Sometimes a weekend is all you need to recharge batteries. A few hours from Portugal you can visit Barcelona and, from paella to hotels, there will be no shortage of reasons to make this getaway memorable. Excelente has selected the best places to visit, the best places to eat and, of course, to rest. Pack your bags and go on the adventure.
What to visit?
Plaza Catalunya
A Praça da Catalunha é um dos espaços mais emblemáticos da cidade. Cercada por lojas e shoppings, liga o centro da cidade com o bairro Eixample. Além de ser o sítio ideal para fazeres umas compras, é também recomendado que experimentes os bares e restaurantes.
The Ramblas
The Ramblas are 1.2 kilometers long and connect Port Vell to Plaza Catalunya. Along the avenue you will be able to visit the Erotic Museum, La Boqueria Market, numerous shops and various live performances.
La Boqueria Market
The La Boqueria Market, situated on the Ramblas, has more than 2,500 square meters and 300 stalls. This place is known for the variety of fruits and vegetables and the wide range of products that delight not only locals, but also tourists.
Old Town (Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral)
The Old Town is filled with narrow streets, old buildings, bars and restaurants. The Old Town includes the neighborhoods El Gotic, La Ribera, El Raval and Barceloneta. The Excellent advises you to visit the Gothic Quarter, in addition to those previously mentioned, and be enchanted by the medieval alleys. Obligatory point is the imposing Cathedral of Barcelona.
Palace of Catalan Music
The Palace of Catalan Music is one of the most special concert halls in the world. Inside it has a concert hall and, among the varied sculptures, the restroom, known as Sala Lluís Millet. To watch a performance you can buy tickets from this website.
Barceloneta
One of the main attractions of Barceloneta are its beaches and alleys, as well as the delicious seafood and fresh fish restaurants. Nearby you will find the Museu d'Història de Catalunya and the clock tower of Barcelona.
Font Màgica de Montjuïc
The Magic Fountain mixes color, light, movement and music in a true show (free). Font Màgica is situated on Avenida Reina Maria Cristina, on the way to Parc de Montjuïc.
Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is an extensive avenue that starts at Plaza Catalunya and ends in the district of Gràcia. This place is known for its luxurious buildings and designer brands. However, the highlight goes to two works by Antoni Gaudí, La Pedrera (Casa Milá) and Casa Batlló.
Casa Battló
Casa Batlló is one of two large buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí. The colors, which immediately catch your eye, are inspired by the colors of the corals. If you want to visit the interior and analyze the details designed by Gaudí, you just have to buy a ticket that will give you access to an audio guide with ten languages (English, Spanish, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Japanese). Tickets cost 35 euros and can be purchased here.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà is known as La Pedrera, due to its atypical and modernist façade. The highlight of the work even goes to the roof, where Gaudí created fascinating shapes and volumes. And since nothing was left to chance, even the chimneys are figures of warriors. Tickets must be purchased here.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens was the first order addressed to Antoni Gaudí, so it seems to move away from his best-known works, Casa Milà and Casa Batló, for not being a naturalist. Casa Vicens was the eighth and last to be awarded by UNESCO. On site, you have the option to request a guided tour and better understand Gaudí's creative intentions. Tickets can be purchased here.
Parque Güell
Park Güell is the famous 15-hectare park with mosaics and a tiled stove. Antoni Gaudí's work is a reflection of the artist on the nature and omnipresence of God. Originally, Park Güell was conceived as a residential district commissioned by Eusebi Güell, a member of a noble family in Barcelona.
For the most curious, you can visit the Gaudí House Museum, where he lived the last 20 years of his life, with an added value and special tickets. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's best-known landmark and the most visited monument in Spain, also designed by Antoni Gaudí. The architect designed 18 towers for the church, although he died in the meantime and the monument is, to date, under construction (currently, in the eighth tower), with money from donations. To get into the Sagrada Familia you must buy the ticket here.
Modernist enclosure of Sant Pau
This enclosure is the modern version of the first general hospital in Catalonia's history, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, which collapsed due to high demand. Pau Gil i Serra, an important banker at the time, was the one who financed the project through his heritage. The hospital has ceased to function since 2009, so currently it delights connoisseurs of modern art. In 1997, it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Arc de Triomphe & Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park is the green lung of Barcelona. This is an excellent spot for picnics and to enjoy the good spring weather. On the grass you see a lot of people practicing yoga and selling towels.
As for the Arc de Triomphe, and contrary to what one might think, it was not developed with the purpose it serves today - to beautify the city and delight tourists -, but to be the gateway to the 1888 Exhibition.
Where to eat?
In addition to all the places you can visit, you must have on your list a set of venues where you can try the Spanish gastronomy and the dishes that mark Barcelona.
Restaurante La Barca del Salamanca
At La Barca del Salamanca dishes are filled with seafood and giant shrimps. Situated in the Port Olimpic area on the seafront, this is one of the most traditional restaurants in the area and a favorite of Barcelona's footballers.
Restaurant 7 Portes
7 Portes already boasts 185 years of history, being considered the oldest restaurant in operation in Barcelona. Open every day from 13h00 to 23h00, the reservations must be made on the restaurant's website. Here you can enjoy delicious paellas and lots of animation. 7 Portes is situated next to the Catalonia History Museum.
Can Culleretes
Can Culleretes is a family restaurant serving customers since 1958. Set on a street parallel to La Rambla, it is known for traditional and homemade dishes. Over the years, the restaurant has been frequented by important political figures, celebrities and journalists — many of the moments immortalized on the walls of the venue through photographs.
Restaurant Gresca
Gresca is known for its modern cuisine and special attention to the world of wine. Highlighted in the Michelin Guide, its chef is Rafael Peña. On the menu you will find several options, from anchovies marinated with soy, cod, cod and mushroom casings and lamb meatballs with vegetable couscous.
Where to sleep?
Visits and restaurants. Check. Now, where should you sleep? Get to know the best spaces to enjoy the nights in Barcelona.
ME Barcelona
ME Barcelona is set 2.2 km from Barceloneta Beach and features a magnificent panoramic swimming pool. In addition, it has a 24-hour reception and offers evening entertainment. In the morning, you always have access to a continental breakfast. Popular points of interest near ME Barcelona include Tivoli Theatre, Passeig de Gracia and Plaça Catalunya.
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H10 Casa Mimosa 4* Sup
H10 Casa Mimosa 4* is set in a 19th-century building with a swimming pool and views of Casa Milà. Still outside, you can count on a wonderful garden full of shadows to cool yourself. All rooms include an intelligent climate control system for guests' comfort.
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Hotel Margot House Barcelona
Hotel Margot House Barcelona is situated opposite Casa Batlló and a ten-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas Boulevard. Each bathroom comes with a shower and bath, hairdryer, slippers and free toiletries.
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Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia 4 Sup
Located in Barcelona's Plaza Catalunya, Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia offers a terrace with a swimming pool and private parking. Barcelona's La Rambla is 300 metres from Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia, while Paseo de Gracia with shops and restaurants is just 50 metres away.
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Grand Hotel Central, Small Luxury Hotels
Grand Hotel Central offers privileged views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral from its infinity pool. But if you think only the landscape pays off, you also have access to the hotel's amazing restaurant serving innovative Catalan food — here you have the opportunity to dine and watch the city lights. Here, you can also enjoy the spa and rest from the daily routine with a massage.
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