By: Marina Salley, Director, Investor Relations
After traveling to Barcelona in October 2024, I updated this guide with recommendations based on my experiences, tastes, and favorites from the city. Barcelona is a vibrant city that caters to a diverse range of interests, making it an appealing destination for art enthusiasts, architecture admirers, history buffs, foodies, and beach lovers alike. Equity Platinum Fund’s luxury 6-bedroom apartment is located in one of Barcelona’s most iconic and central districts – Eixample Dreta, known for its distinctive grid-like layout and Modernist architecture.
In this comprehensive travel guide, I will explore every aspect of Barcelona, from its iconic landmarks to its hidden gems, its vibrant culture to its delectable cuisine, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this captivating city.
Arriving to Barcelona from the US
Flying from the United States to Barcelona, Spain, typically involves booking a flight to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), the city’s primary international airport. Major U.S. cities with direct flights to Barcelona include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta.
The distance from Barcelona Airport to Eixample Dreta is approximately 12 to 15 kilometers (7.5 to 9.3 miles). The most common way to travel from the airport to the apartment is by taxi, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle directly from the airport, which will drop you at Plaça de Catalunya. From there, you can walk to the apartment in 10-15 minutes, taking in the city’s lively atmosphere along the way. This is my preferred route because the neighborhood is exciting, full of life and movement, and you’ll enjoy the stunning architecture and vibe of the city on your walk.
Architecture and Landmarks
Eixample Dreta is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, offering hours of exploration among the unique, visually stunning buildings that grace its streets. These landmarks are all within walking distance from the apartment and provide valuable insights into the history and art of Barcelona.
● Visit Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí’s famous basilica is a masterpiece of modernist architecture and one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. I highly recommend the skip-the-line tour with a guide who will explain the history behind the landmark and provide insights into its current state and projected completion date.
Sagrada Família is a convenient 20-minute walk from the apartment. Be sure to arrive early to take photos and meet your guide.
● Explore Park Güell: Another Gaudí creation, this park is a whimsical wonderland with colorful mosaics, unique buildings, and stunning views of the city. Buy tickets in advance on the official website. If you’re visiting with children, plan ahead. We learned this the hard way when we arrived after a long cab ride only to find the tickets were sold out.
Fortunately, we bought tickets for the next available date, four days later. Be sure to visit Gaudí’s residence and watch a short film about him. The park offers amazing views of Barcelona and several playgrounds to entertain kids for hours.
● Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà: Two more of Gaudí’s architectural gems, these houses are open to the public and offer a fascinating glimpse into his creative genius. Casa Batlló is just a 15-minute walk from the apartment on Passeig de Gràcia, a bustling street with local art galleries, antique shops, and luxury boutiques. Leave extra time for shopping if you’d like before visiting the museum. Buy tickets online; we arrived five minutes before our scheduled time and walked in without waiting.
History and Culture
Beyond its renowned architectural wonders, Barcelona harbors a host of significant historical and cultural landmarks. Here are some notable ones in the vicinity of our apartment:
● Wander through the Gothic Quarter: Barcelona’s historic heart is filled with narrow medieval streets, charming squares, historic buildings, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
● Visit the Picasso Museum located in the Gothic Quarter. Housing one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, this museum is a must for art lovers. Make sure you buy entry tickets in advance or you will not be able to enter if you show up on a whim.
● Visit Moco Museum located next door to Picasso Museum to see contemporary to see contemporary works by artists like Banksy and Marina Abramovic.
● Discover the history of Catalonia: Visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and the Catalan History Museum to learn about the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage
Food and Cuisine
Barcelona offers an extensive array of dining establishments catering to diverse preferences and budgets. I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite gastronomic and epicurean highlights from my visit to the city.
● For a fine dining experience, visit Virens. This restaurant is on the Michelin Guide for a reason: the food is delicious and served on Vista Alegre plates, the service is elevated, the cocktails are impeccably made, the wine list is impressive, and the prices are reasonable.
● To taste authentic Catalan food, I recommend booking a Barcelona Tapas and Drinks Tour of Old Town. You will visit five different restaurants in the Gothic Quarter that serve everything from croquettes to regional desserts and you will hear the history of every restaurant and connect with fellow travelers. Allocated at least 3 hours to this activity and combine history with gastronomy.
● For whiskey and cocktail lovers, Barcelona offers a never-ended list of bars that offer everything from traditional whiskey menus to more creative cocktails. Some of our favorites include La Wiskeria located just 2 blocks from the apartment. There you will find an impressive list of everything from scotch to American whiskey. Make sure to sit at the bar to chat with friendly bartenders.
● Fancy a cocktail with charcoal and buckwheat served in a handmade pottery? Head to Mariposa Negra in the Gothic Quarter. You will find creative and delicious drinks and create memories with friends by sitting and chatting around small tables in a cozy atmosphere.
● Barcelona is the city of numerous coffee shops. The coffee shop right across the street from our apartment, Molika Cafe, serves the flakiest croissants that melt in your mouth alongside smoothies and delicious cappuccinos and lattes.
