Barcelona

Gimlet

This small and comfortable bar specializes in all types of made to order cocktails. The decoration is sober but in good taste and the style is redolent of the mid-20th century. The service is highly efficient and very friendly while the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful with soft lighting and jazz playing in the background. This sophisticated bar is ideal for starting the evening’s entertainment.

Santaló 46, Barcelona, La Ribera. Phone: 93-201-53-06

Palau de la Música Catalana

This sublime auditorium and theater venue was designed in 1908 by Catalan architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner. Among the features of this concert hall, one of the most impressive examples of Modernist architecture in the world, is the use of glass walls, mosaics, stained glass windows, wrought iron and other expensive materials. In 1997 it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The most important classical music concerts are staged here as well as performances of other musical styles such as jazz and popular music. It is definitely worth attending a concert here, especially on a quiet evening.

Sant Francesc de Paula 2, Barcelona, 08003. Phone: 93-295-72-00. http://www.palaumusica.org/

Moog

For a vibrant atmosphere the place to go is this disco in the center of Barcelona. It won’t be easy to hold a conversation above the volume of the music so you may need to resort to sign language while moving your body to the rhythms, having a drink, meeting someone new or watching the joyous expression on the face of the DJ. The area upstairs is lined with mirrors and plays Pop music while downstairs the music of choice is House and Techno.

Arc del Teatre 3, Barcelona, El Raval. Phone: 93-301-72-82

Gaig

With 140 years of tradition this restaurant is determined to refine traditional Catalan cuisine through combining it with contemporary recipes focused on aroma, presentation and flavor. The restaurant is located in the center of the city and its interior is graced with an elegant design. Here you can savor dishes such as the sea-bass tart, shrimp and trout caviar, pigeon breast with rice and mushrooms, asado de colza a la catalana, turbot and marinated roast pork loin. Among the desserts is the popular Crema de San José, a Catalan tradition. There is also an impressive wine list reflecting a cellar stocked with 8,000 bottles.

Aragó 214, Barcelona. Phone: 93-429-10-17. http://www.restaurantgaig.com

Moo

In order to synchronize with this coastal city Mediterranean Catalan cuisine is an absolute must. The kitchen of this pleasant restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Hotel Omm, is run by Joan Roca, a Catalan chef known for his innovative fusion of Spanish and French dishes. The restaurant offers two separate menus and among the recommendations are the foie gras soup with lychees and rose petals, partridge with soft wheat and cabbage juice and roasted kid in honey and rosemary with goat’s milk … the wine suggestions for accompanying the dishes is spot on. The restaurant is also known for its delicious desserts.

Rosselló 265, Barcelona. Phone: 93-445-40-00

Can Culleretes

A classic restaurant founded in 1786, the oldest in Barcelona, Can Culleretes is known for its seafood and seasonal poultry. It is very reasonably priced and located in the Barrio Gótico, the historic center of the city. It conserves most of the original architecture, including candelabrums and tiles, and the walls feature photographs and autographs. The menu includes zarzuela a la marinera, paella, cannellonis, goose with apple and wild boar civet. A visit to this restaurant is truly an illuminating and culinary experience.

Quintana 5, Barcelona, Barri Gòtic, Phone: 93-317-64-85

Hotel Arts

This is perhaps the most luxurious hotel in Europe and both inside and out it offers a feast for the eyes. The hotel faces the Mediterranean and the setting is the Barcelona beach area and the Olympic Port which was built in 1992 for the Summer Olympics. The contemporary architecture of the hotel can be appreciated in each of its 483 rooms, 54 executive suites, 26 duplex apartments and each of its suites: the Japanese, Royal, Mediterranean and Presidential. There is also a terrace with a garden, five restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine and numerous areas set aside for relaxation and special events. It also houses a gallery of contemporary Spanish art, a luxurious spa and a pool and offers all the services you would expect from a hotel of this class. In addition there is a huge bronze sculpture in the shape of a fish by US architect Frank Gehry that can be seen from the pool. This enormous GL category hotel, which forms part of the Ritz-Carlton chain, is perfectly located.

Carrer de la Marina 19-21, Barcelona, 08005. Phone: 93-221-10-00. www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/barcelona

B. Hotel Barcelona

This three-star hotel offers a good panoramic view of the city and represents a moderately priced alternative to the large hotel chains. It includes a bar and cafeteria offering a buffet and light meals while the architecture is in a modernist-minimalist style. The comfortable rooms feature works of art related to the city and there is a gymnasium and a pool. The hotel is conveniently located near the Olympic Park.

Gran Vía de les Cortes Catalanes 389, Barcelona, 08015. Phone: -0214-15-15

Relais d'Orsa

Located some distance from Barcelona on an estate in the small village of Vallvidrera, this renovated 19th century mansion decorated with Oriental, English and French antiques offers an intimate and romantic air since it offers just six rooms, all of them with large windows offering an excellent view of the city. The fresh gardens and aromatic oriental products intensify the hotel’s passionate atmosphere. It also offers delicious breakfasts and suppers either in the restaurant or outside in the pagoda.

