourhood bar into Bar Canyí low-key spot dedicated to Catalan and Castilian culinary traditions It changes with the seasons and there are no fixed dishes but you’ll always find classics for nostalgic diners: marinated mussels there’re no where better – and prices aren’t to be sniffed at ranging from €3.5 gildas to €15 baby squid rosé and red wines from Catalan and Spanish wineries especially fortified wines from Jerez A zero-emission ferry shuttle service linking Barcelona's seafront with La Rambla boulevard will begin operating on Thursday powered by both solar energy and electric charging The 10-minute ride will connect two key docks of the Barcelona port: one at the end of La Rambla boulevard and the other on the beach of San Sebastià The service will begin on July 4 and will run 12 hours a day have a cruising speed of 10 knots and can cruise continuously for 8 hours The president of the Barcelona port Lluís Salvadó said the bus will provide transportation for the nearly 3,400 people who work in the old port which is home to important companies such as Desigual Beachgoers will also benefit from the service as they will be able to reach San Sebastià beach Authorities emphasized that the project will help integrate the port with the city and "alleviating" traffic around the Columbus Monument area The new service comes ahead of the America's Cup sailing competition, which begins on August 22. The competition has led to a major transformation of the port, with a total investment of €300 million between the city and the port. "We are immersed in a process of transformation, reconnecting the city with the sea, something that has not been seen since the '92 Olympics," said Mayor Jaume Collboni at the launch of the service. Collboni said the launch of  'Bus nàutic' was done in "record time," and that the project had been in the works for more than 15 years and was "accelerated" by the America's Cup. It is just one of the many projects the local government will unveil in the next two months before the competition begins. "The next 50 days will be hectic. We are in the final stages of completing the 20 operations in the port," said Salvadó. Barcelona superstar pushing to start vs Inter Milan despite recent return from injury PSG boss Luis Enrique weighs in on Inter Milan vs Barcelona – ‘My love for them will never disappear’ Barcelona president sends clear message ahead of Inter Milan showdown Barcelona midfield starlet remains an injury doubt for El Clasico vs Real Madrid Barcelona hand trial to teenage Brazilian midfield prospect Three things Barcelona must do to beat Inter Milan Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Inter Milan How Real Madrid attempted a football robbery — but were stopped by FC Barcelona Ferran start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid Olmo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Mallorca Three talking points ahead of Inter Milan vs Barcelona | UEFA Champions League Three talking points from Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona | La Liga Raphinha 8.5 | Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona: Player ratings Three talking points ahead of Real Valladolid vs Barcelona | La Liga GW 34 Three talking points from Barcelona 3-3 Inter Milan Three key battles that could decide Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund Mbappe arrived but Barcelona evolved: Flick’s tactical triumph over Real Madrid’s Galactico attack Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona’s ageless goal machine leading the title charge Beyond transfers: Deco’s blueprint for Barcelona’s long-term success Back at the top: Pedri reclaims his throne as the best midfielder in the world Marc Casado: Barcelona’s next great pivot Ranking all 15 La Masia talents that made their Barcelona debut under Xavi Barcelona talented La Masia graduate’s market value rises to €75 million Barcelona delighted with the progress of 15-year-old La Masia talent – report ‘La Masia is the essence of Barça’ – Barcelona academy gem reacts after La Liga debut Deco wants to build Barcelona’s future with La Masia With FC Barcelona looking to rope in a new right-back as competition for Jules Kounde in the summer, Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu has emerged as a target The 26-year-old defender is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most reliable right-backs in La Liga and has seemingly caught the eyes of the Blaugrana sporting management it appears that Barcelona are no longer alone in pursuing the Romanian international Indeed, according to SPORT Barcelona are not the only club keeping a close eye on Ratiu and Aston Villa are also monitoring his progress Ratiu is enjoying an excellent season as a key player in a Rayo side that has become one of the surprises of La Liga and is competing for European spots The Romanian international has played 22 times in all competitions this term Barcelona currently rely on Jules Kounde as their undisputed right-back While the Frenchman is naturally a central defender he has now fully adapted to his role on the flank and is not expected to switch positions La Masia product Hector Fort was considered his long-term backup but he has seen limited playing time under Hansi Flick the club is now looking to reinforce the position with a reliable alternative Ratiu is under contract with Rayo Vallecano until 2028 with a €25 million release clause – a figure that Barcelona would be unwilling to pay The Catalans remain hopeful that a lower transfer fee could be negotiated But the interest from a host of different clubs could make that possibility difficult With Barça taking on Rayo tomorrow in La Liga they will likely keep a close eye on Ratiu who himself will be keen on making a strong impression Achievements • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Licensed Images • Copyright © 2017 - 2024 Barca Universal - info@barcauniversal.com these are the very best beaches in Barcelona There are a thousand reasons to love Barcelona (and you’ll find 30 here, in our list of the best things to do in the Catalan capital) but there’s one thing that really sets it apart from most other major European cities: the beaches but aren’t ready to leave the hustle and bustle too far behind Les Casetes del Garraf is the beach for you it has a hotel and a couple of restaurants and the fine sand beach is lined with wooden huts formerly used by fishermen to store their equipment Carme Ruscalleda's Michelin-starred restaurant is now closed but there are still plenty of reasons to visit Sant Pol de Mar looking out for the modernist façades while you’re at it where you’ll find panoramic views of the Mediterranean Both Les Casetes del Garraf and Sant Pol are less than an hour's drive from Barcelona and are also accessible by train This guide was written by the editorial team at Time Out Barcelona. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines Photograph: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the D20 or metro L4 (Barceloneta) and L3 (La Rambla - Drassanes) also includes the area that has historically been known as Sant Miquel Beach which corresponds to a large part of the coastal area of the Barceloneta neighbourhood where long-time residents mix with passing foreigners and is easily accessible from the city centre offers a perfect view of the entire Barcelona coastline from the three chimneys of the former electric power station La Canadenca to the Forum's solar panelling you’ll find an unofficial nudist beach you will find many people working out and flexing their muscles Barceloneta Beach is the largest and one of the oldest beaches in the city It takes its name from the maritime neighbourhood par excellence which was established in the eighteenth century by Barcelona residents expelled from La Ribera after 1714 Barceloneta has also been closely linked to the metallurgy and gas industries as evidenced by some of the names still found in the area such as the Gas Breakwater that divides the beach in two The construction of the seafront promenade at the end of the last century connected this old neighbourhood with the Olympic Port and also led to the disappearance of the popular chiringuitos (beach bars) where locals used to enjoy a Sunday paella before the Olympic frenzy hit town Now you can find different types of restaurants and services under the promenade’s arches Foto: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the V23 The nineteenth-century city planner Ildefons Cerdà had his own utopian dream of a city He’d planned on calling it Icària like the ideal island imagined by the utopian-minded socialist Étienne Cabet several utopian followers of Cabet had settled along the old road leading to the Poblenou cemetery (New Icaria) one of the city’s most visited beaches It is 400 metres long and located in the centre of Barcelona's coastline It is one of the beaches with the most facilities in Barcelona and has plenty of leisure amenities the space now occupied by this beach was home to Somorrostro a neighbourhood where thousands of families lived in shacks without basic facilities The new beach has almost erased its memory or the Metro L4 (Poblenou y Llacuna).Bogatell Beach owes its name to an old stream that once ran from the uptown area of Vilapicina down the avenue of the same name until it reached the sea The centre of Bogatell was home to fishermen who lived amidst the stench rising up from the municipal sewer that flowed into the sea here the beach at Bogatell was completely overhauled during the 1980s and these days it’s one of the most popular People with reduced mobility have reserved parking spaces with accessible routes to the dry sand visual and tactile signage and information and wooden walkways that extend close to the water.Length: 702 metresFacilities: Toilets Photograph: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the H16 At the beginning of the twentieth century but eventually they were destroyed in a storm the city’s residents held this strip of beach in high regard but it fell on hard times in the middle of the last century The coastal renewal process that began with the 1992 Olympic Games brought back the beaches of Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella The former combines two very different areas: a nudist beach at one end and a children’s playground (with a very original slide) at the other You’ll also find young people playing football and volleyball Foto: Scott ChasserotHow to get there: Take the V29 The name La Mar Bella recalls the area on which Barceloneta was built A ‘marbella’ (written as one word) refers to land reclaimed from the sea like the land that serves as the foundation for this seaside neighbourhood and in recognition of the area's quality and services the Ecoplayas (or eco-friendly beach) flag is flown here Photograph: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the V29 or Metro L4 (Selva de Mar and El Maresme / Forum) This young beach emerged from the removal of cement blocks from the Prim Breakwater as part of the transformation of Diagonal Mar Because it’s newer than the city’s other beaches Llevant has the fewest facilities and services making it ideal for families and individuals who are looking for some peace A large open area that functions as a car park makes it easy to access by car a designated area is set up for citizens to bring their dogs Foto: Vicente Zambrano GonzálezHow to get there: Take the H16 but it’s not a traditional beach – crucially it’s an area reclaimed from the sea with concrete a section of the sea has been calmed to transform it into a large the Camp de la Bota the name by which this maritime zone between Barcelona and Sant Adrià was known This area holds a sombre memory for Catalans: it was here that those repressed by Franco’s regime were executed as commemorated by the memorial on the esplanade leading to the bathing area A word of caution: there is a colony of sea urchins in the area so it’s highly recommended to swim with appropriate footwear to avoid being pricked The Festival of Barceloneta is celebrated around the day of San Miguel (September 29) During the Fiesta Mayor there are sardana concerts a parade with the giants Pep Barceló and María la Nieta and the cannon parade: a local dressed as a Napoleonic general carries a cannon and The cannon passes through the streets of the neighborhood and each time it is fired the attendees pretend to fall and collect the candy some streets are decorated by the neighbors who organize their own activities (music and dance mainly) This festival organized by the Association of Neighbors of La Barceloneta seems to have started in the mid-nineteenth century on the occasion of the centenary of the constitution of the neighborhood The silver cannon is delivered and tributes are paid by the AAVV of La Barceloneta The giants of Barceloneta participate from the Barceloneta market to the Barceloneta square and the Raval's Band will perform with snacks and other surprises Time: 20:00 h.Place: Plaça de La Barceloneta Time: 19:00 h.Place: Casa de la Barceloneta 1761 (carrer de Sant Carles Time: 19:00 h.Place: Plaça de La Barceloneta Time: from 21:00 to 23:00 h.Itinerary: Passeig Marítim with Pepe Rubianes street Time: from 22:00 to 2:00 h.Place: Poeta Boscà square Time: from 22:30 to 2:00 h.Place: Pescadors street Time: from 10:00 to 13:00 h.Place: Salvat-Papasseit street Time: from 12:00 to 14:00 h.Place: Poeta Boscà square Exhibition of local commerce and gastronomy with workshops and live music Time: from 12:30 to 21:30 h.Place: Port Vell Time: from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.Torchlight parade: Andrea Dòria street Plaça del Poeta Boscà and Miquel de Pedrola street.Correfoc parade: Pepe Rubianes street Passeig Joan de Borbó and Plaça de la Barceloneta.Place fire display: Plaça de La Barceloneta Time: from 22:00 to 3:00 h.Place: Pescadors street as it is played with a tennis ball but with the hand Time: from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Place: Somorrostro beach Parade and departure of the Cannon in the streets of the Barceloneta neighborhood With the accompaniment of General Lagarto's Dwarf Time: Trabucaires (9:00 h) and Fiesta del Cañón (10:00 h)Place: the streets of La Barceloneta Meeting of all the banners of the choral associations of Barceloneta parading through different streets with the accompaniment of the Gigantón Miguelet and the Giants of Barceloneta Time: from 12.00 to 15.00 hItinerary: departure at Plaça Poeta Boscà and arrival at Plaça de la Maquinista Time: from 13:00 to 14:00 h.Place: Carrer del Mar Time: from 19:00 to 21:00 h.Place: Plaça de La Barceloneta Performance of the musician Muchacho y los Sobrinos and laser show Time: from 22:00 to 23:00 h.Place: