Barcelona: where to see and be seen
Not only is Barcelona one of Spain’s most exciting cities, but hotel deals are also easy to come by too. So if you want your accommodation to be in the heart of the action in Barcelona, head to one of the city’s trendiest districts favoured by the fashionistas. So whether you’re browsing the stylish boutiques and galleries by day or hitting the cocktail bars and checking out the coolest clubs in town when the sun goes down, we’ve rounded up some of the hippest hubs in the city.
One of the most popular areas, El Raval is now well known for playing host to many of the city’s immigrant population, which is evident through the wide selection of bars and restaurants throughout the region from Moroccan and Arabic to South American and Mexican. Today much of the area has become quite fashionable with high end hotels, bars and restaurants dotted around El Raval while still maintaining the same relaxed vibe that it’s most famous for.
Where to go at night: Betty Ford bar is where the whose who of the city often hang out, which isn’t surprising given the irony of its name, borrowed from the famous rehab clinic in California. From a chic interior and fabulous cocktails, it’s easy to see why Barcelona’s edgiest flock to this drinking den. Music-lovers should go to Manchester for live music and an arty vibe. Borrowing its name from Britain’s music centre, it has a very retro vibe, which is evident throughout the decor and playlists.
The old money portion of the city is known as La Ribera or El Born. But just like Chelsea in London, it’s experiencing an influx of yuppies and wealthy young people and has lavish cocktail bars, lounges, galleries and boutiques scattered allover. If you’re looking for choice, stroll down the busiest street in the area known as Passeig del Born. If you don’t fancy splashing your cash around the place, it is also home to the Picasso museum, offering a wide assortment of the late painter’s early and most popular works.
If you’re interested in going out, be sure to check out El Xampanyet, a traditional Catalan bar with some of the best tapas in town. Perfect for a late night snack, or a full on meal, you can sample the flavours of the region from an upmarket, yet understated venue that’s also great value. If you’re up for some dancing, Magic on the main strip is a hot club to go to offering a variety of beats to bob along to from pop and rock to funk.
Catherine McCulloch is a travel writer who regularly goes on trips to Barcelona. Check out the Hotels4U website for amazing offers on places to stay in Barcelona.
Tags: Barcelona hotels, Destinations, hotels
August 10 2012 05:03 pm | Destinations