Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a buzzing city, proud to be part of Cataluña. It is trendy and artistic, filled with fashionable youth, avant-garde music, and world renowned architecture. While I was living in Lisbon, I jetted over the Iberian Peninsula for a long weekend in Barcelona. I was surprised to never have visited the city before, as my family spent many summers in L'Escala, a seaside town just north of the city.

*Barcelona has more pickpockets than any other city I have ever visited. About half of my group had something stolen. Be vigilant of your belongings, especially if you are drinking, walking Las Ramblas, or on the beach.

Accommodation:

For those of you in search of peace and privacy, check into the sultry hotel, The Wittmore, where photography is prohibited. This adults-only space is plush, sexy, and feels like a private club. The rates make it a steal for a five-star hotel located in one of Barcelona’s most sought-after areas.
For opulence and splendor, stay at El Palace. They can make anything happen – Salvador Dalí famously had a horse sent up to his room.

Activities

Wander the streets to observe the buildings designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudí.
Spend a day basking in the sun at the beach.
Walk Las Ramblas and through La Boqueria market.

Food:

Catalan cuisine relies heavily on Mediterranean ingredients. Many dishes blend sweet and savoury. For an authentic, Catalan haute cuisine, book a table at Moments.
Arola sits atop the Hotel Arts Barcelona. Comfortable sofas bring a relaxed vibe to the hip modern tapas restaurant, which hosts DJs every evening and live music once a week in summer. Also, there’s an excellent Spanish wine list.

Nightlife:

For drinks, head to Alaire Terrace Bar, which offers amazing views of Gaudi’s Casa Mila and the Sagrada Familia, There’s often live music or a DJ.
If you want to escape the partygoers, head to Tandem Cocktail Bar. The quiet spot attracts an older clientele that appreciates the finer things in life. Alternatively, try Cecconi’s; a bar and restaurant located on a Soho House property, but you don’t need to be a member to go.
On the other hand, if you enjoy clubbing, you’ve come to the right place. Don't expect to start going out until after midnight. Barcelona has so many fun cubs and bars - check them all out here. I personally enjoyed Razzmatazz and Moog’s mirror room.

Tourist Attractions:

The Sagrada Familia was undergoing exterior renovations during my visit, so I was unable to see the cathedral in all its glory. Despite the scaffolding, the building was a spectacular feat of engineering and architecture. Anticipate a long wait to get in.
Parque Güell (below) is a marvelous and magical outdoor space designed in 1900 by Antoni Gaudí. The gardens feature mosaic sculptures and panoramic vistas of the city.