A Fashion Bloggers Travel Guide to Barcelona

Photo by @michaelbcn_

The first time I went to Barcelona I fell in love with the city. It is one of those places like London or Paris, there’s always something new to discover each time you visit. Barcelona certainly has a large dose of history, art, stunning architecture, some of the best restaurants in the world and not forgetting easy access to the beach! Whilst you can check out the main tourist attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas or The Magic Fountain of Montjuic, how about some more alternative options to jazz up a long weekend?

DRINK

Photo by Bobby Bar

I think it’s safe to say we are very lucky with the incredible bars in London, many of them now also offer an outstanding selection of gin. However do not forget that Spain was the first to serve their gin in big glasses, full of ice and garnished to perfection! So how could you not go to Barcelona and have a Spanish style gin and tonic? Bobby Gin has a cool, modern, moody interior and has definitely taken the lead among Barcelona's gin bars. Well worth heading there to try an array of Spanish style gins and cocktails!

Bobby Gin
Carrer de Francisco Giner, 47 08012 Barcelona
www.bobbygin.com/en/

EAT

Photo by @milk_bar_bistro

I have often taken shots of epic breakfasts and coffee at Milk in London, so I was intrigued by a restaurant with the same name in Barcelona. Milk Barcelona is designed like a posh living room with antique chandeliers and 50’s wallpaper. During a night out in the city, head there for cocktails and return again in the morning for some TLC and a well deserved Milk “Recovery Brunch”. The food is very Instagram friendly too!

Milk Bar & Bistro
Gignas 21, Barcelona
www.milkbarcelona.com

SLEEP

Photos by Pulitzer Hotel

The Pulitzer Hotel is in such a central location and is perfect for exploring the city. It is only a moment from Plaça Catalunya, and within easy reach of the city’s Gothic and El Born quarters. Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona is a design-conscious delight with its very cool rooftop bar, and it is certainly a place to party but in a relaxed atmosphere. Even the reception area highlights the hotel vibe very well with white leather sofas and quirky rugs. The interior is full of wood, leather and satin, which means a great hotel for a blogger to take some amazing photos!

Pulitzer Hotel
Carrer de Bergara, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
www.hotelpulitzer.es/en/

PLAY

As I have already mentioned, there is just so much to see in Barcelona. I love the laid-back lifestyle, people, and range of fun activities. However going up to Tibidabo, the highest mountain in the Collserola mountain range is a must. Not only is the view absolutely stunning, but the Tibidabo Amusement Park is so fun! The park opened in 1905 and is among the oldest in the world still functioning. Most of the original rides are still in use, so you may need a little bit of courage to go on them!

Tibidabo Amusement Park
Plaça del Tibidabo, 3-4, 08035 Barcelona
www.tibidabo.cat/en/

SHOP

Photo by Boo

How can we not have a spot of retail therapy whilst on a city break? Barcelona has some awesome menswear stores like Boo and Massimo Dutti. If you’re looking something a bit smarter, the Spanish brand Massimo Dutti has been around in Barcelona since the 1980s. However Boo is a lot newer and the perfect place to find more of a statement piece. It established back in 2006 and is located between the artist’s workshops and designer stores of the bohemian Gracia neighbourhood. The store offers a handpicked selection of designer labels, specialising in European brands with an attention to quality fabrics and manufacturing made to last.

Massimo Dutti
C.C. El Triangle, Plaça Cataluña, 1-4, Barcelona
https://www.massimodutti.com/gb/

Boo
Carrer Bonavista, 2, Barcelona
www.boobcn.com/en/

GETTING AROUND

AVIS Car Hire

The best way to get around and make the most of a short break to Barcelona is to hire a car for the trip. Avis offer some of the best deals around not to mention a fleet of highly desirable cars. 

I hope you enjoy Barcelona as much as I did.