Insider’s Guide to Barcelona: Where to Stay & Play
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To travel across Spain and finally to reach Barcelona is like drinking a respectable red wine and finishing up with a bottle of champagne.
James Michener
Barcelona is a truly beautiful place to reconnect with the most important person in your life: you.
It’s a city known for its outstanding architecture, flavorful food, and amazing nightlife. Yet, there’s so much to be discovered under the surface of its tourist-laden shores for the solo-traveler. Think: thrilling tapas tours with expert locals that lead to connections with fellow foodies. Rooftop bars soaring in spotless blue skies offering the perfect opportunity to sip and people-spy. Get ready to silence every solo-travel critic, both inner and outer, with an itinerary to rival them all.
Street Performer | Gothic Quarter
Need to Know
Currency: €, Euro (EURO)
Languages: Spanish & Catalan
Airports: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN, Viladecans), Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO, Girona) and Russ International Airport (REU, Costa Daurada).
Transportation: From the U.S., Barcelona is one non-stop flight from any international airport. From other major European cities, trains tend to be the most popular mode of transport for inter-continental travels. From Madrid, for example, it’s as easy as hopping on the high-speed AVE. And from Paris, the SNCF is best. While trains are usually a longer time commitment than planes, they may offer more affordable price points and typically nicer accommodations than budget airlines. Plus, you can’t beat the amazing views. Barcelona city itself boasts an efficient metro system including trains, buses and a rail service, so you’ll have no problem getting around. You’ll also have the option of taking it to the streets as Barcelona is extremely walkable and bike-friendly.
Best Time to Visit: To beat the crowds and heat, plan to visit early Spring (mid-March to May) or Fall (September to November). The busy season is May to June due to sunnier temps and endless public events happening, though the crowds can certainly be an obstacle. Winter is the best option for the true budget traveler.
Ideal Length of Stay: A true three-night weekend is great for the solo traveler looking to make the most of their alone time. If you’re seeking a more in-depth experience to investigate all the sights and sounds, four to five nights is ideal.
Signature Dishes: Paella, bacaloa (salt cod), the Bikini Sandwich (think ham and cheese panini), crema catalana (the Spanish cousin of creme brulee).
Key Phrases: (Spanish / Catalan): gracias/gracies (thank you), buen dia/bon dia (good morning), por favor/si us plau (please), play/platja (beach).
Dress Code: Vibrant dresses and skirt sets, sunscreen and sunglasses, cotton blouses for moonlit dinners and comfy shoes for days of city-slicking.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Deluxe Room | Hotel Neri
“Barna,” as the benevolent locals refer to it, is a beloved city worldwide. Home to some of the most renowned architectural sights and tranquil beaches, its harmonious balance between metropolitan vigor and leisurely nature experiences really make it stand out from a crowded bucket-list. Though impossible not to feel the ever-present crowds, Barcelona is distinctly un-tourist-trappy in vibe. Whether you’re wandering around the colorful side streets, popping into the iconic museums, catching a concert or zipping around the quaint cable cars, there’s no way to not fall in love with this city.
Barcelona is very cosmopolitan, with dynamic neighborhoods — all with distinct personalities — to match. Below are a few prominent Barcelonian neighborhoods, followed by a list of my hotel recommendations.
El Born: Come here for designer stores, fine dining, art galleries, medieval streets and a trendy vibe.
L’Eixample: This neighborhood is marked by wide streets and an abundance of Modernista architecture; Gaudi’s work (including the must-visit Sagrada Familia).
Gracia: Wellness enthusiasts and those with boho dispositions should head to this local, cool neighborhood, which is also home to Gaudi’s Park Guell.
Barceloneta: Tourists flock to this beachfront stretch of the city.
Gothic Quarter: The historic city center, with centuries-old buildings, winding alleys and a fun lively atmosphere with restaurants and bars and shopping.
El Raval: A multi-cultural hub known for its street art, nightlife and boho vibe.
Hotel Neri: Situated in the highly sought after Gothic Quarter, Neri — with only 22 rooms — is the epitome of traditional charm. Floor to ceiling windows offer magical views of the famed streets while their rooftop terrace offers soulful dining options in a tranquil oasis of your own. (And Thomas, the doorman, is a best doorman in the business.) Book with me to receive a welcome amenity d breakfast daily.
