Barcelona is one of those cities that feels alive at every hour of the day. From Gaudí architecture and vibrant markets to late night tapas bars, rooftop cocktails, beach walks, and hidden alleyways tucked inside the Gothic Quarter, whether it’s your first visit or fifth, there’s always something to discover. Even in the winter months, the sun shines over the city, making Barcelona one of the best European destinations year-round.
This Barcelona city guide covers where to stay, the best restaurants and coffee shops in Barcelona, rooftop bars, markets, photo spots, and the most beautiful things to do in the city.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
H10 Cubik
I recently discovered the H10 Hotels brand and completely fell in love with this property. Located in the heart of Barcelona just steps from the cathedral and historic center, the hotel combines a sleek modern design with an unbeatable location.
The rooms are bright, comfortable, and incredibly clean, while the rooftop terrace, Attik Terrace, offers beautiful panoramic city views. The overall atmosphere felt youthful, stylish, and relaxed rather than overly formal or stuffy. If possible, book a balcony room facing the city because waking up to those views is absolutely worth it.
H10 Casa Mimosa
For a quieter and more refined luxury experience, H10 Casa Mimosa is stunning. The hotel is housed inside a beautifully restored 19th-century Modernist building and sits directly beside Casa Milà, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous architectural works.
We stayed in the Deluxe Garden Room, which overlooked the peaceful garden and La Pedrera itself. The rooftop pool and terrace also have some of the best views in the city.
Barcelona’s markets are one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture, food, and daily life.
- Mercat de Santa Caterina: My personal favorite market in Barcelona. It feels less chaotic than La Boqueria while still being lively, colorful, and full of incredible local produce and food stalls.
- La Boqueria: Barcelona’s most famous market located off La Rambla. It’s definitely touristy, but still worth visiting at least once for the atmosphere alone.
- Mercat de Sant Antoni: Aside from fresh produce and local food vendors, this market also hosts a beloved Sunday book market.
- Mercat de la Concepció: Don’t miss the flower market tucked in the back.
Coffee Shops
- Chromatic Café: Known for its colorful aesthetic, specialty coffee and way from the more tourist-heavy parts of Barcelona.
- Skye Coffee Co.: Coffee served out of a beautiful vintage silver truck.
- Nomad Coffee Bar: A must-visit for coffee lovers. Tucked into one of the prettiest alleyways in the city with some of the best coffee beans you’ll find in Barcelona.
- Elocuente Café & Libros: A charming bookstore café in Barcelona perfect for slowing down with a coffee, flipping through books
- Jaç Hi-fi Cafe: specialty coffee and music
- Wanna BCN: a trendy brunch and coffee spot in Barcelona known for its aesthetic interiors, specialty coffee, fresh breakfast plates, and laid-back atmosphere that makes it especially popular with creatives and remote workers.
- Balzac Café: a charming Parisian-style café in Barcelona loved for its cozy interiors, outdoor terrace, fresh pastries, and relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a slow breakfast or afternoon coffee break.
Desserts & Churros
- chök: Barcelona’s famous doughnut shop with several locations around the city and great vegan options.
- Churrería Laietana: One of the best places in Barcelona for traditional churros and hot chocolate.
- Boca Chica: Gorgeous interiors and excellent cocktails.
- Restaurante Feroz: The food isn’t the standout here, but the atmosphere and drinks absolutely are.
- Dr. Stravinsky is an intimate cocktail bar in Barcelona celebrated for its experimental drinks, house-made infusions, and apothecary-style atmosphere that feels both inventive and effortlessly cool.
- Ocaña: One of my favorite places to stop for cocktails and live jazz music.
- Two Schmucks is a wildly popular Barcelona cocktail bar loved for its laid-back dive bar energy, creative drinks, and consistently being ranked among the best bars in the world.