Poeta Boscà square La Sardineta is an association of agroecological consumption founded in 2010 in the neighborhood of La Barceloneta The organization promotes responsible consumption that respects both the environment and people It focuses on the purchase of agroecological products that guarantee a fair price for producers respect natural cycles and encourage local and fair marketing La Sardineta participates in neighborhood movements and organizes since its creation the Fiesta Mayor Sardineta an event that is part of the Fiesta Mayor de La Barceloneta Program (PDF) with former F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari22 June 2024ShareSaveGregory WakemanShareSaveAlamy(Credit: Alamy)Jaime Alguersuari was once the youngest-ever F1 driver; now he's a DJ in his hometown of Barcelona from tapas at Bar Cañete to nights out in Eixample After racing for Toro Rosso 46 times between 2009 and 2011 – becoming the youngest driver to ever start a Grand Prix at the time – Jaime Alguersuari retired from motorsport in 2015 to focus on his career as DJ He has since released three albums and performed across the world under the name Squire Millions of visitors flock annually to Barcelona to experience its museums, restaurants and beaches, but for the past 32 years, Formula 1 fans have descended on the nearby Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to witness the world’s finest racers And sometimes, fans become pros, like former Formula 1 driver Jaime Alguersuari. The Barcelona-born son of former Grand Prix motorcycle racer Jaime Alguersuari Sr "My dad had a special interest in making his son a racing driver," he says "I think he wanted it more than I did myself Since hanging up his helmet in 2015, Alguesuari has reinvented himself as DJ Squire, spinning at the INPUT, Ocean and Nitsa clubs in his beloved hometown Alguersuari also has his family to thank for his love of electronica; they've visited Ibiza every summer since the 1980s "That’s where I made all my friends," he says "We’d play each other the coolest records I could see this connection with the crowd once the music started kicking in." Even in his racing days Alguersuari wound down by making music on his laptop It’s a very balanced city with great vibes and a great energy plus Formula 1 usually happens at a very pleasant time of the year in the spring or summer when the weather is great Barcelona is always packed when Formula 1 is here." Here are Alguersuari’s favourite ways to spend a weekend in Barcelona – during Formula 1 and beyond while on the other side is the Mediterranean Sea because it's not flat like Amsterdam and Milan," says Alguersuari "It goes from the sea to the mountains The city is separated by this big street called Diagonal Alguersuari believes Barcelona's proximity to the Mediterranean helps maintain the city's friendly "Just having the blue of the sea out in front you gives it a state of peace and freedom," he says "Even if you don't go for a swim Alguersuari recommends going for a walk or run through the La Barceloneta neighbourhood which connects the Olympic Port to the seafront and is the home to the Sant Sebastià to really soak up the atmosphere of the city especially when the temperature is rising." Summer 2024 will be particularly rollicking as The America’s Cup sailing competition is taking place in Barcelona between 22 August and 20 October Website: https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/1272/barceloneta-beach.html Address: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta especially the building itself," he says the best time to visit is either June or October: "That's when it has the perfect weather of between 25-30C." If you arrive in July or even September it's too "hot and humid and not very comfortable" while in August the city is deserted as residents leave for the coast or islands Not only is it one of the largest museums in Spain, full of Catalan art and Romanesque paintings, but it's found inside the Palau Nacional a Spanish Renaissance building that will leave visitors breathless with wonder Website: https://www.museunacional.cat/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museunacional/?hl=en When it's siesta time, Alguersuari prefers to stay in Sarrià a former village located in the upper part of the city "Not a lot of people know about it," he says "It’s mainly Catalans and people from Barcelona." This explains why there are less people traffic and it's just a "little bit more chilled." which is where the oldest parts of the city are and includes many medieval tourist attractions; located just south of Plaça Catalunya "It is beautiful to see," he says "You definitely have to go because that's the old town of Barcelona and you get to see the cathedral as well as the old fortifications of the city When I have international friends here and they want to see something I take them there." If you're looking to stay closer to the city centre Alguersuari recommends either the trendy El Born artsy Poblenou or elegant Gràcia neighbourhoods Bar Cañete offers visitors a true Catalan experience Not just because it serves "amazing wine and tapas," says Alguersuari but because the staff and chefs are "loud and joking all of the time," making it the perfect place to people-watch "It’s just a great place to have fun as soon as you walk in," he says while also warning that it gets very crowded Located within walking distance of the National Museum of Art, Xemei is another of Alguersuari’s most-loved restaurants in Barcelona Serving food from the Veneto region of Italy it embodies the "vibes" of the city thanks to its "beautiful terrace … [which] is a little bit bohemian and [has] the colour and texture of Barcelona," says Alguersuari If you can't make it to either of these restaurants Alguersuari suggests ordering the Catalan delicacies pa amb tomàquet (thin bread layered with tomato and seasoned with oil) and – for the very brave — rabo de toro (bull tail) from wherever you do end up eating should be consumed with only one thing: "This all goes well with great Spanish wine." Website: https://www.barcanete.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bar_canete/?hl=en If you're on the hunt for an outdoor adventure but don’t feel like taking a plunge in the Mediterranean Sea "One of the best things I would recommend and what I really value about my city is the views Going to the top of Tibidabo is great," says Alguersuari Once you make it to the top, you won’t just be rewarded with an incredible sight: Tibidabo Amusement Park is at the summit and it's not very big," says Alguersuari of the park which was opened in 1905 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world – most of the original rides still run "You get such an incredible view of the city and the sea," says Alguersuari "Especially when you're there for the sunrise or sunset Website: https://tibidabo.cat/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parctibidabo/?hl=en Barcelona's best area for late-night bars is Eixample It's full of spots that are still very "traditional" but eclectic; all packed together so you won’t have to stumble far "They're good fun and they feel very Spanish," he says Eixample is also home to Alguersuari's favourite cocktail bar, Dry Martini; a Barcelona staple "All of the waiters are dressed in classic attire," he says its eponymous beverage is its most popular but Alguersuari says Dry Martini is more about ambience "I feel so comfortable in there," he says But Barcelona is packed with nightlife, especially near its frequently touristed beaches, which host many clubs. His pick: Sala Apolo on Paral-lel Avenue "It’s like a fake city and a maze," says Alguersuari It’s a great place to go with your friends Website: https://drymartiniorg.com/carta-dry-martini-barcelona/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drymartinibarcelona/ If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. The secret WWII magazine ridiculing Hitler's motherHiding in an attic, Jewish man Curt Bloch found inspiration through crafting anti-Nazi parody. Rome's most stunning optical illusions revealedFrom the Malta Knights keyhole to a set of vanishing columns, discover the Eternal City's visual secrets. Steven Isserlis: 'I want to be a voice in their heads'In an intimate portrait, acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis opens up about why he loves teaching young musicians. 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On 12 June 1962, three men escaped from the notorious Alcatraz prison. While their fate remains unknown, the ingenuity of their escape continues to captivate. The Italian island immediately conjures up grand bougainvillea-draped villas and a whitewashed city centre, lined by luxury boutiques. But that's – literally – only half of the story. In 1956, Commander "Buster" Crabb disappeared during a visit to the UK by Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev. In 2006, a BBC reporter read the files that detailed his secret mission. and keep the party going at one of the city’s many cocktail bars and nightclubs Consider this your capsule edit of attractions: the definitive list of what to do in Barcelona for the time-smart traveller and performing arts spaces to so much more Spanning big-hitters and under-the-radar gems these are the best things to do in Barcelona – the Catalan-speaking city's most unmissable spots Read our complete Barcelona travel guide here the nightlife scene hots up – with dozens of dance clubs and bars catering to an LGBTQ+ crowd If you seek a calmer vibe and fewer crowds plan to visit on a weekday or in the off-season How to get there: Trains to Sitges depart regularly from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Passeig de Gracia) on the Renfe Rodalies R2 lineWebsite: visitsitges.com village-like district to the north of the city centre with a few benches shaded by trees; others are large lined with bustling terraces and filled with neighbourhood kids running and playing and stately stone church; if terraces on the plaza are full there are a couple more next to the church A short stroll away is Plaça de la Rovira i Trias which has several cafes with outdoor tables; look for the seated bronze statue of 19th-century architect Antoni Rovira i Trias who designed several of the city’s markets where you can while away a hot summer evening drinking beneath the stars Paradiso came in at number 10 (it was previously first in 2022) This dimly lit speakeasy in the Born district is cleverly concealed behind a pastrami shop though the ever-present queue snaking around the block makes it easy to find Prepare to be wowed by the wildly inventive ingredients (mushrooms seaweed sorbet!) and theatrical presentations Address: Paradiso, Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona; Sips, Carrer de Muntaner, 108, 08036 Barcelona; Two Schmucks, Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 52, 08001 BarcelonaWebsite: paradiso.cat; sips.barcelona; facebook.com Mar Bella is favoured by a younger crowd and also has a separate section for nude sunbathing and swimming that draws a large gay contingent appealing to families and older people living in the nearby residential towers of Diagonal Mar; it’s also a top spot for kite-surfing and lush greenery provide a welcome oasis from the busy Eixample streets wood-sculpted parody of Mickey Mouse by pop-culture phenom KAWS dominates the courtyard entrance of the Moco Museum Barcelona offering a taste of what’s to come in this dynamic new art space Spread across two floors of a 16th-century palace in the Born district are works by modern and contemporary masters – Warhol Damian Hirst – and legendary street artists like Banksy and KAWS plus cutting-edge digital installations by emerging talents the striking Richard Meier-designed Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) offers a great introduction to contemporary Catalan artists like Antoni Tàpies and Francesc Torres its collection also includes international heavyweights such as Alexander Calder Don’t miss Keith Haring’s monumental 1989 mural Todos juntos podemos parar el sida (Together we can stop AIDS) Addresses: Moco Museum Barcelona, Carrer de Montcada 25, 08003 Barcelona; MACBA, Plaça dels Àngels 1, 08001 BarcelonaWebsites: mocomuseum.com; macba.cat but Paradox Museum takes it to the next level with over 70 installations that create their own multi-sensory illusions It might be a name that’s familiar – outposts in London Miami and Mumbai have proven popular for locals and visitors alike with such a diverse array of experiences to try including the zero gravity room and the Paradox sofa challenge that aims to confuse your perception of reality Book tickets: feverup.comAddress: Pl he wasn’t the only one working in this fanciful architectural style A short stroll uphill from the Sagrada Familia is the world’s largest Art Nouveau site designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1901 The former hospital complex spans nine city blocks and comprises dozens of red-brick buildings decked with flamboyant spires and ornate stained-glass windows – all surrounding beautifully landscaped courtyards Close to Plaça d’Espanya is a marvellous example of industrial Modernisme architecture: the 1911 Casaramona factory designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch now home to the CaixaForum Barcelona art gallery and Moorish elements recall Spain’s medieval castles and visiting its undulating roof terrace is a must Addresses: Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona; CaixaForum Barcelona, Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8, 08038 BarcelonaWebsites: santpaubarcelona.org; caixaforum.org you can enjoy a live rooftop jazz concert included in the price Addresses: Casa Batlló, Pg. de Gràcia 43, 08007 Barcelona; La Pedrera, Pg. de Gràcia 92, 08007 BarcelonaWebsites: casabatllo.es; lapedrera.com Barcelona has some legendary nightlife worth staying up late for Inside a massive industrial warehouse in Poblenou Razzmatazz is five clubs in one: along with a main concert hall for A-list indie bands other spaces see DJs spinning everything from reggaetón to techno to pop every night of the week and more – both in the ground-level club and below red-velvet-clad Cabaret beneath the Barcelona EDITION where top-notch international DJs spin until the wee hours Addresses: Razzmatazz, Carrer dels Almogàvers 122, 08018 Barcelona; Ocaña, Pl. Reial 13-15, 08002 Barcelona; Cabaret, Avinguda de Francesc Cambó 14, 08003 BarcelonaWebsites: salarazzmatazz.com; facebook.com; cabaretbarcelona.com Two-metre-high cypress hedges form the maze which is dotted with sculptures and reliefs of characters from Greco-Roman romantic mythology and dead ends along the way