Barcelona Art and Fashion Scene
I have to say a few words about the local art scene in Barcelona. The entire city is steeped in art. Local boutiques sell clothes and shoes handmade in Barcelona..Handmade the Brand customized espadrilles for me and my daughter in just a couple of hours and presented a beautifully wrapped box with a sweet card indicating the name of the artisan who made our shoes. There are numerous ceramic shops where you can pick up locally – produced goods.
And there are, of course, art galleries and antique shops.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alex, a native New Yorker and a proprietor of BF4Galley who moved to Barcelona for his art education. Alex has a carefully curated collection of Miro and Picasso works and he represents modern artists like Juliana Plexxo alongside internationally – renowned masters.
I was entranced by the art works presented at the gallery and spent many hours talking to Alex about everything from art to our shared experiences living in NYC and enjoying the local art scene.
I highly recommend you stop by and enjoy some art works as well as great conversations. You can take the art home, and Alex will ship it for you internationally. You will find some unique pieces at the gallery that are not available anywhere else in the world.
Outdoor Activities
Barcelona, with its Mediterranean climate and stunning natural surroundings, provides a diverse array of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a connection with nature, sports, and adventure, or simply want to relish the city’s outdoor spaces, Barcelona has something for everyone. Here are some enticing outdoor activities to relish in Barcelona:
Beaches
Some of Barcelona’s most beautiful beaches are easily accessible from our apartment and offer a variety of atmospheres, from bustling and vibrant to serene and relaxed, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.
–Barceloneta Beach: Located to the south of Eixample Dreta, Barceloneta Beach is one of the most famous in Barcelona. It’s easily accessible by walking, cycling, or taking public transportation. This lively beach is known for its bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities.
–Nova Icaria Beach: Situated just a bit further north of Barceloneta Beach, Nova Icaria Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great spot for families and has numerous beachside restaurants and bars.
–Bogatell Beach: To the northeast of Eixample Dreta, you’ll find Bogatell Beach, known for its cleaner and quieter environment. It has sports facilities, picnic areas, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Montjuïc Hill:
Montjuïc offers numerous outdoor attractions, including the Magic Fountain, a large fountain that hosts nightly light and music shows, creating a magical atmosphere, Montjuïc Castle, and beautiful gardens. You can hike or take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Park de la Ciutadella:
Barcelona has many parks and green spaces where you can have a picnic, play sports, or simply relax amidst nature. Park de la Ciutadella offers a peaceful escape with beautiful gardens, a boating lake, and the Barcelona Zoo.
Shopping
Eixample Dreta is a delightful neighborhood in Barcelona renowned for its shopping opportunities. Within its streets, you’ll encounter a diverse array of retail experiences, ranging from upscale boutiques and department stores to charming local shops and bustling markets. Here are some enticing shopping options in Eixample Dreta:
–Passeig de Gràcia: This iconic avenue is home to numerous luxury fashion boutiques, including brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. It’s a prime destination for high-end shopping.
–Rambla de Catalunya: Parallel to Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya offers a more relaxed shopping experience with a mix of fashion stores, home goods shops, and cafes. It’s a great place for strolling and shopping.
–El Corte Inglés: This large department store in Barcelona, and one of its most iconic meeting points, has several floors dedicated to fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and more. It’s a one-stop shopping destination.
Entertainment
Barcelona’s entertainment scene is alive with a diverse array of options to cater to various interests and tastes. Whether you’re seeking cultural performances, musical experiences, or vibrant nightlife, Barcelona has something to offer. Here are some of the city’s popular entertainment choices:
–Live Music: Barcelona boasts a thriving live music scene. You can enjoy concerts ranging from classical performances at the Palau de la Música Catalana to rock and pop shows at venues like Razzmatazz.
–Theatre and Performing Arts: The city has numerous theaters showcasing a variety of plays, musicals, ballets, and contemporary dance performances. The Teatre Nacional de Catalunya and Gran Teatre del Liceu are notable venues.
–Attend a flamenco show: Experience the passion of Spanish flamenco music and dance at one of the city’s many venues.
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes: Located on La Rambla, this is one of Barcelona’s most famous flamenco venues. It offers nightly performances with talented dancers, singers, and musicians.
Palacio del Flamenco: Situated on Carrer de Balmes, within walking distance from Eixample Dreta, this venue is known for its high-quality flamenco shows. They often combine traditional flamenco with other forms of Spanish music and dance.
El Patio Andaluz: This intimate and authentic tablao is located in the Gothic Quarter, not far from Eixample Dreta. It provides an immersive flamenco experience in a charming setting.
Wrap Up
These are just a glimpse of the countless activities and experiences awaiting you in Barcelona. The city’s dynamic culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes make it an exceptional destination for travelers. Make sure to stay updated with local events and attractions because there’s always something captivating happening around every corner.
Book our luxury, 6-bedroom apartment in the heart of Barcelona and enjoy your time exploring this vibrant and diverse metropolis!
