Travel Guide
Barcelona is a city located in northeastern Spain, 90 miles (150 km) south of the French border. It is Spain’s major Mediterranean port and commercial center and is famed for its individuality, cultural interest, and physical beauty.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region of Northern Spain that has its own unique culture, traditions and personality. The city offers a wide diversity of cultural experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Barcelona is famous for Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture. It’s a hub of new trends in the world of culture, fashion and cuisine.
1. Discover the streets of El Gotico, stopping at the Cathedral of Barcelona with its gothic cloisters. Continue walking to Plaça Sant Jaume where Barcelona's town hall and Catalonia’s Government are located.
2. Walk around Passeig de Gracia and admire the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both created by Antonio Gaudí. This is the perfect neigborhood for well deserved shopping. Rambla Catalunya one street over has plenty of nice terraces for small coffee or cocktail breaks.
3. Stroll down Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas (where the famous Liceu theatre and the Boqueria Market are located)
4. El Born is a charming neighborhood where you'll find plenty of quaint stores and the stunning basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. The Picasso Museum and Moco Musem are also located in this quarter.
5. Sagrada Familia. The most famous Barcelona landmark. This massive basilica was the work that Gaudí was laboring over when he tragically died. Construction started in 1882, although by the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926 it was still less than a quarter finished. At time of writing, it’s still not complete.
6. Recinte de Sant Pau. Originally built as a hospital, this series of buildings is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, and has been awarded UNESCO world heritage status alongside the Palau de la Música Catalana in the Gothic Quarter.
7. Situated on the hills towards the north of the city, Park Güell is another of Gaudí’s works. This is a little bit different though, being as it is a large, beautiful park area with a number of nooks and crannies to explore and visit. It has magnificent, iconic views of Barcelona.
8. Tibidabo is Spain’s oldest amusement park, the second oldest in Europe and one of the first ever built in the world.
9. If you are a football fan you cannot miss the FC Barcelona stadium Camp Nou. It is the second largest stadium in the world.
10. Montjuïc and its Olympic Ring hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. This hill also hosts the Fundació Miró and Poble Espanyol.
TAPAS
Bar Cañete, La Pepita, Mont Bar, Paco Meralgo, Cerveceria Catalana/Vinitus/Ciudad Condal, Tapas 24, Soma
PAELLA
Pez Vela, Terraza Martinez, Restaurante Barceloneta, 7 Portes, Xiringuito Escribá, Mana 75
BRUNCH
Cecconi's, Honest Greens, Faire, Picnic Restaurant, Oma Bistro, Granja Petit Bo
FOR THE VIEWS
La Venta, Terraza Martinez, Restaurante Mirabé, El Xalet de Montjuïc, 1881 per Sagardi
MICHELIN
ABaC, Disfrutar, Lasarte, Can Roca, Tickets
OTHERS
Estimar, Dos Pebrots, Boca Grande, Alba Granados, Feroz, El Nacional, Rodizio, The Green Spot, Margarita, Da Michele, Asador de Aranda, Yakumanka, Rasoi
Boca Chica, Pastrami Bar / El Paradiso, Dry Martini, Old Fashioned, Guzzo Gastropub, Terraza Alaire, Casa Fuster rooftop, Cotton House hotel terrace
We understand that many of our guests are planning to arrive Barcelona early or stay a few days after the wedding. While these are not partner hotels, they are among our favorites in the city.
ME Barcelona (5*) - www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/barcelona/me-barcelona
Sir Victor Hotel (5*) - www.sirhotels.com/es/victor/
Monument Hotel (5*) - www.monumenthotel.com
H10 Metropolitan (4*) - www.h10hotels.com/es/hoteles-barcelona/h10-metropolitan
Hotel Condes de Barcelona (4*) - www.condesdebarcelona.com
Hotel Praktik Vinoteca (3*) - www.hotelpraktikvinoteca.com
Hotel Praktik Bakery (3*) - www.hotelpraktikbakery.com
1 day trip suggestions
El Penedès: The famous wine and cava region located only 30 minutes away from Barcelona and accessible by train. It is home to over 300 wine producers, offering a large variety of wines to be discovered.
Sitges: If you’d like to discover another side of Catalonia while enjoying a change of scenery, Sitges is a great option, just 30 min from Barcelona. It boasts a beautiful coastline, charming little streets and spectacular mediterranean light! **This is actually just 15 min from Gran Villa Rosa.
Montserrat: Home to a Benedictine monastery and a basilica famous for the Virgin of Montserrat aka the Black Madonna. The Montserrat Monastery dates back to the 10th century and is still home to some 150 monks. It’s also one best places for hiking in the region due to the sheer variety of trails.
Let us know if you need more recommendations, we'd be happy to help!
"Cheat Sheet" for First Time Visitors
Taxis and Transport: Taxis are abundant and inexpensive all around the city. Uber does not operate in Barcelona, but Cabify and FREE NOW offer similar services. Public transport is also ubiquitous, inexpensive, and reliable.
Tipping: There is no obligation to tip in Spain. Of course, you are free to leave a tip if you are satisfied with the service but there is no expectation to do so. Some establishments may charge a service fee for large groups.
Credit Cards and Cash: Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted, with American Express only accepted in some hotels and establishments. Cash isn't necessary, but may be useful to keep small change for incidentals.
Safety & Security: Spain (and Barcelona) is generally very safe, but petty theft is common in tourist areas. Please be vigilant with your belongings and try not to be the easiest target for pick pockets by looking distracted and unaware.
Emergencies: Dial "112" for emergencies. For urgent medical concerns, Spain boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the world and multiple clinics and hospitals are easily accessible should you require it.
Speaking Spanish (or lack thereof): Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Unless you've decided to go off the beaten path, basic English is widely spoken in the metro area, enough to get around and order food and drinks. If you're lucky, you may even catch a bit of Catalan!
Shopping: When going shopping in the city center, remember to ask for tax free document and submit it at the airport to get 10%-15% refund in your purchases. The process is easy!
Girona is a charming city, with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. It boasts a beautifully preserved medieval old town, lined with narrow streets, ancient walls, and historic buildings that offer visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
The city's vibrant food scene is another reason to visit, with a range of traditional and modern restaurants serving delicious Catalan cuisine.
Overall, Girona offers a unique and authentic Spanish experience that is well worth exploring.
1. Girona Cathedral (where game of thrones was filmed)
2. Get lost walking the streets of the old Jewish quarter
3. Visit the roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. A medieval wall
4. Visit arab baths dating 1194
5. Relax in the gardens of Alemanys