Secrets of Barcelona

Some acquired knowledge of an Irish girl living in Catalunya

I moved to Barcelona just under three years ago and have lived in various neighbourhoods, worked in different fields and spent a fair amount of time getting to know the Catalan cuture, cuisine and customs.

Let me give you some of my top favourite things to do, eat and see in Barcelona!

😉

Top three places for an amazing view: The Bunkers, Montjuic (walk through the gardens!), Tibidabo.
Top three places to eat: Bar Calders, Alsur Cafe, any place on Carrer de Blai (for the ambiance).
Top three places to visit for an overnight trip from Barcelona: Girona (beautiful city, recommend to rent a car to see places outside too), Tarragona (amazing place, lots of history and lovely beach), Sitges (quite touristic but beautiful and great beaches!)
Top three beaches to go to that aren't full of tourists: Bogatell (slightly up from the touristy sections of Barcelona beach), Castelldefels (a half an hour train ride from Barcelona city center), Ocata (again short train ride away, much less touristic).
Top tapas to eat: Patatas Bravas (potatoes with a delicious sauce), Jamon Serrano (Spanish Ham), Pimientos de Padron (amazing roasted peppers with sea salt), Tortilla (Spanish Omelette), Croguettas (Croquettes), Gambas (Prawns), Calamari, anything with ali oli.
Top three alcoholic beverages: Una copa de vina (a glass of wine- super cheap, always delicious), una sangria (usually red wine with fruits), and the best, una copa de Cava (a sparkling white wine that originates from Catalunya).
Top three nightclubs to visit: Razzmatazz (huge with different rooms for different genres of music), Jamboree (quite touristic but right in the center of the city in Placa Reial), Apollo (again big central and fun).
Top three bars: El Bombon (Salsa bar with an amazing restaurant at the back and a hidden room in the middle!), 33/45 (classic, cool, atmospheric), Bar Sauvage (you can dance on the countertops, need I say more?)
Top three plaças (squares) to get a drink or bite to eat in the city center: Plaça de George Orwell, Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Vila de Gracia.
Top three best Catalan holidays: Sant Joan (June 24th), Sant Jordi (the Catalan Valentine's Day based on their patron Saint, Saint George), the day of the three Kings (6th January, the end to Christmas, massive parade with free sweets!)

Follow this link to read even more interesting tips and tricks about visiting Barcelona.