I like to surprise my loved ones with special presents, something that they will cherish forever and always remember when looking back. Spring is definitely one of my favourite seasons to travel and I knew the most special way how to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday would be a trip abroad. After hearing so many amazing stories about the city that has it all: the fun, the beach, the shopping, the history, the food. There wasn't one thing that Barcelona didn't check, and I couldn't wait to explore this special place with my favourite person.
I had my doubts when I was checking the weather before arriving in Spain, as April is usually considered a rainy season. But we had the warmest welcome from Barcelona upon our arrival, twenty-four degrees, warm salty breeze and blue skies. The airport journey from the airport to the centre is super easy and convenient and takes less than 20 minutes. The Aerobus runs every ten minutes and you can pre-order your ticket online or buy one at the airport kiosk.
The Hotel
There are many beautiful hotels and Airbnb in Barcelona and if you book your stay in advance you can usually get yourself a really good deal. I booked our hotel three months in advance as I knew Barcelona will be a desirable travel location during the Easter break.
We stayed in the beautiful Occidental Barcelona 1929. The hotel has been recently refurbished and opened up its doors to visitors last year. With its location, minimalistic yet stylish interior and fantastic facilities it quickly became one of the top hotel destinations in Barcelona.
TIP: By creating an account on the official Barcelo website and becoming a member today you can save 25-30% of your next holiday. All Barcelo members also get an early free check-in and free room upgrades. Thank me later!
The Food
If you know me you know that I'm the type of person that does food research before visiting any new place or country. Therefore it comes as no surprise that my itinerary was full of delicious food stops. Let's start this food journey with some of my top breakfast picks in Barcelona.
Breakfast
Barcelona breakfast scene is serving healthy vibes all around and I'm here for it. Don't be afraid to get lost in one of the city's small streets as you will probably find yourself bumping into signature fresh juices, acai bowls and freshly brewed ice coffees.
Hardware Societe
Incredible vibes and delicious food are located on Carrer de Valencia. Hardware Societe is a cafe originally born in Melbourne with a mission to redefine breakfast and brunch. This beautiful 70-seat cafe, with a private dining room in the Eixample district, is a perfect breakfast spot on your Barcelona adventure and shouldn't be missed. Their signature Matcha Maiden latte and Bircher muesli are one of many not to miss from the creative menu of chef Nick Hosea. The place serves not only delicious food but also amazing energy from the team that works there. Hardware Societe is definitely the way how to start any day of your week the right way!
La Papa Cafe
I wish I could grab La Papa's Oat cappuccino on my way to work every morning! Less is more and La Papa Cafe is the perfect example of it. A cafe which is committed to a sustainable lifestyle with a conscious and healthy space. Oh and the VISUALS!! If you think that healthy eating is boring, expensive. and monothematic try La Papa. The space is filled with positive energy, friendly staff and delicious meals. Their sourdough bread which is freshly sourced from the local market is to die for!!
BOL - Healthy Bowls Bar
A healthy lifestyle and Barcelona go hand in hand and BOL is an amazing example of it. If you're looking for an easy/ light /healthy way to kick off your day stop by to pick up your organic acai or smoothie bowl. Their ingredients are freshly sourced from local farmers and offer variety and immaculate taste. BOL is not a healthy breakfast but also a great snack alternative, with their new online service your healthy bowl is just a click away.
Lunch
But make it light, healthy and small!
Bar Canete
In a quiet street just minutes away from La Rambla lies one of the oldest and most traditional tapas restaurants in Barcelona. Bar Canete started as a family-owned business and the tradition continues today. The restaurant offers freshly sourced local food including the finest seafood and meat. Booking your table in advance is highly recommended as it's one of the favourite meeting spots for both locals and tourists.
Honest Greens
It all started as a dream; three world travellers whose paths crossed in Spain became friends and began this little project called Honest Greens. Entrepreneurs and lovers of gastronomy were frustrated by their inability to find food that was healthy and delicious but also quick and affordable. They decided to set out on a journey to create it themselves. The preparation took three years and involved hand-selecting products from local artisan farmers and travelling the world in search of culinary and design inspiration. The result is a concept that democratizes healthy eating by featuring responsibly sourced and innovative dishes for any diet on any budget at any time. I'm obsessed !!
Dinner
After a perfectly done siesta and a quick coffee stop, it's time for dinner. The streets of Barcelona are buzzing from 8 o'clock onwards, the cappuccinos are replaced by sangrias and you can smell the most amazing flavours from the local restaurants getting ready to serve dinner, the most celebrated meal of the day.
Restaurante Solomillo
Let's talk meat and not any kind of meat, but meat by weight! This new irresistible formula has been created by Enrique Valenti. Chef, entrepreneur and designer of gastronomic concepts. Beautiful elegant space with spacious and comfortable design reflects the amazing minds behind this restaurant. Solomillo's menu consists of simple ideas pick your meat and style it with some perfectly cooked sides. Simple yet so perfect! We really enjoyed the calm and jazz atmosphere this place brings. Food was cooked to perfection and the staff was very friendly and welcoming.
Casa Luz
Located at the edge of Placa de la Universitat with warm wooden furnishing and minimalistic design sits Restaurant Casa Luz. Famous for its beautiful terrace offering lazy late breakfast or the stunning views of the evening scene, there isn't one thing this restaurant wouldn't tick. Sit back and enjoy the sound of acoustic live music with a glass of natural wine in hand and the best sourced local tapas on your plate. With its location in the vibrant El Raval, Casa Luz quickly became a favourite hang-out spot for the locals. Make sure you reserve your table in advance to avoid any disappointments.
Parking Pizza
Looking for the perfect place to pick up your pizza to watch the sunset on the beach? Say no more, Parking Pizza located in the sprawling warehouse is buzzing any time of the day. It's the cardboard-box chairs, big sharing tables and an open-plan kitchen, that cooks up outrageously popular wood-fired pizzas topped with the likes of black truffle and egg or smoked salmon with mascarpone, plus perfect rigatoni with salvia and gorgonzola.
Have you visited Barcelona and found a place that you've loved, why don't share your recommendations in the comments section.
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