I loved the ten busy days that I stayed in the Barcelona area. Not only did I visit Barcelona the city but I also visited the Catalon region and was blown away by the diversity of things to do there. I visited castles, monasteries, vineyards, museums, Medieval towns and spiritual retreats all in the same trip.
Whether it is food, wine, art or history, Barcelona has something for everyone.
The following post which originally appeared on The Hipmunk Tailwind blog, illustrates the eclectic mix of activities in this cosmopolitan European city.
The seaside center of Catalonian culture, Barcelona, is one of Spain’s most scintillating cities. Top travel destinations often claim to “have it all,” but this is particularly true for Barcelona, where tourists can marvel at Gothic and Modernist architecture by day and sway to the saucy rhythms of Iberian party music by night.
Barcelona is cosmopolitan yet historic, charming yet wild and filled with sublime flavors and Michelin star restaurants. The city’s renowned gastronomy draws on unique influences from the Basque country and Catalonian region, creating a hip mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavors you won’t find anywhere else, even within Spain itself.
Sound captivating? It is. The shorter your trip to Barcelona, the longer you’ll want to stay, but then again, the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave. It’s no secret that Barcelona draws you in almost immediately, but now the only question is: Draws you into where? Hipmunk hotels in Barcelona are some of the finest in the world, and you’ll wish you never had to check out.
Art and Eats: Hotel Arts Barcelona
Not many hotels can claim to be more unique than this — a skyscraper located right on the beach with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. As its name suggests, Hotel Arts celebrates the artistic spirit at the core of Barcelona. Your taste buds will go wild with the hotel’s six different restaurants featuring renowned chefs and exquisite cuisine. As far as architecture goes, the hotel considers itself part of Barcelona’s recent “cultural renaissance,” which means if you’re looking for a place in step with this dynamic city, this is it. Sip specialty drinks at a pool adjacent to the glistening Mediterranean Sea and sit in the shadow of Frank Gehry’s famous fish sculpture, one of the city’s most celebrated contemporary works of art.
Football and Fanfare: Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel
It’s impossible to mention Barcelona without at least touching upon the one sport that rivets the population like no other. If you’re a soccer — football in Spain– fan, get in the game by staying at Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel, just two blocks from the home of the world-famous Barcelona Football Club, the Camp Nou Stadium. Wondering why the hotel has a regal rather than a sports-themed name? That’s because it’s even closer, just one short block away, from the Royal Palace. But with the hotel’s lush five-star luxury, you won’t need to visit the nearby estate to feel like nobility.
Sights and Sounds: Olivia Plaza Hotel Barcelona
Located in the midst of the hustle and bustle, Olivia Plaza Hotel is ideal for those serial sightseers. It’s just steps away from Olivia Plaza and La Rambla, the boulevard famous for shopping and entertainment. Its prime location is also right near Catalunya, a subway hub, so those looking to explore the city inside and out will have easy access to the train network. You’ll be within walking distance to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art with the classic Arco de Triunfo in the other direction, and you’re likely to see some major landmarks just by strolling the streets around this prime hotel.
Nature and Relaxation: ABaC Restaurant & Hotel
The city of Barcelona itself is so exciting that it’s easy to stay within its bounds and forget the inspiring landscapes that surround it. That won’t happen with this stylish hotel, located near the picturesque foothills surrounding the city. This proximity to nature, as well as its excellent spa and wellness center, makes Hipmunk ABaC the ideal location in Barcelona if you just want to relax and allow the vibrant spirit of the city to rejuvenate you.
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