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Barcelona: A Weekend City Break Guide
Barcelona is the bustling beachside city with endless cultural heritage, architecture, food, drink and arts to delve into. There's definitely more to see here than you can fit into one weekend, however, its charm, modernist buildings and sub-tropical climate makes it a place to visit again and again.
For a short weekend city break to Barcelona, simply take your time to relax and enjoy just a small portion of this cosmopolitan destination, all with the help of Stylecamp's handy itinerary that takes in some of the best things the city has to offer.
1. SEE SOME SIGHTS
With so many famous heritage sites and cultutal hotspots in just one great city, it's impossible to visit them all one weekend, so for a relaxed weekend away, pick one or two and simply take your time to enjoy.
Tip: Since entry to some of the most popular places, including the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, is now limited, you'll find it necessary to pre-book online in most cases, though this is often more cost-effective.
Try an early start to see the undulating forms of La Pedrera Casa Milà, one of Antoni Gaudí's finest architectural masterpieces, of which there are many in Barcelona. Pick a slot first thing in the morning and head straight up to the rooftop avoiding the crowds for an undisturbed view over the city amongst the ornamental mosaiced chimneys.
2. TAKE IN THE BEAUTY
Barcelona is possibly one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities you'll ever visit, with the perfect blend of old, new and the unusual, stemming from the medieval Gothic quarter to the modernist styles of the newer Eixample neighbourhood. The city is littered with amazing examples of Art Nouveau architecture and tiled facades that really encourages the visitor to #lookup.
El Born is a real favourite to wander through, with its cafe culture atmosphere and trendy, fashion vibe with independent shops and restaurants dotted amongst the historical buildings. Further up the city, near park Güell, lies Gràcia which has a more local and bohemian vibe with trendy shops, art galleries and health food shops nestled among the tiled streets.
3. EAT TAPAS UNTIL YOU BURST
Barcelona is a truly culinary city, so unsurprisingly there's a host of fantastic tapas eateries to savour throughout the city, with some of the best ones found within the popular Boqueria market.
TAPAS 24
In Eixample you'll find Tapas 24, a lively joint with bar seating and quirky staff uniforms. This place regularly has queues out of the door, and for good reason - it's owned by a Michelin starred chef.
LA VINYA DEL SENYOR
Enjoy a spot of cava with your food at La Vinya del Senyor, situated beside the peaceful Basilica Santa Maria del Mar in the El Born district. A great place to watch the world go by, whether you opt for the outdoor seating or get chatty at the cosy counter bar.
BAR SUCULENT
Try something a little different at the Bar Suculent in El Raval, not strictly a tapas experience but refined small plates stemmed in traditional cooking with surprising elements. The brie cheesecake was truly unforgettable!
4. STROLL AROUND CIUTADELLA PARK
After a filling lunch, take a relaxing walk in Barcelona's scenic Parc de la Ciutadella. It features an impressive sculpture and fountain loosely based on Rome's famed Trevi fountain, adorned with mythical seahorses and a statue of the Roman Goddess Venus.
