By Donna Richardson
Barcelona is a bustling metropolis renowned for shopping, fine dining in top-tier restaurants, five-star hotels, and, of course, football. But scratch beneath the surface and uncover local Catalan culture, lush mountains, and a medieval heart rooted in Roman history. Nowadays, as you meander through the labyrinth of the city, discovering its historical architecture from the Picasso Museum to lazy afternoons in a sun-soaked square, sipping wine and savouring delectable Catalan dishes beneath a swaying palm tree. Experience all this and more in beautiful Barcelona.
There are lots of flights from Blighty to Spain’s northwest coast, making it the ideal getaway for a weekend. The success of its football team at the renowned Camp Nou stadium has made it a shopping mecca, and in the evenings, the elite flock to Barcelona’s exclusive bars and clubs, but you can also unpick its historical tapestry, which has been woven into the city over millennia. One of its most exciting neighbourhoods is El Born – a unique mix of old and new. Head down to San Caterina Market, which offers the city a taste of authentic local cuisine, while tourist shops brim with trinkets and souvenirs that showcase this enchanting city’s cultural richness.
Step Back in Time
Barcelona was once a Roman city until it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Aragon during the Middle Ages. Catalonia is a proud nation within Spain, largely autonomous with its own official capital. Its famous gothic construction in the heart of the city was built by Gaudí, known as La Sagrada Familia. History buffs will love the Gothic Quarter and Calle Motcad in the medieval streets of El Born. Meanwhile, unearth some of the past secrets of 18th-century Barcelona at El Born entre De Cultura. It has a second cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Creu I Santa Eulàlia, a great Catalan place of worship constructed in the 13th Century.
The city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics and was one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup a decade earlier, so people are passionate about football, and FC Barcelona is one of the biggest and most famous clubs on the planet.
Where to stay
The Yurbban Passage Hotel and Signature Organic Spa, located in El Born, is an ideal retreat for discerning travellers. Most travellers head straight up to the rooftop pool, voted one of Barcelona’s best, and enjoy stunning views of the city. The spa offers a relaxing escape from city life, while the charming rooms feature gramophones and essential amenities. The hotel surrounds a historic merchant passage, where an evening cocktail bar invites guests to unwind and soak up the vibrant atmosphere before dinner.
On the other side of the passage is The Yurbbaan Trafalgar Hotel, voted the best eco-friendly hotel in Barcelona. The bedrooms are quirky and all feature huge beds, walk-in showers, and vanity tables, with great views of the city from the upper floors. Downstairs in the lobby is a communal area for working and relaxing, featuring plenty of seating areas to lounge in and lighting shaped like trumpets.
The two hotels share a restaurant that serves the most delicious breakfast. Feast on Catalan sausage and white beans with eggs cooked to your taste, or select from a buffet spread of cereals, cured meats, yoghurts, cheeses and all kinds of milk and juices, as well as bread, while coffee and tea flow freely.
Putting on The Ritz in Barcelona
Experience the glamour of El Palace Barcelona, one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. With a grand entrance featuring red velvet curtains, it transports you to the elegance of the roaring ’20s. Opened in 1919 as the former Ritz of Barcelona, this iconic hotel has hosted celebrities like Ella Fitzgerald, Freddie Mercury, and Salvador Dalí – the hotel is the site of Barcelona’s very own The Ritz. I stepped out to the toilets and recognised the antique rug immediately.
We were destined for the very chic Amar restaurant, where the old-world charm meets modern elegance in a stunning ambience as we sipped our cocktails and enjoyed the royal treatment. Amar means love in Spanish, and much affection goes into cooking the food as head chef Rafa Zafra invites you to sample his sublime seafood.
Start with the caviar toast and proceed to oysters. For the main course, I selected the Ritz classic Lobster Cardinale, and to my surprise, they brought out a whole crustacean topped with truffles. It was a feast for the eyes, never mind my stomach. Even the fries were extraordinary, perfectly seasoned, and the fruit salad was so fresh. However, my eyes watered when I saw the tower of profiteroles.
Beach time at the W
If you want some Miami vibes, then the W Hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Enter this iconic five-star hotel and feel like a celebrity. Guests can enjoy the infinity pool, rooftop bar, and luxurious rooms with avant-garde design, flat-screen TVS, iPod docking stations, and rainfall showers.
