48 hours in Barcelona: a weekend in the Catalan capital of nuggets and great classics

Proud of its roots, increasingly concerned about its independence, Barcelona is fighting to preserve its authenticity.

Centuries of history and a unique economic dynamism have bequeathed to the capital of Catalonia an extraordinary cultural heritage which finds its expression in a very rich historical and artistic heritage.

Getting lost in the alleys of the historic district or around the Ramblas, marveling at the Sagrada Familia or taking to the air in Montjuïc, the city's architecture everywhere reflects its cosmopolitan character.

Barcelona have managed to keep the splendor of their past without giving up their future.

To discover

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Spain: the

travel guide

The arrival

You land at El Prat de Llobregat airport:

take the bus!

The trips are frequent (every quarter of an hour) and in 25 minutes maximum you will reach the city center (11 € the trip).

And if it's by train…

You are directly in the city center when you arrive at Barcelona Sants station.

You can then easily opt for a taxi, a metro or, even better, the bus (clean and secure) or the tram.

Avoid the "RER" as much as possible, "Cercanias" in Catalan.

Dilapidated, it will not leave you with a good image of the city.

Single price for a metro / bus or tram trip: € 2.15, barcelone.fr/transports

Right now

TO HAVE

The Moco Museum

Banksy, “Forgive our Trespassing”, at the Moco Museum.

Moco Museum / Photo press

After Amsterdam, the Moco (for “modern and contemporary” museum) is opening its second branch in Barcelona this fall, a stone's throw from the Picasso museum. By way of exhibition, this large immaculate space of a thousand square meters rather gives to see a juxtaposition of great names of our time, from Keith Haring to Warhol and from David Lachapelle to Takashi Murakami. A very special place is given to the street artist Banksy (who, ironically, did not want to end up at the museum ...). Quotes from artists, etched here and there on the immaculate walls, are selfie-level. The cartels, summary, want to be accessible to all - like this note which invokes the stars of reality TV to explain a work of Dali ... Simplistic or democratic? We'll let you decide. But judging by the queue outside the museum,it's the place to be for trendy young Catalans.

Moco Museum Barcelona, ​​c / Montcada 25 08003 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34936291858.

THE RIGHT TABLE

SOLC at the Majestic hotel

On the program: Catalan cuisine from farm to table.

No frills but tasty.

Press photo / SOLC

The table at the Majestic de Barcelona, ​​a luxury hotel on Passeig de Gracia (the Champs-Élysées in Barcelona), reopened in November 2021 after 18 months of closure due to the pandemic. In the hotel restaurant, a bright room overlooking a green interior courtyard, chef Nandu Jubany (a Michelin star for his restaurant Pur, see below) plays the kilometer zero card. The vegetables are grown on his farm in Maresme, a coastal region located only 30 minutes away, and transported every morning to the restaurant. On the plate, no fuss but a Catalan cuisine frank of the collar and good products. We will remember, for example, the comforting lamb balls served in their broth (but the menu changes very often, little chance of finding them on the menu).The wine list is also played locally. Not to be missed: the Majestic cuvée from Cau d'En Genis d'Alta Alella, a wine estate in the outskirts of Barcelona, ​​specially designed for the hotel.

Daily menu (starter, main course, dessert): 29 euros per person.

A la carte: 20-30 euros per dish.

SOLC Restaurant at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona.

From Wednesday to Saturday for lunch (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and dinner (7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

Phone.

: +34 93 496 77 07. Paseo de Gracia 68, 7008007 Barcelona.

Read alsoSix traditional, but unexpected, restaurants in Barcelona

THE HOTEL IN VIEW

The Christmas cinema, on the rooftop of El Palace.

Press photo / El Palace

El Palace celebrated its hundredth birthday in 2019. Located in the very center of Barcelona, ​​the old Ritz alone embodies a century of history in the Catalan capital. The 120 rooms and suites put art and its great figures in the spotlight, from Dali to Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. For the end of the year celebrations, the venerable five-star is putting the small dishes in the big ones. The establishment's rooftop terrace will host a “Christmas cinema” every late afternoon: four double projection booths, in which to curl up in a tartan plaid, a hot water bottle on your knees, in front of

or

... The session includes popcorn and a cup of chocolate or mulled wine. Regressive, who said regressive? Every weekend, it's afternoon tea. On the program: hot drinks, pastries and

on the piano. On Saturdays and Sundays, a Christmas market, dedicated to local producers and artisans, will allow you to shop without leaving the hotel, a glass of mulled wine in hand. Finally, on the evenings of December 24 and 31, El Palace will offer gala dinners in the lobby or on the rooftop. Black chanterelle cappuccino, roast suckling pig with five spices ... Is there a need to say more? Small bonus for animal lovers: all these activities are "pet friendly". El Palace even has an appointed "Pet Relations Manager", to meet the slightest

of our four-legged friends ... Christmas for all!

