Barcelona the locals secret places

Barcelona

Barcelona is without question one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is on the water and is the capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second largest city. Founded as a Roman city, in the Middle Ages Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon. Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean is located in Barcelona. The city also hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. Barcelona is a transport hub with the Port of Barcelona being one of Europe’s principal seaports and busiest European passenger port. Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona
Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers making it the ideal winter getaway.
Barcelona

Everywhere you go you get Tapas. Without question Barcelona’s most famous street is Las Ramblas and of course everything here is extortionately Barcelonapriced however is venture off this street you can find great authentic places full of locals. For Tapas loved by locals try Can Eusebio.

Barcelona

Where to go for food and drinks ? here are my recommendations. Just google for directions.

While Ive been told that eating tapas in a fancy restaurant is like eating a watermelon without your hands – it makes no sense. There are many options in Barcelona here are some.

1) Very popular Can Eusebio offers a huge selection of tapas,

a lively atmosphere and low prices. It’s always crowded, especially on Friday nights (getting a terrace table is like winning the lottery!), but the service is friendly and they work fast. If you want to enjoy really tasty and cheap tapas, you need to go to one of their temples, where you’ll find local young and not so young people. Don’t miss the chicken wings, the calamares and the “secreto de cerdo”.  If you don’t like beer or you want something more Mediterranean, try the homemade sangria. Its tasty and very fresh.

2) Famous for Tapas. El Vaso del Oro:

The tinted windows and generally laid-back attitude of the place belies the fact that El Vaso del Oro has a reputation for some of the best tapas in town – with a price tag to match. By no means a budget-option, El Vaso del Oro is a safe bet, if you feel like splurging. There are not many palces like this – it’s obligatory to hang at the bar, while the waiters keep the plates and beers coming. It’s quite informal, which makes for an odd combination, considering the level of ambition of the chefs.

3) Don;t miss restaurant La Bombeta:

this place is fab and great for groups if your with one. You won’t be free of the tourists, however, but that doesn’t keep the locals away – a surefire sign that La Bombeta offers something special. The food’s fairly cheap, totally classic and made for sharing. Though there are a number of main courses, the fun is in a stack of plates. This is the kind of place that just seems so typically Catalan that it almost hurts. A recent addition is an English language menu; that took them at least five years to make. The service is quick, but curt, and the noisy atmosphere means you shouldn’t be ashamed of being noisy as well. A table in the front section is definitely the most fun.

4) Fantastic bar in Barcelona best known for its Cava

Can Paixano: Can Paixano, best known as “La Champañería”, is an old bar in the old Barceloneta neighborhood. This bar is famous for their “cava” (typical Catalonian sweet sparkling wine, similar to champagne) and also for their big and tasty sandwiches. You can order a glass or a bottle. When you order a bottle of cava you must order at least one sandwich. What seems to be an obligation is actually a pleasure.  Sandwiches are minute made and you can choose from a huge variety.

5) Best Fish Restaurant in Barcelona. La Cova Fumada:

The Smoky Cavern has a well-earned reputation as one of Barcelona’s best. The fish is incredibly fresh. They make homemade bombas, and the mood is informal but friendly. Since 1944, this little restaurant has served the Barcelonese. If you don’t like fish and seafood, this is not for you. If you do, however, you’re in for a treat, as fish straight from the harbour is served in an authentic, local fashion. This is a morning and lunch place.

6) Barcelona also has a free walking

Several companies do free walking tours, which obviously you are expected to tip on average 10 euro per person. Normal walking tours cost a minimum of 20 and up per person plus tip.  Sandaman’s also has a tapas walking tour.  http://www.runnerbeantours.com/

7) A word of warning while in Barcelona.

Beware of pickpockets. Barcelona holds the title of being the number one picking capital of Europe although the city likes to play this down. Many tourists have reported the police are less than helpful when trying to make reports. Gangs of gypsies operate in the city and have many tactics to distract you. You have been warned.

All in all Spain is very reasonably priced if stay away from tourists areas. I loved my time here but I prefer Madrid hands down. Would I come back? most definitely. Would I live here? not by choice.


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About Sandra

Just a girl from Ireland who wants to live everywhere. Not a planner, a winger when it comes to travel. I don't even like people who plan too much. Without spontaneity there is no depth. A jack of all trades. A great friend, loyal and passionate and I expect the same in return. Always ready for the next adventure at a moments notice.
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