Your Insider Guide to Barcelona
What to eat, drink, and do in Barcelona, according to locals
Wondering what to see, do, and eat in Barcelona? We asked the pros — our local guides who know the city better than anyone — for the inside scoop.
These aren’t pulled from generic guidebooks or even our website. They’re personal picks, shared exclusively with our travelers.
We’ve organized the recommendations by neighborhood, so whether you just want to grab a churro or looking for evening entertainment after your tour, you’ll find something close by.
Our favorite hidden gems in Barcelona
Parc del Laberint d'Horta
El Teatre Grec
Sant Antoni Market
Getting to know the real Barcelona
Where to Eat
Baluard
Carrer del Baluard 38 (Bakery) and 42 (Coffee and pastries)
Grab a pastry from Baluard if you’re craving something sweet, or try one of their delicious breads that come in all shapes and flavors.
Cova Fumada
(until 3pm), Carrer del Baluard 56, 08003
Retaining its essence as an old wine cellar, Cova Fumada is a no-frills bar that maintains its spirit as a seaside bar in its decor and menu.
Can Paixano
Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7, 08003
Grab a seat at this busy champagne bar serving quick bites like sandwich sliders. It was a favorite spot of Anthony Bourdain.
Bar La Tasqueta 1800
Carrer de Balboa 10, 08003
Retaining its essence as an old wine cellar, Cova Fumada is a no-frills
bar that maintains its spirit as a seaside bar in its decor and menu.
Perikete
Carrer de Llauder 6, 08003
At Perikete, they understand that a relaxing dining experience is just as important as using seasonal ingredients in their tapas. Try both their hot
and cold tapas!
Things to do
Barceloneta Market
Plaça del Poeta Boscà 1, 08003
Visit Barceloneta Market for fresh produce and other products, especially seafood. Newly refurbished, it maintains the character of the original.
Port Cable Car
Passeig de Joan Borbó 88, 08039
Get the best panoramic views of Barcelona from the Port Cable Car as you ride from Barceloneta to Montjuïc, or vice versa.
Maremagnum, Moll d’Espanya
5, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Sure, it’s a shopping center, but their huge selection of stores, giant food court, and beautiful terraces make this a cultural experience. Bonus: Plenty of outlets to charge your phone!
Catalan History Museum
Plaça de Pau Vila 3, 08039
Visit the Catalan History Museum to understand its culture from prehistory to today. Amazing permanent and rotating exhibitions are always on display
Where to Eat
Baluard
Carrer del Baluard 38 (Bakery) and 42 (Coffee and pastries)
Grab a pastry from Baluard if you’re craving something sweet, or try one of their delicious breads that come in all shapes and flavors.
Cova Fumada
(until 3pm), Carrer del Baluard 56, 08003
Retaining its essence as an old wine cellar, Cova Fumada is a no-frills bar that maintains its spirit as a seaside bar in its decor and menu.
Can Paixano
Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7, 08003
Grab a seat at this busy champagne bar serving quick bites like sandwich sliders. It was a favorite spot of Anthony Bourdain.
Bar La Tasqueta 1800
Carrer de Balboa 10, 08003
Retaining its essence as an old wine cellar, Cova Fumada is a no-frills
bar that maintains its spirit as a seaside bar in its decor and menu.
Perikete
Carrer de Llauder 6, 08003
At Perikete, they understand that a relaxing dining experience is just as important as using seasonal ingredients in their tapas. Try both their hot
and cold tapas!
Things to do
Barceloneta Market
Plaça del Poeta Boscà 1, 08003
Visit Barceloneta Market for fresh produce and other products, especially seafood. Newly refurbished, it maintains the character of the original.
Port Cable Car
Passeig de Joan Borbó 88, 08039
Get the best panoramic views of Barcelona from the Port Cable Car as you ride from Barceloneta to Montjuïc, or vice versa.
Maremagnum, Moll d’Espanya
5, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Sure, it’s a shopping center, but their huge selection of stores, giant food court, and beautiful terraces make this a cultural experience. Bonus: Plenty of outlets to charge your phone!
Catalan History Museum
Plaça de Pau Vila 3, 08039
Visit the Catalan History Museum to understand its culture from prehistory to today. Amazing permanent and rotating exhibitions are always on display
"Barcelona is a city to savor. Linger over dinner on aterrace. Check out the various parks. Walk the pedestrian-friendly boulevards. And I highly recommend trying the local wines!"
