How to spend a weekend in Barcelona

 

When I feel that I need a change of location and upcoming boredom of London is coming... I buy first available tickets and fly away from London to Barcelona, Spain. Short list of my necessities is: high heels, evening cocktail dress and a good song. 

Truly Catalonian food and view on the night Barcelona is the first thing I am going for when I am just landed. Best place with a panoramic view- “Mirablau and Mirabe” (Manuel Arnus,2, http://www.mirabe.com/en/index.php), which consist of a restaurant, bar and night club. Calm atmosphere, lounge music, the best sea food paella, - definitely must go place and best beginning of a wakeful night.

The evening continuing in a bar “Dry Martini” (Aribau 162 166, http://www.javierdelasmuelas.com/eng/dry/barcelona/dry-martini) which is included in the list of top 50 best bars in the world. It merits this reputation because of irreproachable work during 30 years. The atmosphere is completely different from a typical Spanish places where you can hear loud-voiced Spanish people. Coming here, you feel as a character of an old film. Films, where man drink pure whiskey in the bars, from time to time smoking a cigar , while women knocking on the wooden bar stand with their polished nails and waiting for their dry martini. Combination of luxury and elegance in the best way.

After, you can go to Nuba (Dr. Flemming 12-14, http://www.nubabcn.com/). Quite club/bar with unostentatious music. The best time for visiting this place is its “special events” – presentations and unique launch parties. You can find all this information on their web site.

Changing million of places in one night is not surprising when you are in Barcelona. Finally, I’ve decided to go to dance. Parties in Barcelona are definitely the best, and, in comparison to London, long lasting, they continue till the daybreak, but only from 2 at night the real fun happened. Club CDLC  (http://www.cdlcbarcelona.com/carpe-diem-lounge-club, Passage maritime 32), situated near well known all over the world Opium Mar. However, it is not so touristic and will be good for those, who love to spend time in lounge areas. In the day and evening time CDLC is a restaurant with a mixure of various cuisines: Spanish, Japanese, Thai and American. Atmosphere of the club is inspired by Indian “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama”. The interior design is full of made with a carved wood diverse statuettes.

Next day will be a relaxing day. Morning walk on the sea coast and then, shopping on Paseo de Garcia. This street is a mix of “Bond-Regent Street shops”. No doubt you will enjoy amazing Gaudi architecture: Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. The gothic quarter is situated nearby, where you can see Barcelona in a new way: old and breath-taking.

Not far from Paseo de Gracia you may find restaurant which can be named as an etalon of the seafood restaurants in Barcelona - Botafumeiro (GrandeGracia,81, http://www.botafumeiro.es/ru/home). Unique mixture of the best location and fresh, tasty food, which you can hardy find in the centre of a big cities.

Also, highly recommended to visit restaurant “2 Torres” (ViaAugusta 300б http://www.restaurantedostorres.com/en).  This is 2 floors villa surrounded by the garden – ideal place for a brunch or romantic dinner in the shades of trees. 

In the warm evening you may enjoy sangria on the terrace of the hotel Majestic (Paseo de Gracia, http://www.hotelmajestic.es/) which is also located in the city centre and works till 2 at night. Refined snacks, light music and beauty of the architecture from the height of 10 floors. This place will be perfect for a calm evening with friends, if you are tired of noisy streets and bars.

Must to visit is an alternative place for a night out - small bar Esprit Chutipos (Paseo de Colom 8 (recommended to use for a taxi drivers) http://www.espitchupitos.com/barcelona/). This bar will stick in your memory for a long time.  Here you can find a selection of 100 shots for a small price.  Moreover, you can share your favourite ingredients with a barman and he will do unique shot just for you. Spectacular action is happening in front of you!

In the small bar ­–creperie Creps al Born (Passeige del Born, 12) always prevail an atmosphere of a inexhaustible energy , mostly because of handsome and charming barmen. Except complimentary shot on the entrance here you can find tasty crepes and godlike cocktails. There are millions of bars situated nearby, but believe me, do not waste your time trying to find something better.

There is no need to hurry and run fast to see everything in Barcelona. Sit down, order fresh made coffee and breathe the Barcelona maritime air. Try to spend time in the laid-back rhythm of the Spanish people, who are able to enjoy even small things. If you don’t have a lot of time, there is no need to be sad, because following my route you will want to come back to the magical Catalonia again and again.