Below our concierge has listed some of the most popular and important things to do and see, to help you to get to know Barcelona. There is a selection of galleries, with details on what they exhibit and some suggestions for out of town excursions.
You can exhaust yourself trying to take in the art and architecture of this extraordinarily creative city, fortunately the beaches offer plenty of opportunity for relaxation.
Las Ramblas is a lively promenade running through the centre of Barcelona, between Raval and the Barri Gotic. It is just over 1 kilometre long, mostly pedestrianised and filled with cafés, artists and entertainers. Along the way stop off at La Boqueria market, pass the modernist building Palau Güell and try to spot Mirós' circular tile mosaic in the paving.
Location - 8-minute walk from hotel
For over 300 years a market has existed on Las Ramblas. Today beneath a magnificent wrought iron roof La Boqueria is one of the country’s most colourful Catalan food markets. With an abundance of fresh local produce displayed by exuberant stall holders. This is a lively entertainment and heaven for foodies. Stop for Cava and tapas or select your own delicacies and head to the beach for a picnic.
8 minute walk from hotel
This theatre is one of the largest opera houses in Europe and an impressive auditorium. It is renowned for being one of the most modern in the world; the seats include individual monitors for the electronic libretto system which provides translations to English, Spanish or Catalan. It was built in 1847 and has a beautiful foyer known as Saló dels Miralls (Hall of mirrors).
Location - 10-minute walk from hotel
The extraordinarily beautiful Palace of Catalan Music Palau de la Música was constructed in modernist style in 1908. The interior is full of dynamic shapes, curves, mosaics and is flooded with natural light through stained-glass panes. As an architectural sight or for a musical evening it is well worth a visit.
Location - 15-minute walk from hotel
The collection of this world famous Catalan artist is located a little way from our hotel up in the Montjuïc hill but it is well worth viewing. Miró was famous for challenging established painting techniques; he developed surrealism and other experimental art forms. The foundation holds a comprehensive collection of Miró’s work, including paintings, sculptures, graphics and drawings.
Location - 12-minute taxi ride
Over 3,500 works by Picasso, demonstrating the artist’s deep relationship with Barcelona. The Museum has a particular focus on work during his formative years up to the Blue Period, of which the Museum has a priceless group of works.
Location - 20-minute walk from hotel
The museum retains a collection of Catalan art from the Romanesque period to the mid-twentieth century. It includes sculpture, painting, objets d'art, drawing, engraving, posters, photography and coinage. Situated in an imposing building on Montjuïc, the interior is fine and the views outside are terrific.
Location - 12-minute taxi ride
Beaches border the city shores, the nearest is only a 10 minute taxi ride from our hotel. For more beautiful settings it is easily possible to make a day excursion to Sitges which has many attractive coves. The old town is also interesting and the evenings are very lively. For even more beautiful beaches go a little further, in 90 minutes you can be on the Costa Brava.
Location: 10 minutes by car/Sitges, 45 minutes by car
Figueres is a long way to go and unfortunately the town itself is unremarkable but for this extraordinary museum. It holds a unique collection of Salvador Dalí’s work. One of the world’s most famous surrealists the collection demonstrates the diversity of his talent and is one of the regions most popular destinations.
Location - 1 hour 30 minute ride
A nature park, cultural and spiritual destination. You can reach the top of the mountain by funicular railway to enjoy walks and fabulous views. Visit the museum with works from a 13th century BC Egyptian sarcophagus to a collection of impressionist paintings. Tour the sanctuary and join the monks in their communal prayers.
Location - 44-minute ride
The Sagrada Familia church was first commissioned in 1883, it became the life work of Gaudi and his masterpiece. As yet unfinished due to the ebb and flow of funding, you can witness the ongoing construction process. Take the elevator and enjoy the views.
Location - 9-minute taxi ride
The Block of Discord (Illa de la Discòrdia) is located just across from our hotel. In this significant landmark the different styles of three important modernist architects clash with each other and the neighbouring buildings with artistic boldness. The Casa Batlló is open to the public the other two are privately owned, but the lobbies can be viewed.
