Barcelona
About barcelona
Barcelona, situated on Spain’s northeastern coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is the capital of Catalonia. Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago as Barcino, the city evolved to be known as Barcelona by the Middle Ages. Its rich history reflects various civilizations, with the Moors’ influence particularly evident in its diverse churches and architectural styles.
The city’s global prominence surged with the 1992 Summer Olympics, which spurred a major transformation. The Games introduced modern infrastructure and revitalized the waterfront, establishing Barcelona as a key hub for sports and maritime activities.
Notably, the sailing events, set against Barcelona’s stunning coastline, drew enthusiasts from around the globe.
In the fall of 2024, Barcelona will reaffirm its status as a sailing capital by hosting the 37th America’s Cup. This prestigious event is expected to leave a significant mark on the city, similar to the Olympic legacy. Preparations include a major overhaul of the Port Vell and Port of Barcelona areas, highlighted by the creation of a Nautical Technology Center. The UPF report estimates the economic impact of the 37th America’s Cup on Barcelona will be around 1.2 billion euros!!
Getting There
The airport for Barcelona is Barcelona -El Prat Airport (BCN).
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Sailing Advice
Sea breeze blows (Garbí from 10 to 18 knots) with a stable pattern from March to October. From November to February more uncertain conditions. Possible storms with large seas coming from the east or shifty winds coming from the west when Tramuntana (north wind) blows in Lion Golf.
Local Advice
Plan your visit before reaching the city! Barcelona is getting more and more busy as a tourist destination, and can get busy during the summer and spring months.
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
Marinas/boat ramps
Marine stores
sails/rigging
Boat Services
fuel
LAUNDRY SERVICES
HARDWARE STORES
Grocery stores
RESTAURANTS
Tejada Mar is the quintessential Spanish beach restaurant. Located a few steps from Turó Park in front of Barceloneta Beach, Tejada Mar is a phenomenal open air seaside restaurant with spectacular unobstructed views of the city skyline and the crystal clear water. Tejada del Mar’s menu is based on tapas, seafood, and paellas- oysters are served hot or cold, lobster is served boiled, with lime mayonnaise, with garlic, or in a casserole with egg and French fries. Locals love the Open Sea Bass, served with garlic, the Fried Sea Bream, and the Japanese Cut Entrecôte. The handmade desserts at Tejada Mar are not to be missed, and all pair perfectly with the extensive cocktail and wine list. A glass of Sangria and tapas and paella with friends sounds like an excellent way to celebrate being in Barcelona!
Address: Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19-21, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 933 12 36 31
Prices: $$
Located inside the 5-star Sofitel hotel, Tendiez is a fine dining restaurant and bar focused on regional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine but reinterpreted and presented through a more modern and playful lens. From their full tapas menu to their extensive plates menu, Tendiez uses only the freshest seafood and local meats, as well as locally sourced and organic produce. The food presentation is stunning here, as is the atmosphere and the service. The dining room and bar is warm and beautifully designed, offering an inviting yet intimate feel, an excellent place for a date or a quiet meal- or choose to dine outdoors under the stars, people watching and enjoying the open air on the beautiful patio.
*Reservations highly recommended!
Address: Av. del Litoral, 10, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 21 65 65
Prices: $$$
El Nacional is a unique multi-space area that includes 4 restaurants and 4 bars all under the same very high ceiling-ed roof. Imagine a very high end food court and you are imagining in the right direction. There is a meat restaurant, a fish restaurant, a tapas restaurant, and a fast delicatessen restaurant all within the walls of the vast Nacional, and there are also four different bar spaces complemented by different themes, a brewery, a wine bar, a craft cocktail bar, and the secret Magatzem… you’ll have to visit El Nacional to find out!
