Five Reasons To Visit Barcelona

There are few better times in the year to visit Barcelona than during the gentle spring months preceding summer, when the climate is enticingly mild and the crowds are thinner than those of peak season. From beach, to city, to mountain; the Catalonian capital presents a versatile landscape ready to be explored on foot, all the while promoting a laid back pace of life that is simply irresistible. If you need any more inspiration to book a weekend away, here are our five reasons why Barcelona should be top of your list.

1. The Architecture

Celebrated for its architectural accomplishments, Barcelona is endowed with a number of distinctive structures ranging from magnificent Gothic cathedrals, lavish modernista mansions and avant-garde galleries.

Built during the peak of Catalonia’s power in the Middle Ages, Barcelona’s historic neighbourhoods flaunt beautiful pockets of preserved medieval architecture, which are aesthetically at odds with the Modernisme movement that swept through the innovative development of Eixample in the Nineteenth Century.

Barcelona’s prodigal son, Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) was the greatest pioneer and proponent of the Catalan Modernista movement. His works—seven of which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status—are peppered throughout the city.

2. The Food

One of the best ways, if not the most satisfying, to get to know Barcelona is through its culinary landscape. In the warm glow of the Mediterranean, the city has favourable access to some of the freshest produce from both the land and sea. Whether you prefer hole-in-the-wall joints, serving cava packed amongst locals, coveted tapas bars hidden down backstreets or glitzy Michelin-featured institutions conjuring up elevated regional cuisine, Barcelona has something for all tastes and occasions. You can readily find our very favourite places to eat in the city in our guide.

3. The Beaches

Few places in the world accomplish such seamless integration between beach and city. Where you can spend a morning visiting Gaudí’s works in Eixample and sightseeing in Barri Gòtic, before strolling down to Barceloneta for a spot of lunch by the Sea at our favourite beach front pit stop, Pez Vela.

Just over half an hour away from Barcelona you’ll find The beach of Garraf, a beautiful strip of sandy beach lined with picturesque holiday huts. The beach is easily reachable by train, which drops you directly opposite the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, or else head to a beachfront restaurant. Soho House members can also enjoy the privilege of the private ‘Little Beach House’ club, the newly opened La Caseta is also open to the public.

4. The Rooftops

Barcelona’s skyline is home to some of the best rooftop bars in Europe. Thanks to the gentle Mediterranean climate, they are pleasant most of the year round—though, springtime visitors would do well to enjoy the following rooftops through the afternoon, as temperatures are likely to drop when the sun disappears.

Almost all of the rooftop bars can be found, perhaps unsurprisingly, on top of the city’s numerous glamorous hotels. Fortunately though, these crowning terraces are accessible to the public, as well as guests. See our guide for a more in depth look at the perks of each rooftop bar.

5. The Day Trips

Catalonia has many treasures to be explored outside of Barcelona. If you’re staying for longer than a few days, there are plenty of day trips you can easily take advantage of by train or car. The lure of the Costa Brava offers sanctuary from the bustle of the city with sleepy fishing towns and small rocky coves suited for dipping in the cool Mediterranean sea. The nearby Montserrat mountain range is an arena for hikers and climbers, whilst the Priorat region is a wine connoisseur’s paradise.