The capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is a must for any traveller to visit. It is the sixth most populous city in the European Union and is a world-renowned global metropolis. There are many sights to see: the fine architecture, museums and galleries, restaurants, bars, climate and atmosphere make Barcelona one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations.

Whether you are looking to soak up the sun on a beach break, absorb some of the fascinating culture at one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, take a step back in time with a historical tour, indulge in some of the worlds best dining experiences or let your hair down by enjoying some of the exciting night life, Barcelona has it all.

GO THERE FOR

Architecture: Barcelona has a unique blend of architecture from the historical, El Gòtic old town, through to the modernism movement of the internationally acclaimed Antoni Gaudí, to today’s business district with newly built sky scrapers that mirror Barcelona’s expanding economy.

Culture: The city has its own outlook on life and as the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is Catalan first and Spanish second. A cosmopolitan city, whose inhabitants like to work and play hard as they make their mark on Barcelona and on life.

Cuisine: With some of the finest dining on the planet, including the critic’s favourite restaurant in the world, Barcelona cuisine comes highly recommended. Specialising in the regional Catalan cuisine but also offering cutting edge international dishes, Barcelona’s high quality ingredients and perfect execution ensure one of the finest dining cities in the world.

Atmosphere: With a sunny disposition, Catalans are extremely friendly and enjoy a high standard of living. Barcelona keeps its own hours; late rise, evening siestas, a late supper (starting around 10pm) and then late to bed. With the city opening onto the beach and the high quality local produce, Barcelona is a place to indulge.

DON’T MISS

Gaudí – You can’t go to Barcelona without stopping by and appreciating at least one of this genius’ masterpieces. Take a stroll through Parc Güell or marvel at the world famous Sagrada Família Church, you simply have to visit at least one of his works.

Walk Through El Gòtic – This charming part of the old city is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Closed to regular traffic and with many stores this area is extremely pedestrian friendly. Narrow passages opening onto squares and its gothic architecture make this an area where you never know what delight you’ll find around each corner.

A performance at the Gran Teatre Del Liceu – Rebuilt after fire has claimed it twice, this theatre was most recently reopened in 1999. A beautiful opera hall, matched by performances of the highest standard, the Gran Teatre will ensure any classical music enthusiast has an evening to remember. This upcoming season offers performances of Carmen, a modern take of a classic in El Superbarber de Sevilla and a performance of some of Brahms’ best works.

Cable car ride – Offering absolutely breathtaking views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains, a ride on one of these cable cars leaves each of its passengers in awe. Not for the fainthearted; this trip certainly has its rewards.

La Boqueria – A huge food market near the centre of Barcelona, this market is not to be missed. Offering a wide range of edible delicacies La Boqueria offers the gourmand both quality and quantity. It is almost impossible to walk through this market without picking up an ingredient for dinner, a snack to tide you over or an exotic treat that you just couldn’t walk past without trying.

GETTING AROUND

From the Airport:
There is a train service from the airport that will bring you right into the heart of the city within 25 minutes. The fare is EUR 2.20.

Express buses are also available from multiple locations in the city, originating at the Pl. Catalonia. The fare is EUR 5.05.

Black and yellow cabs are available from the airport to downtown Barcelona at about EUR 13-20 depending on where one is going in the city and also depending on the amount of traffic. On weekends, holidays and nights add about EUR 2.

Around Town:

If you are travelling short distances, the best way to get around is on foot. Barcelona is a vibrant city with many shops and people in the streets both day and night. Some of the best areas are closed to traffic making walking an even bigger advantage.

For longer distances a cab is recommended. In Barcelona you can use the city wide black and yellow taxis. These work in a similar manner to the London black cab and New York City yellow taxi, simply wave one down and instruct the driver where to take you. Rates are set by the city council so different companies will still charge you the same price. Weekends, holidays and nights have a slightly higher rate than at other times. This is illustrated by an illuminated 2 on the taxis sign.

Town cars are available from M.I.M Luxury Transfers.

Barcelona also has an air-conditioned metro which is inexpensive and can be extremely useful. If taking a single journey, a ticket costs EUR 1.40. However, if you are planning on taking multiple journeys, a T10 transport is a better idea. A T10 gives you ten trips on the metro, is valid for the calendar year and costs EUR 7.85. The T10 can also be used on buses.