Address: Pg. de Gràcia, 24 Bis, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 935 18 50 53
Prices: $$
If you feel hungry after gazing at Calle L’Anisadeta, Mimo’s is the place to dine. Locals appreciate the Spanish dishes along with other regional favorites. The menu offers delicious tapas, calamari and croquettes. Mimo’s is well known for cheesecakes, baked custard and parfait, all prepared on property. You can choose to dine either indoors or out, offering a great place to people-watch and enjoy one of the delicious Sangrias, gin or cordial.
Address: Plaça de Jacint Reventós, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 930 42 96 59
Prices: $$
Looking to see or be seen- then Los Caracoles is the place for you! Located in the Gothic Quarter in the heart of Las Ramblas, Los Caracoles is a long-standing Spanish institution known for excellent locally sourced meats, seafood, and game, as well as delicious homemade desserts. Named for its signature snail dish, Los Caracoles, the restaurant is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors to dine or have a drink- people from all over the world stop here- Salvador Dalí, Lenny Kravitz, Charleston Heston, and Robert De Niro are but a few of Los Caracoles’ famous diners. Locals love the Paella, and suggest that the Catalan Cream is not to be missed!
Address: Carrer dels Escudellers, 14, 08002 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 01 20 41
Prices: $$$
Situated just off Las Ramblas, Bar Lobo is a hip and casual local neighborhood eatery that offers a variety of tapas, light dishes, and main courses, with a focus on both Spanish and international fare. Locals rave about the Croquetas and the Calamari- if dining here neither are to be missed! Bar Lobo has a casual contemporary atmosphere- the dining room is cool and trendy with interesting artwork and design elements- and the terrace area at Bar Lobo is excellent, and is a popular spot for locals to share some tapas and cocktails at the end of the day. Bar Lobo is an excellent spot to enjoy some tasty local cuisine while soaking up the local neighborhood Barcelona vibe!
Address: C/ del Pintor Fortuny, 3, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 81 53 46
Prices: $$
Perikete is a cozy traditional Spanish tapas bar located in front of the Port of Barcelona in Born, a cool neighborhood right on the water. Opening up to the street, Perikete offers an exciting Mediterranean atmosphere filled with excellent food, wine, and people. A popular local spot, Perikete does not accept reservations, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours, but locals swear it’s worth it. Known for their inexpensive yet fabulous beer and wine, and phenomenal traditional tapas, Perikete is an incredible local tapas bar not to be missed!
Address: Carrer de Llauder, 6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 930 24 22 29
Prices: $$
Located on the 26th floor with stunning panoramic views of the area, Noxe at the W Hotel is a fine dining Japanese restaurant, (and cocktail bar and night club), that offers creative Japanese fare paired with signature craft cocktails. Locals love the creative sushi rolls at Noxe, and claim that the view from the 26th floor is one of the absolute best in town. The design at Noxe is super cool and contemporary and offers atmospheric lighting that changes up the vibe throughout the evening. Noxe at the W Hotel is an excellent spot to enjoy exceptionally fresh sushi and cocktails, and note that with its location on the water at the harbor entrance, Noxe offers prime viewing for the upcoming America’s Cup!
Note: There is an extremely strict dress code and entrance policy, and they follow it to T. There is no admittance under 21, no matter what time. The dress code is Smart & Chic: no flip flops or slippers, no beachwear, no sportswear, no caps and no tank tops allowed for men. No luggage, bags or helmets are allowed (there is no locker or cloakroom for these items). **Ladies, do not wear anything that even resembles a slide, slipper, or flip flop- even designer ‘classy’ ones- they will turn you away at the door.
Address: W Barcelona, Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 95 28 00
Prices: $$$
Located right off the touristy La Rambla, don’t let Bar Cañete’s location fool you- it is a hot local spot known to serve some of the freshest seafood and vegetables imaginable. Sourcing only from Catalan fish markets and local veggie farms, Cañete is a bar meets bistro that serves classic Spanish fare favorites from tapas to shareable plates. Known for their upbeat atmosphere, incredible cocktails, and mind-blowing, knock-your-socks-off food, Bar Cañete is not to be missed while in Barcelona. Reserve a spot at the counter, and as the menu says, “F*ck Your Diet” this is one of the hippest and best spots in town. Don’t miss it!
Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 932 70 34 58
Prices: $$$
Known as one of the most famous traditional Old World Spanish restaurants in Barcelona, 7 Portes, located under the arches on elegant Isabel II Blvd, offers exceptional traditional Catalan fare. With a menu focused on Spanish seafood dishes, and many different types of Paella, 7 Portes is a fine dining experience that is a long-term staple on the traditional Spanish food scene. Open for over 185 years, with black and white checkered floors, traditionally dressed wait staff, and generations of Spanish history, 7 Portes is an excellent spot to enjoy a truly traditional Catalonian meal. And since many famous people have dined at 7 Portes over its long history, don’t forget to check your chair- you could be dining in the same chair that Che Guevara or The King of Spain once did!
Address: Pg. d’Isabel II, 14, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
Phone: +34 933 19 30 33
Prices: $$$
Bars
Located in the historic El Raval area, Two Schmucks is a dive-y bar- but a five star one- that offers out of this world elevated ingredient-led craft cocktails. Set in a cool, punkish dive bar setting, and named one of the top 50 bars in the world in 2022, Two Schmucks is a spot not to be missed by the dive bar or craft cocktail lovers. Locals love the inventive drinks at two Schmucks, and favorites such as the Tzatziki Martini and the Dead By Xmas are worth exploring. The vibe here is fun, laid back, and loud- loud music, loud talking, and loud flavors!
Address: C/ de Joaquín Costa, 52, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
Phone: +34 934 76 47 77
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Las Ramblas Boulevard, the lively and world-famous tree-lined boulevard, winds through the heart of Barcelona. This vibrant promenade stretches for almost a mile, connecting Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and all kinds of street performers, Las Ramblas is a bustling hub of activity. Not only a popular spot for tourists, but also a lively gathering place for locals, the boulevard is known for its celebratory atmosphere, making it an ideal location for leisurely walks, people-watching, and seamlessly immersing into Barcelona’s unique culture.
Local Tip: Las Ramblas can be divided into “seedy” and “not seedy” parts. This becomes very clear at night when the Southern end of the Ramblas becomes somewhat like a red-light district and is frequented by sex workers. Probably a good plan to avoid the area at night if traveling with little ones.
The Gothic Quarter is a beautiful Barcelona neighborhood of winding narrow streets. Named for its unique blend of Gothic architecture melded in with brand new and modern design, the ancient district is known as the heart of the old city and one of the area’s most popular pedestrian areas. The Gothic Quarter features peaceful historic squares, picturesque alleys, and landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral with its stunning courtyard, filled with beautiful plants and geese, and Plaça Reial, one of the busiest and most fun squares in all of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is a lively and interesting area filled with restaurants and bars of all kinds, especially around Plaça Reial. The nightlife in the Gothic Quarter is loud and lively and there is always somewhere popping to enjoy a drink and a dance. It can get pretty wild in the area, so you may want to leave the little ones at home for a night out! The shopping is also amazing in the Gothic Quarter, from the more commercialized area of Calle Portal de L’Angel to the many local boutiques along Calle Avinyo- the Gothic Quarter is THE perfect place for that late afternoon walk that can lead you just about anywhere!
Known as one of the most famous artists in the world, the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso made thousands of artworks throughout his life. The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is home to a massive collection of works by the artist- over 4,200 of his artworks spanning throughout his entire prolific life. This was the first museum dedicated solely to the artist’s work, and it was made during his lifetime. Take a few hours and visit the museum, wander through Picasso’s many styles of artmaking while imagining sitting for one of his thousands of portraits. For anyone who likes art, and especially Picasso lovers, this museum is a must see!