until you reach its centre the 55-hectare park also features walking paths through a small forest and even a palace (not open to the public) It’s located at the foothills of the Collserola mountain range and is easily reached by Metro (L3) Address: Passeig dels Castanyers 1, 08035, BarcelonaWebsite: barcelona.cat Originally intended as an upscale housing development of 60 luxury villas surrounded by green space but not before the architect completed many of its fantastical features Among them are the grand main staircase guarded by a multi-coloured mosaic lizard and Sala Hipòstila whose 86 towering Doric columns call to mind a temple though it was meant as an outdoor marketplace Certainly the biggest draw is the vast central plaza that offers fabulous views of the city and sea below Website: parkguell.barcelona the Mirador Torre Glòries nets you some of Barcelona’s best vistas A lift whisks you 30 storeys up for 360-degree views of the city – from the mountains to the Mediterranean – letting you gaze through large windows upon Barcelona landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the tri-towered Sant Andreu power plant daredevils can don a jumpsuit (provided) and climb up into the dome via artist Tomás Saraceno’s ‘Cloud Cities,’ an installation of interlinked pods and steel cables that reaches 130 metres Address: Avinguda Diagonal 211, 08018 BarcelonaWebsite: miradortorreglories.com So it makes sense that Miró worked with his friend and kind of minimalist by Barcelona’s standards – it's no La Sagrada Família – but the coolest part is knowing that you’re seeing Miró’s work laid out exactly as he intended the collection is lively and energetic and devoid of the stuffy pretence that art museums can attract (A blue dot in a white rectangle might have some traditionalists shaking their heads.) But there is a vibe about this place that’s as irresistible and energising as your morning coffee Miró wanted a venue for contemporary arts research and conversation – so there’s a wealth of seasonal displays the Espai 13 studio is always taken over by a freelance curator or emerging artist – you’ll find videos Recent years have seen fascinating temporary deep-dives into Miró’s creative and personal relationship with other artists Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona 08038, SpainWebsite: fmirobcn.org and mirrored silver-gold to reflect a kaleidoscopic whirl of stalls below This market of odds-and-sods has existed in Barcelona since around 1300; for years as a nomad–goods laid out on ever-changing streets and squares around the city That changed in 2013 when Els Encants’ sparkling new home opened in Poblenou The design wizardry of architect b720 Fermín Vázquez (which is now modernising the city’s iconic Camp Nou soccer stadium) it’s a visual stunner blessed with good-looking neighbours the tin-foil-shiny Torre Glòries and Disseny Hub and there’s La Sagrada Familia saying hola in the background Those with a practical list – for a tablecloth you have to be prepared to wade through tat you’ll find stealth members of your tribe here and people with homes full of where-did-you-find-THAT pieces Address: Calle de los Castillejos, 158, Barcelona 08013, SpainWebsite: encantsbarcelona.com the façade given a restorative facelift in 2019 – sometimes appears blue then shimmering like the glassy layer of a lake Even in a city stuffed with beautiful buildings Casa Batlló (pronounced ‘Casa Bat-yo’) feels otherworldly Textile industrialist Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudí to design this home after seeing what Gaudí had done with Park Güell – his brief was to create a house style that none of Batlló’s other family members would have and which also paid homage to Catalonia’s patron saint Jordi (who you’ll know as Saint George of dragon-slaying fame) The result is both grand and intimate – and Casa Batlló has no straight lines (because they don’t exist in nature stone pillars that contort like animal bones ocean-blue stairwell that’s very Jules Verne 1000 screens and 38 projectors animate the architect’s inspiration process While the LED-walled Gaudí Cube immortalises his imagination used machine learning to unpick the patterns running through Gaudí’s out-there constructions and then turned them into an audiovisual experience Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, Barcelona 08007, SpainWebsite: casabatllo.es but you come as much for your eyes as your ears hefty stone pillars draped in floral mosaics hint that something special lies within – that and the small matter of a UNESCO World Heritage classification the auditorium will surprise you: a kaleidoscope of roses it’s like 50 brides threw their wedding bouquets and they all exploded in the sky we don’t have Barcelona poster boy Gaudí to thank This is the work of Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner a building some say is even prettier than the mosaic master’s La Sagrada Família Built to house the Orfeó Català symphonic choir today’s musical acts span from choral to pianists from around €18 to a bank-note-hitting €175 for a headline act A key decision is whether to visit in daylight when the building is at its most spectacular Address: Palau de la Música, 4-6, Barcelona 08003, SpainWebsite: palaumusica.cat A strip of sand that’s no less of a showoff; at one end the blinding gold sculpture of a fish by starchitect Frank Gehry But it’s increasingly proving its mettle as an LA-esque outdoor lifestyle destination Take the promenade running towards the W Hotel It’s a-buzz with joggers and inline skaters; there’s an outdoor pool that’s serious about laps not lazing; while outdoor gyms contain a spaghetti tangle of lithe limbs that raise weights and the impressed eyebrows of people walking by a new elevated viewing platform (that opened in 2022) presents a sweeping perspective across the Mediterranean and Barcelona’s urban centre we’ve described about 400 meters of Montjüic: the remainder boasts internationally acclaimed arts institutions and enough panoramic views to jam a smartphone camera roll The site is vast; you can spend hours circumnavigating it only to discover entire sections you’ve missed when its grounds host an open-air sunset cinema taking in the giant spike in the sky: a telecoms tower built by architect Santiago Calatrava There are also two great gardens: the botanical garden and a more secluded one dedicated to cacti If the catchy name Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera doesn’t help you locate it it’s by the back of the Miramar hotel and the sea Gaudí’s extraordinary temple dedicated to the Holy Family – otherwise known as the world’s largest unfinished church The latest projected end date for structural work (excluding decorative details) is 2026 tying in neatly with the centenary of the architect’s death though local theorists speculate it will never be done in order to preserve its in-process cachet To say you'll experience a sense of wonder feels corny tilt your head up to the vaults and rainbow stained glass The bread and butter of a first-timer’s itinerary La Sagrada Família will also be the one you keep returning to Not just to witness quantifiable increases in height Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, Barcelona 08013, SpainWebsite: sagradafamilia.org calamari-scented food market on La Rambla – before it became famous and daily specials were scribbled in felt-tip pen on scraps on paper A food and clothes market that’s revered by locals and cemented in their daily routines Telling an international audience about it feels like breaking a secret code so come with respect for that authenticity and a willingness to practice your high-school Spanish–as well as an appetite Aim for that sweet spot where you’ll salivate upon seeing trays of olives piled like sandcastles but aren’t so ravenous that you’ll blow all your hunger on the first stall of cured meats you come to The flavors here are as traditional as the maroon-and-gold market itself: built in 1882 it recently closed from 2009 to 2018 for an €80 million refurb reopened and thriving–with the surrounding blocks becoming car-free to enhance the community-first experience the outside edge turns into one of Europe’s largest open-air book markets It starts at 8:30 am and is open until 2:00 pm – though Barcelona isn’t known for its early starts Address: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 1, Barcelona 08011, SpainWebsite: mercatdesantantoni.com Barcelona Architecture Walks explore a building’s wider context: from the juicy politics of how that frightfully out-of-context glass office block really swung planning permission to what the wealthy textile tycoons who commissioned Gaudí actually thought when he left them with a swirly ceilinged bedroom covered in religious motifs the flagship is Barcelona & Gaudí – a three-hour pre-reserved ramble around Eixample that’s capped at 20 people Expect fast-paced historical insight that spans Barcelona’s Roman origins as well as explainers into the technical wizardry and mathematics behind Gaudí’s zany ideas Guides are all architects – either practicing or professors – and this knowledge and critical eye really adds credibility talking-point tours for anyone who wants to know more about a building than simply how it photographs Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 701, Barcelona, 08013, SpainWebsite: barcelonarchitecturewalks.com who moved to Barcelona as a 14-year-old boy and made frequent trips back throughout his life a courtyard and Gothic archways lead into white studios that illuminate his works the rooms are lavish: epic painted ceilings that almost drip crystal chandeliers Visitors flock here to see Picasso's work but the special setting is why they come back again and again you might be disappointed – for a few minutes Guernica resides in the Reina Sofía in Madrid is everything around those postcard images it shows every brushstroke (all 4,251 works’ worth) of how he moved from a classically trained painter (see Ciencia y Caridad in Room 3) to a Cubist pioneer Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, Barcelona 08003, SpainWebsite: museupicasso.bcn.cat but you’re about as far away from Picasso’s melancholic blue period as you can get Here’s the thing: you cannot be bored here cool and scene-y: wearing outfits intentionally curated for the visit with bodies contorted into angles to snap the best social-media content aesthetic impact is kind of the point of this place Don’t be fooled though; museum-goers are very much here for the art Discussions with animated hand gestures try to unpick what’s on the walls reaction-provoking collection is a guaranteed perk-you-up even if you’ve been known to yawn at the word “museum” One last hack: tickets for time slots before 11am and after 6pm are cheaper Address: Carrer de Montcada, 25, Barcelona, Europe 08003, SpainWebsite: mocomuseum.com Built by legendary Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (he of Palau de la Música Catalana fame) with all the features of Catalan Art Nouveau – extravagant domes epic pillars – it was designed to be a building that people enjoyed recuperating in His vision was a garden city for nursing the sick instead of the clinical-looking spaces we still know today – buildings are oriented for maximum sun exposure When the hospital was moved further north in 2009 this site went through its own rehabilitation: into a museum and arts venue It now hosts the runways for Barcelona Fashion Week The pavilions earned UNESCO World Heritage status particularly given their previous incarnation with lime trees and sleepy lavender bushes This is the landmark to visit if you want a less obvious While locals expect you to do the Gaudí gems they’ll be genuinely impressed if you come here – because they do Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 67, Barcelona 08026, SpainWebsite: santpaubarcelona.org when architect Josep Amargós i Samaranch designed it as a grand reception hall for the Universal Exposition fair as with many projects whose purpose post-event isn’t given much thought by the 20th century it fell into disrepair The Hivernacle had spells as a bird and reptile house but its recent history is one peppered with disuse and dashed promises of renovation projects Until – cue a big cheer – a detail-orientated 15-month renewal was completed in December 2023 restoring the ironwork and decorative details back to their 1888 glory serene plant house that’s ideal for resting or reading a book under soft That it’s an essential stop for plant-lovers and gardeners is a given But it’s also a beautiful example of urban conservation done right and a relaxing – and free – stop-off to sample Parc de la Ciutadella’s expanding focus on natural history and sciences Address: Passeig de Picasso, 7, Barcelona, 08003, SpainWebsite: barcelona.cat the pavilion was duly dismantled back to Germany It was only in the decades after – cue: a face-palming moment of hindsight – that the architectural community realised just how pivotal Mies van der Rohe’s founding symbol of modernist architecture was Barcelona City Council enlisted a team of Catalan architects to turn salvaged photographs and drawings into a delicate Most people’s overarching takeaway from the Pavilion is that it’s smaller than they imagined so use this as your battery recharge before tackling the other arty big-hitters on Montjuïc such as Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and Fundació Joan Miró Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7, Barcelona 08038, SpainWebsite: miesbcn.com it’s the biggest in Europe – and there's an expansion plan in place to push it to 105,000 All seats are actually owned by season-ticket holders who then release them to the public if they can’t go Don’t worry: it means there’s usually a good chunk available Barcelona’s home matches in La Liga – the Spanish soccer league – usually run from mid-August to the end of May and tours of the stadium and the FC Barcelona museum are still kicking off (from €28) Address: C. d'Arístides Maillol, 12, Barcelona 08028, SpainWebsite: fcbarcelona.com cover your eyes now: This is the world’s first museum comprised entirely of artworks considered so scandalous that they were banned New to Barcelona’s arts scene since the end of 2023 spot it via bright-red flags (evoking smut-shop undertones) hanging outside the juxtaposed setting of a grand Modernista-era townhouse which is helpful as you’ll get the most out of the visit by lingering at each work and reading about the wider context the store features hand-shaped candles flipping the bird and mini lamps with Keith Haring illustrations Architecture buffs may want to spend longer admiring the building itself (called Casa Garriga Nogués by