Hotels in Barcelona

In Barcelona, enjoying art sometimes means looking up, and other times stepping through a doorway. Much of the reason why this city feels like an open-air museum is thanks to Gaudí, who transformed it with modernist masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Architectural landmarks that share the spotlight with some of the city’s most important art museums. You’ll find them at the MNAC, which takes you through a thousand years of Catalan art; at the MACBA, with its contemporary exhibitions; and at the CCCB, where exhibitions and new formats invite us to question the world around us. 

Barcelona is a city made for shopping. From international brands and luxury boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia to more accessible options on Portal de l’Àngel, as well as design and artisan shops in neighbourhoods such as El Born, Gràcia and Poblenou. If you enjoy searching for hidden treasures, you’ll love exploring the more than 300 stalls at Mercat dels Encants: antiques, vinyl records, second-hand books, footwear, vintage clothing… 

From the seafront to the Collserola hills, Barcelona is a city made for leisure. The beaches of Barceloneta, Bogatell and Mar Bella are perfect for enjoying the sunshine, practising sport or simply relaxing. In the hills, you’ll find routes for running or cycling, as well as experiences such as watching the sunset from the Carmel Bunkers. At night, El Raval, L’Eixample and Poblenou combine classic cocktail bars with alternative venues. International festivals such as Sónar and Primavera Sound, together with special celebrations like Sant Jordi, complete an agenda full of things to do all year round. 

Not pan tumaca or pantumaca. It’s pa amb tomàquet, and it’s prepared with such care that you’ll want it on your table every day. On the menu, you’ll find the flavours of the countryside in the wonderful escalivada salad; the taste of the sea in empedrat cod salad; mountain traditions in botifarra amb mongetes; and comforting flavours in escudella stew. And if you have a sweet tooth, there’s crema catalana and chocolate with melindros. Barcelona celebrates traditional cuisine while also reinventing it, with classic family-run taverns sharing the spotlight with restaurants that add a contemporary twist to Mediterranean recipes. 

Barcelona is connected by land and air with the main Spanish cities and numerous international destinations. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located less than half an hour from the city centre by public transport. Barcelona also has a high-speed train station, Barcelona Sants, as well as excellent road connections. Once you arrive, make the most of its Rodalies commuter trains, metro and bus network. That said, whenever possible, we recommend exploring the city on foot or by bike: you’ll stop being just a visitor in Barcelona and start experiencing it like a local.