Barcelona is a city that never fails to impress, bursting with colour, culture, and experiences at every turn. From stylish hotels that make the perfect base for exploring, to bustling markets brimming with local flavours, winding streets steeped in history, and iconic architecture that takes your breath away, the city has something for everyone.
As a long-time fan of this captivating city, Emma Harrison rounds up her top picks for where to stay, the best places to eat and drink, and the essential sights and experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, here’s everything you need to discover the very best of Barcelona.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Located in the Sants neighbourhood, the newly opened Moxy Barcelona makes for a great stay. If you favour your hotels on the playful, quirky and funky side, then the Moxy is most definitely for you.
The rooms are reasonably priced, the hotel decor is achingly-cool, and there are some fabulous features such as rooftop pool, a games area, and they also offer wellness experiences such as Suco sessions on the rooftop where you can take part in a new era of meditation that encompasses movement, dance, and breathwork. Suco was founded by Jamie Beron, and it was one of the best wellness events that I have ever taken part in.
What to do in Barcelona
Sants is definitely a neighbourhood to explore. It is one of the biggest districts in Barcelona, and it’s renowned for the tranquility of its green areas. It’s a mere ten-minute metro ride from the city centre, and it’s home to Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc), a historic fortress located on Montjuïc Hill in Sants.
Even if you don’t go into the fortress, you can either walk up or take the cable car to enjoy the most sweeping views of the city. At the top you will be rewarded with a full 360° panorama of Barcelona, stretching from the historic streets of the medieval old town to the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea. Top tip, head up as dusk falls, and you can enjoy the most glorious sunset where the city and sea are bathed in the warm golden‑hour light.
We walked down the mountain, which was surprisingly easier than we initially thought it would be, and it gave us ample opportunity to take pictures and admire the view. However, unless you have a fear of heights, taking the cable car up the mountain is most definitely one of the things you can’t miss when visiting Barcelona. Glide on a 750-metre route from the Funicular station to the top of Montjuïc, where the city unfurls beneath you in a stunning display of urban beauty.
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Sants is also on Montjuïc in the Palau Nacional building. If you love art, this is a great place to add to your things to do in Barcelona hit list. Not only is it a beautiful building, there are also some intriguing installations and a fantastic collection of Catalan art that spans from the Romanesque period up to the mid-20th century. It also has a great roof terrace where you can uncover one of the best views of Barcelona which includes iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and more.
What to see in Barcelona
Whilst wandering the charming streets of Barcelona is always a must, sometimes discovering the hidden gems of the city is even more rewarding. One of the best ways to discover the best restaurants, shops, and the secrets of the city is with a local, and the Discover Barcelona like a local tour is super handy!
Barcelona’s Old Town is a tapestry of rich history and undeniable charm. Meandering through its winding streets and hidden alleys offers a true taste of the city’s soul, but the Old City holds more treasures than just the famous Gothic Quarter. From medieval buildings to hidden squares and iconic landmarks — this is an ideal way to learn more about the history of Barcelona and check out those must-visit shops along the way!
Where to eat in Barcelona
Barcelona is a paradise for food lovers, offering a vibrant culinary scene that blends traditional Catalan flavors with contemporary twists. The city’s markets are a feast for the senses, bursting with fresh, local produce, cured meats, and seafood straight from the Mediterranean. Make sure you pay a visit to La Boqueria — one of Barcelona’s oldest and most popular markets. At every corner, you will find amazing things to eat, and it’s a real feast for the senses!
From traditional Catalan dishes to global flavors, La Boqueria Market is a vibrant showcase of Barcelona’s rich gastronomic heritage and its ever-evolving culinary scene. It’s ideally located right on La Rambla, making it easy to access from many parts of the city, especially for those exploring the Gothic Quarter or the nearby Raval district.
You can get snacks there, such as stuffed olives, cheese and meats, nuts and more, but there are several restaurants where you can enjoy delicious tapas and just a stone’s throw away from the market.
Bonavista on the rooftop of the Moxy in Sants offers so much more than incredible food — the playful 70s style decor, the exquisite cocktails along with the fabulous views make it one of the coolest places to eat in Barcelona.
For an elevated tapas experience, head on over to Rabbit’s Bar in El Raval — one of the hippest areas of Barcelona. It’s eclectic and cosy and has almost a speakeasy feel. Their cocktails are creatively inventive but really pack a punch!
Why visit Barcelona?
Barcelona is where timeless history dances with bold modernity, creating a city that never stops surprising. From the labyrinth of ancient streets in the Gothic Quarter to the avant-garde flair of El Raval and the jaw-dropping views from Montjuïc, there’s always a new corner to uncover.
Whether you’re indulging in the vibrant flavors of La Boqueria, getting lost in the genius of Gaudí’s art, or sipping something exquisite in a tucked-away cocktail bar, Barcelona is a feast for both the senses and the soul. With a perfect mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge luxury, this is a city that invites you to not just visit, but to experience — in style, at your own pace, and with a touch of magic at every turn.