- Paradiso: one of Barcelona’s most iconic cocktail bars, hidden behind a pastrami shop door and known for its theatrical drinks, moody interiors, and immersive speakeasy experience.
- Tiberi Bar: cozy neighborhood wine and tapas bar in Barcelona known for its intimate atmosphere, natural wines, and beautifully plated small dishes that feel both modern and relaxed.
- Gala Barcelona: a beautifully designed restaurant and cocktail spot in Barcelona known for its whimsical interiors, theatrical atmosphere, and stylish blend of Mediterranean dining and nightlife energy.
- Tapeo Born: Some of the best tapas in Barcelona.
- Norai Raval · Maritim Museum Restaurant: a beautiful hidden restaurant tucked inside Barcelona’s Maritime Museum with a peaceful courtyard setting and one of the most unexpectedly tranquil dining atmospheres in the city.
- Bar del Pla: Another excellent tapas spot with a cozy atmosphere.
- Flax & Kale: Healthy vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian dishes near Plaça Catalunya.
- Caravelle: One of the best brunch spots in the city.
- Citizen Café: Casual and consistently great for brunch.
- Cecconi’s Barcelona: Chic Italian dinner spot with a beautiful interior.
- Els Quatre Gats: Historic restaurant with gorgeous interiors and ties to Picasso.
- Surf House Barcelona: Great for a light and healthy beachside lunch.
- Bistrot Levante: Delicious Lebanese food in Barcelona.
- Arcano: Enjoy tapas inside a romantic 17th-century stone-walled cave space.
- El Nacional: Think of it as Barcelona’s most beautiful upscale food hall.
- Can Dendê: A favorite brunch destination among locals.
- Pepito Restaurante: Lovely steakhouse with a warm atmosphere.
- Bro: Great for a quick casual bite.
- Dora Tapas: Wonderful tapas and a lovely atmosphere.
Visit Montserrat
One of the best day trips from Barcelona. Take the train from Plaça Espanya station and then ride the cable car up to the monastery. The mountain views are breathtaking and there are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area.
Getting there: To get to Montserrat from Barcelona, take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya station to either Aeri de Montserrat (for the cable car) or Monistrol de Montserrat (for the rack railway), both offering beautiful scenic rides up to the monastery and mountain trails.
If you’d rather book a tour, I highly recommend this one. My mom and I went on this tour years ago and loved it.
There are also many hiking paths so bring comfortable shoes.
Explore the Cathedral of Barcelona
Located in the Gothic Quarter, the cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and worth visiting both inside and out.
Casa Batlló
one of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic masterpieces, famous for its colorful mosaic facade, dreamlike architecture, and surreal interiors that make it feel more like a work of art than a traditional building.
Buy tickets ahead of time here.
See Palau de la Música Catalana
My favorite place in all of Barcelona. This concert hall is one of the most beautiful architectural spaces I’ve ever visited and feels almost surreal inside. Buy tickets here.
Llibreria Finestres
Llibreria Finestres is one of the most beautiful bookstores in Barcelona, blending stunning design, curated bookshelves, cozy reading spaces, and a quiet café atmosphere that makes you want to spend hours wandering through it.
Visit Casa Milà
Also known as La Pedrera, this iconic Antoni Gaudí masterpiece is one of the city’s most stunning architectural landmarks. Buy tickets here.
Explore Montjuïc Castle
A historic fortress with incredible panoramic views overlooking Barcelona’s port.
Spend Time at Tibidabo Amusement Park
Perfect for the kids at heart. The vintage amusement park sits high above the city with incredible views and a beautiful church nearby.
Watch Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel
One of the best sunset viewpoints in Barcelona.
Photograph Pont del Bisbe
This beautiful Gothic bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Explore Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
One of the most underrated places in Barcelona, especially for Art Nouveau lovers. Buy tickets here.
Wander Through Park Güell
One of Barcelona’s most famous green spaces filled with colorful mosaics, Gaudí architecture, and sweeping city views.
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