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.

El Mirador del Llobregat

A viewing area with small gardens nearby, this is the only place in the city where you can see the plains of the Llobregat stretching below.
El Otro Lado

This über-designed space is a magnet for a young hip crowd. There are regular exhibitions and the low-key music makes it a conversation-friendly place.
El Paller de Can Viladomat

Visit the Catalonian interior from this rustic, 18th-century country home. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and breakfast and a home-cooked dinner are included in the price. There’s also a small swimming pool.
El Piano

Aimed at the slightly older women’s market, El Piano has a sumptuous array of clothes. The range covers hippy chic to pretty, elegant and stylish workwear.
El Principal

Oriental in design with a great terrace and “new” Mediterranean food.
El Racó de Can Fabes

The trad French-Catalan food at this three-Michelin-star country-house restaurant includes duck in blood with cep mushrooms.
El Xampanyet

A boisterous tapas bar serving champagne, pitchers of cider and generous portions of tapas.
El Xampanyet

The chink of glasses and the murmur of chattering will catch your ears as you pass this 'blink and you'll miss it' Barcelona gem.

Just a stone's throw from the Picasso Museum, El Xampanyet is a brilliant bar. Attracting all sorts of people from locals to tourists, businessmen to backpackers, El Xampanyet is a slice of the real Barcelona.

Xampanyet (or Cava) flows freely - and pretty cheaply - while a variety of delicious tapas is also available. You may have to fight your way to the bar as this small bar gets quite crowded but this is all part of the charm. The hubbub and activity makes for a great atmosphere, whether you stop for a pre-dinner drink or an all night session.
Els Encants

The best of Barcelona’s flea markets, Els Encants (east of the city) is where you’ll find everything you want – and don’t want – from second-hand clothes, furniture, toys and electrical appliances to home-made pottery and stacks of used books. Discerning browsers can fit out an entire kitchen from an array of pots, pans and utensils. Bargain-hunters should come early.
Els Pescadors

“The Fishermen”, a traditional Empordà -style restaurant, offers local specialities, including an array of blue fish dishes.

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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
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €60
- €60–120
- €120–180
- €180–240
- over €240