Year: 2017

Where does one go to explore the best in Barcelona nightlife? Here we give you some cool tips!

Barceloneta – Platja de Sant Sebastià

One of the most bustling areas for Barcelona nightlife has to be the Barceloneta beach.  A nice, easy stroll down Passeig de Joan de Borbó, and you reach the intersection with carrer de l’Escar where a long stretch of beach crosses your horizon.

Look right, and just through a palm tree formation, your gaze will fall on the Barcelona Beach Garden (operated by the Nass Group) on Platja de Sant Sebastià. It’s very welcoming, with both a terrace and a secluded garden area and serves wonderful cocktails, all at great prices.  There is also an extensive food menu if you feel peckish and the place is well known for its fresh seafood specials, mighty burgers or your favourite tapas tit-bits.

Further down the promenade, one of hottest Barcelona nightlife venues rises up in front of you at the end of Platja de Sant Sebastià – the W-Hotel.  The sail-shaped, reflective building is unmissable, dominating the city’s skyline.  It boasts a selection of venues and restaurants, drinks and music.  Try the Salt Deck bar, or the Wet Deck bar, or for the more adventurous, try the Eclipse Bar on the 26^th floor and dance the night away in a discothèque with a brid’s-eye view of the city.

Dreta de L’Eixample

If the beach is not your thing, then Dreta de L’Eixample and Sarrià – Sant Gervasi have great places to try out.  By following the famous Carrer de Muntaner until it meets Avinguda Diagonal, you will find a true Barcelona nightlife favourite – Café Berlin.  If you sit on the terrace, you will literally see the world go by!

Another idea after this, would be to head down Avinguda Diagonal a couple of blocks to discover one of the most fabulous clubs in Barcelona nightlife – The Sutton Club on carrer Tusset.  It’s a deluxe nightclub that hosts world class DJs such as Roger Sanchez or David Guetta on a regular basis.  Book your VIP table early and dress to impress to ensure entry.  In this area there are a whole host of venues, and from (t)here is it easy to head to Carrer Lincoln for Otto Zutz Club, or even into the Gràcia district, famous for its grand festival every August.  This year Festa Major de Gracia is from 15th to 21st of August. From

Barcelona City Centre

Of course, no visit to the city is complete without a walk down La Rambla.  You won’t be alone either, as this is the busiest street in the city, which hustles and bustles twenty-four-seven.  Located near the bottom of it – just past the McDonald’s, but not as far as Burger King – you will see two very famous clubs on your right-hand side… Boulevard (No 27) with 3 rooms of music ranging from pop, hip-hop, reggaeton and commercial electronic vibes.  Or, for more underground house and techno then it has to be R33 (No33). It hosts some the hottest DJs such as Sasha or Nick Curly.

Opposite these venues is the first ever Gaudí construction in Barcelona – Plaça Reial – transporting you back to an early era with a Cuban styled square.  You could say this a central hub for Barcelona nightlife where you will find some the city’s oldest surviving concert venues and underground clubs on every corner of the square… Jamboree (R&B and Jazz) and Sidecar (Indie Rock and live bands) are great examples.  But there are more venues scattered on each side of the square and even more, situated down the back streets, that lead away from it.

This is certainly not all the Barcelona nightlife on offer, but these selections are extremely popular spots, both with locals and visitors alike.

And if you want to save money and drink like a local try this revolutionary App: TomaBida, the App that allows you to discover Barcelona’s best Bar and get a free drink a day! With the BizFlats code, you have this offers for you:
– 4.99€ for a 3-day visitor pass (which means 3 free drinks worth up to 30€ total)
– 6.99€ for a 7-day visitor pass (which means 7 free drinks worth up to 70€ total)

Download now TomaBida! Shall we get a drink?

The Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona with one star range from superb local cuisine to the avant-garde. There is exquisite dining no matter where you are or what your taste. Here are the Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona with one star to whet your appetite.

Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona with one star:

Alkimia

Alkimia caters both for diners looking for modern gastronomy without the exclusivity, and those after the haute Catalan cuisine that the name is known for such as green beans and a salt cod brandade with wasabi. Famously a ‘chef’s chef’, Jordi Vilà’s receives visitors from visiting chefs and dedicated foodies, however it’s only open during the week.

Angle

Angle’s dining area sweeps up 3 stories to the skylight, offering the best views of any Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona. Their red chairs are perfectly offset against the white linen tablecloths and their menu features some elements of the near (cured egg yolk with Iberian meats) and the far (Thai style roast market fish with small Norway lobster and young leek).

Caelis

Featuring an elegant black and gold dining room, Caelis boasts an extensive wine selection and will help you pair them with innovative dishes such as Black squid ravioli with emulsion of coconut milk and citrus.

Cèleri

If you find Spanish cuisine to be a bit too centred around meat and fish, you can still enjoy Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. Without being strictly vegetarian nor vegan, Céleri places organic, seasonal vegetables at center stage, using organic meat or seafood as an embellishment. The dishes are named simply; spinach, green beans and potatoes.

Cinc Sentits

Cinc Sentits means ‘5 senses’ and this Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona aims to stimulate all five senses, visually with their stunning, gold-fringed dining room and gastronomically with their distinctive version of classics such as surf and turf (crispy pork cheeks, saffron aioli and grilled squid) and paella with scorpion fish.

Disfrutar

For one of the most innovative Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona, head to the modernist district of Eixample, where you can find Disfrutar. The name means ‘enjoy’ and the first delight is the building itself; an impressive space that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean with clay, ceramics and wrought iron. El Bulli’s former chefs continue the techno-emotional cooking with mind-bending innovations such as macaroni à la carbonara with ham jelly.

Dos Palillos

Another example of Michelin starred restaurants in Barcelona run by El Bulli alumni; Dos Palillos in Raval. The restaurant reflects the neighborhood’s mix of inner city urban edge and trendy modernism. The El Bulli ethos continues with an emphasis on the raw material and a delicate balance between simplicity and complexity. Its selection includes recognizable dishes such as spring rolls and dumplings, as well as the more daring anglerfish liver marinated in sake, steamed and served with ponzu sauce.

Hisop

The décor at Hisop is minimalist blonde wood and white linen, letting the dishes take center stage. Their selection centres around meat (pork cheek with chanterelles and green curry) and seafood (red mullet with molluscs mayonnaise), presented in innovative ways. This is Michelin-starred Catalan cuisine at its finest.

Hofmann

Such is Hofmann‘s dedication to fine dining and hospitality that it has its own school, setting the standard for Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. The Hofmann brand also includes bakeries and bistros. The Hofmann restaurant is where it all comes together, be wowed by their strawberry soup with avocado tartare, anchovies and spicy ice cream.

Hoja Santa

For something spicier, Hoja Santa serves Mexican cuisine of the highest standard, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona serving Mexican cuisine. The dishes are traditional; mole, tacos, prawns and pork ribs, arranged on the plate like miniature abstract sculptures.

Nectari

For more distinctive Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona; a hummingbird and a hibiscus are Nectari‘s motif, and their inspired versions of traditional dishes such as butifarra (Catalan sausage) are adorned with flowers. Dining in Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona needn’t cost a fortune: their lunch special is just 35€ per person (plus tax).

Pakta

One of the most exotic Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona is Pakta in Poble Sec. Ferran’s brother Albert Adrià mixes Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. The space is like a Japanese tavern (izakaya) embellished with colorful Peruvian rugs, and the menu features ceviche and sushi amongst other emblematic dishes of Nikkei (Japanese Peruvian) cuisine.

Restaurant Gaig

Restaurant Gaig’s minimalist wooden dining room epitomizes Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona, it’s both creative and classic. Don’t miss its signature cannelloni with truffle cream and charcoal grilled foie-gras on brioche.

