6 x the nicest places in Barcelona
Ten years ago, I was last in Barcelona. To be honest, I didn't have such good memories of it (probably because I was there with my high school), so I decided to give the city another chance together with my beloved. I completely take it back: Barcelona is amazing. This is a city where I could easily live. You find the best restaurants, the beach is within walking distance, and there are plenty of coffee shops. Just walking through the colorful streets is a party. During the five days I was there, I mainly ate, drank wine and sangria, and hung out at the beach. What more could a person want? Here are my best tips to share with you.
1. Bar Alegría
This was by far my favorite place in Barcelona. This tapas bar has been around for over 120 years, and you can feel it in everything. The delicious food, the friendly service, the typical Spanish atmosphere: amazing! We drank the tastiest natural wine here. On the menu, you'll find a mix of classic tapas and seasonal dishes. They are known for their sandwich with Iberico ham, mozzarella, and truffle, called ‘El bikini de mi padre’ (the literal translation is indeed: my father's bikini). This was unbelievably good. You definitely need to make a reservation here.
2. El Japones
Okay, this is not a Spanish restaurant, but it is a new hotspot in Barcelona that you really shouldn't miss. El Japones is the tastiest Japanese restaurant in Barcelona. In fact, it might be the best Japanese restaurant I've ever eaten at. In the open kitchen, everything is prepared right in front of you by the chef. I felt like I was at a Japanese restaurant in New York, but in Barcelona. Is this a bit understandable? Here, you trade sangria for delicious sparkling sake.
3. La papa
Here you can go in the morning for good coffee and the tastiest matcha waffles with pistachio cream. It's a beautiful coffee shop with high windows right in the middle of Barcelona. Inside, it looks a bit like a perfume shop. You can also grab take-away coffee here if you don't have time to sit down.
4. Lulu
For a good old avocado toast, you have to go to Lulu. The açai bowls there are also really delicious. A cozy and lively spot on the street. The friendly service ensured that we came back one last time on our final morning.
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5. Bar Central
For a good lunch in a beautiful courtyard, you should go to Bar Central. This place is a bit hidden next to the associated bookstore, so it takes a bit of searching. Once there, the roasted carrot with ricotta is a must-try. For dessert (on vacation, you tend to eat three to four desserts a day), I had the sweet potato cheesecake plus the chocolate mousse with croissant crumble, truly an experience. And while you're there, taking a look in the bookstore is quite nice. I scored the latest Sally Rooney there.
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6. Farola
Feeling like dancing and drinking cocktails? Then you really have to stop by bar Farola. Every evening, a different DJ plays, and for locals, this is also the place to dance. Additionally, they make the most unique cocktails here. I had the Mr. White: tequila, Amarillo liqueur, coconut, and Sauvignon Blanc: very tasty, but a hangover is guaranteed. I had a fantastic evening there and made many new (Spanish) friends.
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