Here’s our Barcelona Anti-Tourist Guide to make sure you take the best of it while feeling like a local!
Barcelona is the second biggest city in Spain, with only Madrid being bigger and having more people. Even though it’s not the biggest city or the capital, many people think of it first when they think of Spanish cities. Barcelona is a very famous city for tourists. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, sunny beaches and also delicious Spanish food, and much more. If you’re a new tourist and still have questions about visiting Barcelona, don’t worry! We’ll help you discover the city as a local. Check out our Barcelona Anti-Tourist Guide
How many days should I take to visit Barcelona?
It really depends on what you’re interested in and what your priorities are. Usually, three or four days in Barcelona is enough although if you’re staying for three or four days, you’ll have plenty of time to see everything without rushing. But if you’re into museums, for example, it might take you an extra day. The same goes if you want to go see a FC Barcelona game.
What are the Main highlights of Barcelona?
1. Barcelona’s Music Scene
a) Live Music in Barcelona
Barcelona y Flamenco
This popular theater is a must-visit if you like live music and want to discover more about Spanish culture. They also perform a lot of flamenco, Spain’s national dance. During these performances, you’ll see an amazing collaboration between opera and flamenco.
El Molino
This bar has a gorgeous interior. It’s all red and cozy, with a little stage for live bands to perform. They serve good wines, like local and international varieties. You can spot the bar by the windmill on the outside.
Big Bang
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some live music, Big Bang is another option worth checking out. This bar mostly offers a big dose of rock and roll with a lot of guitars. It’s right in the heart of the Raval, so the location is perfect if you want to do something else before or after you visit.
b) Festivals in Barcelona
Primavera Sound
This yearly festival is one of the city’s most popular. Every year at the start of June, they invite some international stars to perform as the headliners. The festival focuses on alternative rock and electronic music.
Cruïlla
If you’re into all kinds of music, Cruïlla is probably the festival for you. It’s all about celebrating diversity, both in music and in people. So, come join us every July at Cruïlla for a musical extravaganza like no other!
Brunch
Brunch is probably the most popular festival among the locals. This open-air festival features a bunch of international and national artists playing all kinds of music. It’s an event you’d be hard-pressed to miss if you’re in Barcelona during the summer.
c) Clubbing in Barcelona
Razzmatazz
This club is one of a kind. It’s got five floors, and each one’s got its own music, lighting, and decor. Some of the floors even have live dancers, which makes the experience even better. You’ve got to check out this club when you’re in Barcelona.
Apolo
This club isn’t as big as some of the others in the city, which might be better for some people. It’s got two floors and is pretty spacious, and the drinks are affordable, which is rare for this kind of place.
2. Where to eat in Barcelona
La Cova Fumada
This local-run restaurant is as local as they come in Barcelona. This small, authentic Spanish restaurant is the place to try tapas, Spain’s national dish. It’s a bit harder to find because there’s no sign or indication on the outside, but that makes it a hidden gem!
La Luna Restaurante
This place is still off the beaten path, so you won’t have to deal with the crowds of tourists. It’s a small, unassuming restaurant tucked away in the side streets of Barcelona. They’ve got a huge menu with mostly traditional Spanish dishes. You’ve got to check out the atmosphere.
Braseria La Selva
This “braseria” has a jungle-themed interior that makes it stand out as a unique and fun place to visit. The interior alone is enough to make you want to go there. They’re known for their steak and meat dishes, so if you’re a real meat lover, this place is like heaven!
3. What to see in Barcelona
Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral of Barcelona isn’t as popular as some of the other cathedrals in the city, mostly because of its big sisters, the Sagrada Familia from Gaudí and the Santa Maria del Mar. But that doesn’t mean it’s less beautiful or important! It’s the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and Catalonia, and it’s in the center of the old city, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
The Expiatory Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a church and small basilica located on the top of Mount Tibidabo. It’s a bit farther from the center, but it’s very easy to get there by public transport or taxi. The outside is beautiful and imposing, and there’s a great view of the whole of Barcelona.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà is a famous building in Amsterdam, but many tourists don’t make a point of visiting it or taking a look at it from the outside. It’s one of many iconic Barcelona buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí who besides is the guy who did the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.Casa Milà is one of many Gaudí buildings that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s in the L’Eixample district of Barcelona, and from the outside, it looks pretty rustic, which makes it stand out from the other buildings which is a great example of the Modernism Catalan style.
Casa Batlló
Built in 1877 on Passeig de Gràcia, this Antoni Gaudí–designed building is a famous Barcelona landmark, like Casa Milà. It’s got all the corners and straight lines dialed out, and everything is rounded. The figures on the outside represent the waves of the sea. The front is covered in mosaic, and it looks like a dragon.
4. Alternative places in Barcelona
Turó de la Rovira (Bunkers del Carmel)
This viewpoint is probably one of the most magical spots in the city. The old bunkers offer an amazing view of the whole city, especially at sunset. They’re the perfect place to enjoy an amazing end to your day (or start of your night).
Palo Alto
Palo Alto is a hidden gem in the streets of Barcelona. This market has a lot to offer. You can find all kinds of street food there, as well as books, clothes, and more.
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