architect Enric Sagnier i Villavecchia) Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 250, Barcelona, 08007, SpainWebsite: museuartprohibit.org And tiles that look like a green and white chessboard we haven’t been tippling the lunchtime vermouth – this is the feeling upon discovering Casa Vicens down an unsuspecting side street in Barcelona's arty Gràcia district Built in the 1880s as a summerhouse for stockbroker Manel Vicens it was the very first house Gaudí designed it opened in November 2017 as a museum space and a fascinating house to snoop around Forget the Gaudí of La Sagrada Família fame Imagine a Moorish palace married a Rubik’s cube and had a child Anyone who’s a fan of tiles or maximalist design will geek out on the (dare we say jumble of) oriental palms and some Gaudí ironwork and you’re left wondering how it all harmonises together Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20, Barcelona 08012, SpainWebsite: casavicens.org/ which means “superblock,” is a transformative new pedestrian project that’s created some of the loveliest strolling routes across Barcelona lung-clogging roads within the Eixample neighbourhood’s tic-tac-toe-shaped grid and converted them into green streets and café terraces dance out across what was once highway A wonderful walking route is the horizontal street a wide tree-lined boulevard known for its comic stores parakeet-filled park that features Miró’s ‘Woman and Bird’ sculpture and the almost-two-mile route takes around 40 minutes This is a stretch in which to savour the hubbub of Mediterranean life: stop for a lazy café con hielo (iced coffee) join the older residents reading newspapers in the shade and snap the typography of the preserved-in-time shopfronts It’s enough to have La Rambla quaking in its boots Address: Consell de Cent, Barcelona, SpainWebsite: ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ If you’ve read Ildefonso Falcones’s thriller Cathedral of the Sea you’ll already know more about it than you think: the novel’s backdrop is the construction of this particular Gothic church with the lead protagonist one of its stone workers the church’s history is almost stranger than fiction: in 1428 it was set on fire and burned for 11 days straight and you’ll still see the black scorch marks on the roof It’s put down to the proportions of the building: very tall columns Combine that airiness with vast stretches of stained glass and it almost feels like someone’s pulling you up into the sky The church prides itself on an everyone-welcome mindset when local merchants (rather than the monarchy) funded its expansion everyone should feel the atmosphere inside for at least five minutes This will help: Santa Maria del Mar is what inspired Gaudí to build La Sagrada Familia and occupies a prime piece of zip code on Barcelona's La Rambla as with many of life’s most interesting characters dates back to the building’s original construction in 1847 the main performance space – with a striking domed ceiling red-velvet chairs and ornate gold mouldings that have echoes of the Palace of Versailles – was actually unveiled in the grand old year of… 1999 A fire having wiped out most of the building’s structure in 1994 and an extremely central location mean we’ll happily sing the Liceu’s praises While performances will naturally provoke opinions the setting and sound quality are undeniable hits it’s a stunning spot in which to entertain that other great performance art – that of getting dressed up Address: Gran Teatre del Liceu La Rambla, 51-59, Barcelona 08002, SpainWebsite: liceubarcelona.cat It might not have the quirkiness nor the hype of La Sagrada Família but it holds court: a giant Gothic temple that looms large against the narrow lanes and matchbox shops when Barcelona was still called Bàrcino (you can track down parts of the old Roman walls and aqueduct nearby) Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia a local girl who refused to accept Roman emperor Diocletian’s demand to recant her Christian faith during which a dove is said to have flown from her neck Regardless of your personal level of piety the architecture inside – plus the city view from the short elevator ride to the top – is quite something Street performers singing and playing instruments in the surrounding lanes make the experience much more memorable than you might think Address: Pla de la Seu, Barcelona 08002, SpainWebsite: catedralbcn.org More than 200 stands unite like a foodie’s choir: traders’ shouts welcome greetings sung out ("holaaaa") freshly fried fish – the kind that lines your nostrils and has to be washed down with a glass of cava Once past the swaths of tourists photographing the stained-glass entrance especially around the quirkier offal stalls are still where chefs and quality-savvy Catalan families do their shopping Unlike many landmark food markets that require a 3 a.m don’t waste your snooze button coming before the 8 a.m Address: La Rambla, 91, Barcelona 08001, SpainWebsite: boqueria.barcelona On September 22 and 23 the sky of Barcelona will be filled with drones "dancing" and recreating typical figures of Barcelona in the sky there won’t be a hint of routine throughout these days 300 drones will illuminate the beach of Barcelona with geometric figures inspired by the city Formes de Barcelona” will be on view for two days a company specializing in performances of this type where technology is mixed with art to achieve a unique choreography in the sky The best place to stand and enjoy the show is next to the Hospital del Mar as the drones will be placed in l’espigó del Gas and although it can be seen from other points of the beaches of Barcelona La Balmesina opens Focacceria Balmesina in La Barceloneta and inaugurates giving free focaccias on November 28 and doing 2x1 all week La Balmesina is surely the great pioneer of gourmet pizza in Barcelona(and, officially, one of the best pizzerias in the world) One of the first to experiment with sourdough with quality Italian and local products and with long-fermented pizzas that would result in that puffy crispy edge and that dough with just the right texture to hold the topping and fold at the same time offering a soft and satisfying bite at the same time the same pizzeria but with a more casual concept joining the wave of focaccerias in Barcelona to offer the iconic Italian sandwich with the characteristics that we are already getting used to seeing: fluffy focaccias counters full of sausages brought directly from Italy that make you salivate and high bars to enjoy this Italian food as in the country of the boot You already know focaccias:the trendy Italian snack is made with spongy and crunchy dough Italian sausages that make you salivate and That’s one of the ways Focacceria Balmesina is different from others: the flours in the dough are the same organic flours they use in their pizzerias The sausages come from small sustainable Italian producers or in the case of the pork belly used to make the porchetta a Catalan producer known for sustainability in its treatment of animals The same with the wines: they are all organically produced but also ensures a more ethical and humane relationship with wine production Some of the focaccias we tried are the Porchetta: with homemade porchetta mustard and pickles; the speck with mushroom cream or the parmigiana with eggplant parmesan and parmigiano matured for 24 months Among their natural wines we tried the Clarete but they also have craft beers and homemade soft drinks such as lemonade and iced tea along with the socially responsible Aura water and therefore perfect for a beach snack next summer the Focacceria Balmesina will give away on November 28 will make a two for one of their sandwiches with the lighting of the tower lights and a concert of Christmas rhumbas with "Sabors de Gràcia" For some years now, Nadal al Port has been one of the great Christmas attractions in Barcelona and the Port Vell and the Moll de la Fusta will again be filled with a Christmas show that has become one of the nerve centers of the holidays in Barcelona From November 29 to January 6 (a week earlier than usual) the Bosch i Alsina pier (Moll de la Fusta) will once again host the sixth edition of ‘Nadal al Port’ This year’s edition is called El Nadal més salat and with it the Moll de la Fusta will pay tribute to the sea by dressing in shades of blue with lighting that evokes the sea to fill Catalonia with Christmas atmosphere the giant Ferris wheel and an even bigger ice rink will once again be the protagonists in addition to other attractions such as the cable car light show or the Christmas train We tell you everything you need to know so you don’t miss anything The inauguration of “Nadal al Port” will be on November 29 at 18:30h with a new light show on the same tower of the cable car and a special concert of Sabors de Gràcia with “Nadales Rumberes” This year the fair will incorporate new light shows and two new attractions for the public: The light and music show at the Jaume I Tower will also be renewed which will be illuminated every night as a large Christmas tree with a star on top This show will take place every night from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm taking advantage of the moments without performances on the main stage of the Christmas fair at the Fusta pier the Nadal al Port comes to the recently renovated sheds the Comissió de Festes de la Barceloneta will install the Tinglado Reial where the Three Wise Men will receive the children who want to give them their letters with wishes In addition to the novelties of lights and other activities there are new attractions for children families and adults in the sixth edition of the fair: the Nadal al Port is expanding to other spaces near the port bringing the Christmas atmosphere to much of the Barcelona coastline We leave you the complete calendar of activities of Nadal al Port Barcelona has an international literary residency the old farmhouse located in the Collserola park where Jacint Verdaguer died on June 10 The residence has three individual bedrooms with a private bathroom and work area designed to promote the relationship between the authors who stay there The environment in which the building is located in the middle of the Collserola mountain range offers a favourable environment for literary creation and research and at the same time guarantees easy accessibility to the city is integrated into an international writer exchange circuit with the rest of the cities in the network which aims to promote the mobility of authors as a core element of the diffusion of the world literatures The Vil·la Joana literary residencies project includes several modalities: It is expected that the space will always open its doors during the spring and summer months and that the stay of the creators will be one month per resident The residence includes a parallel program of activities linked to the literary network of the city and public facilities -such as libraries and civic centres- in addition to the activities that will take place at the MUHBA Vil·la Joana Discover the experience of the authors through the set of interviews "Residence with..." Bertol Arrieta: "Doing a literary residence is an incomparable luxury" Marta Jordan: "I was going to Vil·la Joana to translate a work and I translated two!" Julia Wong: "In Vil·la Joana, among wild boars and yellow butterflies, there is the best story you want to tell" Aleksandra Orlić: "Barcelona is the perfect generator of images" Caroline Brothers: "I am always impressed by the vitality and cultural daring of Barcelona" Ellen Savage: "I will remember my stay at Vil·la Joana for a long time" Lucy Hounsom: "The residency at Vil·la Joana has made me grow as a person" Philipp Herold: "Vil·la Joana has been my first literary residence, and I have had a great experience" Sabina Orozco: "Writing in Vil·la Joana has changed the way I read and create" Pablo Berthely: "Vil·la Joana is a space that encourages creativity" Violaine Bérot: "The most important thing for me in a residence is to be able to work in peace and in a natural environment" Carolina Cobelo: "The residency was like a suspension of space-time in a dreamlike place" Ellinor Broman: "I am planning to write an essay about Barcelona as a city of comics"  Alfie Lee: "A new environment can change your perspective and revitalise your creativity" Simonas Bernotas: Literary inspiration in Barcelona: the experience of Simonas Bernotas Simona Hamer: "Vil·la Joana provides the ideal setting for concentrated work" Matthias Friedrich: "Verdaguer's continued popularity has been an absolute surprise" Juan Andrés García Román: "Time dedicated solely to creating is an immense gift for any artist" Marie Iljašenko: Marie Iljašenko, a creative immersion at Vil·la Joana Eugenia Ladra: "Walking along the paths of Collserola has been a kind of practical rehearsal of my own writing" Leonor Courtoisie: "A literary residency at Vil·la Joana amplifies the gaze and transforms the perception of time" Albertina Soepboer: 'Keeping time', a story by Albertina Soepboer based on her literary residency in Vil·la Joana Diego Recoba: "Vil·la Joana has provided me with fruitful solitude" through the cake of La Mercè: these are all the essential gastro plans of the festa major and there is no celebration that makes us more excited to live every year in Barcelona the city is full of activities and we all have an excuse for a few days to go out The festival is a perfect opportunity to get to know the gastronomy of the city and many locals jump on the bandwagon offering exclusive proposals for the holidays From La Mercè cakes to special menus or gastronomic markets we tell you all the special gastro plans of La Mercè to set up your own gastronomic festival Molino de Pez, perhaps the most Madrid-style restaurant in Barcelona dresses up in Barcelona for a few weeks to offer its La Mercè menu And it does so with a menu that collects and interprets with admiration the tradition of the hits of the modern tradition of the city with dishes like the bomba Molino de Pez de presa ibérica a tribute to the famous tapa invented by La Cova Fumada in La Barceloneta an interesting (and succulent) version of the traditional esqueixada Available from September 16 until the end of the month The Mercè 2023 festivities will host the third edition of Terra i Gust, the sustainable food festival, from September 22 to 24 a festival organized by the Association of Gastronomy and Tourism of Baix Llobregat and Slow Food Barcelona which seeks to provide a meeting point between sustainable and proximity gastronomy of Barcelona and its great Festa Major the highest in the city becomes a perfect (and exclusive) place to enjoy the pyromusical show of La Mercè