Barcelona, Spain
The Bunkers (Bunker del Carmel)
The best view in the city. If you put “The Bunkers” (C. Maria Labernia s/n, 08032 Barcelona, Spain) in your GPS it is probably far from where you are staying but I promise it is worth the trip. Take a blanket, some drinks and snacks and spend your evening taking in the view.
Rooftop Sunset
One of my favorite spots in the city was 1881 per SAGARDI (free admission) which is on the roof of the History Museum of Catalonia. The best part is the view at sunset while the second best is the prices of drinks! Grab a glass of Cava or wine for about 6 euros. Another nice rooftop in Barca is Barceló Raval. It is a hotel that has a 360 view of the entire city as well as a small Jacuzzi you can enjoy.
Playa Bogatelle & Mar Bella
If you want to visit a beach Playa Bogatelle and Mar Bella are you best bet. Get away from the business of La Barceloneta and immerse yourself in the locals of Barcelona. Bogatelle is just a 25 min walk on the path that runs along the beach from La Barceloneta. If it is summer time you can go to Bogatell and play volleyball - everyone is very welcoming and you simply just ask to play, so if you’re traveling by yourself it’s a great way to meet people. Mar Bella is a little bit further away and I recommend taking a bike, bus, or skating but it is the most quiet beach in the city.
Sensi Tapas
If you want to spend a little more on dinner one night I HIGHLY recommend Sensi Tapas (Carrer Ample 24, 08002 Barcelona) All though they are not “traditional” Spanish tapas, the food is a great price for the quality and even better flavor. My favorite was the fried zucchini, eggplant parmesan and the risotto.
Brunch & Cake by the Sea
Healthy, cheap, & and tastes AMAZING. What more can you ask for? This place ended up being one of my favorite places to eat in the city. There are two locations but I only visited the one in La Barceloneta. If you go on the weekend (during the summer at least) be prepared to wait 15-40 minutes, but I promise you it is worth it (they bring you yummy orange juice while you’re waiting as well)! My favorite dishes were the salmon bowl (I usually don’t like fish but this was SO good), the french toast, and most of all the oatmeal pancake.
Parc de la Ciutadella
You can’t visit Barcelona without visiting this beautiful park. There is nothing in particular to do but every time you go you will have a unique experience and really feel like you are in the heart of Spain. You’ll find everything from people dancing salsa on a Sunday afternoon to a family rowing in a boat in the mini lake. Save an afternoon to enjoy this park (and don’t forget to bring the cervesas).
All the “Touristy” Things
Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Mercado de la Boceria, La Rambla, FC Barcelona Game, etc. You have heard of all of these things and they are all great to see if you have the chance. Quick Tips:
You have to pay to enter Park Guell and reserve a time slot
FC Barcelona tickets can pretty much only be bought on resale
If you want to visit Sagrada Famíla be sure to buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance (sometimes up to a week if it is summer time)
Be careful not to get robbed on La Rambla - it’s the biggest tourist trap of the city
Mercado de la Boceria is a super cool atmosphere but extremely over priced. It’s nice to walk around but don’t feel like you have to buy something. Also, the further back you go the cheaper the prices are.
Rooftop Bar & Pool at SoHo House Barcelona
I only visited this place once but it was really nice! Decently priced drinks and a beautiful view of the port. It’s not somewhere I would usually find myself as it is on the fancier side of things, but I think because of the view and the roof top pool I would go again. I went with a friend that has a membership there so I am not sure how it is on access or pricing but if you have the chance to go I highly recommend it!
El Raval
El Raval is something special. People might tell you that it is dangerous but if you go during the day to the main areas there is nothing to worry about. Be sure to check out the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). Visit the museum or just grab a seat at the coffee shop in the square and watch the dozens of skates show off their tricks.