Barcelona: bustling markets, stunning architecture, shopping for all and cuisine to die for

Welcome to the Eixample district, where modern Barcelona was born. The grid pattern was designed by Ildefons Cerdà making it easy for you to find your bearings. Investigate three incredible Modernist buildings, the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, with its incredible undulating stone façade, and Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Pop into La Boqueria on Las Ramblas, a huge market offering a wide variety of traditional products - if you want to see it in all its lively glory arrive mid-morning. By the way, if markets are your thing, a little further away you’ll find Santa Caterina, where the brightly-colored, undulating roof is made with small ceramic pieces representing the fruits and vegetables sold beneath.

Shopping, walking and Barcelona art

The moment you step out of our hotel you’re just a couple of minutes from Passeig de Gràcia, shopping heaven in Barcelona and full of prestigious Spanish and international brands. Be careful as you leave our building, though, because you’re going to pass by Ciutat Comtal, one of the best tapas bars in the city, which I find can be hard to ignore. As well as the famous brands, you should really check out the trendy shops and beautiful boutiques of the creative, independent local designers in the nearby El Born district. The Museu Picasso is very popular, and for me the collection of works known as Las Meninas is an absolute must-see, but in Barcelona our streets themselves are a gallery. Why not get out of the museums and try one of the street art tours for a bit of urban culture?

If you only have time for one thing during your stay. It would have to be the SAGRADA FAMILIA (yes, in capital letters!) Understandably the most visited building in Barcelona, it’s Gaudi’s unique, impressive, masterpiece. I’d suggest also visiting the Gaudi Exhibition Center to get a better insight into the man.

Restaurants and things to do

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without fresh seafood and paella, and sitting in the old port looking out over the shining Mediterranean only makes the food even more memorable. We can organize a sea-view table for you at the restaurant La Barceloneta, or alternatively at 7 Portes or El Merendero de la Mar which are both excellent options. Once you’ve lined the stomach, and maybe taken a refreshing siesta in the hotel, head out to an evening show. There’s always some fun to be had on a Barcelona night no matter when you choose to visit, and we love festivals. Our annual Jazz Festival, for example, hits venues all over town including the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the beautiful modernistic building of the Palau de la Música Catalana, where the acoustics will delight your ears.

Need a break from the bustling city? My favorite escape is the tranquil Parc del Laberint d’Horta. The park, Barcelona’s oldest, opened in 1791 and as well as the mesmerizing labyrinth you’ll be enchanted by its sculptures, gardens and ponds. If you’re happy to go a little further away I’d suggest the 90-minute trip to the monastery of Montserrat. Not only is there breathtaking scenery from the mountain overlooking Catalonia, but also you’ll learn about its incredible history. Try to be there for the 13:30 choirboy performance – it’s so uplifting!

Barcelona with children

Talking of children, one place that’s definitely for the younger members is Tibidabo, an amusement park located at the top of a mountain of the same name with spectacular views. There’s also the city’s Aquarium and Zoo - generally accepted among Europe’s finest - and for something a bit different try out the interactive Cosmocaixa science museum where you’re encouraged to learn by getting your hands dirty.

Getting around

With so much to do and see, it’s worth noting that the city has a modern bus and metro network – clean, cheap and safe - to get you to and from your desired points of interest and taxis are also readily available. Often, though, the best - and healthiest! - way of getting around is with your own two feet. Our perfect location means you can walk easily to many of the city’s iconic locations.

Barcelona quick tour

I’m very aware that some of our guests are on flying visits so if this is your case, let me help out with a plan to make sure you don’t feel like you left short-changed. First, get an overview of our magnificent city by taking the open-topped bus, which goes past all the major landmarks, or a walking tour of the old part of the city, including visits to the Gothic Quarter, all the narrow streets and old buildings as well as the Catedral de Barcelona. Stop off at the Passeig de Gràcia beside the hotel for a spot of shopping – even it’s mostly just looking in the glamorous windows – before getting a taste of Catalonia with tapas and wine in Vinitus restaurant.
This has been just a small snapshot of Barcelona, and I hope you’ve found my suggestions and tips useful. Now, when are you coming back?

About Gemma Puig

I’m Gemma and I’ve been part of the NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón team since the beginning of 2016, in charge of the Guest Relations Department. I’ve been in the hospitality industry for several years, always working in customer service roles. I love my job and get great pleasure from dealing with people from different countries and cultures while learning new things every day. Making our guests happy is what I like, and I even get the added bonus of being thanked for doing it. It’s so rewarding!

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