Roca Moo

Roca Moo has a unique feel; bare trees line the walls, much like you are sitting on a terrace on a very classy Barcelona street. It aims to break down the barriers between chef and diner by putting the finishing touches on their spectacular dishes (suckling lamb with Idiazábal mozzarella) right at the table.

Tickets

Probably the most famous Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona. El Bulli’s spirit lives on in Tickets, Sant Antoni. Tickets serves its own version of tapas from all over Spain, offering the choice of dishes to eat with your fingers (air waffle with basil, scamorza cheese and pine nuts), a spoon (saffron sponge with red mullet broth) or to share (crunchy octopus with kimchi mayonnaise and pickled cucumber). Such is its popularity however, bookings need to be made months in advance.

Via Veneto

Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona don’t have to mean minimalism; Via Veneto‘s opulent décor speaks of its 50 years of expertise; it recently celebrated it’s 50th birthday and offers a tasting menu that is a culinary journey through their history, from 1960 (lobster with cardinal sauce) to 2017 (grilled asparagus with parmesan chantilly and Tahitian vanilla).

Xerta

Xerta brings you the flavors of the Delta d’Ebre, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona to do so. Relax in their zen-like cream and grey dining room and treat yourself to slow-cooked Delta eel with aubergine, miso and black garlic.

These are a unique mix, that reflects the cosmopolitan diversity of the city itself. Enjoy the fine dining that the city has to offer!

Have you ever been in any of these exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona?

So, we previously showed you what you can visit in Barcelona in 1 day and in 3 days, and now it’s time to show you what you can do in Barcelona in 5 days.

When you have 5 full days to spend in Barcelona, you’ll be sure to maximize your time so you do not to miss the most attractive parts of the city. These 5 days should give you enough time to really appreciate this magnificent city.

What to do in Barcelona in 5 days:

Day 1 – La Sagrada Família to the Port

As suggested in our previous articles, you can start your visit from La Sagrada Família (metro L2 – purple line and L5 – blue line), go inside and spend 2 or 3 hours admiring its unique architecture. Tickets always sell out during the popular travel months, so we strongly suggest you pre-purchase the tickets online, so you can skip the queue and have a confirmed reservation.

After the visit, walk the streets of the Eixample district to Plaça Catalunya and La Rambla. Walking is a bit long (half an hour), so we suggest a stop at the Boqueria Market where you can eat, have a drink, and browse the local produce. Next to the market you will find El Teatre del Liceu, a very historically important centre for the arts where the best operas take place.

At the end of La Rambla, you will see the statue of Cristòfor Colom (you can visit but be sure you book it in advance). Now, cross the street and go towards the Port, where you will enjoy the view, walking around the marina taking photos of the mega yachts, and looking for that perfect something in the mall (Maremagnum) which is just across the bridge. If you like sea creatures and marine life, you can visit the Barcelona Aquarium, which is right next to the mall. As the day ends, take in the sunset from the Port, it’s stunning.

Day 2 – Born and Gothic Quarter

Day 2, Start the visit from the Barceloneta area, which means L4 – Yellow line, and stop at Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica. Spend around 1 hour walking around Ciutadella Park and rent a boat on the lake, it’s nice and quiet, just perfect for a short siesta or a picnic. Outside the park, you will see the Arc de Triomf, built in 1888 for the Universal Expo.

Heading west, you will be walking through the medieval Born district, well known for its magnificent Santa Maria del Mar, a Cathedral built in 1383. In the Born, you will also find the Picasso Museum. In this area we  recommend a restaurant called ‘El 300 del Born.’ Otherwise, the Mercat de la Princesa offers a wide variety of food with a modern ambience and live music.

Heading still further west, walk through the Gothic Quarter and visit its famous Cathedral. If you would like to tour the interior, proper attire is required (make sure your legs and shoulders are covered), otherwise you won’t be allowed inside the place of worship.

In this area there are many other churches and historical places like the old Jewish district, Plaça del Rei, and Palau de la Música Catalana.

Take the whole day and part of the night to visit these two districts. They are well worth it.

