Our Barcelona
Barcelona. Catalunya’s capital. Known to the locals as Barna (no, not Barça!) ‑ there are few foreign destinations, perhaps none, that have held us so firmly in love. The reasons why are innumerable, from our obsession with an obscure (and to remain as such) Chinese take away to Miró’s work finding multiple walls in our home.
As we’ve said before: a traveler wishes upon a destination. One hopes that it will live up to the way it was ‑ or the idea of what it should be. Many have wished upon Barcelona. Us many times. And as with all of our First Class guides, this is just the way we see it.
1. Hotel Brummell
Located in the lively Poble‑Sec district, Brummell is a small‑format hotel that is both off‑the‑beaten‑path and conveniently close to the action. The late 19th‑century building’s interior has been entirely redesigned with a tropical, modernist flare ‑ while leaving the exterior unmolested. Stay in the penthouse for its private terrace and stately views over the city rooftops. Or book one of the hotel’s maintained city apartments to really live like a local.
Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 174, 08004 Barcelona
2. Fundació Joan Miró
Museum recommendations can be tricky, but we unequivocally love Miró. A native of Barcelona, his surrealist and expressionist works are often described as a manifestation of Catalan pride. The gorgeous museum is situated on Montjuïc, a hill dotted with palaces, gardens, and stadiums that were host to the 1929 World’s Fair and 1993 Olympic games.
Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona
3. Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)
It’s obligatory to experience the atmosphere of the old bars in the Barceloneta fishing district. Skip the stuffy beach‑front club scenes ‑ this is considerably better. Sip cava pours and indulge in the variety of sandwiches and Catalan specialties. Feel the counter buzz. Maybe drop by the beach before and after.
Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, 08003 Barcelona
4. Barrio de Gracia
If we kept a pied‑à‑terre in the city, it would be here. Gràcia is endlessly charming ‑ and it is the neighborhood to stroll and experience how the locals live. Start at Plaça de la Revolució and walk up Carrer Verdi on your way to Park Guell. We know you’re headed there. Pop into a local bar for a caña on the way. Peek into a few shops ‑ or the cinema! It’s a wonder of a quarter.
Carrer de Verdi, 08012 Barcelona
5. Bunkers Del Carmel
There’s not a better perch to close the day ‑ or start the night ‑ than watching the last light paint the city over the Mediterranean. Enjoy the short hike through residential areas and parks to the Spanish Civil War fortifications that sit atop the hill of Turó de la Rovira. Wind down a visit to Barna here with snacks and beers and wine ‑ and reminisce on your time in Ciudad Condal.
Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona
