Welcome to Barcelona

Barcelona is the 2nd city in Spain and the capital of Cataluña (Catalonia). The city where Christopher Columbus sailed from to find the brave new world, the host of the 1992 Olympics. The city famous for the stunning architecture of Antonio Gaudi.

 

Barcelona is an excellent choice for traveller looking for a sophisticated destination. There has been an increase in luxury and boutique hotels, and therefore offers a wide choice of options. And with a flight time of less than 2 hours from London it’s the perfect romantic long weekend destination.

 

The architect and artist Gaudi has certainly left his unmistakable mark on this city – curved balconies, ornate ironworks and fantastic use of colour and building materials that Gaudi is associated with. Head to the Gothic quarter for a real taste of Gaudi at his best. His finest monument has to be La Sagrada Familia, where construction started in 1882, and is not due for completion until 2026. Slightly further out of town is Park Guell which is also another of Gaudi’s legacies – a city centre like nowhere else! The park contains Gaudi style stone structures, mosaics statues and fascinating buildings, including the Gaudi dragon fountain which sits at the park entrance.

 

Outside of fine architecture Barcelona was home to The Olympics in 1992, and of course one of Europe’s top football teams. Tickets to see Barcelona at the Nou Camp are not easy to come by but with our contacts we’ll do everything we can to secure you tickets for a taste of “La Liga”.

 

During the summer months Barcelona is a beach resort which sits to the South of The Costa Brava and to the North of Costa Dorada. In a train journey of less than an hour you can be sipping Sangria in Sitges. Alternatively head to Figueretas for an insight in to the mind of Salvador Dali. This was his birthplace and a museum, complete with oversize bread rolls on the outside of the building is well worth a visit.

 

There is plenty to keep you entertained in the city of Barcelona with sightseeing and shopping firmly on the agenda. But it’s a city with a great atmosphere, particularly in Spring and Summer, so you can take things at your own pace, find a back street tapas bar and relax with the locals, join the tourists (and the pick pockets) at Las Ramblas, or enjoy the serenity of your 5-star hotel.

 

Our favourite Luxury hotels in Barcelona include the magnificent W Barcelona Hotel, and the Hotel Arts Barcelona which is located and the modern and regenerated harbour area and overlooking the Olympic Park, just across from the statue of Christopher Columbus.

 

We’ve only added a small selection of our hotels in Barcelona but let us know what you are looking as we have access to many boutique and luxury hotels and holidays. We can offer you the complete package including flights, transfers and inspirational ideas to make the most of this fantastic city. If you only need a hotel then that is fine, just let us know what you need. Our main advice to you is that make plans to stay a night longer than you had originally planned – Barcelona is a captivating city with so much to see not only in the city but in the surrounding countryside and coastal areas – we don’t think you will regret it.

 

Top 10 things to do in Barcelona :

1. Stroll down Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas. 

2. Visit Montjuic park where you can find fascinating museums and impressive buildings from the 1992 Olympics.   

3. Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona's favourite park on a Sunday afternoon enjoying the fountains and beautifully landscaped gardens.

4. Explore Barri Gotic where some of the most atmospheric bars are hidden.

5. Barcelona features the best shopping in Spain, with designer boutiques and famous brand names.

6. The La Sagrada Familia.

7. Gaudi architecture. 

9. Go to the Camp Nou to watch the world famous Barcelona FC team. 

10. Sample some great seafood and excellent atmosphere at Barceloneta neighbourhood.  

 

Events Calendar, Dates to remember:

March – Carnival Carnestoltes its celebrated with costumed parades and concerts. 

April – St Georges day. 

May – Festa de la Diversitat is a three day festival to celebrate ethnic diversity, with free concerts, marching bands, food stalls, children activities and more. 

June – Sonar music festival is one of Europe's largest festivals covering three days featuring the most cutting edge and contemporary electronic music. 

September – 2nd week is Barcelona's fashion week, with catwalk shows and exhibitions.

24th September - Is the city's main festival dedicated to the Virgin of Merce which is celebrated over three to four days where you will see live bands outside the cathedral, central squares and a breathtaking firework display. 

October – Jazz festival that attracts big name solo artists, bands to the clubs and smaller-scale street concerts.

Our handpicked collection of boutique and luxury Barcelona hotels include:

Hotel Name	Location	Star Rating	Hotel Type	Rooms
B-Hotel	Near Placa Espanya, Barcelona	3 star	Central hotel, roof top pool	84 rooms
El Palace Hotel	Close to Las Ramblas, Barcelona	5 star	Luxury city centre hotel	125 rooms
Grand Hotel Central	Close to Born area, Barcelona	4 star	Hip Barcelona hotel	147 rooms
Hotel Arts Barcelona	Sea front Barcelona	5 star	Luxury Barcelona hotel	483 rooms
Hotel Grandos 83	Eixample area, Barcelona	4 star	Cool boutique hotel	75 rooms
ME Barcelona	@22 area, Barcelona	5 star	Modern luxury hotel	259 rooms
Pullman Barcelona Skipper	Sea front Barcelona	5 star	Modern luxury hotel	235 rooms
Sixty Two Hotel	Passeig de Gracia	4 star	Modern boutique hotel	45 rooms
Soho Hotel	Eixample area, Barcelona	3 star	Boutique hotel	51 rooms
The Mirror Barcelona	Eixample area, Barcelona	4 star	Boutique hotel	63 rooms
Villa Emilia	Eixample area, Barcelona	4 star	Luxury boutique hotel	53 rooms
W Barcelona	Marina, Barcelona	5 star	Luxury hotel	473 rooms