on September 24 a special cocktail (€16) and even an Omakase Barcelona tasting menu (€145) with dishes like The encasadas are a traditional Barcelona sweet that although it is so much of Barcelona’s DNA that even Einstein praised in a tribute dinner in 1923 (after tasting it) is a real unknown and in recession: in fact it is only found in Pastisseria La Colmena it has a traditional filling of cottage cheese author of the most famous cheesecakes in Barcelona has been inspired by this traditional recipe to offer the city his own version of encasada fifth generation pastry chef at the helm of La Colmena: based on the family recipe book together they have given a new impulse to this Barcelona sweet in La Colmena you can find the original recipe and in Jon cake their own version: encasada filled with cheesecake cream would capture the essence of the territory and the seasonality of the products portraying the festive character of Barcelona’s main popular festival: an almond sablée pastry tartlet which is filled with almond and fig cream and finished with a layer of honey cream and fresh fig segments fig and honey ice cream version of (and inspired by) Carrió’s cake 📍Oriol Carrió (Bailén 216)- Obrador DelaCrem (Passeig de Sant Joan 59)- DelaCrem (Enric Granados 📅 Ice cream from 16 September until the end of the month the Born Street Food gastronomic festival that lights its stoves waiting for about 20 thousand people to go down to Pla de Palau to taste the best of the gastronomy of the medieval district of the city Throughout the weekend visitors can enjoy a gastronomic itinerary marked by the presence of 16 restaurants and chefs of reference of the city many of which we have recommended on other occasions Source: Poble Espanyol/San Miguel Biergarten DuringLa Mercè the Poble Espanyol will celebrate a new edition of the San Miguel Biergarten which will be held from 20 to 24 and from 27 to 29 September during which 16,000 liters of beer will be served to more than 13,000 people the public will also be able to enjoy workshops contests with succulent prizes and a quality gastronomic offer Attendees will be able to choose from 21 different beer varieties including gluten-free and alcohol-free options There will be draft beers such as San Miguel Magna You may be interested in: La Mercè 2024 in Barcelona: dates of the festival, concerts, pyromusical… Forget Halloween and pumpkin: castañada and its panellets are the authentic Catalan autumn and we show you where to find the best ones but sometimes I’m torn between the homesickness of old-fashioned sweets (whether we like it or not that’s what panellet is) and being seduced by the attractive marketing of contemporary pastries an apple and a lot of water when it is necessary to purify But the panellet combines so many emotional elements (family identity) that it was inevitable to compile our favorites A post shared by Barcelona Secreta (@barcelonasecreta). and nobody lasts that long doing something wrong Born in La Barceloneta (in the same street that gives it its name), this bakery is one of the best in Barcelona and its panellets were not going to be less View this post on Instagram you will find this oven with delicate panellets made with care Too many good things can be said about Mistral And if such wonders came out of their workshop has won the prestigious Panellet d’Or in 2024 in the fifth edition of this contest organized by the Obra Social Ernest Verdaguer of the Panàtics platform with the support of the Gremio de Panellets de Barcelona This recognition consolidates Oriol Carrió and his team as an example to follow for making the best pine nut panellet as it is not the first time they have won the award: in 2022 they already won the same prize The Forn La Sitja – Providència (C/ Providencia a centenary oven that has become the winner of the golden Panellet best of the Route al Millor Panellet organized by the Gremi de Flequers de Barcelona thanks to the score of a jury of 11 experts who have valued different aspects of the sweet: Overall structure valuation of the marzipan and flavor and structure in the mouth He first started in the bakery world helping his father When he was only 12 years old he was delivering and since then he has dedicated himself to the bakery trade he is in charge of this bakery giving it a new face residents and workers of Barceloneta will need an accreditation to access the Zone With the arrival of the America’s Cup to the Port of Barcelona area from next July the residents and workers of Barceloneta will need to be accredited for access and parking during periods of competition and mobility restrictions in the area Two types of accreditations will be available according to a press release from the Barcelona City Council: vehicles with a resident parking space in the area (ÀREA) or with a parking space in the BSM parking lots or in the parking lots in the Port of Barcelona area These persons will receive an accreditation at their home address which must be displayed in their vehicle for the duration of the competition people who have a rented or purchased parking space that is not municipal or Port of Barcelona These persons must apply for their accreditation in person at the Centre Cívic de la Barceloneta For people who live or work in Barceloneta but do not have a resident parking space or in a subway parking lot they must have an authorization to access the area in case mobility is restricted in certain streets The accreditation must also be requested in person at the Centre Cívic de la Barceloneta ChevronChevronPhotosSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAmenities Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about?Barceloneta is the high-school jock of beaches: loud, popular, and boisterous. Its version of a buff torso? A strip of sand that’s no less of a showoff; at one end, the neighboring beaches of Sant Miquel and Sant Sebastià lead onto the metallic, sail-like silhouette of the W Hotel Look north and there’s the blinding gold sculpture of a fish by starchitect Frank Gehry How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf?The sand is golden (albeit gritty) with SUP-able surf; find board hire and classes at SEA YOU (Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 14). In high summer, the fallout from throngs of visitors has always been questionable cleanliness. Thankfully, measures are now in place to stub out the littering, such as a smoking ban. Excellent. Can we go barefoot?Of course! But prepare for a Tango-style dance around other people’s limbs as you make your way back to your towel. Eat as the locals do at these must-try restaurants Eating paella in Spain is a rite of passage. It is one of those things you simply have to do, like drinking Guinness in Dublin or eating pizza in Naples We all need more delicious food in our lives and the best paella in Barcelona is just about as dictionary definition ‘delicious’ as it gets Paella has its origins in Valencia (a simple day trip down the coast) but you’ll find plenty of options in Barcelona if you’re looking to sample this most traditional of dishes the people of Barcelona will argue that their rice dishes (found on menus as arròs but we’ll let you be the judge of that Here is the best paella in the city.  This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Barcelona. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines Time Out Market Barcelona sees 14 award-winning chefs bring local cuisine to the city all under one roof – find it at Port Vell, on the terrace-viewpoint of Maremagnum. © Ivan MorenoCan Ros is another reason to head to Barceloneta for a meal with its affordable set lunch menu and the à la carte menu boasting a special section for rice dishes where you'll find an outstanding rice with ‘capipota’ (calf’s head and foot) and prawns and a melt-in-your-mouth rice with lobster The black rice with cuttlefish and artichokes – artichokes are a good litmus test – was everything we’d hoped for and more To whet our appetite we ordered squid croquettes resting on a lovely cushion of alioli (garlic mayonnaise) and tomato sauce 5 out of 5 starsRecommendedFoto: Casa AmàliaOne of those timeless places unfussy menu where the watchwords are premium produce and traditional cooking They do one of the best paella in the city but we recommend the fillet of beef and the melt-in-your-mouth sardines In the Captaincy of Sant Adrià del Besòs, you'll come across Cantina Marina Seca and concrete – a family restaurant catering to truckers and sailors Toni Vilaró opened it in 2007 and manages the small miracle of serving an excellent crab rice: his Valencian recipe comes with a spicy mayonnaise served inside the head of the spider crab But Vilaró doesn't limit himself to traditional rice dishes; his menu includes creations like rice with scallops and wild asparagus with romesco sauce Opened in 1944 by the Galician Millán family, Carballeira Reina Cristina satisfied the appetites of many fishermen and port workers with Galician broth who preserved the establishment's familial atmosphere and committed to continuing to offer the finest seafood What remains the same is their expertise in rice dishes reflected in classic recipes prepared with a delicate touch and luxurious ingredients: rice à la banda © Maria DiasValencian chef Miguel Pardo is in charge of this high-quality eatery where you can get imaginative tapas as well as rice dishes that are so gorgeous you’ll want to eat them right out of the pan We can definitely recommend the baby squid black rice with alioli mousse and there’s even a vegan rice dish for your friends who aren’t up for eating meat or seafood If it’s a bit of everything you’re after a rice dish to share and dessert for around €35 5 out of 5 starsRecommended© Maria DiasThere are some restaurants that always turn up on lists of recommended places to eat whether you're searching online for where to get a good meal or chatting to friends in the know Els Pescadors is a good example of such a place: it's got a certain character and charm and it's in a square with seaside architecture and what's on the menu is a mix of traditional Catalan and market cuisine – all tied up with a dose of modernity And the paella is something to shout about; we'd recommend the cuttlefish © Irene FernándezIf what you’re craving is an authentic paella or rice dish in Barceloneta Not only do they make some of the best in the city but La Mar Salada also happens to be one of the top seafood restaurants in Barcelona as every morning they head out to reel in fresh fish to serve the same day Their creative and respectful treatment of the products they use shows in their spectacular stews and paellas We can especially recommend the ‘de senyoret’ rice with the catch of the day and the black rice with cuttlefish and artichokes and 5G download speed (downlink throughput) data at La Rambla A must-see landmark during any trip to Barcelona la Sagrada Família has been under construction for nearly 140 years Designed by famed Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudí the Catalonian basilica is an important area for mobile coverage for everyone who wants to upload iconic photos to their social media competition was tight for best 4G LTE signal strength at la Sagrada Família with Yoigo having the strongest 4G LTE signal (RSRP) both indoors and outdoors at -89 dBm Yoigo had the strongest signal in the main basilica and in the gift shop and Vodafone at Associació Centre Juvenil Sagrada Família If you’re at Ben & Jerry’s or McDonald’s across the street we see that signal strength coverage isn’t everything; Yoigo has dramatically better quality than all the other networks indoors within the shaded polygon area surrounding Sagrada Família This means faster uploads of photos and images at this popular landmark The following maps show how each provider’s signal strength performed around La Sagrada Família with red showing a strong 4G LTE RSRP signal and blue showing a weak RSRP signal we can see Yoigo has areas of strong signals in pink throughout the map especially around la Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes Movistar has areas of strong signal near la Sagrada Família though some weak blue signals in the northwest and the block off la Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes Vodafone has a very strong signal near la Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes though the areas surrounding la Sagrada Família have weaker blue spots Orange has weaker signals in the blocks surrounding la Sagrada Família though strong signals in the southeast of the map near la Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes Barceloneta Beach is a great spot for tourists and locals alike hoping to get some sun and relaxation — not to mention one of the best places to get fresh paella Using Cell Analytics “Stats within Polygon” feature we found Movistar had the strongest 4G LTE signal (RSRP) at -93 dBm at Barceloneta Beach the Mercat de la Barceloneta shows a strong signal though has areas surrounding it with weaker overall signals and could indicate a key location for operators to expand We also included maps for the best network for 4G LTE signal strength for both indoor and outdoor areas which show healthy competition between all providers for both indoor and outdoor areas neighboring Barceloneta Beach a zoom level of 300 meters was used due to the larger size of the landmark The above images show provider signal strength maps over the past year Movistar has strong pink and red signals near Hospital del Mar and Club Natació Atlètic Barceloneta near the beach Yoigo has weaker blue signals on the beach though some strong areas near the Mercat de la Barceloneta Orange has strong signals near the Hospital del Mar though the surrounding neighborhoods have areas of weaker blue signals If you have time to catch a classical show while you’re at MWC the early 20th Century Palau de la Música is for you Located near Catalonia Square (the city center and heart of old Barcelona) Palau de la Música is a must-see location for its architecture and gorgeous interior which includes a magnificent stained-glass skylight As you can see above in the graphic with the smaller shaded polygon on the right Palau de la Música is an area with weaker mobile signals; every provider except Movistar recorded RSRP signals at -100 dBm and below with Movistar having the strongest signal at -98 dBm followed by Vodafone and Yoigo at -103 dBm and then Orange (-104 dBm) Data from Catalonia Square shaded polygon to the west painted a much different story with Movistar having the strongest signal at -81 dBm As you can see from the indoor and outdoor maps there was intense competition throughout the area with Vodafone and Movistar showing strong