Arnau's honest local guide (ultimate Barcelona)

Arnau
Arnau's honest local guide (ultimate Barcelona)

Gastronomy

The best in Barcelona per cuisine type, compiled by me with local friends and family
Best catalan cuisine in tapas format with premium ingredients. Lost in a modest neighbourhood, it is the place to eat if you are around Plaça d'Espanya or Monjtuïc.
9 ντόπιοι το προτείνουν
Bodega Amposta
1 Carrer d'Amposta
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Best catalan cuisine in tapas format with premium ingredients. Lost in a modest neighbourhood, it is the place to eat if you are around Plaça d'Espanya or Monjtuïc.
In my opinion (and part of my family too) here you can eat the best paella, arroz negro (black rice) and fideua in town. All the menu is outstanding and deserves the slightly higher than average price-tag. Be careful when eating in this area, there are a to of tourist traps no worth your time and money.
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La Mar Salada Restaurant
58 Passeig de Joan de Borbó
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In my opinion (and part of my family too) here you can eat the best paella, arroz negro (black rice) and fideua in town. All the menu is outstanding and deserves the slightly higher than average price-tag. Be careful when eating in this area, there are a to of tourist traps no worth your time and money.
Family-run small restaurant with excellent local cuisine. Whenever I am taking out someone to eat I take them here. The menu is updated according to seasons and the experience is great. Well worth the medium-high price-tag.
RENOI Tapes i Vins per posar-vos fins
509 Carrer de València
Family-run small restaurant with excellent local cuisine. Whenever I am taking out someone to eat I take them here. The menu is updated according to seasons and the experience is great. Well worth the medium-high price-tag.
Best ice-cream in Barcelona, full stop. You usually have to queue but it is well deserved. Also available in Passeig Sant Joan.
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DeLaCrem
15 Carrer d'Enric Granados
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Best ice-cream in Barcelona, full stop. You usually have to queue but it is well deserved. Also available in Passeig Sant Joan.
Best donuts in town. Wide range of flavours and freshly made.
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La Donutería
20 Carrer del Parlament
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Best donuts in town. Wide range of flavours and freshly made.
One of the best spots for brunch. Also available in el Born district.
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Alsur Café Llúria
23 Carrer de Roger de Llúria
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One of the best spots for brunch. Also available in el Born district.
Outstanding ramen, the best in Barcelona. A small ramen bar which implies a bit of waiting to get seated but the ramen are just amazing.
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Grasshopper Ramen Bar
9 Plaça de la Llana
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Outstanding ramen, the best in Barcelona. A small ramen bar which implies a bit of waiting to get seated but the ramen are just amazing.
Great brunch menu with healthy juices and cakes. A 2 minute walk from the loft!
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Brunch & Cake
19 Carrer d'Enric Granados
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Great brunch menu with healthy juices and cakes. A 2 minute walk from the loft!
Authentic and noteworthy Japanese restaurant in the heart of lovely Gracia district. Also available in Verdi street.
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Kibuka Goya
9 Carrer de Goya
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Authentic and noteworthy Japanese restaurant in the heart of lovely Gracia district. Also available in Verdi street.
The real xurros/churros with great hot chocolate, open 24h on weekends. Take away format at is really typical for churros. Be aware of the quantity since they are very tasty yet filling! A great end to a night out.
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Xurreria Trebol
341 Carrer de Corsega
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The real xurros/churros with great hot chocolate, open 24h on weekends. Take away format at is really typical for churros. Be aware of the quantity since they are very tasty yet filling! A great end to a night out.
Best spot to enjoy a beer with views over the sea. Must go on a sunny day, enjoy an "apéro" with a Moritz number 7 (one of the bests local beers) and some snacks.
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La Caseta del Migdia
s/n Mirador del Migdia
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Best spot to enjoy a beer with views over the sea. Must go on a sunny day, enjoy an "apéro" with a Moritz number 7 (one of the bests local beers) and some snacks.
Top pick for Venezuelan cuisine. Another great option is "El Rincón de la Abuela Venezolana" restaurant but it is further from the loft.
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La Cachapera
57 C. de Villarroel
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Top pick for Venezuelan cuisine. Another great option is "El Rincón de la Abuela Venezolana" restaurant but it is further from the loft.
One of the most renowned restaurants for Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Be aware of the higher price tag although for a sporadic whim (or special occasion) you'll definitely think it is worth the money.
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Petit Comitè
13 Passatge de la Concepció
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One of the most renowned restaurants for Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Be aware of the higher price tag although for a sporadic whim (or special occasion) you'll definitely think it is worth the money.
My personal favorite pastry, from greatly executed pastry classics to fancy compositions with great taste and aesthetics.
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Pastelería Hofmann
44 Carrer dels Flassaders
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My personal favorite pastry, from greatly executed pastry classics to fancy compositions with great taste and aesthetics.
Creamy and flavourful ice creams close to the loft.
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Cremeria Toscana
161 Carrer de Muntaner
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Creamy and flavourful ice creams close to the loft.

