Barcelona, like a jewel in the sun… as the song goes

Just ten minutes from the city center, our hotel is ideally placed to enjoy the delights of Barcelona. First up you’ll want to explore one of the main shopping streets, Passeig de Gràcia, where each window displays top brands and exclusive products. Keep your eyes open as you stroll and be sure to take in the modernist architecture, such as the stunning Gaudí designed houses, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, down to the incredible craftsmanship of the details on the street lamps. Just one street over, Rambla de Catalunya, gives you even more shopping choice, not to mention the terraced food-stops to sit and recharge your batteries.

If you’re looking for fresh produce head to Plaça Catalunya and on to the iconic Ramblas walkway. There you’ll find the Mercat de la Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Josep, two markets full of fruit, spices and seafood – the vibrant colors and smells will follow you home for years! Lastly while there try one of the many eateries for a traditional taste of Barcelona.

Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art and other inspiring places

The museums in Barcelona are second to none; the Museu Picasso, just a few minutes walk from our door, hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year in addition to the incredible permanent collection. The city’s Museu d'Art Contemporani is a little further away, but don’t worry, we will get you there, and to others in the city, in a flash. For kids, young and old, the Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) provides confectionary delights, or ship on over to the Old Port Aquarium with its glass tunnel that puts you in the tank! A favorite of mine – it’s so inspiring - is the Museu d’idees i invencions. Check out the big slide at its entrance – the kids love it.

If you’re out and about at night I’d urge you to take in Montjuïc's Font Mágica, just below the Palau Nacional, 10 minutes in a taxi from the hotel, where the colorful water dances to music with Barcelona’s beautiful skyline as a backdrop. And for live music try out Jamboree in the Plaça Reial, you never know who you will meet – on one of my visits, I turned around and the one and only Mick Jagger was standing next to me! Who will you see?

Authentic Barcelona can be found in the beautiful small streets of the old town, a stone’s throw from the hotel door. There you’ll find the 14th century Catedral de Barcelona and the Palau de la Musica Catalana, which is stunning from the outside and has incredible acoustics within. The majestic Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar – inspiration for the popular book Cathedral of the Sea – is nearby, and you can also rest your legs in one of the many trendy little bars and terraces.

Renting a bike is a fun way to get around with many places to pick one up available. It’s a fun way to get to Gaudi’s must-see Sagrada Familia from the hotel, with old squares, arches and palm trees lining the route. And while out and about biking, why not stop off for some quiet reflection at the stunning Parc de la Ciutadella, and in winter try a big hot chocolate with crispy “xurros” in Carrer Petritxol.

Barcelona wine bars, tapas and more

Keeping fuelled is not difficult in Barcelona and as a first choice I’d recommend our very own Bistro and Terrace Restaurants, which offer you a tasty, modern menu, including gourmet tapas and great wines. The Terrace has awesome rooftop views across the city (and our great summer swimming pool is here as well!).
Ciutat Comtal is considered one of the best quality tapas spots in the city and is very affordable. Also within walking distance from our hotel is El Nacional, a large market-style space hosting four restaurants with distinct menus and styles with plenty of options nearby to grab a drink before or after your meal. As you’ll see from the many pictures on the wall, celebrities looking for great fresh fish and seafood at a reasonable price love Moncho’s Marina Bay at the port - we can organize a table on their terrace with incredible views.
Looking for one special night to complete your trip? Let El Xalet or Mirimar restaurants captivate you with their tasty gourmet selections, wonderful atmospheres and views of Barcelona from Montjuïc mountain.

Barcelona: getting around and day trips

One of the great things about where you’ll be staying is that you can get to most of the desired areas by foot. But the public transport system is the envy of most big cities with buses, trams and underground all available using the same ticket. Shops are generally open 10:00 till 20:30, although some smaller ones away from the center may close for a couple of hours at lunch from 14:00.

If you’ve been to Barcelona before and are looking to see what’s in the surrounding area let me point you in the direction of the village of Sitges (40 minutes by train). In addition to checking out the shops and restaurants along the tiny streets, you should definitely explore the lesser-known area behind the church, where the true locals go. A little further afield, around 90 minutes away, we can arrange a tour of the Montserrat mountains for you, including unique cava tasting in the wine cellars.
I have to mention the Font de Canaletes down Las Ramblas. I urge you to take a sip of the water as legend says that those who drink from the fountain will surely return to Barcelona, where we’d be thrilled to see you again.

About Hugo Lamelas Madrueño

Hola! I’m Hugo Lamelas Madrueño and I’ve worked for NH Hotels for over 8 years. I’m from Barcelona originally although I lived and worked for almost a decade in the UK before returning to join the Guest Relations Team at the NH Collection Barcelona Pódium Hotel in the summer of 2016. My personality is naturally suited to having direct contact and socializing with guests and I love getting a feel for what they are looking for from their stay. The hotel industry is developing fast these days with new technology and fancy features being important to our guests, however, a personalized service from the hotel team is a key differential and I love being a part of that.

Relax in an urban boutique oasis after a long day exploring Barcelona. See our boutique style hotels in Barcelona.