DK Travel : Barcelona

With warm, crystal-clear waters lapping its sandy shores and mountains nuzzling up to its northern edge, this glittering jewel in the Mediterranean is blessed with desirable geographical genes. From the buoyant, revamped port area to the atmospheric medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and the beautiful Modernista buildings of the Eixample, Barcelona has it all. A host of treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, lively beaches and enchanting squares provide the icing on the cake.

Eixample

For some of the city’s most breathtaking Modernista gems, walk the length of Pg de Gràcia south to north, past the Mansana de la Discòrdia (Mansana de la Discòrdia) and La Pedrera (La Pedrera). Turn right onto C/Mallorca, which leads to Gaudí’s Sagrada Família (Sagrada Família). Take a left along C/Marina, past the church’s awe-inspiring Nativity Façade, and head up Av Gaudí to Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau (Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau).
El Asador d’Aranda

Housed in the magnificent Modernista Casa Roviralta, this restaurant is a magnet for business-folk. Order the delicious lamb roasted in an oak-burning oven and dine in the beautiful garden.
El Asador d’Aranda

This palatial restaurant, perched high above the city on Tibidabo, dishes up the best in Castilian cuisine. Sizeable starters include pica pica , a tasty array of sausages, peppers and hams. The signature main dish is lechazo (young lamb) roasted in a wood-fired oven. See Restaurants & Tapas Bars.
El Born

Amid El Born’s web of streets are all sorts of art and design shops. Passeig del Born and Carrer Rec are dotted with innovative little galleries (from sculpture to interior design), plus clothing and shoe boutiques.
El Bosc de les Fades

Enter this dark, surreal, fairy-tale-like café, replete with faux gnarled trees, intimate cosy nooks and a gurgling brook, to enjoy delicious coffee concoctions, cocktails, wine and beer.
El Bulli

A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Extraordinary creations by the three-Michelin-star chef Ferran Adria such as wild mushrooms in test tubes. Book months in advance (via their website).
El Cafè que pone Muebles Navarro

One of the pioneers in the revival of the El Raval barrio , this spacious lounge bar serves up cocktails and light bites to a hip, eclectic crowd. With a nod to its former life as an old furniture shop, the minimalist space is scattered with comfortable, mismatched secondhand sofas and chairs. See Bars & Clubs.
El Cafè que pone Muebles Navarro

Kick back with a cocktail at this sprawling lounge bar speckled with low, comfortable couches.
El Call

El Call was home to one of Spain’s largest Jewish communities until their expulsion in the 15th century. The dark streets of this ghetto are so narrow it is said you can tie a handkerchief across their width.
El Candil

This classic disco bar is always busy, busy, busy.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €10
- €10–20
- €20–30
- over €30