Explore Barcelona: Tapas, Architecture & Rooftop Cocktails

• Sagrada Familia: This is an iconic basilica in Barcelona designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, renowned for its stunningly intricate facades, towering spires and unique blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau architectural styles, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the city. This was our favorite part of the trip, and I would say it's a "must do." You need to get tickets in advance to enter but this also includes an audio guide tour — make sure you pack your own headphones.

• Casa Amatller, Casa Mila and Casa Batlló: These iconic modernist buildings in Barcelona were designed by prominent architect Antoni Gaudí and his contemporaries, each showcasing unique architectural styles and intricate details that reflect the creativity and innovation of the Catalan Modernism movement. These are all free to view from the street, but you can also pay to go inside and do a tour. They are all very close to each other on the same street, Passeig de Gracia.

Arc de Triomf

• Parc de Ciutadella: A picturesque urban park that features lush gardens, a stunning fountain, a lake and cultural attractions, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and outdoor activities. It's free to enter and right next to the Arc de Triomf.

• Barceloneta Beach: Barceloneta Beach is a vibrant and bustling urban beach in Barcelona, known for its golden sand, lively atmosphere and numerous beachfront restaurants and bars, making it a favorite destination for sunbathers, swimmers and locals alike. This is free to enter.

Plaza Reial

• Walk Las Ramblas: A pedestrian street. Be mindful that this is very touristy and there are lots of tourist traps, including sellers, restaurants and gift shops. There are pickpockets in Barcelona so be mindful of your belongings.

• Cathedral de Barcelona: A magnificent Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city, renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate façades and beautiful interior, including a serene cloister and stained-glass windows.

• Get lost in the Gothic Quarter and El Born neighborhoods.

• Parc Guell: Designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring colorful mosaics, unique architectural structures and lush gardens that offer stunning views of the city. Reservations are also recommended.

• Take the cable car up to Monjuic.

Day trips

Take a day trip to Costa Brava: A stunning coastal region close to Barcelona, known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters and medieval towns. It offers a mix of cultural, outdoor and culinary experiences. Popular destinations include Tossa de Mar, Cadaques and the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve. The travel time from Barcelona is approximately one to two hours, and you can reach this destination by car, train or bus.

Favorite food spots

• Bar Lobo: A trendy and casual spot known for its great tapas. With its vibrant atmosphere and outdoor seating, it’s a popular place for both locals and tourists to enjoy creative, Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• Casa Lolea: A lively, Spanish restaurant and sangria bar in Barcelona, known for its artisanal sangrias and delicious tapas in a charming personable setting. I would definitely recommend making reservations and getting the sangria and steak tartare.

• Mercado de Boqueria: This is an amazing giant market where you should walk around and then grab food and drinks. There are tons of shops with options to choose from including juices, smoothies, meat, seafood, produce and pastries. Even if you're not getting anything, this is a must-see.

• Tropico: A vibrant café in Barcelona offering a globally-inspired brunch menu with tropical flavors and refreshing drinks in a laid-back, trendy setting. I recommend the smoothies.

• EatMyTrip: A brunch spot with delicious and beautiful cuisine options. This is a very popular spot so be prepared to wait for a table.

• La Papa: Excellent brunch, pastries and coffee with lots of healthy options. This was our favorite coffee of the trip!

• Bloome by Sasha: Healthy gluten-free brunch with excellent toasts, smoothies and lattes.

• Arenal: Great dinner spot right on the beach. Would recommend reservations! They have a sister restaurant called Xup Xup, which is also very good. This had the best patatas bravas and paella in our opinion.

• Carmina: A chic restaurant offering a modern twist on traditional Spanish cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a warm, stylish ambiance.

• Bo de B: A popular casual eatery known for its delicious, generously-filled sandwiches and salads, made fresh with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

• Julietas: A beachfront restaurant that combines a relaxed seaside atmosphere with a menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes and refreshing cocktails.

• Honest Greens: A casual eatery focused on wholesome, nutritious food, offering a diverse menu of fresh salads, grain bowls and seasonal dishes in a vibrant, eco-friendly setting.

• Cerveceria Catalana: A lively tapas bar known for its extensive selection of traditional Spanish dishes, vibrant atmosphere and a bustling open kitchen. This is definitely a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

• Bar Canete: A popular tapas bar with a menu featuring traditional Catalan dishes and a selection of fresh seafood.

Where to drink

There are so many bars scattered everywhere, so it's very easy to stop and get a drink wherever. Overall drinks — especially wine and sangria — were very reasonably priced.

• Hotel Colon: This is a beautiful rooftop overlooking the Barcelona Cathedral. There is no fee to get in, but they don't take reservations so be prepared to potentially wait.

• Monk: This was a very unique speakeasy hidden through a look-a-like supermarket. There are two areas — a seated area that takes reservations and a hidden disco club. This was less intense than a true "club," but the vibes were really cool, and they served a full cocktail menu. Would definitely recommend!

• Hotel Sercotel: This rooftop restaurant is directly across from La Sagrada Familia. This spot is reservation-only and they take reservations starting one week in advance starting at 6 pm EST, which sells out very quickly. It is $8 per person for the reservation. Food and drinks are good; the hype is all about the view!

• Mamaine: A cute cocktail bar in Born neighborhood — this neighborhood seems to have lots of good bar spots! Would recommend the espresso martini.

• Paradiso: An innovative cocktail bar, renowned for its creative mixology, speakeasy vibe and unique, artfully-crafted cocktails served in a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

• Dow Jones Bar: A cocktail bar featuring a stock market theme where drink prices fluctuate based on popularity.

• Orient Express Bar: A stylish and intimate venue inspired by the legendary train, offering a curated selection of exotic cocktails crafted with unique ingredients.

• Alaire Rooftop Bar: A chic rooftop venue in Barcelona that offers stunning views of the city skyline along with a sophisticated menu of cocktails and tapas.