signals in outdoor areas and Orange and Yoigo showing strong indoor signals The maps above show Movistar had a very strong signal in Catalonia Square — evidenced by a cluster of pink and red points on the map — though it had a few weak signal areas directly to the east Vodafone also had a strong signal near Catalonia Square as well as a few areas to the northwest and east of the map and Vodafone had some weak blue spots throughout the map While Yoigo had some strong signals to the northwest and southeast the core areas around Palau de la Música showed some weaker blue signals Orange had a weaker signal throughout the map particularly around the northeast of the map The maps below show what you can likely expect inside and outside the Fira Gran Via as well as 3D renderings of the area for each mobile operator most operators have very strong signals in the area with all operators having an RSRP signal strength between -79 dBm and -85 dBm Movistar and Orange showing the strongest indoor signal (RSRP) in key buildings As you can see above in the 3D renderings in Cell Analytics Yoigo has a very strong signal throughout the Fira Gran Via except for halls 4 Movistar also showed strong signal strength Vodafone showed strong RSRP in halls 3 and 7 though Orange’s signal in halls 2 and 1 were slightly weaker All operators showed signal quality (RSRQ) at -8 dB except Orange La Rambla is a gorgeous pedestrian street that defines Barcelona’s eloquent urbanism La Rambla stretches from Catalonia Square to Barceloneta Beach and you won’t want to miss visiting if you can tear yourself away from MWC Looking at User Density and Mobile Data Usage over the past two years we can see above that La Rambla is one of the most heavily trafficked streets in the area with a high density of users shown in dark red and many areas of mobile 4G LTE data usage over 750 MB Yoigo is providing the strongest coverage in the selected portion of La Rambla Yoigo also provided the best signal quality (RSRQ) at -8 dB although Movistar was also very good here at -9 dB Both Vodafone and Orange followed at -10 dB for RSRQ Examining where 4G LTE cell site locations are on La Rambla we see that all providers have invested heavily in the area with Yoigo and Movistar each having more than four locations along La Rambla itself the operators appear to be starting to fill in the area with 5G coverage Competition was very close for the strongest 5G signal signal strength with Vodafone achieving the highest at -88 dBm while Yoigo didn’t appear to be providing 5G in this location yet with areas near Catalonia Square reaching a downlink throughput of greater than 100 Mbps in many locations Ookla retains ownership of this article including all of the intellectual property rights distributed or published for any commercial purpose without prior consent Members of the press and others using the findings in this article for non-commercial purposes are welcome to publicly share and link to report information with attribution to Ookla Josh was a senior content specialist at Ookla and Speedtest Intelligence® are among the federally registered trademarks of Ookla LLC and may only be used with explicit written permission The residents of Barceloneta must have an accreditation to move around the area with their cars Metro and bus lines and bike racks will be reinforced It should be recalled that the team bases will be located in the Port Vell The newly renovated Port Olímpic will also be one of the main venues The races will be held in front of the beaches of Sant Sebastià with screens and areas set up for live tracking along the seafront although dates may vary depending on wind conditions 25 information towers and 5 location maps will be installed orienting pedestrians in the competition areas For those who choose to use bicycles or personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) the Bicing service will be reinforced with two temporary parking spaces increasing between 200 and 250 spaces per station secure parking lots will be installed in four enclosed spaces These parking lots will be accessible via a dedicated app providing secure parking throughout the event The use of private vehicles will be restricted depending on the number of visitors The Guardia Urbana will control the accesses allowing only authorized vehicles This is why there will be park-and-ride lots at Fira de Barcelona and Fòrum with free shuttles connecting these points to the event Motorcycles and mopeds will have guaranteed access without the need for accreditation and specific parking zones will be set up may also request a temporary accreditation to access the area during their working days This type of accreditation will allow them to enter and exit the restricted area to drop off and pick up passengers but they will not be able to park their vehicles in the restricted Zone They will be processed at the Centre Cívic de la Barceloneta 16/09/2024 | 0 comments The most anticipated festivals for the people of Barcelona are back the Festivals of la Mercè 2024 are returning Barcelona will be filled with activities for all tastes: exhibitions Check the program: Mercè 2024 This year la Mercè returns with numerous plans for all audiences activities for children and families in different parts of the city It will be a Mercè full of fun and new things What to see and do with children during the Festivals of la Mercè in Barcelona so we’re going to simplify it for you… here is our selection of the best plans for children for la Mercè 2024 Complete PROGRAM: La Mercè with children 2024 and the rest of the beings from the festive imagination of Barcelona will attend the main festival this year don’t miss any of the appearances of the Bestiari del Focs and closely follow the devils and the “tabalers” who have been preparing the gunpowder for days to ensure you experience a very memorable Merced featuring over two hundred entities related to popular culture Check the official program as the activities are divided into different spaces in the city center The children’s correfoc is a perfect activity for the little ones The route will go from Consell de Cent to Provenza You can enjoy it on Saturday 21st at 6:00 pm It’s important to be careful with the fire THE EXHIBITION OF THE POPULAR PROCESSION returns to the Virreina the Giants of the Pine and those of Santa Maria del Mar The Procession exhibition can be visited from September 18 to 25 EXHIBITION OF DRAGONS AND FIRE BEASTS IN EL BORN there is a parade of dragons and beasts through various streets of El Born Activities are scheduled for the 21st to 24th of September you can find circus performances: juggling there are organized activities like circus space for new technologies and visual arts traditional music from different countries You can also take advantage of the open-door days to explore it Another city location where families can partake in diverse activities for all audiences PARC DE L’AQÜEDUCTE DE CIUTAT MERIDIANA You can enjoy the circus all day long at the hands of Payasos sin Fronteras Activities and shows are organized for families with children Another space in the city where families can enjoy different children’s shows and activities light and fire shows are the main attractions These are the ones organized for this edition The Barcelona night will be transformed into a stage of magic and technology with the show “Formas de Barcelona” A dance of 300 drones will illuminate the sky with an unprecedented lighting choreography Geometric shapes and Barcelona symbols continually fuse and transform to create a visual narrative that celebrates the interrelationship between art “Llum de Barcelona” is an immersive experience that lights up the skies with the essence of the city in order to honor its history and culture to midnight Location: Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta – Oriol Bohigas One of the star shows of la Mercè is the Piromusical organized on the night the festivities come to an end take center stage on a night when the people of Barcelona turn their gaze to Montjuïc This year El Piromusical de la Mercè closes the main festival with light and gunpowder to the sound of the playlist prepared expressly for the occasion by Rosalía A musical gift that the artist gives to the city of Barcelona ​​and that will serve to say goodbye to a major festival that has allowed us to celebrate five days of traditions Municipal museums and other cultural facilities are joining the celebration of the Major Festival of la Mercè with an open-door day You can visit many city museums taking advantage of their open doors some museums organize special activities for the occasion Check the program to see the opening hours of each space These are some of the museums that you can visit taking advantage of the open doors of the Mercè: Museu de la Música OPEN DOORS OF THE SAGRADA FAMILIA. Also, take advantage of the Mercè holiday to visit the Sagrada Familia with your family. To gain access you need to enter a draw organized on the Sagrada Familia website If you want to check out the entire schedule for the Mercè 2023 festivities You’ll find all the activities by day and all the necessary information to fully enjoy the Barcelona celebrations YES, I WANT Bar patron Señora Leo doesn't mess around which is why she took this old portside joint that served up fried fare and mini bottles of beer and transformed it into a shrine to the great Sevillian dancer and singer its walls lined with clippings and photos of Bambino The clientele ranges from the grey-whiskered granddad sucking on a toothpick to the crusty post-teen local skiving off to smoke some herbs at an ear-shattering volume: 100% Barceloneta Barceloneta is Barcelona's go-to beach. And on hot August days, it is full of people swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and, of course, reading.  Some take advantage of this time to learn or practice other languages. "I'm reading this book (Prêt-à-parler by Maison des langues) to try to learn French because my girlfriend is French and I want to be able to communicate with her family and also to better communicate with her," says Luca, who is visiting Barcelona from the United States. "Right now we speak with each other in Spanish or English, but I think it would be really nice if I could speak in her native language too." "I'm reading this book (The Prince from Paradise by Hera Lind) that is in German, because I'm practicing the language, and I actually found this book on the street," Julia from Ukraine says. "I have just started reading it, but so far I like it and think it is really interesting, it is about love," she adds.  Aside from learning new languages, people look to reading to learn other skills too: "I'm reading How to Be a Successful Artist by Magnus Resch because I want to be an artist myself and I am doing some research and studying about the traditional art market," Jane, who is also from Ukraine, mentions to Catalan News.  Literature classics are still found in between the sand and towels. Julia, who visiting from Italy, is reading Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own. "It is a feminist book which talks about the spaces a woman needs in order to be successful," Julia says.  Other beachgoers, like Alina from Estonia, enjoy crime novels. She is finishing the last book of Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder trilogy, As Good as Dead: "So far it is good, I am liking it," she says.  La Barceloneta is proof that the beach is a good place for readers to get lost in a book this summer.  here are a local food journalist's recommendations of the best places to eat in the Catalan capital The proud capital of Catalonia Barcelona not only has own independent-minded identity and language the triangular-shaped autonomous community has long drawn influences from those it borders: the Mediterranean to the east the Pyrenees mountains and France to the north and the rest of Spain to the west referring to the noise of slow-cooked recipes "the harbours along the coast have traditionally brought exotic cuisine [to] Barcelona more than other regions of Spain" and seafood has historically been considered "nobler" than meat These ingredients are often fused together in a slow simmer with aubergines and tomatoes from the Llobregat river valley stewed alongside lobster or pork in a mar i muntanya (surf and turf) medley if you push beyond the pre-prepared paella (which is better in Valencia) and sangria visitors to Catalonia's undisputed culinary capital will find dishes found nowhere else in Spain Here are five of Casanovas' favourite places to eat Owner Alexis Peñalver was born and raised in the Pyrenees, where his grandmother used to cook meat for breakfast – an incredibly filling meal that Catalans call esmorzar de forquilla ("fork breakfast"). After working as a line cook for years elsewhere in Spain and abroad, in 2008 he opened La Pubilla a name typically given to the eldest daughter in Catalan families the small restaurant in Barcelona's bustling Gràcia neighbourhood serves traditional Catalan dishes such as aubergine carpaccio and bacallà (dried though it's best known for its esmorzar de forquilla varieties Catalans typically go for "fork breakfasts" at about 09:00 The tradition originated in the late 19th Century when factories and mines spread across Catalonia and workers needed a strong protein meal early in the day Casanovas recommends showing up around 09:00 and pairing your fork breakfast with samfaina (a kind of Catalan ratatouille) Casanovas and I ordered stewed pork feet with a fried egg on top which we watered down with a glass of strong red wine and accompanied by pa amb tomàquet the classic Catalan way to eat bread with some garlic a gently squeezed tomato and olive oil on top Even as Barcelona grapples with overtourism La Pubilla remains a largely locals-only joint It serves the kind of food – such as fricandó (beef stewed with chocolate onion and red wine) and rice mar i muntanya (combining fish seafood and vegetables) – that food journalists like Casanovas have begun referring to as "situated cuisine" meaning deeply rooted in place and tradition Website: https://www.catalunya.com/la-pubilla-17-14001-497514?language=en Instagram: @lapubillagracia Owner Jordi Marzo was born in Sants, a working-class Barcelona neighbourhood. After working alongside Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany at Petit Comitè, Marzo returned to Sants to open two restaurants next to each other, each bearing Marzo's childhood nickname: Tramendu Ignite Els Fogons, a traditional restaurant, and a smaller tapas bar called Tramendu Vermuting "I'd say the cuttlefish and beef meatballs platillo (small plate)" – Marzo Both Tramendus were both inspired by the Sunday meals