Holidays in Barcelona, Spain

Posted January 9, 2011 by BookingBuddy

Draped along the rugged Mediterranean coast, Barcelona greets visitors with abundant sunshine, friendly people, fantastic food, and its famous nightlife scene. Stroll along the Passeig de Gràcia past breathtaking Gaudí buildings and chic shops, explore the Barri Gòtic 's (Gothic quarter) tight streets, admire the Sagrada Familia's elegant spires, or simply catch some rays on bustling La Barceloneta. Whether you want to party all night or simply relax with a glass of wine and tapas, Barcelona makes you feel at home.  Cheap year round flights to Barcelona from the UK make it hard to resist a holiday in this Spanish city.

Eat

Casa Delfin: Want to eat like a local? Tucked away in El Born, Casa Delfin is understated, casual, and far enough off the tourist track that you may be the only foreigner there.  The restaurant  serves tapas and mains at reasonable prices, and everything is full of flavor. Service is friendly and professional. Best of all, patrons can sit outside on the pedestrian Passeig del Born, across from the Mercat del Born. A great place to while away the evening hours with wine and good food. Tapas from around €5, mains from around €10.

Stay

Hotel Cram: Barcelona is known for its "design hotels," which emphasize form, often at the expense of function; but while the Cram's curved walls and circular bathrooms may be disconcerting at first, the hotel's location and rooftop plunge pool and deck more than make this a worthwhile stay. Situated just three blocks from the bustling Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona's quiet L'Eixample area, Hotel Cram provides easy access to Gaudí's Casa Mila, the Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas, and the Barcelona metro. Windows open to L'Eixample's breezy, tree-lined streets, which are busy during the day but quieter in the evening. The hotel offers breakfast (extra charge) on the rooftop deck, and there are plenty of cafes and bakeries nearby. Rooms start at around €120 during high season.

Shop

El Born (la Ribera): This little piece of Barcelona, wedged between the Barri Gòtic and La Barceloneta in Barcelona's old city, is a breath of fresh air in one of the city's most tourist-heavy areas. Simply cross the Via Laietana, and souvenir shops are largely replaced by boutiques, galleries, and, of course, cafes and restaurants. El Born is also home to the Museu Picasso. It's easy, and enjoyable, to get lost here!

Categories: Barcelona, City break destinations, Europe, Holiday Ideas, Spain