From November 25.

Christmas cinema, cabin for 2 people or 2 adults and 2 children under 4 years old: € 70.

Cabin for 2 adults with a child over 12 years old: € 80.

Christmas afternoon tea: € 42.

Free access to Christmas market.

Christmas dinner: 115 €.

New Year's Eve dinner in the Grand Hall: € 375, on the roof terrace (adults only), € 525.

El Palace, 668, Gran Via de les Corts.

Tel .: 00 34 93 510 11 30. From 280 € per night.

Breakfast: € 31.

Read alsoThe hotels in Barcelona reviewed by

DAY 1: FROM GRACIA TO BARRI GOTIC.

ON THE PROGRAM, TRADITION, CULTURE AND TAPAS!

The interior of the famous Sagrada Familia.

Adobe Stock / Mistervlad

Morning

Departing from the

enjoy a breakfast at the

(all our addresses at the bottom of the article), the highlight of your trip through the chic and crowded alleys of beautiful Catalan. In a colonial style with timeless codes of precious wood, this timeless setting will seduce you with its timeless charm.

for the grand tour of the heart of the city with a stroll through the avenues from

to

.

Be careful, the city wakes up late (the famous "Spanish time") so if you want to go shopping most of the stores only open from 10:30 am / 11:00 am… then close from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to stay open until 8 p.m., sometimes 9 p.m.

And beware of the pickpockets very present in these busy streets!

Lunch break

Chez

which gives back its letters of nobility to tapas.

In this long room that looks like a brasserie, you can sit at the bar, with a view of the kitchen.

Anchovies in olive oil and lobster croquettes to share, sweetbreads with prawns, small scallops with Iberian ham ... The choice is endless!

In the afternoon

Unmissable visit to the

(count a good hour on site) for a wonder of the senses ... This religious building consecrated in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI built by the architect Jean de Villar, then by Antoni Gaudi, remains the masterpiece. architectural work of the Catalan city. After this masterful visit which intoxicates a little the time for a little shopping spree around the

, not far from

, to discover the concept store of Jaime Beresitain, a very neat address to find some decorative objects to bring back in your suitcases. We fell in love with the delicacy of the scent of its candles (open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.).

To visit the Sagrada Familia

: it is essential to book tickets online (and therefore to check availability) for the visit and especially to opt for skip-the-line tickets to avoid endless queues.

From € 26 / person at full price.

Late afternoon

Mandatory

at

to savor some churros con chocolate.

A small digestive walk in the Dreta de l'Eixample to let yourself be intoxicated by the effervescence of the beginnings of Barcelona evenings in

which invites us to make beautiful encounters around a tapas aperitif at

or at the

(glass of wine from € 3 and tapas dish from € 4 - both open at 6 p.m.).

Dinner and evening

In the heart of Barcelona, ​​chef Nandu Jubany's new bet is called

, a restaurant where everything revolves around kitchen-theater. When dinner time strikes, the good idea is to discover the latest gastronomic feats of which the chef has the secret. In the Eixample district, its restaurant offers an elegant alchemy between creation and tradition that will satisfy your thirst for discovery (and your appetite!). Or choose a more typical atmosphere by joining

to take a seat at

, a Catalan institution since 1935 where you will taste the best local specialties such as cider stew or the famous croquetas and patatas.

To end this evening in style, treat yourself to a nightcap at

, the rooftop of the

, a magical place that Barcelona has the secret for a one-to-one cocktail with the stars.

You can also be surprised by the skyline of

above

, an equally popular address.

Read also Barcelona seen from above: ten exceptional rooftops where you can have a drink and admire the sunset

DAY 2: POBLE SEC & MONTJUIC, ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

The morning

The stalls of the Boqueria market.

Adobe Stock / Forb van Matt

Head south-west of the city to venture under a mysterious porch with Art Nouveau stained glass that reveals one of the oldest markets in the city:

. After a breakfast at the

we are ready for an immersion in the intoxicating scents of an authentic Catalan market! Then take the direction via

of the most fashionable district of Barcelona,

. You can enjoy one of the best brunches in Barcelona, ​​at the

. Continue your walk through

, you are only 20 minutes from one of the most beautiful buildings of modern architecture and design, the

.

Designed for the Barcelona International Exhibition of 1929, this major piece of 20th century art, the symbolic work of the modern movement, still inspires the world's greatest architects.

Precious and timeless.

Entrance 8 € - Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and March-October between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Lunch and afternoon break

1 p.m. rings, we go back down to the Mediterranean gardens for a lunch break on the incredible terrace of

palace

(open every day from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) which dominates the whole city. Menu of the day, a salad with flavors of the South, then a small coffee by the swimming pool. How about taking some height after this gourmet getaway? Passing through the botanical garden (entry at 3.50 € / person), meet at the

, between the

and

where the

is located

for a little trip through the airs via the cable car

.

