Making Memories in Barcelona

Travel Tips

The beauty of Barcelona is the blending of old and new. Much of the attraction of Barcelona is the city’s wide range of sights. Whether you are into architecture, design, football, art, or food - there is something for all types of travelers. Here are my top inside tips for how to enjoy the city to the fullest.  Start your day: Caelum Barcelona’s café culture is half Italian, and comes with its own set of simple rules: café con leche (café amb llet in Catalan) is for breakfast, preferably with a croissant. If you’d like to taste some of the most delicious baked goods of your life, head to Caelum. Their delicious treats are made by monks and nuns from different parts of Spain, and their cafe has an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. It’s heavenly. ;)  Morning Activity: La Sagrada Familia Whether you’ve been to Barcelona before or not, any visit to the city should include a visit to this spectacular cathedral. There is always something new to see, as it continues to be worked on almost 100 years after Gaudi’s death. Consider a guided tour here as there is so much to understand about not only the cathedral, but the brilliance of Gaudi. Bri’s Tip: Before leaving the area, make a quick stop at Xurreria: A great spot for the quintessential Spanish snack of chocolate con churros. In an enviable location, right across the street from Barcelona’s most famous landmark. Mid-day eats: El Ramblero La Boqueria Market is the epicenter of Barcelona tourism and can be found right in the center of the busiest and most vibrant boulevards in the city, Las Ramblas. As “touristy” as it is, this is an amazing place to eat some incredible food IF you know where to head. Bar Ramblero is the place to go for seafood. While it’s one of the newer establishments, don’t let that deter you.  The staff here are incredible and the menu has a large range of tapas to choose from— but as I mentioned, go for the seafood. It’s some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Bri’s Tip: Order the seafood platter.  It’s huge and it’s delicious. Pair it with a crisp white wine for a delectable dining experience.  Afternoon Activity: Bike through the city There are bike rental places all over the city, but for five euros you can rent a bike from Mattia 46, located right next to Las Ramblas. Take your new bike for a stroll through the alleyways off the main street, or into the bustling areas nearby. Just watch out for all the people! Time to Dine: Tapeo Barcelona’s overwhelming range of restaurants can be divided into two categories: the new and the old. You can dine at some of the world’s most modern restaurants, managed by the world’s most innovative chefs, but there is also traditional Catalonian cuisine.  Smack in the middle of one of Barcelona’s most charming neighborhoods, El Born, Tapeo is the place to go for… you guessed it, tapas. Here you’ll find well-done classic tapas and Catalonian cuisine with a touch of creativity.  Bri’s Tip: Spaniards eat late — dinner doesn’t usually begin until around 9pm. Its also important to make reservations in Barcelona. Late night fun: Port Olimpic Barcelona stays awake while the rest of Europe sleeps. Nightlife starts late, preferably at a bar. Spaniards believe it’s smart to eat while drinking, so most bars also serve tapas. Barcelona’s trendy nightlife is in a constant state of change, but I love the area around Port Olimpic — especially during summer months. Here you’ll find a string of upmarket lounge bars that allow you to sip cocktails on their beach terraces before everyone moves inside to get down and dirty on the dance floor.