There is something about booking a last-minute trip that makes it even more perfect when you seamlessly arrive without the excessive build-up of unnecessary holiday admin. Just a few days after browsing sky scanner and stumbling across an Airbnb gem, this summer three friends and I found ourselves strolling the sun-drenched, colourful streets of Barcelona – where cultured urban life meets beach escape for the perfect city break.
STAY
Budget dependent, Barcelona offers many popular hotels, apartments and hostels and if you are relatively central, it is a walking-friendly city with scooters or buses on hand if your feet need a rest.
Our Airbnb (Central Apartments Carrer de Bailèn, 125) ticked every box – affordable, comfortable, helpful owner and an all-important balcony just big enough for the four of us to squeeze round a table playing shithead, Aperol in hand – what more could four girls want on their last-minute city break?
The hotel industry is not lacking in this beautiful city, and without staying in any myself, it is hard to single out one as they all have a lot going for them with their stylish décor and relaxing rooftops. For a chic, boutique feel, Hotel Neri Relais in the heart of the Gothic Quarter caught my eye.
Meanwhile for more student priced accommodation, St Christopher’s Hostel is known as having the best atmosphere; thanks to its in-house bar known as Belushi where the cheap drinks and friendly atmosphere make for the perfect place to meet people.
EAT
As one of Spain’s most popular international hubs, the gastronomic offerings in Barcelona know no bounds, offering up every cuisine under the sun. My recommendations are to stick with the most authentic tapas spots in order to really absorb the best of the city’s flavours.
So, if you are in the market for the best patatas bravas, pan con tomate and croquetas you can find, heading to the El Born area is your best bet.
For properly authentic tapas, it does not get much better than La Cova Fumada, a successful family run restaurant dating back to 1945. Despite the complete lack of a sign outside or a menu on display, this not so well-kept secret of a spot simply leaves its marketing down to the queue of hungry lunch-goers which pours out onto the street along with the palpable atmosphere from within. Coupled with charismatic staff and delicious food, not to mention the ‘bomba’ (deep fried ball of potato and spicy meat) which was created here, there is no doubt that this is a must-try spot while in Barcelona.
Similarly, Xampanyet serves as a slice of Barcelona history with its deeply rooted family dishes contained within the colourful four walls. Its cosy atmosphere and simplistic dishes are a glimpse of tapas origins, which are joyfully washed down with a glass of cava, or Xampanyet – its own homemade version of the sparkling white wine.
I could go on listing glorious little restaurants that dish up my all-time favourite cuisine, but for now I will just say that Cal Pep, Bormuth and Bodega la Puntual all deserve a mention too.
Alternatively, for those less fond of traditional Spanish food, Flax & Kale is the place for a highly instagrammable selection of vegan/vegetarian small plates in a stunning garden courtyard while Parking Pizza is without doubt as close as you will get to Italy while on the Spanish coast with its ultimate sourdough pizzas.
Finally, if a hungover brunch is the order of the day, Billy Brunch’s mouth-watering menu is not one to miss while Demasié is an indulgent bakery as tasty as it aesthetic (be prepared to come across various influencers posing alongside their skinny oat matcha and vegan cinnamon bun…). Onna coffee is a lovely space to enjoy a specialty cup of coffee before you amble down Passeig de Gracia which sits just next door; setting you up with some caffeine before some retail therapy along this celebrated shopping avenue.
DRINK
Like many European cities, Barcelona suggests a heightened view with a cocktail in hand is one of the best ways to see the city. You will be spoilt for choice with its vast array of rooftop bars on offer.
Terraza Colón at Colón Hotel is rooted in the busy streets of the Gothic quarter, yet as you ascend seven floors you reach a surprisingly calming terrace to enjoy a drink while looking onto the ancient spires of Barcelona Cathedral. Similarly, to admire Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia from a height, Terraza Ayre at Ayre Rosellón Hotel is a stunning rooftop bar offering drinks, tapas and a direct lens at Barcelona’s most iconic landmark.
Meanwhile, Bobby’s Free boasts a slightly pricier cocktail menu yet the extra pennies pay for the unique atmosphere in this barber-shop disguised speakeasy bar. Its interior transports you to a different era, and its clientele has a sense of exclusivity thanks to a password entry system… a quick Google should do it. For the full effect, visit Bobby’s Free on Thursday or Sunday for live music.
DANCE
Razzmatazz is the household name on Barcelona’s club scene… popular for a night out in a big group with five different rooms and enormous capacity. From sing along classics to live performers and drag queens, there is something for everyone.
Bling Bling and Jamboree are other popular choices, with the latter offering more of an intimate live blues and jazz feel.
VISIT
Sagrada Familia
It might seem too obvious, but whether you are a Gaudí fan or not, the iconic Sagrada Familia is simply breathtaking. Modernism, late Gothic and Art Nouveau styles effortlessly combine to form a cathedral like nothing else you have ever seen and that is only the exterior. Definitely pay the few euros it costs to enter inside; it is unbelievably beautiful and without doubt was the highlight of my trip.
Similarly, Gaudi’s architecture dominates the city with his Casa Batlló and Casa Mila apartments and unique Parque Guell – all worth seeing, and the latter makes a great trip for a picnic or even a sundowner.
Picasso Museum
Avid museum goer or not, the Picasso Museum strikes the perfect balance of being interesting yet a suitably digestible size to fit into your schedule of sightseeing. The museum’s route takes you chronologically through Picasso’s life and different artistic eras, ending up in a colourful room full of his most iconic cubist paintings, having encountered his realism, blue period and expressionism works along the way.
Palo Market Fest in Poblenou
If there’s one thing you take from this guide, please book your Barcelona trip for the first weekend of the month if possible. This way you can make the most of the Palo Market Fest held just north of the centre in Poblenou. A frenzy of amazing street food, shops, bars, and live music makes this an atmospheric little bubble away from the relentless pace of the city centre.
Playa de la Barceloneta
This beach gets busy quickly, as tourists and locals alike flock to the sea breeze away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Still, it is a charming beach where you can work on your tan pre or post exploring the city’s hotspots.
Side note: I have made a conscious effort to avoid labelling our little last-minute city break as a spontaneous trip. In my view, as soon as one dares to recognise an element of spontaneity, it simply no longer exists. Don’t be fooled by the endless ‘spontaneous’ (or worse ‘sponny’) trips that seem to litter themselves across social media, almost as if they are meticulously planned?