Weekender
The Barcelona mini-break
Barcelona has long been one of my favourite European cities. The weather is right on the money for much of the year – cue sun emoji – exactly what you want when planning a mini break. Catalonian people are incredibly friendly (and very tolerant to the endless hoards of tourists that visit the city year after year), and the food is – in my opinion – in contention for the best in Europe. Sangria, pintxo and fresh seafood; tick, tick, tick. So together with Larsson & Jennings, I road-tested some of the best spots in the city.
Stay
As mentioned above, Barcelona is no stranger to tourism, so it’s nice to stay a little out of the action. Hotel Brummell is the ideal spot to retreat to after a long day in the cit with just two boutique rooms and a swimming pool (so necessary).
Hotel Brummell, Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 174, 08004
Eat
For breakfast/brunch leg it to Federal Café in Saint Antoni. Great coffee, copious options involving eggs and avocado (a winner for me) and minimal interiors.
Federal Café, Carrer del Parlament, 39, 08015
For lunch head to La Esquina for thoughtfully prepared plates made with love. As pretty as it is delicious.
La Esquina, Carrer de Bergara, 2, 0800
It wouldn’t be right to visit Barcelona and not indulge in at least one round of pintxo. Similar to tapas, these individually-served snacks are held together by a toothpick and are self-service at select bars and restaurants around the city. Once you’ve had your fill take your plate up to the register and you’ll be charged by how many toothpicks are left on your plate (generally €2 a pop). One of my favourite spots is Golfo de Bizkaia.
Golfo de Bizkaia, Carrer de la Vidrieria, 12, 08003
After sundown (dinner happens around 10pm in Barcelona) head to Picnic for the freshest offering of tapas, burgers, salads and killer cocktails (the ginger lemonade won’t disappoint). Then do it all over again the next day for brunch with their Eggs Bene and a spicy Bloody Mary.
Picnic Restaurant, Carrer del Comerç, 1, 08003
Coffee Hit
Nomad Coffee in El Born is popular with both locals and tourists, and for good reason. They make a mean cold brew and possibly the best iced latte in the city.
Nømad Coffee Lab & Shop, Passatge Sert, 12, 08003
Otherwise Satan’s Coffee Corner and Syra Coffee make an excellent cup and understand what it means to be a coffee snob in Europe (although the latter does close for siesta).
Satan’s Corner Coffee, Carrer de l’Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, 11, 08002
Syra Coffee, Carrer de Siracusa, 13, 08012
Do
Palo Alto Market happens every Saturday and Sunday a few blocks back from the beach, selling local food, design wares and vintage goods. Worth a stroll through even if you’re not looking to take anything home.
Palo Alto Market,
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona Pavilion is an architects (or Instagrammers) dream. It’s €5 to walk through the impressively minimalist marble building and take as many Instagrams as your heart desires.
Barcelona Pavilion,
Drink
Numeronueve is home to the best cocktails in the city. They will set you back between €7-€9 (a lot in Barcelona terms) but these fresh concoctions are worth every penny.
Numeronueve, Carrer de la Vidrieria, 9, 08003
Created in collaboration in with Larsson & Jennings
