The last stop on my #honeymoonworldtour. I pretty much fell in love with Barcelona right when I set foot on Passeig del Born. Everything was beautiful and amazing. The people. The food. The vibes. The architecture. The drinks. I mean, I would not mind living off tapas, pan con tomate, brilliant cocktails and plazas to hang out at. This city is hip and lively while being the perfect place to chill out.
Stay
El Born or El Gothic
Both neighborhoods are next to each other. Whichever area you choose to stay in will be within walking distance to explore the other neighborhood.
When you think of Barcelona, you might think of its medieval architecture. That’s the Gothic Quarter, or El Gothic. El Born is a 10-minute walk from El Gothic (depending where you go, but it is all within reasonable walking distance). It is trendy, hipster-y with boutiques, galleries, tapas and cocktails.
I stayed at an Airbnb in El Gothic. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, check out this Airbnb and save it. It was the best Airbnb I’ve stayed at and Isabel and her husband, Guy were amazing hosts.
A balcony is required wherever you’re staying in Barcelona.
Eat tapas
I love tapas so much. They’re small dishes that are meant to be shared. Order a bunch with your friends so you can try everything. I didn’t eat until I was super full. I would get tapas when I felt hungry. Walk it off. Then when I was hungry again, I’d go look for my next meal. Here’s a list of places I recommend for tapas. Photos are my favorite tapas and would order again.
Bar del Pla
Carrer de Montcada, 2
My favorite! Mushrooms and wasabi dressing
Crispy oxtail with foie gras
Bar Brutal
Carrer Barra de Ferro, 1
- Fun spot to get tapas and drinks. Lots of wine and great recommendations.
- Love the assorted charcuterie and cheese board
- Get the licorice flan for dessert!
Bormuth
Carrer del Rec, 31
- Different vibes and food from the other tapas places listed. Come here for more bar-like food and beer.
- Get the cava sangria. It’s the best I’ve had!
- Favorite item: Black pudding and roasted peppers, Patatas bravas (spicy potatoes). Try the patatas bravas, it’s a native Spanish tapa dish of fried potatoes with some spicy, tomato aoili sauce.
Tapeo
Carrer de Montcada, 29
Iberian pork ribs with honey and mustard
Veal burger with foie gras and mayo ceps
Roast sausage and wild mushroom cannelloni
Veal burger with foie gras and mayo ceps – The inside
Sensi
Carrer Ample, 26
My favorite dish is the burrata and cucumber carpaccio. The burrata is life changing. I had to have it again on my last night in Barcelona. Sensi gets busy so make a reservation if you don’t want to sit at the bar. If you can’t call ahead to make a reservation, stop by while you’re in El Born and make a reservation. You can walk around the area, eat tapas somewhere else, get a drink then head back for your reservation.
I also liked: truffle ravioli, pork ribs with apple ginger sauce. The apple ginger sauce was very good and unique.
Cocktail of the day, Sangria and (the freshest) Burrata with cucumber carpaccio, mint granita and red pesto
Sensi Bistro
Carrer del Regomir, 4
There are 4 different Sensi restaurant: Sensi, Sensi Bistro, Sensi Gourmet and Sensi Mezzanine. All are within walking distance from each other.
For dessert, get the dulce de leche cheesecake. The dulce de leche isn’t sweet like the desserts in the U.S. It’s this slightly burnt/bitter caramel with a creamy, fluffy cheesecake.
Breakfast
Pastelería Hofmann
Carrer dels Flassaders, 44
They are known for their crossitants. The frambuesa (raspberry) croissant is the best flavor. I also tried the almond, mascarpone and chocolate. Get one of everything. 🙂
Milk
Carrer d’en Gignàs, 21
If you’re missing an American breakfast, eat here. Portions are bigger and you can get your eggs benedict or avocado toast here.
Picnic
Carrer del Comerç, 1
American breakfast is also available here.
El Flako
Carrer del General Álvarez de Castro, 5-7
Cereal bar!
Cocktails
Barcelona is huge on cocktails. It’s a nice change if you’ve been drinking too much sangria and wine (but is that even possible?) I haven’t been disappointed in any of the cocktails I tried. Also, you don’t have to wait forever to get a cocktail. 🙂
Dr. Stravinsky
Carrer dels Mirallers, 5.
- Cool concept. It’s decorated as a science lab.
- Drinks are very refreshing. They create cocktails with kombucha that is fermented in-house.
- Ask the bartender to make you something off the menu.
Crepes el Born
Passeig del Born, 12
- Fun bar with a Hawaiian theme
- Yes you can get crepes and cocktails!
Have you been to any of these places? Please comment if you have any favorite Barcelona eats/drinks. <3
