Barcelona Hotels

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a beautiful city on the northeast Mediterranean coast of Spain, filled with outdoor markets, restaurants, boutique shops, museums and churches. With over 2,000 years of history, Barcelona began its life as a Roman town under its original name, Barcino.

Beautiful Beaches and Catalan Culture

Spectacular beaches can be found in La Barceloneta, an area in the Ciutat Vella district bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. For less-frequented places, it’s best to head up to the stretch of coast northeast from the Port Olympic marina.

One of the best attractions for children is the Aquarium Barcelona in Port Vell, home to 11,000 sea animals as well as a gorgeous 80-metre underwater tunnel. Not far from here is Las Ramblas, a popular pedestrian street lined with trees. The Christopher Columbus Monument stands on this boulevard, along with many sidewalk cafes ideal for people-watching and shops selling fun souvenirs.

Las Ramblas is home to Placa de Catalunya, the city’s central hub where the old town and the more modern Eixample district meet. Filled with impressive graffiti work, this square is only a short walk from the astounding Casa Batllo, which is a superior example of the Antoni Gaudi architecture that makes Barcelona such a distinctive metropolis.

Also worth checking out is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, better known as Barcelona Cathedral, a majestic edifice constructed between the 13th to 15th centuries. The neo-Gothic façade makes for a dramatic backdrop against the city, and its gargoyle-covered roof is a sight to behold. For those after some more culture, this city is home to some excellent museums, including the City History Museum that traces Barcelona’s evolution from the first Iberian settlement through Roman and Visigothic times to its current modern state. 

Eating and Shopping

Many who visit Las Ramblas like to spend time at The Boqueria, a market renowned for a wide and exciting selection of fare. With delectable food from all over the globe, senses tend to get overloaded here, so it’s wise to eat light! The local fruit is always delicious, and El Pinotxo is a great place to pause for a drink. The Boqueria market is close to some of the city’s hippest restaurants, including Rita Rouge with its gorgeous terrace and Irati Taverna Basca, which serves a traditional Spanish tapas menu.

Label-lovers tend to log a lot of hours on Bulevard Rosa, where some of the best boutiques and specialty shops are located. Avinguda Diagonal is home to designer brands such as Calvin Klein and Gucci while Placa de Sant Josep Oriol boasts an enchanting marketplace vibe, with street musicians wandering amongst handicraft shops and food stalls. 

Modern Barcelona

If time permits, getting out and exploring in Sant Marti is a must. This up-and-coming neighborhood has seen its old warehouse and factory buildings converted into posh offices, hotels and apartments. A sign of its evolution into a cool new district is the fact that this is the location of the iconic Torre Agbar, one of the city’s tallest buildings.

Want to pay a visit to other exciting locations in Spain? Take a look at our range of accommodation options in Madrid.

Points of interest - Barcelona

Barcelona City Map