Local buses and trams also serve the city centre.

WHEN TO GO

Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate means warm, dry summers (average high 27˚C/80˚F) and mild, humid winters (average low 5.5˚C/42˚F). Either side of July and August are the best times to visit, taking advantage of the balmy, sunny weather but avoiding the high summer smog and crowds of tourists.

WHERE TO STAY

Claris Hotel
Pau Claris, 150 Barcelona 08009
In blending the finest luxury materials and state-of-the-art technology, the Claris has managed to achieve a style that is an enviable and unique balance between classic and modern. The hotel has 120 luxurious rooms - including 18 split-levels, two large split-levels and 20 junior suites displaying unique works of art. The hotel’s facilities also boast a museum exhibiting an outstanding collection of millennia-old works of Egyptian art, as well as a gymnasium, sauna, Jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool on the terrace. The Claris also has several meeting rooms (holding from 10 to 150 people), a cocktail bar, and two restaurants with different types of cuisine: La Terraza del Claris and East 47.

Gran Hotel La Florida
Ctra.Vallvidrera al Tibidabo 83-89, Barcelona
Perched atop Mount Tibidabo, overlooking the city of Barcelona, The Gran Hotel La Florida is stunningly designed. This five-star urban resort is filled with art and sculptures by internationally renowned artists and many of the rooms are equipped with private Jacuzzis with superb views.

Hotel Arts Barcelona
Marina 19-21, Barcelona
A modern tower with spectacular views, this slick Barcelona hotel attracts the city's discerning glitterati. The rooms are elegant yet homely and either overlook the city or a Gehry fish sculpture. There are also 28 family apartments designed by Jaime Tressara. Hotel Arts Barcelona is managed by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and offers 483 spacious rooms with panoramic views of the sea and the city of Barcelona. Surrounded by beaches, terraces and promenades, the hotel is a short walk from the city’s historical centre

Hotel ME Barcelona
Pere IV, 272-286, Barcelona, 08005
The new Hotel ME Barcelona seeks to offer clients a space where design, music, architecture and gastronomy are fused in a uniquely Barcelona manner. The ME experience is a memorable one, with an emphasis on first class customer service aimed at satisfying a visitors every need, no matter what this may be.
The hotel is located in an iconic building designed by Dominique Perrault in Poblenou. With 29 floors and 258 rooms and suites, visitors to the hotel can enjoy privileged views of the Sagrada Familia, the Agbar Tower and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel’s facilities are equipped with the latest technology and are developed to provide the greatest possible comfort and convenience, making it the perfect destination for both business and pleasure. “The Level”, situated on the 25th floor is an exclusive VIP floor with 360º panoramic views. Here, clients are offered a personal and private check-in service as well as a concierge service, continental breakfast and four other freshly prepared culinary offerings. Guests may also enjoy a selection of the finest liqueurs and champagne which will make for a wonderfully relaxing experience and an excellent stay.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos
Avda. Diagonal 661-671, 08028 Barcelona
Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, located in the city's uptown district, is surrounded by financial corporations and fashionable shops. Set in its own private gardens, the hotel affords sweeping vistas of the city. Spacious guest accommodations, featuring tasteful decorations with peaceful surroundings and comfort, are only matched by the magnificent views that they offer over the city of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

WHERE TO EAT

ABaC Restaurant Hotel
Avinguda Tibidabo 1, Barcelona
Run by Jordi Cruz, the ABaC Restaurant offers 2* Michelin dining and some of the best in the city. Seating for just 56 diners means reservations are a necessity and with 900 wines on offer, there is a blend and vintage to suit any palate and pair with any plate. Chef Cruz was the youngest Spanish chef to be awarded a Michelin star and he has gone from strength to strength with this offering. A clean combination of sophisticated lighting and neutral colours provide a relaxing atmosphere where the modern international food comes to the fore.

Alkimia
Carrer Indústria 79, Barcelona
Offering both a tasting and à la carte menus, the Michelin starred Alkimia showcases cutting-edge, seasonal cooking. Chef Jordi Vilá uses all of his training and ingenuity to create ultra-modern cuisine, including his signature salt cod. As with many Michelin starred restaurants, reservations are a must.

