When we talk about guided tours in Barcelona, it is inevitable to think of one of its great classics: the modernist tour. Something which is totally understandable, but that often makes us lose sight of other cultural tourism options in the Catalan capital: for example, the best themed tours in Barcelona.

It is no secret to anyone that Catalan cuisine is one of the most irresistible in Europe. Now, in Barcelona, you can not only eat well, but also do it in a unique and truly amazing environment. So you can check it out during your next weekend getaway, we invite you to visit one of these 12 original restaurants in Barcelona.

Barcelona plays an essential role in the Spanish theater scene for various reasons. In addition to accommodating around 50 theaters, the Catalan capital has seen two of the greatest opera figures of all time: Montserrat Caballé and Josep Carreras. And that’s not all: in fact, did you know that theater in Barcelona has a history that goes back more than 400 years? It was at the end of 1579 when the Teatro del Hospital de la Santa Creu, renamed as Teatre Principal, was permanently granted exclusive theatrical performances. Therefore, the city has now turned into a compulsory stop for fans of dramatic art.

It’s not Vienna or Munich, but that doesn’t prevent Barcelona from being a regular venue for concerts and tours by the main singers and bands of the moment. Hence, the coming months come loaded with shows that you cannot miss. After a 2017 marked by the passage of such legendary groups such as U2 and the Rolling Stones, this year it’s time to surrender to artists of the caliber of Shakira, Beyoncé, Queen or Lenny Kravitz.

Barcelona is not only enjoyed with the eyes, but also at the table. We don’t say it ourselves, since Catalan cuisine is subject to all kinds of scrutiny. Without going any further, a Catalan restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, has been in the top three in the world for almost a decade, according to the ranking that’s produced annually by the prestigious Restaurant magazine. In addition, the Ciudad Condal has a dozen long distinguished restaurants with one or more stars in the Michelin Guide. Hence, this top 10 of typical dishes to try in Barcelona.

Choosing a destination full of cultural opportunities does not mean giving up the best nightlife. Proof of this is the Catalan capital, as the bars and clubs of Barcelona guarantee a unique experience.

There is no discussion: visiting the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera or the Gòtic neighborhood are things that cannot be missed in any trip to the Catalan capital. However, if instead of a weekend getaway you have decided on a longer stay, you may want to combine cultural visits with other activities in Barcelona. And what better way to get the most out of your holiday than choosing some of these unique things to do in Barcelona as a couple, with your family or group of friends?

There is a Catalan saying that says the best jam is kept in small pots (would translate so something like the best things in life come in small packages). A saying that could be applied to Barcelona: a city that is not that big in size – just 100 km2 – but with an inexhaustible offer of monuments and leisure. And not only that; even though it has a rather modest surface, it accommodates landscapes full of contrasts: sea, mountain, green areas, hills … To prove it, it is enough to visit some of the incredible viewpoints of Barcelona.

Did you know that two areas of Barcelona and Madrid account for 4 out of 10 purchases made in Spain according to a study by Global Blue? These areas are the exclusive neighborhood of Salamanca, in the capital of the country, and Passeig de Gràcia. The report points out that Barcelona attracts more tourists with high purchasing power than Madrid too. Thus, 3 out of 10 euros spent on shopping stay in the shops of Barcelona.

If you are a fan of afterwork outings, enjoying a holiday in Barcelona is definitely your best bet. As in any other large city in southern Europe, leisure options are not limited to the weekend: from Monday to Friday, any tourist can fill their agenda with interesting cultural or gastronomic experiences. However, today we want to focus on the latter, presenting you some of the coolest bars in Barcelona.

Although it’s hard to believe, Barcelona still has places where you can escape the crowds while enjoying places that exude beauty, history … and tranquility. Yes, that’s right: it is possible to admire streets and buildings without other visitors around in the Catalan capital. The secret? Get away from the center, get on the Barcelona metro and prepare to discover old villas, parishes and monuments capable of making the traveler fall in love.

With no intention of overshadowing the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic quarter or the Montjuïc mountain, Poblenou is one of those places in Barcelona that deserve to be discovered as soon as possible. If we take into account the undeniable historical, architectural and economic importance that it has had since the nineteenth century, Poblenou is definitely a place to visit.