Tapas, Terraces and Tours
We stayed in the superbly located H10 Port Vell. It’s a 4* hotel with a small roof terrace for lounging on the warmer days and enjoying a drink whilst overlooking the harbour. Within a block you are into the myriad of streets of El Born, known for the artisan shops, boutiques and tapas bars this city has based its reputation on.
Another block away and you find yourself in the Gothic Quarter with its wonderful cathedral and gothic architecture. I found Las Ramblas too busy and too touristy for my liking but it's the main pedestrianised area to get from the harbour front to the main square of Plaza de Catalunya, where all the tours seem to go from.
We decided to leave the tour buses behind and hired a bike tour of the city's highlights. Such fun! There are plenty of stops for the guide to tell you stories of the city and the main landmarks. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area, and you catch the sun whilst you are cycling!
The food is always a highlight on any of my trips, so I wasn’t disappointed with all that Barcelona has to offer. With so many restaurants to choose from it's important to do some research before you go, otherwise you could end up walking aimlessly looking at menus! I can highly recommend Bastaix in El Born. It serves rustic Spanish food, plenty of it and it’s very reasonable. The Sangria was amazing too and in very authentic surroundings.