Day 3 – Gaudí

Now that you have experienced La Sagrada Família, it’s time to discover Gaudí’s other creations.

Gaudí is one of the most famous architects in the world. Taking a day to visit his masterpieces is a must, so start your day by taking the metro L3 – Green Line to Plaça Lesseps and follow the signs to the Park Güell. Entry is 7€.

We recommend booking the tickets in advance on their website (http://www.parkguell.cat/en/buy-tickets/). This Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After spending 3-4 hours touring the Park, head to Passeig de Gràcia either on foot or by metro. If you decide to walk, you will see Barcelona’s hipster District: Gràcia. If you want to see Gaudí’s first house, it will be opened to the public at the end of this year. It’s located in Gràcia, on Carrer Carolines 18-24.

Once you reach Passeig de Gràcia, enjoy lots of shopping and boutique stores on both sides of the Avenue. Be sure to see the stunning Gaudí buildings Casa Batlló , and Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Both sites offer different kinds of tickets and tours. As you are staying 5 days in Barcelona, we recommend you also visit La Pedrera at night!

Day 4 – Montjuïc

Can you imagine visiting a Castle on the top of a mountain while looking at stunning views of the sea and of Barcelona? Well, we’ll tell you how to get there!

Start your day at the bottom of the mountain and begin the walk up while admiring the city views. The cable car service begins on Avinguda Miramar and leaves visitors in front of the Castle. It has three stops, the first in Avinguda Miramar, one in the middle of Plaça de la Sardana, and one in front of the Castle.

The Montjuïc Castle was formerly a military fortress circa 1640. After the Spanish Civil War, it became a military museum and today it hosts different exhibitions and events.

Next, go down the hill and stop at the MACBA museum if you are interested in Catalan Contemporary Art, or simply admire the National Palace building. From there, you will see the Magic Fountains of Montjuïc. Most evenings from Thursday to Sunday there is a great show that combines colour, lights, water and music, and the best part- it’s free.

You can also enjoy the views from the mall in Plaça Espanya, Las Arenas. This place used to be a bullfighting ring, but today it is a great place to go shopping, or enjoy one of the many wonderful restaurants on the rooftop. We suggest you go to the rooftop terrace so you will have amazing views of this part of the city.

Day 5 – Tibidabo Amusement Park and the beach

Day 5 will be dedicated to amusement and relaxation.

Tibidabo Park is located at the top of the mountain with the same name. You can take a direct bus from Plaça Catalunya, drive, or take the Funicular.

From the top, at an altitude of 516 meters, you can visit the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. Take in the impressive views of Barcelona, eat at one of the great restaurants close by, and go to the amusement park which was founded in 1899.

After having walked around Tibidabo, explored Modernism, Gothic and Roman architecture, having climbed mountains and walked for hours, you might just like to relax and we certainly don’t want you to miss the beach!

Get off at Barceloneta (L4 – Yellow line) and this time head east, as you walk to the beach. Enjoy the Passeig Marítim, by walking the pier, or renting a bicycle and stop in one of the bars to have a nice coffee or a cold drink. You will pass by different beaches and no matter which season of the year you decide to explore the city, the beach is a must. Delight in the sunset, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

On the other side of the road, you will find the Poblenou district which previously served as the industrial suburbs of the city, but today all the factories have moved, and many of the old factories have been remodelled and converted into stunning modern lofts. Night life, restaurants, dance clubs, and art studios can all be found in this district. It´s an exciting and very interesting place to be.

Also if you want to explore Barcelona’s nightlife, save money and drink like a local, try this revolutionary App: TomaBida, the App that allows you to discover Barcelona’s best Bar and get a free drink a day! With the BizFlats code, you have this offers for you:
– 4.99€ for a 3-day visitor pass (which means 3 free drinks worth up to 30€ total)
– 6.99€ for a 7-day visitor pass (which means 7 free drinks worth up to 70€ total)

Download now TomaBida! Shall we get a drink?

We hope your experience in Barcelona for 5 days will be unique and unforgettable!