![\"Hotel](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/11\/VERYCHIC-copie.png\")
<\/p>\nBarcelona is a city of many faces – impossible to get bored! Lively and packed with things to see and do, you’ll find time passing all too quickly, and before you know it, it’ll be time to go home.<\/p>\n
That’s where we come in. Here is our guide to “essential” Barcelona to help you spend a truly unforgettable weekend.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Your first weekend in Barcelona is likely to be a busy one, so it’s a good idea to stay somewhere pretty central. We recommend finding a hotel in the old town our near Las Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya. See our 10 tips for booking your hotel at the best price<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nBarcelona has plenty of charming, budget-friendly hotels. We’re fans of the Violeta Boutique: an elegant 2 star hotel in a central location<\/a> with a lovely terrace.\n<\/p>\n \nThere are some very nice hotels in the heart of the old town. Fan of clean lines and Nordic design? You’ll love the Denit Hotel, <\/a>which is both minimalist and comfortable.<\/p>\n Prefer something a little more colourful? The Chic and Basic Ramblas, a hotel less ordinary<\/a>, might be the one for you.\n<\/p>\n \nRooms in some of Barcelona’s most prestigious hotels can be had for around 100 – 150 euros a night in low season. We love the Hotel España, a modernist gem hidden behind Las Ramblas<\/a>.<\/p>\n If a pool is high on your list of priorities, try the Barcelona Catedral<\/a> or the Ofelias.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Pickpockets are a particular problem in Barcelona. Our article 10 top tips for a pickpocket-proof trip to Barcelona<\/a> is well worth a read.\n<\/p>\n \nA weekend goes by very quickly, so time is of the essence. Take a look at our article Top tips to optimise your stay in Barcelona<\/a> to help you get the most out of your time in the city.\n<\/p>\n \nStart the day by heading down La Rambla from Plaça Catalunya to Plaça Colón. Stop off en route at the Granja Viader<\/a>, in one of the streets running parallel, for Catalan hot chocolate and homemade churros or melindros<\/em>.\n<\/p>\n \nNext, take one of the little side streets in the Gòtic quarter. There’s no need to follow a fixed itinerary here – just follow your instincts and fall under its spell.<\/p>\n Afterwards, cross over the Via Laietana into the born quarter, with its multitude of charming little squares.\n<\/p>\n \nHead toward the sea and get a paëlla with views of the Mediterranean at Xiringuito Escribà<\/a>.<\/p>\n Next, your call: sunbathing on one of Barcelona’s many beaches<\/a>, or a tranquil stroll along the sea front<\/a>? Gosh, that’s a hard one!\n<\/p>\n \nIn the evening, try one of our favourite tapas bars <\/a>around the Rambla Catalunya to enjoy fresh, local products. Hint: get there early if you want to stand a chance of finding somewhere to sit.<\/p>\n Then, on to the Rabipelao<\/a> for cocktails if it’s cool out, or, weather permitting, the hidden terrace at the Antic teatre<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n We recommend starting with a free walking tour of Catalan art nouveau<\/a>, unless you prefer to take a private visit with a professional guide<\/a>, it’s a made-to-measure tour! You can contact us<\/a> to book a visit..<\/p>\n In both cases, your itinerary will start from Plaça Catalunya and end somewhere near the Passeig de Gràcia.\n<\/p>\n \nTake the metro to Diagonal or walk to Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí’s most astounding work of art<\/a>. The interior of the basilica really is a must-see.\n<\/p>\nBudget<\/h3>\n
Mid-range<\/h3>\n
Luxury<\/h3>\n
Mission nº2: plan ahead<\/h2>\n
Beware of pickpockets!<\/h3>\n
![\"cap](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/11\/casquette-post-.png\")
<\/p>\nTop tips to optimise your visit<\/h3>\n
Mission nº3: discover, visit, taste and enjoy!<\/h2>\n
Saturday: the Old Town and the seaside<\/h3>\n
![\"christopher-columbus](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/11\/Christophe-colomb.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
Walk down La Rambla<\/h4>\n
Lose yourself in the Gòtic and Born quarters<\/h4>\n
Kick back at the beach<\/h4>\n
Tapas and cocktails<\/h4>\n
Sunday: discover Catalan Art Nouveau<\/h3>\n
\n
Spectacular façades along the Passeig de Gràcia<\/h4>\n
![\"i-batllo\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/10\/i-batllo.png\")
<\/p>\nSagrada Familia<\/h4>\n
Parc Güell<\/h4>\n