A hip and glamorous weekend in Barcelona
Over the last few years, trendy spots of all genres have been popping up all over Barcelona. Traditionally located on the north side of the town (around Avigunda Diagonal and in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi), they’ve been spreading across the city. Here are our top tips for a truly glamourous stay.
Finding a great place to stay
High-end locations: from 90 euros/room/night
Barcelona offers plenty of great hotels. Looking for a designer on the city’s most prestigious avenue? Sixtytwo is the hotel for you.
If you’re looking for somewhere elegant and cosy, the Ofelias should do the trick.
- For more options, see our selection of charming, designer and luxury hotels in the Accommodation section.
Budget travel: from €25
There are plenty of other options which are cheaper, but still charming. Try the Violeta Boutique or Hotel Market.
The Casa Gràcia youth hostel is another great option.
- Travelling in a group of 4 or more? Consider renting an apartment, a comfortable and budget-friendly option.
Found somewhere to stay? Time to explore!
Saturday: shopping, lunch al fresco and a Vespa adventure!
Discover local designers
Barcelona is home to a whole host of young, local designers: devote your Saturday morning to discovering their work, from clothes to home décor.
- Start at the Galería Maxó or OMG BCN for great and unusual souvenir ideas.
- Later on, head to Ivori, the home of all things cosy.
There are lots of other unique boutique shops on the same street, and the whole area is a great place for window-shopping!
Lunch al fresco or at the market
- Looking for an elegant and refined terrace as your destination for lunch? Take a look at our list and pick your favourite hotel terrace.
- If it’s a foodie experience in an unusual setting you’re after, then try the Mercat Princesa, halfway between a restaurant and a market and bursting with fresh produce!
Go for a ride on a Vespa
How about a relaxing afternoon exploring Barcelona on a Vespa? It’s like Roman Holiday, Barcelona-style!
The concept of Vesping is fun and simple: the company rents out Vespas, with a GPS loaded with pre-programmed routes. You’ll discover some of Barcelona’s most iconic sights with no risk of getting lost.
Dive into Barcelona’s glamourous nightlife
- Start out with dinner at a trendy restaurant such as Bestial (with its seafront terrace) or any of the restaurants on the Passatge de la Concepció: there’s plenty of choice! Note that prices are fairly steep: a main course will set you back between 20 and 30 euros.
- Next, onto the Bocachica cocktail bar, which is also on the Passatge de la Concepció, a little hidden street which links the Passeig de Gràcia to the Rambla Catalunya. The bar offers a pretty special experience, as the barmen will make you something tailored specially to your tastes. The same concept is on offer at Dry Martini, a quasi-mythical institution. Budget-wise, allow around 15 euros for a cocktail.
- To finish the evening on the right note, head to Carrer Tuset for a big night out at Sutton or Bling Bling. If you’re looking for something more atmospheric, head for Opium.
Sunday: late breakfast, beaches and sea-side entertainment
Breakfast/lunch on the sea front
Start your Sunday right at Surf House Barcelona (NB: it only opens at noon), for waffles, burgers or fresh juices.
A quiet afternoon at the beach
You won’t need to go far for the rest of the day – just choose a spot of beach! The most “classy” area is Sant Sebastià, in front of Hotel W.
Evening entertainment
Stay on the same beach for dinner at El Gallito, a restaurant which specialises in rice in all its forms (arroç caldoso, paella etc.) and offers spectacular views across the bay.
From June to September, the atmosphere at El Gallito heats up from 6pm, with live DJ sets. Hotel W also plays host to the Wet Deck Summer Series during the summer months, from 8pm on Sunday evenings. Get in free by joining the guest list on Facebook, getting there on time and dressing appropriately.
Weather permitting…
If the weather doesn’t want to cooperate with your beach plans, try Barceló Raval or Brunch&Cake, two fabulous brunch spots. Later, visit some of Barcelona’s iconic attractions, open on Sundays, including Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera… Not bad for a Plan B!
Note that museums offer free entry on Sundays from 3pm. If that’s not really your thing, how about a spot of shopping? The chic la Roca outlet or the Maremagnum shopping centre are both open almost every Sunday (something of a rarity in Barcelona).
