SHOPPING
Besides luxury shopping on Passeig de Gracia and the thousands of small shops spread in the streets by La Rambla, a place to absolutely visit is the Boqueria, colorful and filled with fresh products of any kind, from vegetables to exotic fruits, fish and meat.
FOOD & DRINK
La Xampanyeria (Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7). Very close to the Barceloneta district, this restaurant is rustic and offers excellent tapas and bocadillos and where the traditional jamon serrano is king.
Restaurante La Palmera (Carrer de Jerusalem 30). How could leave Barcelona without trying the paella? Here’s the perfect restaurant. In a central area and just a few steps from La Rambla, this very small and extremely welcoming restaurant offers one of the best paellas in town.
Taberna Can Margarit
(Carrer de la Concordia 21).
In Barcelona you can eat excellent fish but also great quality meat! Besides the typical Catalan recipes, this restaurant offers sophisticated and pretty good meat dishes. The surrounding area is also interesting: a central location by the famous Plaza de Espanya.
ART & CULTURE
*Parc Guell.
One of the many masterpieces of Gaudì around the city, UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-see even for those who have just a weekend. As you’ll enter, you’ll feel like being in a museum-city with works in pure ceramic, mosaics and glass pieces on embossments and animal shaped sculptures like the majestic Salamander at the park entrance.
*La Sagrada Familia.
Symbol of the city, this catholic basilica stands not far from the center of Barcelona and it’s probably Gaudi’s the most visited work in town. It’s style is clearly Neo-Gothic and the facades of the church portray and illustrate the life of Jesus, from birth to death besides depicting the “Holy Family” on one of them.
*Montjuic.
It’s 177 meters high promontory located in the south of Barcelona. It’s not very easy to reach (it is quite a walk ) but the effort is completely rewarded when you’ll see it’s beauties. Among the many attractions, there is a natural park, the Catalan National Art Museum and the 17th century Castle from which you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and it’s wonderful harbor. Just as you are about to leave the park you’ll find the “Fuente Magica”, a fountain that sprays colored water to the rhythm of music.
NIGHTLIFE
*Razzmatazz (Carrer Almogàvers, 122). One of the most famous clubs and hot spot for Spanish youngsters and tourists who look for a strong night. The space is huge, including 5 different rooms and music varies from rock to deep house. At times you can also find a DJ in the restroom spinning for your private urgencies …unusual, right?!
*Apolo (Carrer Nou de la Rambla 113). If you’ll still have time during these 48 hours, indulge in a cocktail and a dance at the historic Apolo, where you can find theme nights and, if you are lucky, even live concerts of very good Spanish artists. The entry is sometimes free, why not try?
*La Vela – W Hotels Barcelona (Placa de la Rosa dels Vents). This could be a great alternative for the evening of those who prefer something different from nightclubs in general. On the top floor of this hotel by the sea you can enjoy a breathtaking view on Barcelona and it’s waterfront while sipping on great drinks and very chic people (the dress code is super elegant!).