Arola
Hotel Arts Barcelona, Marina 19-21, Barcelona 8005
An airy, relaxing restaurant at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, Arola is a major player in Barcelona’s restaurant scene. Laying claim to 2 Michelin stars, this Mediterranean restaurant offers numerous menus and dining experiences. Chef Sergi Arola offers diners four different menus to choose from, including à la carte, tasting, hot and cold chef classics and a selection of the best produce from the day’s markets. A resident DJ provides a nightly soundtrack and terraced dining is available in the summer months.

Barceloneta
L'Escar 22, Barcelona
Since its opening in 1996, Restaurant Barceloneta has been respected as one of the best places to find seafood in the city. Overlooking the fisherman’s quay, diners can rest assured that the produce could not be any fresher. Simple recipes prepared to perfection are the ethos of the restaurant and it executes this amazingly well. The menu also has non-seafood tapas and salads for those with other interests. A popular place for locals and tourists, the simple strengths of Barceloneta shine.

Ca L’Isidre
Carrer Les Flors 12, Barcelona
The daily-changing menu at the family-run Ca L’Isidre ensures that only the best local produce is used. Established in 1970, this location has been a mainstay of the Barcelona restaurant scene offering the best of market cooking. Priding itself on its desserts, service and wine cellar, this restaurant hits the nail on the head in each of these categories with a welcoming atmosphere one expects from the husband and wife team.

Can Majo
Almirall Aixada 23, Barcelona
Running since 1968, Can Majo is the most established seafood restaurant in Barceloneta. Specializing in rice and seafood, Can Majo has been handed down through generations to continue to provide the area with its traditional fare. The rice broth with lobster comes highly recommended. The clean dishes, delicately cooked, coupled with the sea view from the terrace are a delight to any seafood enthusiast.

El Buli
Carrer Ramon Turró 126, Barcelona
Although fully booked for the 2011 summer season and then closed until 2014, no talk of cuisine from this region is complete without a mention of this masterpiece. Currently holding the reputation as the best gastronomic experience in the world, Ferran Adrià has changed the world’s perception of dining. A visit to this establishment is a pilgrimage any foodie has to make at least once in their lifetime.

PUBS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS

Bars

Café Vienés
Hotel Casa Fuster, Passeig de Gràcia 132, Barcelona
Located on the ground floor of the five star Hotel Casa Fuster, Café Vienés has been restored to its historical splendour to maintain its character as an intellectual cocktail bar. The bar offers Art Noveau architecture decorated in the style of decades past and stages live jazz on Thursday nights.

Dry Martini
Carrer Aribau 162-166, Barcelona
Cocktails done the way they should be, Dry Martini offers smart staff, expert mixologists and comfortable surroundings, not to mention the perfect bespoke cocktail. This bar is dedicated to the art of mixology with themed artwork and a wide range of spirits that will cater to any palette.

Gimlet
Rec 24, Barcelona
Gimlet is a cocktail bar that is decorated in a simple yet refined manner and this is a theme that runs throughout the bar. This cocktail joint employs friendly, professional and knowledgeable barmen who mix your cocktail with care and precision. A popular spot for local cocktail enthusiasts and due to its relatively small size, this can become a tight squeeze.

Nightclubs

La Paloma
Calle Tigre 27, Barcelona
When visiting La Paloma, don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes as you are guaranteed to be swept up in the contagious party rhythm. Set in a large converted dancehall , La Paloma plays host to live musicians, DJ’s and even orchestras, with a set list that progress through genres as the evening evolves. Starting with traditional dance styles and moving into electro in the early hours.

Moog
Carrer Arc del Teatre 3, Barcelona
Since its conversion from flamenco bohemia in 1996 to a modern electro venue, Moog has been the Barcelona venue for some of the worlds biggest electronic DJ’s.

Otto Zutz
Lincoln 15, Barcelona
A more traditional style of night club, this large venue is set over a number of floors and offers a different experience on each level. A trendy club that is the place to see and be seen, Otto Zutz offers eight separate bar service areas and has a VIP area that gives views over the dance floor.

WHERE TO SHOP

El Corte Ingles
Plaça de Catalunya 14, Barcelona
Barcelona has a few of these, but this location is the biggest. El Corte Ingles has a reputation throughout Spain as the department store to go to as it sells anything and everything.