Perfect for discovering sumptuous gardens with a thousand Mediterranean species and a grandiose panorama of the Catalan city (even more appreciable at sunset).

The journey covers 1300 meters and lasts about ten minutes.

(17 € / person for a return trip.)

Aperitif tapas in the air ...

We still keep our heads in the stars at the very select

, the suspended terrace of the W Barcelona (because it is not a real roof top).

And why not let yourself be tempted, in moderation, by a Mediterranean cocktail Gin Mule (gin, lime, mint and ginger).

Very popular for its Chill Out sessions on Friday evenings ... Open every evening until 2 a.m. (cocktail from 8 euros)

Having dinner

Head for the

, with ultramodern decoration, whose menu will seduce us with its daring and Mediterranean flavors.

These gastronomic discoveries will not fail to make you want to prolong with a nightcap at the

, a sublime contemporary spot with a 360 ° panoramic view of the sea and the city, all cradled by an excellent musical program.

It's time to go home.

Blue Spot card from € 40 / person.

Wave card from € 50 / person.

Terrassa cocktail from € 6.

Address Book

GOOD TABLES

At Canete, tapas that are anything but boring.

Press photo / Canete

Canete, Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 932 703 458.

Terraza Hotel Miramar, plaça de Carlos Ibáñez, 3, 08038 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 932 81 16 00. (spring-summer only)

The Green Spot, carrer de la Reina Cristina, 12, 08003 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 938 02 55 65.

Pur Barcelona, ​​passatge de la Concepció, 11, 08008 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 931 70 17 70.

La Bodega La Palma, carrer de la Palma de Sant Just 7, 08002 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 933 15 06 56.

Wave Restaurant - W Barcelona, ​​plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, 08039 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 932 952 637.

WHERE TO DRINK A LAST GLASS?

Terrat - Mandarin Oriental, passeig de Gràcia, 38, 40, 08007 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 931 51 88 88.

The Mood Rooftop Bar - The One Barcelona, ​​carrer de Provença, 277, 08037 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 932 142 061.

Wet Deck (Roof top of W Barcelona), plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 08039 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 932 95 28 00.

Terrassa de Les Indianes - 1881 by Sagardi, plaça de Pau Vila, 3, 08003 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 932 210 050.

OR SLEEP ?

The lobby of Serras Hotel.

Press photo / Serras Hotel

The Serras Hotel.

Chic and contemporary, this small "luxury boutique hotel" (we want to use that term) is ideally located opposite the port, in the Gothic Quarter.

The 18 rooms are soberly but tastefully decorated, with beautiful industrial glass roofs and Diptyque bathroom products.

Gym, gourmet restaurant and rooftop with swimming pool.

Passeig de Colom, 9, 08002 Barcelona, ​​Spain.

Phone.

: +34 931 69 18 68. From € 360 per night in a double room with breakfast.

Sir Victor, carrer del Rosselló 265, 08008 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 932 711 244. From € 220 per night in a double room.

The Arts Hotel, Calle Marina 19-21, 08005 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 93 221 10 00. From € 250 per night in a double room.

The Nobu, c.

de Roma, 2, 08014 Barcelona.

Phone.

: +34 934 93 60 27. From € 250 per night in a double room (

).

Read alsoHotel Nobu in Barcelona, ​​the expert opinion of

Brummel Hotel, carrer Nou de la Rambla, 174, 08004 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 931 25 86 22. From € 170 per night in a double room.

Read alsoHotel Brummell in Barcelona, ​​the expert opinion of

Casa Mathilda, carrer de Roger de Llúria, 125-127, 08037 Barcelona.

Phone.

: + 34 935 32 16 00. From € 85 per night in a double room.

Barcelona on two wheels

In order for the city to reveal all its secrets to you, the good idea is to discover it by bike.

In electric or classic version, more than 200 kilometers have been fitted out for the enjoyment of cyclists.

Remember to download the maps and book online: rental companies offer to drop off your bikes in front of your hotel for more comfort….

Ideal for discovering the typical alleys and getting away from the tumult of the great boulevards to appreciate the eclectic architecture of the Catalan city.

If the bicycle doesn't appeal to you, why not the Vespa?

This mode of transport remains one of the nicest options for exploring the city (from € 20 for two hours).

Cycling: from € 3 per hour or € 15 per 24 hours at deviantbikes.com (Tel: + 34 600 11 35 60) or the French speaker happyrentalbike.com (Tel: 34 933 28 58 34).

Vespa: vesping.com (tel: +34 936 67 78 77);

viavespabarcelona.com (tel: + 34 933 19 67 54.)