WILL DEFINIETLY HAPPEN: You will be mesmerized by the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. From the Casa Batlo to the unfinished masterpiece of Sagrada Familia, you will awe of this man’s fairy-tale like gothic-inspired .
WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN: You will have Pinxtos (bites), a kind of Tapas where you walk in grab a plate and choose from an interesting array of bread topped with interesting savory delights. Don’t forget to keep your tooth pics as this style of Tapas is pay after you dine- they gage your bill from counting your toothpics at the end! Simple, smart and delicious!
PROBABLY WON’T HAPPEN: You’ll leave the city without having spent at least one day with a sore head (cue: hang over). The cervasa (beer) flows readily my friends, and the Spanish vino is nothing to snob..oh did I mention the hipster bars serving up the finest Gin concoctions?!
* LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: XIXBAR- in L’Eiample is great for an old-fashioned G & T. We discovered this little locals bar when we made our first attempt at the Ferran Brother’s Tickets.
DEFINITELY WON’T HAPPEN: You will visit Tickets Bar cause chances are unless you have booked months and months in advance you will not get to visit here– Albert and Ferran Adria’s Molecular Gastronomy tapas bar is mind-blowing. We have lost sleep over the closing of El Bulli and if you want to taste the next best thing there is Tickets.
**LK – Botega 1900 is a new Tapas bar that has opened near Tickets (its visible from the front of Tickets Bar and you may have a chance at getting a table) and like the chefs at Tickets they are El Bulli trained and create classics with some molecular gastronomy-like Ferran’s sphereified ‘Olives’.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA:
- Sagrada Familia, the most recognizable structure in Barcelona is the unfinished work of Antoni Gaudi is a masterpiece.
- Casa Batlo, Affectionately known as the ‘Skeleton House’ designed by Antoni Gaudi is my favorite place in Barcelona.
- Park Guell. Mosaic wonderland. See Park Guell post for more info.
- Eat tapas and Pinxtos (small bites) with a class of Spanish wine.
- Drink Gin & tonic at one of Barcelona’s fabulous gin bars. XIXBAR- in L’Eiample is great for an old-fashioned G&T.
- Eat at least one Molecular Gastronmy restaurant. ‘Olives; and other molecular delicacies were invented in Catalonia.
- Picasso Museum in Barcelona. A permanent collection of Picasso’s early years.
- Las Ramblas – a street that is literally the heart and soul of Barcelona. A great place to check out at night. Be aware of pickpockets and do not let your camera, wallet or phone out of your sight even for a second.
- Eat pa amb Tomaquet (Catalan Tomato Bread). Do not miss the chance to try this simple yet highly addictive staple of toasted farmhouse bread rubbed with fresh tomatoes and drizzled with a good Spanish olive oil.
- Discover the contemporary street art installations. Pack a comfortable pair of shoes and walk. Barcelona is a fantastic city for walking.
