Arnau's honest local guide (ultimate Barcelona)
Gastronomy
The best in Barcelona per cuisine type, compiled by me with local friends and family
Best catalan cuisine in tapas format with premium ingredients. Lost in a modest neighbourhood, it is the place to eat if you are around Plaça d'Espanya or Monjtuïc.
9 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Bodega Amposta
1 Carrer d'AmpostaBest catalan cuisine in tapas format with premium ingredients. Lost in a modest neighbourhood, it is the place to eat if you are around Plaça d'Espanya or Monjtuïc.
In my opinion (and part of my family too) here you can eat the best paella, arroz negro (black rice) and fideua in town. All the menu is outstanding and deserves the slightly higher than average price-tag. Be careful when eating in this area, there are a to of tourist traps no worth your time and money.
62 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
La Mar Salada Restaurant
58 Passeig de Joan de BorbóIn my opinion (and part of my family too) here you can eat the best paella, arroz negro (black rice) and fideua in town. All the menu is outstanding and deserves the slightly higher than average price-tag. Be careful when eating in this area, there are a to of tourist traps no worth your time and money.
Family-run small restaurant with excellent local cuisine. Whenever I am taking out someone to eat I take them here. The menu is updated according to seasons and the experience is great. Well worth the medium-high price-tag.
RENOI Tapes i Vins per posar-vos fins
509 Carrer de ValènciaFamily-run small restaurant with excellent local cuisine. Whenever I am taking out someone to eat I take them here. The menu is updated according to seasons and the experience is great. Well worth the medium-high price-tag.
Best ice-cream in Barcelona, full stop. You usually have to queue but it is well deserved. Also available in Passeig Sant Joan.
32 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
DeLaCrem
15 Carrer d'Enric GranadosBest ice-cream in Barcelona, full stop. You usually have to queue but it is well deserved. Also available in Passeig Sant Joan.
Best donuts in town. Wide range of flavours and freshly made.
27 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
La Donutería
20 Carrer del ParlamentBest donuts in town. Wide range of flavours and freshly made.
One of the best spots for brunch. Also available in el Born district.
13 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Alsur Café Llúria
23 Carrer de Roger de LlúriaOne of the best spots for brunch. Also available in el Born district.
Outstanding ramen, the best in Barcelona. A small ramen bar which implies a bit of waiting to get seated but the ramen are just amazing.
15 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Grasshopper Ramen Bar
9 Plaça de la LlanaOutstanding ramen, the best in Barcelona. A small ramen bar which implies a bit of waiting to get seated but the ramen are just amazing.
Great brunch menu with healthy juices and cakes. A 2 minute walk from the loft!
134 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Brunch & Cake
19 Carrer d'Enric GranadosGreat brunch menu with healthy juices and cakes. A 2 minute walk from the loft!
Authentic and noteworthy Japanese restaurant in the heart of lovely Gracia district. Also available in Verdi street.
125 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Kibuka Goya
9 Carrer de GoyaAuthentic and noteworthy Japanese restaurant in the heart of lovely Gracia district. Also available in Verdi street.
The real xurros/churros with great hot chocolate, open 24h on weekends. Take away format at is really typical for churros. Be aware of the quantity since they are very tasty yet filling! A great end to a night out.
12 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Xurreria Trebol
341 Carrer de CorsegaThe real xurros/churros with great hot chocolate, open 24h on weekends. Take away format at is really typical for churros. Be aware of the quantity since they are very tasty yet filling! A great end to a night out.
Best spot to enjoy a beer with views over the sea. Must go on a sunny day, enjoy an "apéro" with a Moritz number 7 (one of the bests local beers) and some snacks.
54 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
La Caseta del Migdia
s/n Mirador del MigdiaBest spot to enjoy a beer with views over the sea. Must go on a sunny day, enjoy an "apéro" with a Moritz number 7 (one of the bests local beers) and some snacks.
Top pick for Venezuelan cuisine. Another great option is "El Rincón de la Abuela Venezolana" restaurant but it is further from the loft.
7 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
La Cachapera
57 C. de VillarroelTop pick for Venezuelan cuisine. Another great option is "El Rincón de la Abuela Venezolana" restaurant but it is further from the loft.
