Hey, friends. I can’t even begin to explain how many times a year people ask me for my Barcelona recommendations. After typing the same email 800 times, I finally decided it would be easier to just put all the info on here. So here it is, in all its glory: my personal favorite Barcelona restaurants, sights, and clubs (with a few extras thrown in at the end).

Restaurants

There are a million great places to eat in Barcelona, however, I have a few tried and true places I always go, and some new places I’ve added thanks to the amazing Patrick Reyes of Patrick Guide Barcelona. (This list is in no particular order, and not comprehensive, just my tops.)

El Pulpero de Lugo: Calle Maragall 9, San Adrian del Besos (purple metro line, stop Artigues/Sant Adria)

People always think I’m biased with this place because the owners are basically my adopted family, but for real, this food is amazing. For the quality and price, it can’t be beat. It’s a no frills, made-from-scratch, feel like you’re in your own home, kind of restaurant. Some of my favorites are: jamón serrano (the best I’ve had), cigalas (I honestly still don’t know what these are, but I just call them crawfish), pimientos de padrón (flash-fried peppers), navajas (razor clams), secreto ibérico (I don’t know exactly what this is either, but some cut of pork??), and patatas bravas (fried potatoes with alioli and a spicy sauce). You can also order amazing steaks, lamb, and grilled chicken, or incredible plates of seafood and fish. Honestly, everything here is delicious and they have different specials everyday. They also have a lunch menu for between $10-12 which includes 2 different plates, bread, dessert or coffee, and beverage of your choice - including beer or wine. I could go on and on about this place, but just take my word for it, and go there. This one is probably the furthest to get to (about 20 minutes from city center by metro), but absolutely worth it.

Honest Greens: Rambla Catalunya 3, (red or green metro line, stop Plaza Catalunya, or purple or yellow metro line, stop Passeig de Gracia)

This place is pretty new, and was introduced to me by my health-obsessed, super fit friend, Monika. It’s probably the hippest, most instagram-worthy place I’ve ever eaten before, so I basically didn’t feel cool enough to eat there, but after my first bite, I didn’t care. I can’t even tell you how many times I ate there this past August. It’s amazingly cheap (less than $10) for the quality of the food, and what you get: a plate or salad with your choice of protein, a salad, a slice of homemade bread, and your choice of side - choosing the side was always the hardest part for me because they are all so delicious and healthy and wonderful! The front part of the restaurant also includes a coffee and dessert bar, all items being gluten free, and vegan. It’s also the only restaurant I would really trust eating at in this super touristy area because everything else is either super overpriced and low quality, or fast food. This place is truly an oasis in the city center, and I always leave here feeling super nourished, and like I did something great for my body.

Narciso: Carrer de la Princesa 9, (yellow metro line, stop Jaume I)

Narciso is a tiny little corner restaurant with bar seating, and maybe 1 or 2 actual tables, so you can eat there, or get it to go. They pretty much just serve sandwiches, but these are the greatest sandwiches I’ve ever had (I normally am not a sandwich fan). I always order the same thing, which was suggested to me by Patrick: the Coloseo sandwich which is porchetta, pecorino cheese, and truffle sauce. Guys, I literally dream about this sandwich. Bonus, there’s a nice ice cream place right across the street, and you’re super close to lots of great shopping in the Born area.

El Xampanyet: Carrer de Montcada 22, (yellow metro line, stop Barceloneta)

This is another place introduced to me by Patrick. It rivals El Pulpero de Lugo for my fave Barcelona restaurant. This place is always packed (closed the entire month of August for vacation), and most times you’ll end up having to eat standing at the crowded bar, but it is worth it. My favorites here are the tortilla española with chorizo, the butifarra de perol, and the pimientos de padron. And you MUST order a bottle of champagne while here (not because it’s mandatory, but just because I’m telling you to). I love the atmosphere here so much that I don’t even mind getting jostled as I eat and drink - it’s all part of the merriment. Oh, and when the bartender offers you dessert - take it. Great for lunch or dinner. Now I’m getting hungry…

La Xampanyeria (Can Paixano): Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7, (yellow metro line, stop Barceloneta)

Another Patrick find, this place is super casual and great to pop in for lunch, or pre-lunch (if those Spanish lunchtimes are just too far away for you). They serve a huge variety of very cheap and basic (but delicious) sandwiches, and bottles of champagne. This place is also super packed, and is so fun to go to with a bunch of friends (or soon-to-be-friends you just met on one of Patrick’s tours that conveniently ends super close to here). I think a bottle of champagne runs you around $5 or less, and when you’re splitting that however many ways with friends - can’t be beat.