Districts

Local, pedestrian and authentic neighbourhood not far from the loft. Full of small restaurants and bars where to refill while discovering its streets. Famous for its summer street parties and decorations!
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Gràcia
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Local, pedestrian and authentic neighbourhood not far from the loft. Full of small restaurants and bars where to refill while discovering its streets. Famous for its summer street parties and decorations!
Originally a cluster of farms and country houses, Sarrià is now a premier residential neighborhood overlooking Barcelona from the hills. Start an exploration at the main square, Plaça de Sarrià—the site of Tuesday antique and bric-a-brac markets; Sunday morning sardana dances; Christmas pageants; and concerts, book fairs, and artisanal food and wine events at various times during the year.
Sarrià
Originally a cluster of farms and country houses, Sarrià is now a premier residential neighborhood overlooking Barcelona from the hills. Start an exploration at the main square, Plaça de Sarrià—the site of Tuesday antique and bric-a-brac markets; Sunday morning sardana dances; Christmas pageants; and concerts, book fairs, and artisanal food and wine events at various times during the year.

Exploring Barcelona

Spots in town (and nearby) that you have to visit at least once :)
Best training trail in the city. Running, biking or walking with impressive views and all without leaving town.
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Carretera de les Aigües
s/n Carretera de les Aigües
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Best training trail in the city. Running, biking or walking with impressive views and all without leaving town.

Discovering Catalonia

Barcelona is great but there is mucho more to discover in Catalonia - head out on these great day-trip or weekend suggestions
If you love mountains, head to Puigcerdà or nearby, in the region called La Cerdanya - the place to be in winter time. In the middle mountain chains and ski resorts you have all the amenities to go skiing, hiking, shopping or relaxing in a spa. Also recommended in other seasons when the area is less crowded.
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Puigcerdà
Carrer Mont Cerdà
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If you love mountains, head to Puigcerdà or nearby, in the region called La Cerdanya - the place to be in winter time. In the middle mountain chains and ski resorts you have all the amenities to go skiing, hiking, shopping or relaxing in a spa. Also recommended in other seasons when the area is less crowded.
The perfect day-trip: sun, beach, art, great vibes and excellent gastronomy. Take the train and head 30 minutes south to breath in mediterranean vibes and a lively coastal town. Nightlife is also recommended, a preferred LGBT+ hotspot.
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Sitges
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The perfect day-trip: sun, beach, art, great vibes and excellent gastronomy. Take the train and head 30 minutes south to breath in mediterranean vibes and a lively coastal town. Nightlife is also recommended, a preferred LGBT+ hotspot.
Coastal village at the end of the Costa Brava, local's favorite beach area.
Cadaqués
Coastal village at the end of the Costa Brava, local's favorite beach area.

Συμβουλές για την πόλη

Τρόποι μεταφοράς

Public transportation, electric scooters or Cabify

Metro and buses are everywhere and connect all the city. I usually prefer electric scooters (download Yego or Acciona apps) since they are quicker and you decide the route. Finally, use Cabify (the local Uber) if you've drank or don't feel like driving or waiting.
Μην το χάσετε

Best O.V. Cinemas in Barcelona

Feeling like going to the movies but you haven't mastered Spanish yet? Here is my pick of the best O.V. cinemas in town: 1. Cinema Balmes. Address: Carrer de Balmes, 422, 424, 08022 Barcelona 2. Phenomena. Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 168, 08025 Barcelona