May's 8 best Barcelona addresses

Oh no, actually 10

Barcelona. I can't count how many times we've been there. It's the perfect ‘weekend getaway city’ because it's not far to fly and you have the combination of city and sea. And Spanish coziness, that too. So let me, ahem, tell you where you need to be for the best addresses. And yes, these are mainly places where the food and drinks are great.

1. Blai Tapas, Carrer de Blai 9, Barcelona

In this little street, you'll find several great tapas bars. It was also very close to our hotel (hotel Andante), where we ended up with TUI. Very affordable, fresh, and well-located by the way. And a great rooftop pool, but that's beside the point. At Blai, you eat tapas among the Spaniards. They are affordable and it's just that they are so delicious, otherwise they would almost be too pretty to eat.

2. 360-degree rooftop bar

This is in Hotel Barceló Raval and you have to have a cocktail here in the evening. The 360-degree view is unmatched.

3. This is where you go out

The nicest and most ‘authentic’ bars can be found in Carrer de Joaquin Costa. This is really the nightlife area where the locals of Barcelona go. Oh yes, by the way, if you think: I'll just grab a rental bike; the red city bikes are not available for tourists, they are only for residents. If you want to bike, you really need to rent a regular bike. That can be done in many places, so no worries.

4. The oldest (and most beautiful) bar can be found here

Casa Almirall is one of the oldest bars in Barcelona and has a beautiful, marble old bar from the old days.

5. And this is the most famous gin and tonic bar

Elephanta at Torrent d’en Vidalet.

6. The chef of El Bulli

Yes, you read that right. The first chef of El Bulli has opened a restaurant where only 24 people can dine and where 12 chefs cook for you. Truly amazing. Dos Pallilos, Carrer d’Elisabets 9.

7. The tastiest pastries

And one of the most Instagrammable spots is Caelum at Carrer de la Palla 8 in the Jewish quarter. These incredibly delicious pastries are all made by nuns.

8. The best coffee

Because only delicious counts anymore. You have to go to Satan’s at Casa Bonay; a beautiful place with delightful coffee.

9. The best paella

They say Elche, but I found Salamanca really amazing. Especially if you choose the terrace with a sea view. A classic Spanish restaurant with the best service, ham as you dream of it, and paella as it should be.

10. My favorite

Ciudad Condal on Rambla de Catalunya. I really have to be careful not to have lunch, dinner, and midnight snacks there every day, otherwise it would get boring. But the temptation is great, intensely great.

I believe I am going to book. Here you find the best deals from TUI by the way.