Location - 2-minutes from hotel
This is the old town of Barcelona, where the ancient Roman town of Barcino was originally located. It is characterised by narrow cobbled streets, gothic churches and period architecture. There are many peaceful squares in which to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Right in the centre of the Barri Gòtic is the Cathedral of Barcelona with a beautiful garden forecourt.
Location - 15-minute walk
This famous Gaudi park is a sight not to be missed. Within 15 hectares, it comprises amazing stone structures, modernist tiles and imaginative buildings. With fine views over the city, it is an inspirational place to take a pause. At the entrance to the park is the dragon fountain covered in colourful tiles. Within the park is the Casa Museu Gaudí but the park itself is far more interesting.
Location - 14-minute taxi ride
For panoramic views of the city take the funicular from Plaça Dr.Andreu up to the Tibidabo where there are a variety cafés. This is also the location of a family amusement park which has been in existence for more than 100 years and still includes some vintage rides.
Location - 14-minute taxi ride
This used to be a fortress but more recently it has been a military museum, it is now under development as a place for leisure and learning, including a museum. Take a cable car ride up to Montjuïc for splendid city views.
Location - 11-minute taxi ride
Apart from the designers on the ground floor of our own building, Barcelona’s boulevard of luxury is lined with elegant facades, each home to the finest in fashion: Bulagri, Hermès, Chopard, Jimmy Choo, just to name a few.
Location - Step out of the hotel
When you have walked the length of Passeig de Gràcia you will find yourself in Diagonal. It is one of Barcelona’s prime shopping areas and is also filled with high-end boutiques like Jean Pierre Bua, one of the first to import top Parisian brands, home designers such as Spanish lighting consultants Biosca & Botey and jewellers including the handmade pieces by Madrid designer Riera.
Location - 15-minute walk from hotel
Three large floors of shops and boutiques, with a wide range of international brands. Most things are available including fashion, gifts, home accessories and technology. Located in Avda.Diagonal
Location - 11-minute walk
This area is the antidote to shopping malls, with numerous smaller shops specialising in their own individual wares, which may be contemporary fashion, cooking utensils or wine. There are also a dozen or so good antique shops to browse around. Very pleasant window shopping with a trendy atmosphere.
Location - 7-minute taxi ride
Parallel to our address in Passeig de Gràcia, this promenade is full of shops where locals usually go for more everyday wear. You’ll find fashion brands such as Zara, Muji, Massimo Dutti as well as bookshops, beauticians and being Barcelona, the odd art gallery.
Location - Step out of the hotel
For committed bargain hunters of the chic, La Roca del Vallès is half an hour outside Barcelona and home to numerous high street brands such as Diesel, Miss Sixty, Ralph Lauren or Custo at reduced prices. They have a personal shopper service if you want to take a wholly professional approach to your fashion.
Location - 34-minute ride
Awarded with a Michelin star, our gourmet restaurant is blazing a trail in traditional Catalan cuisine. Directed by Carme Ruscalleda, the only female chef in the world to have earned five Michelin stars for her restaurants in Spain and Tokyo, and her son Raül Balam, Moments is one of the finest dining experiences in Barcelona. The Moments dining room is an ultimately chic space; gold and amber touches glint in the bright daylight and shimmer in the evening. Private dining behind a sheer curtain presents
Location - At the hotel
Two hours out of Barcelona, on the Costa Brava, is El Bulli, named one of the best restaurants in the world. It is only open April to September and is booked almost a year in advance. The rest of the year chefs are creating new gastronomic experiences, playing with temperature, texture and taste to present an extraordinary gourmet menu. It is worth the wait.
Location - 2 hours
A fairly busy contemporary tapas bar. Baskets and bowls filled with fresh ingredients give you a sense of abundant good produce and the end results are never disappointing. Speciality tapas of the day change regularly. Open from 9am for breakfast until midnight.
Location - 2-minute walk