Cerveceria Catalana: Carrer de Mallorca 236, (blue metro line, stop Provença)

My Catalan friends always list this as one of their favorite places to eat, and I agree. Great traditional Catalan food, but you definitely need a reservation to eat here, or try your luck at getting a seat at the bar. You can order tapas style, or entrees. The huevos estrellados here are my favorite. One of the fancier places on the list, but still laid-back enough to not feel stuffy.

El Nacional: Passeig de Gracia 24 bis, (purple or yellow metro line, stop Passeig de Gracia)

This place is gorgeous! Anytime someone comes to visit me in Barcelona, I bring them here, even if just to show them the place and not get anything to eat or drink. (Honestly, the bathrooms are my favorite part, they’re just so beautiful!)

I love coming here for a drink and maybe a tapa. A glass of wine here will cost you about $5 (pretty steep for Barcelona, but still super cheap compared to in the US), but I always think it’s worth it just to be in the beautiful atmosphere. The food is good here too, but pretty expensive. The place is basically split up into different sections: tapas, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, dessert. You choose what sounds good to you, and eat in that area. I’ve only eaten here a couple times (because of the prices), but everything I’ve had here has been good. Bonus: it’s super close to many must-sees in Barcelona, so a great stop if you’re needing a break between sights.

La Rosa Negra/Rosa del Raval: Via Laietana 46 (yellow metro line, stop Urquinaona), Carrer dels Angels 6 (green metro line, stop Liceu, or purple metro line, stop Universitat)

I’m just gonna assume any of my native Barcelona friends would be disgusted with me adding this place to my list, but hear me out. This place is mainly full of ex-pats, which can be annoying, or it can be super fun if you’re just passing through, or an ex-pat yourself. They have super delicious margaritas (I adore the passion fruit marg) for only $4, and their ceviche is so so good! (Many times I stop here for a lunch of their ceviche and passion fruit marg, all for less than $10.) Their burritos are also good, as far as tex-mex goes - they are definitely not an authentic Mexican restaurant - but we’re in Spain anyway, so whatever. The decor in the place is just so bright and fun and colorful, you can’t help but be in a good mood there. I am all for good food and fun - plus convenient locations.

Buenas Migas: there are many of these throughout the city, but my favorite one is Plaça del Mar 1, (yellow metro line, Barceloneta)

This is my go-to spot for breakfast and coffee, and even sometimes lunch. They have great scones, flapjacks (like a dense granola and raisin bar served with yogurt), pastries, focaccias, salads, and desserts. Their coffee is delicious (and big! hard to find in this city), and they also serve alcohol. Basically I always feel good about eating here. The Barceloneta location is my favorite though because I bike here in the mornings and drink my coffee on the patio, looking out over the sea. When my therapist told me to pick a happy place to envision when the going gets tough, this is always the place I come back to (top 2 photos). The location in Plaza Espanya is also really cool, with the patio on the Plaza, looking towards the Magic Fountain and MNACC (middle 2 photos). The Universitat location is super convenient (bottom 2 photos).

Rekons: Carrer del Comte d’Urgell 32, (red metro line, stop Urgell)

This is a super casual place, with amazing food, and great prices, introduced to me by my Spanish sister. They serve a wide variety of homemade empanadas, which are great, but I mainly go for the salads and the four cheese potatoes, that are made of cheese-lovers’ dreams. They also have a great vermut (a typical pre-dinner drink in Barcelona, most bars have their own homemade vermut), and many days I’ll just pop in for the potatoes and vermut. If you want a spot on the patio, get there early!

Maoz: Carrer de Ferran, 13, (green metro line, stop Liceu)

I discovered this place the first time I came to Barcelona when I was visiting while studying abroad in a different part of Spain, and it’s been a love affair ever since. I honestly didn’t even realize this place was vegan until I took the photo for this post - crazy! Basically it’s a fast-food falafel place. It’s super tiny, but it’s open late, and it’s all you can eat! They have amazing crispy cauliflower, pickled carrots, mint cucumber salad, great hummus, and tons of different sauces to try out. I could probably eat at this place every day and not get tired of it, and not feel bad about it. As if you needed another reason to stop here, they also serve fries and alioli sauce.