Marzo's mother used to prepare for the family when he was a child they're true locals-only spots – in part due to their location near the out-of-the-way L'Hospitalet area Regulars huddle around Tramendu Vermuting's long marble bar and on its terrace to eatRussian salad capipota (pork head and feet seasoned meat) calamari with tomato sauce and olives of all shapes and sizes with hot Espinaler sauce Casanovas recommends trying a small dish of stewed spicy snails on a visit to Tramendu bar; the Catalan specialty has a texture similar to that of mushrooms and pork feet Website: https://www.bcnrestaurantes.com/barcelona.asp?restaurante=tramendu Instagram: @tramendubar La Cova Fumada opened in 1944 in La Barceloneta the city's historical fishing neighbourhood and it recalls the days when the walls were stained black from the fumes of its old kitchen the restaurant is owned by Josep Maria Solé Fresquet and his family opened La Cova Fumada with her husband when they came to Barcelona from rural Tortosa in the south of Catalonia they only served coffee and sailors used to bring their own breakfast "Pretty soon other restaurants run by Spanish migrants coming from post-war impoverished areas like Murcia and Andalucía spread across the city introducing an as-yet-unknown tradition in Catalonia: the Spanish tapas(small plates that would tapar (cover) the drink to avoid insects from drowning on it)," said Josep To emulate Spain's increasingly popular and profitable tapas a meat-and-potato croquette with a spicy sauce with hints of mustard and tomato that's a well-kept family secret we see a divide in time: we're talking about a cuisine that up until the 1920s was highly influenced by France but which turned to slowly cooked stews with few products If we compare the Catalan corpus with the Spanish recipes we might find some similarities but there's no doubt Catalan cuisine has a distinct identity." – Casanovas next to an array of bombas was a pile of tempting artichokes covered with red pepper powder there is always a range of fresh fish on hand with Josep buying his fish directly from La Barceloneta's last three fishermen "This is a place to have a full lunch not just drinks and a few bites," Josep said Just be sure to get here early – the restaurant closes at 15:30 or whenever the food runs out Website: https://www.lacovafumada.com/ Instagram: @la_cova_fumada Ca l'Agut is a symbol of Barcelona The restaurant is located in Carrer Avinyó one of the oldest and most stylish streets in Barcelona's Gothic neighbourhood Due to its location just a few steps away from the City Council and the headquarters of the Catalan autonomous government Ca l’Agut is famous for serving many Catalan politicians over the years from Franco-era loyalists to Barcelona's current mayor Ada Colau Ca l’Agut's first chef was Castellví's grandmother who came from rural Cardona in the heart of Catalonia explained that his generation still associates such dishes with their childhoods and their mothers While offal isn't nearly as common in Catalonia as it once was you can still find it at Agut alongside more traditional dishes like grilled frog with garlic or stewed mountain rice with black pork sausage – Casanovas' favourite Castellví explained that the restaurant used to host sailors and peasants staying the night some artists would give their paintings in exchange of food; some others gave them to us just as a sign of friendship." Today the restaurant's wine cellar and walls resemble an art gallery Casanovas recommends coming in the late afternoon snagging one of the dark wooden tables under the many oversized paintings on the wall and ordering off the lunch menu Website: https://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_directory/restaurants/catalan/agut Neighbourhood: Gothic Instagram: @restaurantcalagut Suru Bar opened in February 2021 in front of the Mercat del Ninot you'll find stone tables distributed around an open kitchen with bright red walls and a soaring ceiling explained that the restaurant sources its ingredients from the Mercat del Ninot but unlike other typical Catalan lunch spots nearby Suru takes its locally grown ingredients in a different direction Suru Bar is influenced by Japanese food and its short menu changes regularly depending on the season and chef Charlie Morote's will Morote was trying new recipes inspired by yakitoris (Japanese chicken skewers) "We divide the chicken into different parts but the Japanese divide it into even smaller parts Charlie cooks chicken tonsils skews and chicken skin skewers Casanovas recommends ordering about six different small dishes per two people and said Suru's food pairs well with their natural wines Casanovas insists Suru is decidedly Catalan in spirit "There's nothing more local than platillos – food served in small dishes containing meat and vegetables and legumes," he said the entrails of the animals are a key part of the local traditional recipes."  Website: https://bcnfoodieguide.com/suru-bar-sin-rotulo-y-con-personalidad/ Neighbourhood: Eixample Instagram: @suru.bar Join more than three million BBC Travel fans by liking us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter called "The Essential List". 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Sign up Explore our Food Tours → As a side benefit of his former life as a financial advisor Xavier Maymo got to spend 20 years dining at some of Europe’s finest restaurants When he would return home after his business trips he would relax by recreating the dishes he had enjoyed at these restaurants in his own kitchen His mother had taught him the basics of cooking when he was a kid and his natural gifts and intuition allowed him to recall flavors and then to riff on them and invent new ideas Maymo also sought out many chefs in order to learn from them and in the process he became friends with them his life as a financial advisor became too exhausting and stressful a homey little spot in Barceloneta offering top-notch takeaway and a great selection of wines and cavas from interesting producers As Maymo tweaked and adjusted his cooking and figured things out customers began to ask about eating in the shop Maymo and Fort received a new license and transformed their takeaway joint into a wonderful It’s the kind of place that we feel lucky to have discovered and can never decide whether we should urge everyone to go there or just keep it a secret for ourselves You can smell the sea all around El Xiringo while the restaurant offers many meat options Maymo loves to work with whatever has been caught just that day was sustainably fished Mediterranean red tuna Some of his best-loved specialties are the amazing croquettes especially those stuffed with various kinds of seafood Those croquettes are some of the best we’ve ever had Each is different from the others in both the main ingredient and the preparation stuffed with a mixture of the leg meat and coral onion and whipped cream instead of the usual béchamel The squid version is made with the ink and is both succulent and creamy The last time we were at El Xiringo we enjoyed a rice dish with ratatouille and artichoke hearts and a traditional dish of cod in allioli in which a small portion of the fish covered in garlic mayonnaise was broiled – we may have liked it even more than the seafood paella we had on a previous visit We always have to make sure we save room for those entrées since it can be hard to move on from the starters – they’re that good the traditional Catalan roasted vegetable dish served with tuna ventresca (belly) and dressed with a sherry reduction red pepper and eggplant have a lovely smokiness and the meaty tuna is pointed up with some garlic and parsley El Xiringo’s wine list offers about 60 cavas and 80-some Spanish wines To help navigate through such an extensive selection especially for wines that will best pair with the food Maymo has put together a menu of dishes that are regularly available based on the season or what’s at the market or his own inspiration he also makes around a dozen specials each day such as the lobster stews caldereta de langosta or suquet langosta or other seafood casseroles One last note: Funnily enough, though Maymo has left finance, the financial world still has its eyes on him, for El Xiringo was recently named one of the top five places to eat in Barcelona by the Financial Times loading map - please wait...Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript!→ more information So many travel articles extolling the cultural and gastronomic attractions of Barcelona close with something along the lines of “and you have the beach right there.” But that is usually the last you hear about the city’s nearly three-mile stretch of sand and gently lapping waves it would be hard for any Mediterranean city to spawn the type of beach culture one finds in places like Sydney in the shantytown that gave its name to Barcelona’s once polluted and now pristine Somorrostro beach In the years since its shoreline was cleaned up for the 1992 Summer Olympics Barcelona has become a glamorous seaside cultural mecca firmly in the sights of the savvy globe-trotter the city also developed a reputation as a gay destination on par with Ibiza or Mykonos Obviously no one is suggesting a visit to Barcelona that excludes all the fabulous architecture design and cuisine that this world-class city has to offer But with 10 city beaches — some equipped with Wi-Fi restaurants and municipal sailing and windsurfing stations — you might as well add a little beach resort activity to your visit Break the waves by getting out on the open water Several companies offer harbor and coastal tours — from easy breezy buy-a-ticket-and-get-on-the-next-boat type of tours to online advance-purchase tickets for sunset jazz cruises but nearly all depart from the harbor directly in front of the statue of Columbus at the spot where the Rambla meets the port Two tour companies — Las Golondrinas and Orsom — have the most daily departures with adult fares from 15 to 20 euros for a 90-minute tour The chef Xavier Pellicer’s popular beachfront arrocería Barraca is a paella-lover’s paradise Book a table upstairs where the shimmering blue Mediterranean fills the massive windows Start off with red prawns sautéed with garlic and parsley a traditional deep-fried potato croquette filled with savory beef but here the kitchen gives organic artichokes broad beans and caramelized onion the same loving treatment as the tender chunks of lobster in their most expensive risotto-like dish Morning is a great time to visit San Sebastià beach which due to its proximity to the port and city center gets very crowded as the day wears on Breakfast at La Guingueta de la Barceloneta by Carles Abellan – the Michellin-starred chef of Commerç 24 and Bravo – includes “super juices” that promise to boost your tanning ability with a blend of carrot melon and spinach juice or help you recover from a hangover (orange and sage juice).There’s also artisanal yogurt with berries and muesli and pan con tomate – toasted bread rubbed with garlic and fresh tomato and then drizzled with olive oil that can be topped with succulent slices of ham or just devoured on its own or anyone hoping to get out of the sun for a spell there are worthwhile city attractions clustered around the old port Start with the city aquarium (20 euros for adults which takes only 30 to 45 minutes to visit and requires little effort as you stand on a conveyor belt that winds through glass tunnels beneath stingrays and sharks swirling in the waters above Across the Passeig de Colom is the Museu Maritim (7 euros) Parts of the building date from the 15th century with stunning stone and wood vaulted architecture that is almost as engaging as the ships and seafaring paraphernalia sheltered within it As you make your way back toward the beach moored in the harbor; a self-guided visit is included in the price of the museum (or 3 euros on its own) Over the centuries Catalans have developed a penchant for the decorative arts with items like sweet-faced ceramic dogs jewel-tone glass and little silver platters with kooky enamel ornaments appearing in quantity at flea markets like the one called Fira Brocanters which takes place Saturdays and Sundays in the port stop for a beer or glass of rosado and a plate of pescaito frito — fried sardines so tiny they are eaten whole and by the handful — at Jai-Ca one of the few places in La Barceloneta where it almost feels as though locals outnumber tourists Xiringuito Escribà on Bogatell Beach north of the Olympic Port always ranks among the city’s top seafront dining establishments for simple grilled summer fare — a xiringuito (or chiringuito) is a restaurant on the beach Mix-and-match a tapas lunch of grilled razor clams and some of the best guacamole this side of the Atlantic Hotel concierges and the city’s tourism board describe the neighboring beach known as La Mar Bella as the perfect spot for a young “cosmopolitan crowd from all walks of life,” including “naturists,” tourism code for a gay beach When you tire of staring at the sea or the buffed and polished crowd there are two outdoor gyms and a small skate park nearby cocktails and sangria replace the protein shakes turning up on most tables the Barcelona restaurant group that sets the standard for stylish dining in the city the beachside restaurant Pez Vela has a groovy vibe and a multilevel dining room that maximizes people-watching try the burger or an unexpectedly delicious salad of artichokes tomatoes and ribbons of a buttery mahón cheese ask the hostess if you can be added to the door list at Eclipse Bar develop a relationship with your waiter and ask again Otherwise when dinner wraps around midnight tough out the line to take the elevator to the 26th-floor bar where the city celebrates some of its biggest parties and premieres overlooking the endless Mediterranean horizon Who says you have to choose just one morning workout Pukas Surf School offers Ocean Pilates classes (individual classes 55 euros; groups of four to six pay 26 euros a person) that combine the benefits of both stand-up paddle and Pilates workouts on the water with the Barcelona skyline as backdrop which can be purchased individually or in packs of multiple lessons who tend to dismiss the charms of their city beaches will tell you that the real luxury of living in Barcelona is easy access to charming little beach towns like Sitges only 35 to 45 minutes by train But a more stylish way to arrive might be by private sailboat Barcodealquiler offers half-day and full-day excursions that let you cruise the coast and alight in the cove of your choice when it’s teeming with what seems like most of gay Europe might not feel like such a small town after all Flight and Hotel