L'Illa Diagonal
Avinguda Diagonal 555-559, Barcelona
This stylish shopping mall is home to a multitude of stores selling a range of goods including fashion, jewellery, homeware, accessories and cosmetics.

Antonio Miro
Consell de Cent 349, Barcelona
This local, highly skilled tailor specialises in hand made, custom menswear suits and high end womenswear. This designer offers both prêt-a-porter and tailored designs, both with his own unique touch of elegance.

El Ganso
Carrer Ferrán 43-45, Barcelona
A trendy boutique that offers menswear, womenswear and shoe lines. Two brothers in love with the 70’s British look and attitude were tired of fruitless clothes searches and decided to open their own boutique. The results are fantastic. Originating in Madrid their in-house designed clothing lines have taken off and a few more stores have popped up around the country, this being one of them.

La Manual Alpargatera
Carrer d'Avinyo 7, Barcelona
The best place in town to buy the classically Catalan espadrille, with celebritiy clientele including the likes of Catherine Zeta Jones, La Manual Alpargatera is a must visit store when in Barcelona.

La Boqueria
Plaça de la Boqueria, 08001 – Barcelona
Considered to be the best food market in Barcelona and among the top in the world, La Boqueria has stalls offering all varieties of fresh produce, meat and seafood. The list is endless and even the most experienced foodie can find something new and exotic under the tin roof of La Boqueria.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Spa at Hotel 1898
La Rambla 109, Barcelona
This spa based in the Hotel 1898 encourages you to relieve tensions by spending some time in their hot tubs, sauna, steam rooms, heated pool and aquatic relaxation zone. The spa is styled with a nod to the Far East and offers numerous massage treatments.

Six Senses Spa at Hotel Arts
Carrer de la Marina 19-21, Barcelona
Set on the 42nd and 43rd floor of the Hotel Arts, the Six Senses Spa offers breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea, while skilled masseurs work on relieving any stress. The spa has its own unique “The Art of Stone” therapy as well as the trademark Six Senses Sensory Journey. The spa menu features a wide assortment of treatments and facilities include separate ladies and gentlemen's wet areas with Klafs sauna and steam rooms, vitality pools and ice fountains.

Spaciomm
Hotel Omm, Rosellón 265, 08008 Barcelona
The Spaciomm is adjacent to Hotel Omm and is created by the same team of designers. Inspired by the pure lines and natural materials prevalent in Asian design, the team have strived to create an intimate and tranquil ambience for senses-based therapies. The facilities and range of treatments of this Barcelona spa are extensive and the therapies are tailored to the individual and are complemented by exclusively handmade cosmetics. The spa has a variety of treatment rooms themed from different influences and used for numerous treatments sourced from around the globe.

WHAT TO SEE

Gaudí’s Works – Antoni Gaudí has really left his mark on this city, giving Barcelona a unique landscape and worldwide recognition. Landmarks including Casa Milà, Park Güell and the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família are all popular tourist destinations and for good reason. Gaudí had his own vision for architecture and it is exemplified in these three locations. These are seen as so important to local culture that they have been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Picasso Museum – Picasso spent three years in Barcelona as a teenager attending a local art school forming his artistic talents. His family moved there after the death of his younger sister and he always held a special place for the city in his heart, splitting time between Barcelona and Paris in later life. Picasso dedicated a large amount of the 3,500 paintings found in the museum to the city and they document his younger years exceedingly well.

MACBA – Since it opened in 1995, the Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona has had a huge hand in the gentrification of the gritty Barrio Chino area. This museum of modern art has spread a culture of art throughout the surrounding area that can be interesting to stroll through. The Museum itself has some exiting exhibitions that are well worth checking out.

Barri Gòtic – The historical, Gothic Quarter in the centre of the old city of Barcelona is a fascinating area, featuring buildings from medieval times. The pedestrianisation of the area and interesting shops make the Barri Gòtic a great place to explore on foot.

Information in this guide was provided by Quintessentially Travel who provides exclusive travel to the world's discerning elite organising everything from flights, private jets, transfers, hotels restaurants, private tours and access to the inaccessible. Whether you are travelling for business of leisure, Quintessentially Travel will cater to all personal requirements and will open up a world of uncompromising luxury and excellence. So to experience an unforgettable tailor-made holiday to Barcelona contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +44 (0) 845 224 6915. Alternatively visit www.quintessentiallytravel.com