Mont d'Orsa 35, Barcelona, 08017. Phone:  93-406-94-11 www.relaisdorsa.com

La Sagrada Familia

This still unfinished church is one of the city’s main attractions. Its construction was originally the responsibility of architect Francisco de Paula Villar but passed to Antoni Gaudí after Villar withdrew in 1882. Gaudí was in charge of the project from the age of 31 to his death in 1926 at the age of 74.
The Fachada de la Natividad is the only facade Gaudi saw completed in his lifetime and it represents the joy at the birth of Jesus Christ. Gaudi gave free reign to his imagination and the design is highly detailed with sculptures and engravings which are difficult to appreciate at first sight. On the other hand the Fachada de la Pasión, which is supported by columns resembling human bones, offers a fatalistic air that perfectly captures the story of the crucifixion. The figures on this façade are currently the responsibility of sculptor Josep Maria Subirachs who is working in the tone set by Gaudí, although in a more minimalist style which contrasts with the baroque vision of Gaudí.
The 18 towers, with their spiral staircases inside, are what most attract the attention. In these towers Gaudí planned to include bells that would ring out to the tune of mi, sol, do, although this task has yet to be performed. The highest tower, the temple dedicated to Jesus Christ, was planned to rise to a height of 170 meters and according to the current architect in charge of the project it will be completed in 2026 thanks to donations and the contributions of visitors.

Parc Güell

Another work by Gaudí, this phenomenal park in a modernist style features colorful mosaics and architecture and was named a World Heritage Site in 1984. Located on a hillside near Mount Tibidabo, it was built between 1900 and 1914 and was commissioned by affluent businessman Eusebi Güell with the intention of offering housing at a distance from the busy city center. This small community within the city was intended to include a market and a chapel but was never completed and was inaugurated as a public park in 1922. The design is based on the symbols of Greek mythology and Catholicism and was influenced by the political structure of the city. In the center of the park there is a large square measuring 3,000 square meters and on one of its edges there is an undulating bench in the form of a serpent and an esplanade perhaps built with the intention of staging shows much like Greek amphitheaters. Inside the park is a house designed by Gaudí himself where he lived for a period. The house is now home to the Gaudí Museum. In addition to being a work of art in itself, from its promontories the park offers an unbeatable view the city that extends as far as the sea.

Montjuïc Poble Espanyol

This small town is home to an architectural model of the city incorporating the 100 architectural styles featured at its distinct points. It also houses a collection of 300 works of art, 27 of which are exhibited in the open air Sculpture Garden while a contemporary art gallery stages temporary exhibitions. There is also a village of artisans who continue the tradition of handicrafts as well as discotheques, stores, restaurants, museums, Flamenco taverns, nightclubs, public squares, a large forest ideal for a day in the country and even an amusement park for the kids. At the Fran Daural Foundation you will find a collection of works by contemporary artists including Dalí, Picasso, Tàpies and Barceló. This village covers an area of 49,000 m2 and offers an example of a small Iberian town with all of its tradition as well as a recreation area and a great panoramic view of the city.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas offers the opportunity to submerge yourself in the daily events of Barcelona life with all of its joy and hullaballoo, art and popularity. This area boasts splendid buildings such as the Palacio de la Virreina and live markets such as La Boquería as well as theaters and opera houses such as the Liceo, museums like the Marítimo, cathedrals, squares, statues, sculptures and mosaics by artists such as Joan Miró. This busy area in the center of the city is, to paraphrase Stendahl, a beautiful avenue in the most beautiful city in Spain. It is a place that must be seen if you want to taste Barcelona life, especially if it is a day for celebrations.

Museo Picasso

The museum, which occupies Medieval Catalan Castles dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, contains more than 3,500 chronologically arranged works from the first phase of this pioneer of Cubism. It is one of the most visited museums in the city and houses the most important collection of works by this artist, a native of Malaga, in the world.

Barrio Gótico

Located in the Ciutat Vella district, this is the historical center and oldest part of the city. The Barrio Gótico was built on foundations dating from Roman times and the Roman defensive walls still remain as can be seen at the gate to the Plaza Nova. This area is one of the principal centers of interest in Barcelona, mainly for its cathedral but also for its bars and restaurants. The heart of this area is the Plaza de Sant Jaume and you should also visit the Plaza del Rei where the Iglesia de Santa Ágata, the Palacio Real Mayor and the Palacio del Archivo de la Corona de Aragón are all to be found. The Barrio Gótico is today a blend of medieval and modern architecture since many old buildings collapsed and a visit to this part of the city allows you to check out the legendary origins of one of the artistic capitals of the world.