Barcelona is a city capable of delivering a good kick in butt of any greyish winter mood. It’s chock-full of bars and tapas restaurants, and the perfect geographical situation makes it possible for visitors to dip their feet in the Mediterranean Sea while drinking mojitos for much of the year. It is charming in a laid-back southern way, with a dash of Catalonian sass. It is sexy like Penelope Cruz in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In short, Barcelona is a vitamin injection for all senses.
When you have admired Gaudi’s architectural marvels and the cultural landmarks, it is time to make a rush at the city’s sumptuous range of bars and tapas eateries. A popular spot with Catalonian party animals of both sexes is La Xampaneria, close to the Barceloneta beach. A night out often starts here – only cava and bocadillos (sandwiches) are served, and the place is frequently so crowded that it’s necessary to place your order with the person next to you, who then passes it on until it reaches the bar. But it is difficult to get away without having made some new Spanish friends.
Photo: Hector Garcia
Barceloneta is also home to the best places in terms of freshly caught fish. Try for instance La Jaica a popular little restaurant serving local fish tapas at the bar and in the street when the interior gets too crowded – which is a commonplace occurrence.
Photo: Kevin Krejci
When you move from Barceloneta up towards the gothic neighbourhood Barri Gotic, you pass several tempting restaurants in the winding and narrow streets. On Carrer Ferran, which joins the Rambla, you’ll find some of the more glamorous restaurants and bars, such as Café Schilling. This spacious bar is dominated by dark wood and zinc, and here you can watch the street life while listening to soft tango music and drinking a glass of red wine. Later in the evening the bar turns into a trendy and pulsating nightclub.
Photo: Mariano Photos
On the other side of the Rambla lies El Raval, an area that until recently was known for its prostitutes and pickpockets, but now has been thoroughly renovated and transformed into a happening place for artists and bohemians. Unconventional designer stores can be found in the vicinity of the museum of modern art.
For food lovers is the Boqueria market (also in El Raval) mandatory. Here, eyes and taste buds can indulge in Spanish chorizo, manchego, saffron and seafood. Satisfy yourself with food samples or have some tapas in one of the market’s rather touristy cafés.
As an alternative, you might want to check out the funky hippie bar Bar Ra at Plaça de la Gardunya right next to the market. A sundrenched terrace and a cheap selection of healthy food make it a popular lunch spot with students and local office workers. Live music is performed in the evenings.
This article is written by journalist Rebecca Graversen