Dine at the gourmet restaurant Fire by the palm tree-lined pool, serving grilled dishes with beach views. Enjoy cocktails with panoramic views at the Eclipse rooftop bar on the 26th floor or in the W Lounge. The Salt Beach Club and Restaurant offers innovative burgers and crafted cocktails for the ultimate beachside experience. Facilities include a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and relaxation area at the W Spa, with a range of beauty treatments available.
Paella time
The Paella Club introduces newcomers to the art of cooking paella, Spain’s cherished dish, often referred to as the “food of love.” Two passionate chefs, with experience cooking for the late Queen Elizabeth II and Gordon Ramsay, share their secrets while participants enjoy samba and reggae tunes. The atmosphere is competitive as everyone strives to create the perfect paella. Finally, everyone sits around the table, getting to know each other while sampling each other’s delicious creations.
Time to hit the town in Barcelona
Barcelona comes alive in the evenings, making it the perfect time to dress up and seek out some pre-dinner entertainment. The Milano Jazz Club is a hidden gem where you can enjoy daily jazz concerts in an elegant speakeasy atmosphere. Sip on a cocktail and unwind, setting the perfect tone for a stylish late dinner.
Gala restaurant is a joyful space where you can channel your inner child, from the merry-go-round in the foyer to the flamboyant stripes in the main room and plush seating. A meal at Gala guarantees is fun and flirty, and you can enjoy sublime sushi bar with an extensive range. Begin with ussuzukuri salmon with yuzu sauce, quinoa and marinated salmon roe, followed by a range of sashimi, maki or nigiri options for the seafood connoisseur.
For meat lovers, wagyu beef is full of flavour. Still, sweet-toothed diners will enjoy the giant cookies combined with a coffee, decorated with the head of Barcelona FC legend Lionel Messi cleverly etched on the top of the froth. Ultimately, downstairs is a nightclub for those who want to party, and you might bump into a celebrity or two.
Discover the city
The beauty of Barcelona is that everything is within a short walk- start at the top and wind your way down. At the top is Parc Güell, which pays homage to Gaudí – Barcelona’s famous son. You’ll encounter stunning mosaics and unique sculptures that evoke a fairy-tale vibe. Park Ciutadella features a monumental waterfall, 19th-century buildings, and a lake for rowing boats. ‘
The Gardens of Mossen Costa i Llobera, located on Mount Martínez, offer breathtaking views of the coastline and port. At Tereza Martinez, enjoy a glass of Sangria while live Spanish music plays, or head to Miramar for cocktails with city views before strolling through the gardens. The area’s cooler microclimate supports 800 species of cacti.
Montserratt
Just an hour’s drive away is Montserrat Basilica, so hop in the car and drive to the beautiful Benedictine retreat with stunning views of the Catalonian countryside.
You can take a train to the top to explore the 11th-century Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a significant site in Catalonia’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Enjoy the lively atmosphere created by Catalan dancers and relax in the sun while taking in the breathtaking mountain views before seeing the famous Black Madonna, believed to have been carved in Jerusalem. Don’t miss the angelic sounds of the Escolania Montserrat Basilica Choir, one of the oldest choirs in Europe, founded in the 14th century.
Art lovers will appreciate the adjoining gallery featuring works by Salvador Dalí and Claude Monet. On your way back, stop for lunch at Nou Urbisol, a hidden gem offering exceptional local cuisine, from lobster soup to gourmet Catalan dishes, with the option to dine on a lovely new terrace.
Lasting impressions
Barcelona is an exciting city full of energy. You can’t see everything in just one weekend, so it’s best to visit several times and explore what you love together. It’s great for couples, offering a strong football culture, cooking classes for paella, shopping, art galleries, theatres, live opera, and lively bars, along with tapas and fine dining. Families will enjoy the city too. They can relax and learn about Catalan culture. Barcelona has fancy hotels that remind you of a more elegant time, as well as modern hotels and restaurants that are vibrant and welcoming.
The Lowdown
Escape to the sunny city of Barcelona for a city and beach break, with regular flights available from all major UK airports. Flights from Gatwick start from £35 one way with EasyJet. Staying at the Yurbban Passage is £361 per night with Mr & Mrs Smith.