La Pizza del Sortidor: Carrer de Vilardell 18, (red metro line, stop Hostafrancs)

I stumbled upon this place by accident one night, and have gone there many times since. A super casual neighborhood joint, with really great wood-fired pizzas. Each pizza is served on a cardboard box lid, no silverware. They have one choice of dessert - tiramisu - and to drink either water, wine, beer (Peroni, or Estrella), or soda (all 2.50). I usually try to go here on a Tuesday or Wednesday night because all their pizzas are only 8 euros. I’ve also stopped here on my way to Plaza Espanya before, to grab a pizza to enjoy while watching the magic fountain show, since it’s only a 15 min walk away.

Sights

I lived in Barcelona for 3 years straight, and have spent about 2-3 months there every year since then (so for about the past 8 years), and I still haven’t seen everything I want to see in Barcelona. Just know you will never be able to see it all in one trip, so don’t even try. That said, these are what I think are the most important. Oh, and make sure you book all your tickets ahead of time, online, or else you either 1) won’t get in, or 2) will wait in line for hours and hours and hours.

Sagrada Familia: Carrer de Mallorca 401, (purple and blue metro lines, stop Sagrada Familia)

This is the famous cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí, who is responsible for most of the items on this list. Visiting cathedrals on vacation can get super boring, and they all start to look the same after a while, but I assure you, this one is completely unique, and anything but boring. This place still amazes me each time I see it. Under construction since 1882, the anticipated completion date (that’s right, it’s not finished being built yet) is 2026 - the hundred year anniversary of the architect’s death. Come take a look and decide which side you like best (always hotly debated).

Magic Fountain: Plaça de Carles Buïgas 1, (red and green metro lines, stop Plaza Espanya)

This is one of my very favorite things in Barcelona. It’s a water, light, music show, overlooking Plaza Espanya, and I can’t tell you why it’s so freaking beautiful, it just is. People always ask, “Oh, so a fountain show like the Bellagio in Vegas?” No. Not like that at all. This fountain is big and round and makes more of a mist than big geysers. I’m doing a horrible job of selling this, but just go. I’ve spent many a night just sitting by myself on a ledge, watching the fountain for hours. It definitely gets super packed now though, so make sure you get there early to get a seat. The hours are kind of funky too, so here they are, and since they usually fall during dinner time, don’t forget to stop by the pizza place I recommended above!

Parc Guell: this place sucks to get to, I suggest just taking a taxi or bus, unless you really want to challenge yourself and walk from green line, stop Lesseps. It’s pretty steep going though.

This is another Gaudí masterpiece. It’s a huge park with different mosaics, sculptures, houses, and tunnels, all in his whimsical design. I remember when it used to be free to go here, but gone are those days, and now you have to book a ticket online days in advance, or you won’t be able to make it. America’s Next Top Model filmed a show in this Park once. It made me really happy.

Casa Batlló: Passeig de Gracia 43, (purple or yellow metro line, stop Passieg de Gracia)

I’m embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t until last summer that I finally went in this place. I always wanted to go, but I was just way too cheap to pay the entry fee. That said, I think the best way to visit this place is by going on one of the “Nits Magiques.” These are basically evening visits where you tour the house, and then end on the roof for a concert, cocktail included (I think this ticket runs about 39 euros, but a normal visit costs 25 euros). I had a wonderful time at this event, and would highly recommend it. Plus the house is just super cool to visit, and the views are beautiful.

Honorable mentions, if you have the time: Parc del Laberint d’Horta (a beautiful labyrinthine park with lots of fountains, and flowers, and free on Wednesdays), La Pedrera/Casa Milà (another Gaudí house), Monasterio de Pedralbes (a cool monastery in the city, open for free certain nights through summer and fall).

Bars/Clubs

If you’re not the going out type, just keep scrolling. If you are the going out type, well, Barcelona is definitely the place for you. Just keep in mind that if you show up at a club before 12:30am, you’ll be the only one there.

Sala Apolo: Carrer Nou de la Rambla 113 (green or purple metro lines, stop parallel)

I’ll be honest, I haven’t been here on a Friday or Saturday night, so I’m not sure about that, but this is definitely the place to be on Mondays. On Monday nights they have “Nasty Mondays”. This event is only 8 Euros to get in at the door, and that includes 2 beers, or 1 mixed drink. It’s super casual with no dress code, and if you love to dance, a very eclectic crowd, and a good mix of music from the 90s to mid 2000s, this is the place for you. It definitely starts getting insanely packed around 3am, so I’d say 12:45 is the sweet spot to get there and not have to wait in line, but not be the only person there either.