H10 Madison: This elegant, four-star hotel brings the heart of Catalan architecture right into your bedroom. Centrally located and simply designed, the magicient in-house culinary offerings and rooftop pool are unparalleled. Book with me to receive a resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Cotton House Hotel: This 19th century manufacturing headquarters turned trendy boutique hotel is home to some of the most spacious suites in town. From the moment you walk into the majestic front hall, the vintage inspired ambience will transport you to an environment of pure serenity. Book with me to receive a $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, welcome amenities, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
What to Do in Barcelona
Park Guell
Spend at least two half days visiting Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces. Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo and La Pedera are musts. Casa Batllo hosts seasonal rooftop concerts. Visit Park Guell in the day or during sunset to beat the crowds. And be sure to get tickets to all in advance; it’s a must!
Anyone into art must visit the Picasso Museum Barcelona, which houses over 5,000 works in its permanent collection. And the building itself is worth a wander.
Barcelona is a vibrant city to suit all five of your senses, especially your tastebuds. Put on your cutest walking shoes and get ready to take your tongue for a ride on a Night Tapas Tour where you’ll stop at some of the tastiest spots in town and catch an iconic performance at the end! Fat Tire Tours provides an amazing night out with eight food and wine tastings and a ticket to an authentic Flamenco show. Who says adventuring out of your comfort zone can’t be a total blast?
Take yourself out above the town by discovering the local rooftop scene. The Rooftop Garden at El Palace boasts a hefty schedule of seasonal activities like yoga, master classes, an outdoor cinema as well as 360° views. Though if it’s views you’re after, there’s no better spot than the Terrace of Sercotel Rosellon. From their rooftop, you’ll be treated to a panoramic perspective of none other than the Sagrada Familia. To drink in the culture of the city, however, make your way to Pulitzer Terrace at Hotel Pulitzer. There you can catch live music with a genre list as diverse as the people of Barcelona.
History & Culture of Barcelona
Gothic Quarter | Barcelona
The Romans initially founded Barcino in the 1st century. The walled city would eventually grow into what we now know as Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital. (Its coastal location made it especially strategic to the thriving empire.) The city changed hands over the centuries, falling under Christian and then Muslim rule. The 13th through 15th centuries were marked by medieval flourishing, the remnants of which are still visible in the city’s Gothic Quarter.
In the late 19th and 20th century, Barcelona experienced an industrial revolution of sorts, which corresponded with the birth of the artistic (but largely architectural) movement known as Modernisme, where curved lines, asymmetry, colorful exuberance and natural forms reigned. Famed architects Lluis Domenich i Montaner, Josp Puig i Cadafalch and Antoni Gaudi left an especially significant artistic mark on the city.
In the mid-1930’s, the Spanish Civil War broke out. Several other countries got involved, the Spanish nationalists prevailed and Catalan culture was subsequently suppressed. Catalonia was finally granted full autonomy in the late 1970s, but the ensuing decades were rather rocky: illegal referendums, constitutional crises, ample disagreement.
Today, Catalonia is an autonomous region, but fewer residents want full independence. It’s still a touchy subject. Barcelonians are proud of their city and Catalan heritage, and when you travel there, it’s best not to bring the subject up unless a local initiates the conversation.
Where to Eat & Drink in Barcelona
Bar Canete | Barcelona
Definitely make reservations in advance and note that many restaurants start at 8:00PM or later. There are a lot of places to eat in Barcelona, so consider these just a curated starting point.
Brugarol Barcelona is moody and modern with a seasonal menu. Bar Canete has great energy, lots of character and a tremendous staff. ANGLE and Capet are Michelin-starred gems worth the hype. Go to Bodega La Palma for local tapas; try the patatas bravas. Dr. Stravinsky is one of the world’s top 50 bars; once you try one of their cocktails, you’ll see why.
No matter where you go or what you do, remember: spontaneity is the spice of life. This city is full of surprises around every corner, so make sure to leave some room in your schedule to roam. That being said, connecting with me is a great way to ensure your trip is tailored to what you’d most like to do and see in this iconic corner of the world. I’ll handle all the organizing so you can focus on having the adventure of a lifetime. And if you’re Barcelona bound, that’s exactly what awaits you.