One of the most renowned restaurants for Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Be aware of the higher price tag although for a sporadic whim (or special occasion) you'll definitely think it is worth the money.
11 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Petit Comitè
13 Passatge de la ConcepcióOne of the most renowned restaurants for Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Be aware of the higher price tag although for a sporadic whim (or special occasion) you'll definitely think it is worth the money.
My personal favorite pastry, from greatly executed pastry classics to fancy compositions with great taste and aesthetics.
94 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Pastelería Hofmann
44 Carrer dels FlassadersMy personal favorite pastry, from greatly executed pastry classics to fancy compositions with great taste and aesthetics.
Creamy and flavourful ice creams close to the loft.
12 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Cremeria Toscana
161 Carrer de MuntanerCreamy and flavourful ice creams close to the loft.
Districts
Local, pedestrian and authentic neighbourhood not far from the loft. Full of small restaurants and bars where to refill while discovering its streets. Famous for its summer street parties and decorations!
119 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Gràcia
Local, pedestrian and authentic neighbourhood not far from the loft. Full of small restaurants and bars where to refill while discovering its streets. Famous for its summer street parties and decorations!
Originally a cluster of farms and country houses, Sarrià is now a premier residential neighborhood overlooking Barcelona from the hills. Start an exploration at the main square, Plaça de Sarrià—the site of Tuesday antique and bric-a-brac markets; Sunday morning sardana dances; Christmas pageants; and concerts, book fairs, and artisanal food and wine events at various times during the year.
Sarrià
Originally a cluster of farms and country houses, Sarrià is now a premier residential neighborhood overlooking Barcelona from the hills. Start an exploration at the main square, Plaça de Sarrià—the site of Tuesday antique and bric-a-brac markets; Sunday morning sardana dances; Christmas pageants; and concerts, book fairs, and artisanal food and wine events at various times during the year.
Exploring Barcelona
Spots in town (and nearby) that you have to visit at least once :)
Best training trail in the city. Running, biking or walking with impressive views and all without leaving town.
93 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Carretera de les Aigües
s/n Carretera de les AigüesBest training trail in the city. Running, biking or walking with impressive views and all without leaving town.
Discovering Catalonia
Barcelona is great but there is mucho more to discover in Catalonia - head out on these great day-trip or weekend suggestions
If you love mountains, head to Puigcerdà or nearby, in the region called La Cerdanya - the place to be in winter time. In the middle mountain chains and ski resorts you have all the amenities to go skiing, hiking, shopping or relaxing in a spa. Also recommended in other seasons when the area is less crowded.
90 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Puigcerdà
Carrer Mont CerdàIf you love mountains, head to Puigcerdà or nearby, in the region called La Cerdanya - the place to be in winter time. In the middle mountain chains and ski resorts you have all the amenities to go skiing, hiking, shopping or relaxing in a spa. Also recommended in other seasons when the area is less crowded.
The perfect day-trip: sun, beach, art, great vibes and excellent gastronomy. Take the train and head 30 minutes south to breath in mediterranean vibes and a lively coastal town. Nightlife is also recommended, a preferred LGBT+ hotspot.
28 il-persuni tal-post jissuġġerixxu
Sitges
The perfect day-trip: sun, beach, art, great vibes and excellent gastronomy. Take the train and head 30 minutes south to breath in mediterranean vibes and a lively coastal town. Nightlife is also recommended, a preferred LGBT+ hotspot.
Cadaqués
Coastal village at the end of the Costa Brava, local's favorite beach area.
Pariri dwar il-belt
Kif tista' tmur minn post għall-ieħor
Public transportation, electric scooters or Cabify
Metro and buses are everywhere and connect all the city. I usually prefer electric scooters (download Yego or Acciona apps) since they are quicker and you decide the route. Finally, use Cabify (the local Uber) if you've drank or don't feel like driving or waiting.
Mhux ta' min jitlifha
Best O.V. Cinemas in Barcelona
Feeling like going to the movies but you haven't mastered Spanish yet? Here is my pick of the best O.V. cinemas in town:
1. Cinema Balmes. Address: Carrer de Balmes, 422, 424, 08022 Barcelona
2. Phenomena. Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 168, 08025 Barcelona