Nasty Mondays, Sala Apolo, Barcelona, Spain

Jamboree: Plaça Reial 17, (green metro line, stop liceu)

This place is so fun! The music is a great mix of hip hop from the early 1990s on, and I don’t think I stopped dancing the entire 4 hours I was there. This place was 10 Euros to get in, no drink included. You can buy your tickets online, and then skip the line, which starts to get crazy around 1am. I think we ended up leaving around 4:45am because it just got so effing crowded in there, it was impossible to move anymore. Bonus: conveniently located in the Gothic neighborhood of Las Ramblas, so there are tons of great bars nearby to have a drink or two before heading here. My personal fave is Sub Rosa.

Opium, Carpe Diem, Bestial: Passeig Maritim de Barceloneta, (yellow metro line, stop Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica)

These places used to be my jam! I’d still go to them all the time, but now it’s harder to get my friends to go here because they all have moved further out, so they don’t want to make the trek all the way to the beach. These clubs are right on the beach, so I love that you can step out onto the patios to get some much needed air while dancing - especially Bestial, which is mainly open-air. These are your most typical “I’m in a club in Barcelona” clubs - meaning that when you think of your typical, swanky European club, this is what probably comes to mind. They always have great djs, and big crowds. Opium also has great dj sets on Wednesdays throughout the summer - some past djs at these sets include Steve Aioki, Marshmello, Tiesto, David Guetta, etc. etc. The downside is that drinking in these places is super expensive (though still cheaper than in most bars in the US, I’d say - a shot of Jameson and a Heinkekin would cost me about $12). Bonus: as the clubs close at sunrise you can walk right onto the beach and take a nice dip before heading home and hitting the hay - perfection.

Sutton, Bling Bling: Carrer de Tuset 13, (blue and green metro lines, stop Diagonal - though you still have to walk a ways, which especially sucks in heels)

My friend used to be the accountant for these clubs, so we used to go here A LOT. These are typical European clubs like those previously mentioned - swanky, huge VIP sections with lit up bottles of champagne marching through every few minutes, and dancers on podiums. Great current dance music, and decent crowd (though I’d say a little less touristy, and a little more uppity than the aforementioned beach clubs).

Ajoblanco, Feroz: Carrer de Tuset 20, (blue and green metro lines, stop Diagonal - same street as those mentioned right before, so same about walking)

I recently started going to these places more, simply because they’re for a slightly earlier crowd - you can get there around midnight, and they close around 3am. As I get older, sometimes I need the time restrictions, though I do like having the option of just crossing the street to Sutton or Bling Bling to continue the party, if I so choose. These places are pretty fancy, more “posh” crowds, and a cocktail will set you back at least 10 euros. In spite of me not really feeling like these are my people (I’m not a posh person, y’all, I’m more a Nasty Mondays kinda girl), I always have a good time here, and dance until I want to collapse (as you can see from my giant sweat mark in the second photo…).

L’Ovella Negra: Carrer de las Sitges 5, (red or green metro lines, stop Catalunya)

This is the first bar I ever got “tipsy” in. I was studying abroad in a different part of Spain, and visited another American friend studying in Barcelona and this is where he took me. I’ve been here a few other times, and I don’t understand how, but always seem to run into someone from my tiny hometown of Wichita, Kansas. It’s a super casual, fun, well-known, classic Barcelona bar, attended by many ex-pats. They have good sangria, and it’s just always a good place to go.

Hotel Edition Terrace: Avenida de Francesc Cambó 14, (yellow metro line, stop Jaume I)

This is a super nice hotel designed by the firm I used to work for in Barcelona. I’ve been to MANY rooftop terraces in Barcelona, but this one is my favorite. You just can’t beat the views of the Gothic and Born neighborhoods, reaching out to the sea, and the undulating Santa Catarina Market roof just to the north. I also have found the prices here to be cheaper than other terraces - a tinto de verano (red wine and sparkling lemonade) costs me about $6 here, and $10 at other terraces. They have some good appetizers to tide you over as well. I think I went here at least half a dozen times in the month of August this year. I can’t get enough of those views!

Extras

-Transportation: Barcelona has incredible public transportation, and so cheap! There are metros, trams, ferrocarriles, trains, buses, bikes, taxis, pedicabs, and the list goes on. You can get an 8 ride metro pass** for about $12, and there are no “zones” like in London (dumb). (**You can get the t-familiar which is 8 rides and anyone can use/share it, or the t-casual which is 10 rides, but only one person can use it. This is all pretty new, and I haven’t even been there since it’s rolled out yet, but basically these 2 options replaced the t-10 pass I used to recommend to people.)