information provided by Google.Prices represent a snapshot of low fares and rates for weekend trips This article was originally published on May 29 The City Council defines 16 areas of great affluence (EGA) on which to act with measures that are more directed to tourism than to the neighbors Manage tourist overcrowding without reducing it or implementing specific measures to limit it This is how one could summarize the plan launched by the Barcelona City Council to manage the city’s tourist zones and control overcrowding in them In order to do so, the council has determined the definition of 16 areas of great affluence (EGA) and which will be the target of the measures defined by the plan EGAs are considered to be areas of public saturation where there has been a transformation of activity and uses with a predominance of those focused on the visitor and even maintain a certain difficulty to develop daily activity and community life and where even neighborhood life has “some difficulty” half are considered eminently touristic: Park Güell Sant Pere – Santa Caterina – La Ribera i la Barceloneta “Minimize” the inconvenience that tourist activity can generate for the residents of Barcelona while ensuring that it “continues to bring wealth and dynamism” the City Council has defined a new tourism management plan for the city is the creation of an EGA Technical Coordination Office the creation of an EGA data office to properly understand and analyze the impacts on these environments The plan also involves increasing the number of civic agents to 70 during the summer campaign compared to the 58 (or 12 more for the whole city) that are in place the rest of the year; the implementation of a program to support local commerce in these areas the plan foresees “managing” tourist overcrowding by intensifying the campaign to control street vending or reinforcing cleaning and security operations he plan will begin to be applied in 3 EGA: the area around the Sagrada Familia Park Güell and the area between the Boqueria Market and Plaça de la Gardunya Since this summer around the Sagrada Familia work has begun on the definition of the urbanization project of Provença and Marina streets and the improvement of access to the subway; reform of the Pablo Neruda square; the reorganization of public space and existing urban elements around the temple; the burying of overhead supply lines and the rearrangement of the tourist coach parking that has been done 1.8 million euros are planned for the improvement of the Doctor Fleming Gardens and specific interventions in La Gardunya square; the hiring of four new civic agents in the Mercat de la Boqueria and its surroundings; the reform and consolidation of the porch of the Rubió and Lluch gardens and the facade of the Hospital street enclosure; apart from a specific plan to change the dynamics of coexistence and security in La Gardunya square some measures envisaged in the plan have already been recently presented such as the extension of the traffic restriction area in the Salut neighborhood the introduction of reinforcements on bus lines 24 V29 and 116 -the latter has been removed from the routing applications- as well as the introduction of online ticket sales only The EGA Plan also envisages other measures such as the redevelopment of the surroundings of the Park Güell such as Torrent del Remei street Font del Carbó or the connection of Repartidor street with Turull passage The Plan also foresees the acquisition of La Miranda as a public facility in the Salut neighborhood to consolidate it as a cultural and community space in the neighborhood The EGA Plan is born with a specific communication campaign aimed at tourists and visible in the city since this week And yours’ and the subtitle ‘Everyone is welcome Be respectful and you’ll be respected’ this responsible tourism campaign can be seen in different formats and locations in the city until the end of next August The campaign contains a decalogue of seven specific tips that aim to raise awareness among visitors of the need to respect the rules it is reminded that the neighborhood deserves a good night’s rest it is pointed out that the people of Barcelona are proud of their city and that is why visitors are asked to take care of the city as the local population does or the need to use water responsibly is reminded The campaign messages will be visible in tourist information offices buses or in bins installed in public places such as Plaça Catalunya in the Port of Barcelona area where cruise passengers disembark or in Plaça dels Països Catalans BUY NOW La Boqueria and its fellow markets are often crowded hot spots There’s something irresistible about silvery sardines twitching on beds of ice garlands of deep-red charcuterie slung across the tops of stalls and wooden crates overflowing with vegetables still clad in the dirt from where they were grown Most stalls are run by families with deep knowledge about their products — products that are the foundation of the “market cuisine” sold at the many bars and small restaurants From prepared family specialties passed through generations to kilometer-zero produce grown in the Catalan countryside Barcelona’s markets are stocked with visually stunning (not to mention delicious) food at every price has become synonymous with fighting your way through hordes of tourists who stop without warning to get a better angle on a pile of fruit or fish La Boqueria lives up to its hype in one very specific way: It’s one of only a few locales in Barcelona’s admittedly overcrowded center where it’s easy to find quality bar food for a quick bite as well as an exquisite tasting menu for a sit-down meal La Boqueria isn’t just a tourist attraction are busy epicenters where neighbors connect and stock their kitchens making them a key part of the cultura de barri that makes the city so vibrant Barcelona can support a food market in pretty much every neighborhood — there are nearly 40 here it can be hard to decide which are worth adding to your already-crammed itinerary these eight Barcelona markets stand out for their fresh ingredients It’s no surprise they’ve become some of the best places to eat 08001 (Metro Liceu or Catalunya)Hours: 8 a.m There’s a reason Barcelona’s Sant Josep de la Boqueria Not only is it the biggest food market in town with the widest variety it’s also home to a few of the only places on La Rambla skillfully prepared local dishes made with fresh ingredients no relation) on the Passatge dels Coloms side of the market 08011 (Metro Poble Sec or Sant Antoni)Hours: 8 a.m This recently restored turn-of-the-century market in the San Antoni neighborhood is smaller and less crowded than Boqueria While there are far fewer bars to choose from what’s on offer is solid and reasonably priced Wash down jamón ibérico or pork botifarra sausages with beer at Casa Sendra or grab a slice of potato or eggplant tortilla at Bar-Cafeteria Mariana What Sant Antoni lacks in bars it makes up for in takeout options — stalls like Vitavida and Llegums Moliné offer everything from precut and washed fruit to seasonal local dishes like espinacs amb panses i pinyons (spinach cooked with raisins and pine nuts) Note that while food stands are closed on Sundays there’s a neat outdoor second-hand book market and you can always head to nearby Calle Parlament in search of something good to eat There’s ample room to shop (and eat) at El Ninot This recently renovated historic market in a less-touristy part of the central Eixample neighborhood boasts high ceilings made of steel and glass that let the sunlight filter down to shining El Ninot’s straightforward thoroughfares are far easier to navigate than the labyrinth at La Boqueria inviting places to get a snack or sit down to a meal For a quick bite, hop on a barstool at La Bikineria. Known as a “mixto” in Madrid, a bikini is a toasted deli ham and cheese sandwich. At La Bikineria, they’re made with surprising ingredients like pigs’ feet. Or, for lunch, find your way to El Pagès Creative Chicken an old-fashioned chicken shop that also has an eat-in area where you can feast on croquetes chicken that’s fried and doused in your sauce of choice or rotisserie chicken that’s much better than the stuff from the grocery store 08003 (Metro Urquinaona or Jaume I)Hours: 7:30 a.m this market compensates for its reduced size (70 stands to La Boqueria’s 300-plus) with serious charm covered in brightly colored tiles that are supposed to represent the colors of the fruits and vegetables sold inside has made it a popular place to pose for pictures but it’s Bar Joan that’s made it a popular place to eat With its very respectable fixed-price lunch menu populated with local dishes like cap i pota (beef head and foot stew) and bacalao a la llauna (salt cod fried then baked in the oven with plenty of olive oil and garlic) along with house-made desserts for under 15 euros ($18) it’s no shock that Bar Joan is always full Go for an early lunch (in Barcelona that means around 1 p.m.) to snag a seat Gràcia’s 120-year-old Freedom Market has a small-town feel which makes sense given the history; Gràcia was an independent village before Barcelona annexed it in 1897 A smallish market in Barcelona’s smallest district by area there’s plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and more seafood than seems possible for its approximately 40,000 square feet like mongetes (white beans) amb botifarra and mandonguilles (meatballs) amb salsa Its modest size means there’s really only one bar worth visiting here — El Tast de Joan Noi vie for a table around the corner at La Pubilla a cramped but worthy locale specializing in Catalan cooking goods go into specials like locally harvested mushrooms and wild rice prepared in a coconut curry sauce and botifarra d’ou (yellow sausages made with egg) If you’re looking for a market near the beach formerly home to the city’s fishermen (many of whom can no longer afford to live there) the building is modern and covered in solar panels The market was initially formed to keep the fishermen and their families supplied with fruit it’s the most budget-friendly on this list the menús del día at bars and restaurants start at 12 euros ($14) Nosh on bombas (deep-fried mashed potato balls stuffed with spicy sauce and meat) that are almost as good as the ones from La Cova Fumada the Barceloneta bar where the bomba is said to have been invented nibble oxtail croquetes and smoked anchovies in fresh tomato and olive oil sauce on the terrace at Marisma The most traditional market in town when it comes to schedules — they actually close for lunch — this market is a stone’s throw from Antoni Gaudí’s cathedral Established in 1944 to meet the needs of the population that sprang up in the once-rural area known as El Poblet surrounding the basilica If you’re just shopping for fruit or a quick bite come first thing for breakfast at El Racó del Mercat you can start your day with meatballs with cuttlefish one of the many Catalan versions of surf and turf the wine selection is limited but reasonably good (try a Penedès white or Ribera red) and there are six kinds of olives to choose from A 15-minute walk from Barcelona’s main train station in the working-class neighborhood of Sants-Montjuïc Mercat de Sants offers the typical fresh produce that Barcelonans have come to expect style made famous by Gaudí at the turn of the 20th century head to the counter at Arrom for crusty bread layered with paper-thin slices of Iberian ham There are also ready-made meals and snacks of fideuá There’s not a lot in the way of restaurants and bars but if you’re headed out of the city on a train — to the airport or beyond — and need a meal on the go Originally from the Midwest, Chris Ciolli has lived in Barcelona since 2005. A writer and translator, she’s contributed to local and international publications such as BUST magazine, Afar, Miniguide, and Fathom. Gerard Moral is a Barcelona born and based photographer specializing in portrait comfortable user facilities and the ability to expand in accordance with the Club’s needs.It includes unbeatable installations that were exclusively designed to optimise the intellectual and social development of young sportspeople All of that without ignoring human warmth and proximity among the residents and which has spawned such outstanding results.The building has a surface area of almost 6,000 square metres on five floors three of which are used by the academy and the other two of which are reserved for future uses from December 2009 to July 2011.The building cost 8.8 million euros architects and equipment amounted to around 11 million euros.Until the new Masia was opened the Club hosted 60 youth athletes in the previous Masia divided between the old Masia de Can Planes (12 residents) and the equipped spaces at the North Goal of the Camp Nou (48 residents).The new Masia has the capacity for 83 sportspeople.The bedrooms for two or four residents are distributed on the first and second floors Some of the rooms have special beds designed for tall athletes as is often the case with basketball and handball players and some have even been adapted for the physical rehabilitation of players.Functionality and rationality are two basic concepts at the new Masia The conditions do not only have the residents in mind admin staff and site managers can all enjoy working in state-of-the-art facilities while never losing out on the family spirit in the centre.The old Masia Before the new centre was opened in Sant Joan Despí the old Masia building next to the Camp Nou served a similar function The historic country farmstead built in 1702 forms part of the heritage and history of Futbol Club Barcelona It was later used as a workshop for making models and  a work studio for architects and builders as well as a starting point for visits from people associated with construction.When the Camp Nou stadium was inaugurated La Masia closed its doors and awaited its destiny In Enric Llaudet’s presidential term the building was remodelled which left the Via Laietana in the city centre to move next to the stadium on five floorsCapacity83 athletesFacilitiesKitchen Unbeatable facilities designed to optimise the intellectual personal and social development of young athletes.BedroomsTotal: 78Single rooms: 39Double rooms: 36Quad rooms: 3 changing roomsMaterials management: kitchens storage and othersStaff: dressing roomGround floorSurface1.216,55 m2UsesResident players: Reception leisure roomsMaterials management: kitchens and storageStaff: administration meeting roomOther: External visitors’ areaFirst floorSurface1.149,80 m2 computer roomStaff: portersSecond floorSurface1.073,25 m2UsesResident players: Bedrooms computer roomStaff: portersThird floorSurface1.137,75 m2Future usesBedrooms