BARCELONA RECOMMENDATIONS 2025
Arrival & Mobility
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Barcelona–El Prat Airport: direct connection to the city center via Aerobús (24 h service), metro L9 Sud, and RENFE-R2 Nord train.
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T-mobilitat card: rechargeable and valid for metro, bus, tram, and commuter trains.
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NitBus: 17 night bus lines connecting the city center, airport, and coastal areas.
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Useful apps: AMB Mobilitat, TMB App, FreeNow Taxi, Bicing, Spin.
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Local tip: if clients use a car, warn them about the Low Emission Zone (ZBE Rondes), which restricts entry for vehicles without an environmental sticker.
Must-Visit Urban Beaches
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Nova Icària: ideal for families and leisure, with volleyball courts and accessible facilities.
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Sant Miquel & Sant Sebastià: chic vibe, close to clubs like CDLC and Opium.
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Bogatell: perfect for surfers and sunsets, with Vai Moana beach bar.
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Barceloneta: the most famous, with a 4 km promenade and full services.
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Llevant: quieter, with a dog-friendly kiosk and fewer crowds.
Gastronomy
Fine dining
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Disfrutar, Lasarte, ABaC, and Cocina Hermanos Torres – the city’s four restaurants with three Michelin stars. Amar Barcelona, at the Palace Hotel, offers a “sea & mountain” concept. Koy Shunka, Japanese cuisine with Mediterranean produce.
New Openings 2025
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Fishølogy – the first “sea charcuterie,” already awarded a Michelin star.
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Mocase – an intimate 10-seat omakase in El Born.
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Bastian Rooftop – at the Winthert Hotel, Nikkei cuisine with panoramic city views.
Catalan Classics
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Can Culleretes – Catalonia’s oldest restaurant, serving escudella, canelons, and traditional fare.
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La Pubilla (Gràcia) – famous for cap i pota and fricandó.
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Cal Boter (Gràcia) – butifarra with beans and escalivada.
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Can Vilaró (Sant Antoni) – tripe and hearty stews.
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Casa Delfín (El Born) – suquet de peix and rice dishes.
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7 Portes (Barceloneta) – arroz Parellada and seafood cannelloni.
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Quimet & Quimet (Poble-sec) – known for montaditos and preserved delicacies.
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Granja Elena (Les Corts) – oxtail and coca de recapte.
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Casa Pagès (Sants) – cod “a la llauna” and snails.
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El Glop de la Rambla – calçots (in season) and black pudding sausage.
Nightlife & Beach Clubs
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Razzmatazz – five rooms with varied music styles. Sala Apolo and Nitsa – Paral·lel classics. INPUT – techno temple in Poble Espanyol. Pacha Barcelona – renovated with an outdoor area.
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Bastian Beach and Go Beach Club – pools and seaside events.
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Carpe Diem Lounge Club (CDLC) – perfect for sunset from a daybed in an exclusive atmosphere.
Culture & Heritage
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Modernisme UNESCO: Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Palau Güell, and Hospital de Sant Pau.
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Gothic Quarter: Roman route with city walls and the Temple of Augustus.
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Top museums: Picasso, Moco Museum, and Fundació Miró.
Shopping & Markets
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La Boqueria (La Rambla) – oysters, tapas, and fresh juices.
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Mercado de Sant Antoni – food stalls and a Sunday book market.
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Encants Nous – famous for its early-morning antique auctions.
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For fashion & luxury: Passeig de Gràcia (LOEWE, Santa Eulalia) and concept stores in El Born.
Nature, Sport & Wellness
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Carretera de les Aigües – panoramic 10 km trail in the Collserola hills, perfect for walking or running.
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Tibidabo SkyWalk – historic rides and spectacular views.
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AIRE Ancient Baths (El Born) – relaxing thermal circuit.
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Extensive cycling network exceeding 260 km, expanded in 2025.
Highlight Excursions
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Montserrat – train and rack railway to the monastery and hiking routes.
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Sitges – 30 min by train; seafront promenade, modernist architecture, and Malvasia wineries.
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Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava) – medieval walled old town by the sea.
Suggested Itineraries
3-day express
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Day 1: Sagrada Família early morning → stroll Passeig de Gràcia with boutique stops → afternoon at Bogatell Beach → dinner at Amar Barcelona → cocktails at Paradiso.
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Day 2: Brunch at CDLC → bike ride along Carretera de les Aigües → afternoon at AIRE Ancient Baths → night at Razzmatazz.
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Day 3: Excursion to Montserrat → return for sunset at Bastian Beach → tapas at El Xampanyet.
7 days as a resident
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Mon: Gothic Quarter, Modernisme route, and jazz at Jamboree.
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Tue: Tibidabo + Collserola hike → night at Sala Apolo.
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Wed: Sant Antoni Market → Catalan cooking workshop → Sónar club night.
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Thu: Excursion to Sitges with wine tasting.
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Fri: Shopping in El Born → rooftop at Bastian Beach → Pacha BCN.
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Sat: Costa Brava boat charter with snorkelling.
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Sun: Brunch at L’Antic Teatre → Encants market.
Tips
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Book restaurants and popular clubs well in advance.
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In bars and restaurants, tipping is usually rounding up or 5–10%.
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Tap water is safe but has a chalky taste; filtered or bottled water is recommended.
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Hours: lunch 1–4 pm, dinner 8–11 pm; clubs open at midnight.
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30 km/h speed limit on most streets; speed cameras are common.
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Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and on metro lines L3 and L4.