-Accommodations: I have an apartment in Barcelona, so I have no idea about hotels, but…I do have a super talented friend, Ben, who is an expert on this. Here is his super comprehensive list of places to stay in Barcelona.

-Shopping: There is definitely shopping aplenty in this hip city. The Born and Gracia neighborhoods have the coolest boutique stores, with something for everyone. My personal favorite is Bono Bono (Carrer del Banys Vells 3), and I just happened to meet and chat with effing Gayle King (you know…Oprah’s bff) for half an hour the last time I was there. The clothes there are all handmade, super unique, and the best quality. Anytime I wear a piece from this store I get a million compliments. The owners are also the sweetest! They’re a couple from Argentina, and ex-architects, which is why their clothes are so unique with such cool silhouettes.

-Fiestas: You can usually find some party going on at any time in Barcelona. The main parties happen in the summer, though. Pretty much every neighborhood has its own week-long festival, and they all go back-to-back in the months of July, August, and into September. My personal favorite is the Festes de Gracia. This festival always starts August 15th, and lasts 7 days. About 15-20 streets in this neighborhood (the Gracia neighborhood), decorate their streets in the most elaborate manners possible (they literally plan all year for it), and then it’s just 7 days of drinking, dancing, eating, live music, and all sorts of amazing cultural activities. I always look forward to the Castellers (human tower building) and Correfocs (fire runners). (If you can see either of those at any time, do it. I basically cry every time I see the human towers because it is just so freaking amazing and emotional, and the correfocs are just such a unique experience to take part in.) Do keep in mind that many places in Spain shut down the entire month of August for vacation.

-Montjuic mountain: There are two experiences on Montjuic that I love. First, during the month of July, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they have “Sala Montjuic.” They show movies (most of them American movies, shown in English) on the side of Montjuic Castle, so you get to watch awesome movies, on a castle, overlooking the city. Bonus: Ben & Jerry’s gives free ice cream at the movies! Second, after the 96 olympics, they opened the olympic pools up to the public, so for less than $6, you can swim in a beautiful pool, with sweeping views of the city.

-Tours: I always recommend taking a bike or walking tour upon arrival in a new city. This is the best way to get your bearings, and to learn a little about where you are. My good friend, Patrick, happens to be an amazing tour guide in Barcelona (like seriously, I think he was born for this job). He does free walking tours everyday, various paid bike and specialty walking tours, and private tours. I learn something new and fascinating about Barcelona every time I hang out with him, and he’s just super funny and entertaining. Check out his site, or message me for more details!

Patrick Reyes, the man himself, in action.

-Beaches: If you’re staying within city limits for beaches, most locals will tell you (actually probably not because they don’t want you to know) that Bogatell is the beach to go to, as it is least touristy; it’s also the volleyball beach. Barceloneta beach is completely overrun by tourists, but I still find myself there often just because I love the vibe so much - it’s one of the happiest places on earth. My personal favorite is Badalona beach. People usually don’t come here because it’s all the way at the end of the purple line, but you can still easily get there by metro, and it is HUGE, and way less crowded. Plus, I never really worry about my stuff getting stolen there (I mean I still watch it closely), which is always on my mind if I want to go swimming and I’m there by myself (which is 99% of the time). And BONUS! you can eat at Pulpero de Lugo while you’re already out here on the purple line ;-). There are also really amazing beaches just 20-30 minutes away (in either direction) by train, if you really want to get away from the crowds.

-Holidays: Dia de Sant Jordi is my all-time favorite holiday. This is one magical day in April (the 23rd) where all the streets are lined with rose and book sellers, and EVERYONE just meanders through the city, arm-in-arm, flower and book shopping. It really doesn’t get more magical than that. King’s day (the 5th/6th of January) is also a super good time, and more popular than Christmas, with lots of parades and celebrations. BONUS! Right after, the winter sales start so it’s a great time to go shopping! I also always look forward to Sant Joan, which is June 23rd, and celebrates the longest day of the year. Everyone heads to the beach this night and has a picnic and shoots off fireworks. It’s like the Fourth of July, only 1,000 times better.

Ok, well I think that about covers it. There are a million other places and things I could talk about, but these are the ones not to miss. Did I miss your favorite spot? Let me know so I can check it out next time I’m there!

Barcelona's Best