The unmistakably green Montjuïc Hill is the most famous hill in all of Barcelona. It was due to the 1929 World Fair that palaces, parks, botanical gardens, pavilions, sports stadiums, and exhibition rooms were built on the Hill. Many of these historic edifices have been preserved and repurposed into museums. In preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympics, the sports stadiums on Montjuïc underwent major renovation, and new facilities were added. The Hill is interesting to visit and an excellent stroll of the area begins at Plaça d’Espanya, easily accessible via the Espanya metro stop, serving as a grand entryway to Montjuïc with its pair of Venetian towers and an amazing fountain. The fountain on Montjuïc Hill is beautifully lit in the evening, creating a colorful magical fountain show in this area of green respite within the city.
Tibidabo is Barcelona’s tallest mountain and an excellent spot for a breath of fresh air away from the city. Take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of Barcelona and the surrounding coastline, a spectacular vantage point to take in the city’s beauty. The mountain is also famous for its stunning Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a church crowned with a statue of Jesus that can be seen from many parts of the city. There is also Tibidabo Amusement Park, built in 1899, which is one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe and offers a unique blend of vintage attractions and modern rides. The park is among the oldest in the world still functioning, and it is Spain’s longest running amusement park!
The Eixample District, Catalan for Expansion District, is a renowned urban neighborhood known for its unique grid-based layout and modernist architectural masterpieces. Designed in the 19th century by urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, this district features wide, tree-lined avenues, open city blocks, and beautiful striking buildings. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Antoni Gaudí’s famous Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, as well as other impressive modernist structures. The Eixample District offers a blend of architectural wonder, upscale shopping, dining, and a lively atmosphere. The area is a safe and residential part of the city, but it definitely has a vibrant nightlife and a thriving café culture. Eixample is a beautiful barrio to take an afternoon stroll, gasp at the remarkable world famous architecture, peruse thru the iconic square Plaça de Catalunya, or people-watch from one of the many terraced cafes that line the calles. It is in the Eixample District that you will find some of Barcelona’s finest and most expensive restaurants, as well as fabulous and internationally known bars such as Dry Martini. The Eixample District, with its plethora of interesting sights, sounds, and tastes, is an excellent area to explore morning, noon, or night!
El Born, a neighborhood located in the heart of Barcelona between the Gothic Quarter and Ciutadella Park, and just behind Barceloneta beach, is a vibrant creative district known for its bohemian vibe, charming winding streets, lively atmosphere, and medieval architecture. Popular with tourists, locals, and the international community, El Born is steeped in history, and is home to architectural marvels such as the majestic Santa Maria del Mar church, as well as the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall. There are many different art galleries and museums in the area, showcasing both traditional and contemporary artwork. The neighborhood is known for its eclectic mix of designer boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can wander through narrow medieval streets, explore boutique shops selling artisanal goods and discover delicious Catalan cuisine at the many bars and eateries dotted throughout the area.
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, usually and simply referred to as La Boqueria, is a large public market located in the Ciutat Vella district of Barcelona. One of the city’s main tourist landmarks, La Boqueria is the market where many local restaurants purchase their food, so while touristy, this colorful market is the largest and most popular in the city. Home to more than 300 stalls known for selling some of the freshest food available, visitors can shop for meats, vegetables, cold cuts, sweets, and seafood, or better yet, for an in-depth look, join a food and drink tasting tour with a local to fully enjoy the delicious delicacies and to learn more about the market’s history.
In the 18th century, Passeig de Gràcia was a rural street located outside of the city walls, then, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a main avenue in Barcelona. By the turn of the 19th century, Passeig de Gràcia was a showcase for Barcelona’s bourgeoisie. Today, Passeig de Gràcia is a 4,265 ft long boulevard that stretches from Placa Catalunya to Carrer Gran de Gràcia in the Eixample neighborhood. It’s one of the city’s main avenues and a major shopping and business district. The avenue is lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and classic buildings, as well as some of Barcelona’s most notable modernist structures.