The Best of Barcelona!

By Annabelle Henderson, ESADE University, Spain

As I approach my final week of exchange in Barcelona, I would like to share the ‘Best of Barcelona’: food recommendations, hidden gems and what not to miss!

Best Eats in Barcelona

When you think of Spain, you most likely think of tapas. With tonnes of restaurants to choose from, your options can be overwhelming. Although, some of the best food I’ve had here has come from small, hidden local spots. I have found that they’re often the most authentic and full of character.

• El Xampanyet is a cosy, traditional tapas bar serving classic dishes. It’s inexpensive but very popular, so try to get there when it opens to avoid queues.
• Tapes La Bona Sort in El Born has a more modern feel with a lovely outdoor terrace to sit outside.
• Perikete, close to the beach, is a great tapas spot with a buzzing atmosphere. It’s casual and feels more like a bar – perfect for a fun evening.
• La Pepita is another must-visit. With graffiti-covered walls and a lively, youthful vibe, it’s ideal for dinner with friends. Although I would recommend booking in advance here to guarantee yourself a table.
• If you’re craving paella (another typical Spanish dish), head to Xiringuito Escribà on Bogatell Beach. It’s slightly more pricey but has incredible food and you can sit out on the terrace to watch the sunset on the beach in an evening.

What Not to Miss

Of course, landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló are iconic and absolutely worth seeing, but there is so much more to discover in Barcelona. Barcelona is unique because it’s situated between the mountains and the sea, so you really get the best of both worlds.

• Barceloneta Beach is closes to the city centre, but Bogatell Beach is only the next beach along and much quieter. It’s also great for beach volleyball!
• For a day trip, I would recommend taking a 40-minute train ride south to Sitges. Sitges is a beautiful coastal town with independent shops, quiet sandy beaches, and magnificent old architecture. It has a more relaxed vibe than the city and is full of character.

For Nature Lovers & Views

• The Montserrat mountains are about an hour away and offer some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. The unique rock formations make it incredibly unique in comparison to other mountain ranges; I think this is a must-see if you love hiking or nature and have enough time to venture slightly out of the city.

• Mount Tibidabo is a smaller mountain, only a 30 minute train ride away. Here you will get panoramic views over Barcelona and have the option to enter the beautiful church situated up there, or even the longest running amusement park in Spain: ‘Parc d’atraccions Tibidabo’.
• Another local gem is the El Carmel Bunkers – a short hike to 360° views of the city skyline, perfect for sunset.

Immerse Fully into the Culture

One of the best parts of living in Barcelona has been experiencing the Catalan traditions and festivals.

• In September, the city comes alive for La Mercè – a four-day celebration with human towers, parades, giant figures, and fireworks.

• In November, the Christmas light switch-on marks the start of the festive season – it’s magical and very popular with locals.
• In April, there’s Sant Jordi’s Day – Barcelona’s version of Valentine’s Day. The streets fill with roses and bookstalls. Men typically receive books whilst women receive roses and the whole city turns into a romantic, cultural celebration.

Barcelona is a city full of life, colour, and culture. Whether studying in Barcelona, another city in Spain or even different European country, I would highly recommend coming to experience the city for yourself if you have the opportunity to do so.