Five Reasons to Visit Barcelona
CULTURE
Barcelona is a warm, flourishing, lively city, where it has reclaimed its charm and individuality, while showing traces of its rich history. By day, there’s plenty to explore and by night, the entertainment is never short of excellent. Once you’re out in the evening, you’re out for the rest of the night. It’s also home to one of the best football club’s in the world; Barcelona Football Club, which is an attraction in itself.
ALCOHOL
There are many bars in the main town centre, where drinks are relatively cheap and with bars open up until 2-3am, there’s enough time to get prepared before partying the night away.
NIGHTLIFE
There are many bars around Barcelona which will have cheap drinks and live music on certain nights, but for a real Spanish experience, visit the Antilla BCN Latin. When the sun comes down, there are live salsa shows, DJs playing rumba and you get to indulge in with the locals, so be prepared to party the Barcelona way! No one parties like the Latinos do!
BEACHES
Barcelona has four popular beaches amongst its visitors, which include Barceloneta, Mar Bella, Nova Icaria and Bogatell. Barceloneta is the closest beach to the city. The easiest way is to catch a yellow line metro; otherwise it’s a 20 minute walk. Mar Bella Beach is definitely one for those who love their water sports. All beaches have fantastic beachside bars and restaurant and are kitted out with disabilities, sun beds and lifeguards.
MUSEUMS
Barcelona has a rich history and it’s evidently explored through the vast amount of museums the city has. The Barcelona Contemporary Culture Centre (CCCB) organises exhibitions in dance, music, urbanism, debates and readings. Its display of all the arts, such as sculpture, painting, engraving, photography, and much more rich art can be explored at the Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC). For all chocolate lovers, it’d be perfect for you to visit the Chocolate Museum. It’s a museum that travels through history of the rich, sweet and delicious product. There are many more museums to indulge and captivate your mind in this great, historic Spanish city.
On A Budget
DRINKING
Yakuta Bar
With a really unique design, luxury art and interesting art and cosmopolitan clientele, Yakuta Bar is the ideal location for a couple looking for a romantic night out. It gets popular, so it’s best to get there before 10pm. It’s a great place to watch sports events and with free Wi-Fi, it is definitely one of the better and more modern bars in Barcelona.
Barri Gotic & Las Ramblas
With it being in the central location and with the atmosphere of Medieval Spain, this is the perfect place to start for tourists. There are lots of clubs, pubs and bars in this gothic area. There are funky clubs, bars and restaurants in the area with Rita Blue and “Bosque de los Fades” (The forest of fairies) being the most popular ones. Las Ramblas boulevard is also the place to go if you're looking for that sweet Moroccan hash but lack a personal hookup.
Maremagnum
This is Barcelona’s biggest mall, with there being half shops and half clubs. During the day, it’s a nice stroll with family or friends and by night, it comes alive. Bars, pubs and clubs take over with music ranging from techno to salsa. It’s one not to be missed!
EATING
Dos Palillos
The traditional Spanish tapas get inspired by the delicate savours of Asia. The head chef decided to get his inspiration from the Far East, from places like China, Vietnam and Thailand and it’s proved to be a great inspiration! Imagine Asian savours mixed with Spanish traditional and elegant tapas and products like fish, seafood and vegetables. The creativity, elegance and class of the food ensure it’s not one to be missed!
Average Meal Price: £16
Fonda Gaig
For a real traditional taste of Catalan food, Fonda Gaig is certainly the place to dine. Traditional legendary dishes include slender cannelloni with a decadent multimeat filling, and macarrones Del cardenal, silky pasta tubes cloaked in a divine sauce of cream and onion sofrito under gratinéed Parmesan. In a calm atmosphere with mellow lighting, it’s the perfect destination for a long lunch or dinner.
Average Meal Price: £27.50 - £36
SLEEPING
The Hipstel
The Hipstel is a brand new hotel with modern designs with Barcelona’s authentic architecture. It’s located near the main districts in town and is walking distance to all the main attractions. With free Wi-Fi and the great atmosphere, The Hipstel would be an ideal place to stay.
Average price per night: £16
Rambla & Catalunya
Rambla & Catalunya is located on one of Barcelona’s most elegant streets. It is surrounded by modern architecture and there’s a wide set of cultural and leisure activities to pursue in. Psitioned in the heart of the city, access to shopping centres, restaurants and bars is right down the road.
Average price per night: £12
Ole Barcelona
Ole Barcelona is a hostel in a relaxed environment and is a two-minute walk from the closest metro station. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and other options to dine out at. There are rooms with balconies that over look the city life and free Wi-Fi for all guests. This is the perfect hostel for those who are looking for a nice, calm getaway from all the partying.
Average price per night: £12
PARTYING
Moog
Moog is a tiny club with a big reputation. It’s a respected club, both locally and internationally. It’s an elegantly designed club with wood and iron, with the downstairs area being graced with a wooden bar and culminates in a sunken dance-floor lined with cabinets full of spirit bottles. This is a club for those that love house and techno and there is a small room upstairs, where pop is played, for those less tech people.
Razzmatazz
This warehouse is one of Barcelona’s foremost clubs, and who can argue? It’s huge, electric and is always in popular demand with locals and tourists. It’s spread over five rooms and the standard procedure involves getting lost at least once on every visit. Razz club offers indie and rock on the ground floor, while for club-heads, the Loft room is the crown jewel. It has a superb atmosphere and people like Derrick May, Cobblestone Jazz and Ewan Pearson have all hosted house and techno nights there.
Mac Arena Mar Beach Club
This has been regarded as Barcelona’s top summer club, and not just because it’s free. The centre is a large chiringuito with beds, gastro-chic menu to feed pit-stop dancers. Friday and Saturday night parties are fun, but Sunday night seems to be the main night of the weekend. Sunday is showcase to a fantastic selection of the finest underground house and techno DJs. The atmosphere is electric and always proves to be a great success. If you’re looking for a beach party, than this is one not to be missed!
By Hiten Mandalia
