Here are our Top Attraction, Hotel & Restaurant Recommendations in Barcelona.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Located on the Passeig de Gracia Avenue, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the most prized Hotels of the city. It offers wonderful views on its gardens or in front of the modern architecture of the Casa Batllo. This 5 star hotel is a perfect mix between elegance and luxury. I suggest you enjoy the 2 star restaurant of the hotel for lunch or dinner before or after your Fresh Eire Adventure in Costa Brava.
Axel Hotel
Located in the North of El Raval neighbour, the Axel is the most famous “Heterofriendly” Hotel of Barcelona. Loyal to the Axel concept (design, comfort, cosmopolitan atmosphere and good value for money), the hotel offers 105 rooms that combines modernism, comfort and warmth. Thanks to its luminosity, soundproofing, air conditioning and art-deco design, the Axel hotel is a perfect place to spend a few days in Barcelona.
Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures, stayed here to evaluate it for future guests. Here is his review from TripAdvisor :
‘’I have stayed at another Axel (Buenos Aires) and was not terribly impressed but tried my best to come with an open mind to their property in Barcelona. I was suitably impressed. Firstly, the level of professionalism of the staff is far and away in another league to what I was anticipating. Secondly, the cleanliness of the communal areas such as pool etc was far greater. I won't say immaculate but very very clean and certainly presentable. Thirdly the rooms were immaculate and followed the style ethos of "less is more". I loved the glass wall shower in my room, the wonderful bed and crisp white sheets and top quality pillows. My room had a balcony overlooking the street but noise was not a problem owing to the soundproofing. Minibar charges not out of this world either. Fourthly, the roof top bar is lots of fun in the evening with a great party atmosphere if that's what you're after...its big enough however to have a quiet drink if that's your preference. Finally i had dinner in the restaurant one night; great food, great wine; fantastic service and outlandishly stylish (think Barbarella) furnishings and decor. Top marks. I did not have breakfast however so I can't comment on this. This is a beautiful old 19th century building lovingly restored with few original interior features so don't be expecting that. The exterior is wonderful however and the location is hard to beat. Top drawer! I loved it and will certainly go back. I have no hesitation in recommending this.’’
Serras Hotel
Located in the Gothic neighbourhood of Barcelona, the Serras is one of the best luxury hotels in the city. The balconies offer a stunning view in front of the new Port Vell along the Mediterranean Sea. The Serras has a wonderful roof terrace. The 30 rooms are exceptionally spacious and you will want for nothing during your stay.
Angle Restaurant
Established in 2013, this 1 star Michelin restaurant offers excellent value for money in a wonderful location (Cram Hotel). The Chef – Jordi Cruz – native to the region (Manresa) is the youngest chef ever in the world to receive a star in the Michelin Guide at only 26. The Angle offers a stunning gastronomic experience with exquisite attention to detail while delivering a customer service which is second to none.
MOments Restaurant
Already awarded 2 Michelin stars, Chef Ruscalleda and her son Raül Balarm continue to seduce their guests with healthy, creative and refined food. The Ruscalleda success is unquestionable thanks to her 7 stars throughout her gastronomic empire which includes different restaurants in Spain and in Japan. Today, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, MOments rewards both the novice and experienced gourmande with a creative feast of the senses using a global interpretation of Catalan flavours, textures and culture. Be sure to check out Raul's Instagram.
Cerveseria Restaurant
Located in the Eixample neighbourhood, one minutes walk from the Museum Egipci de Barcelona, the Cerveceria Catalana is a delicious brewery and an excellent Tapas restaurant. It’s considered one of the best places where we can savour Tapas in the city. The Cerveseria also serves excellent beers (local and international). You might need to wait for a table but if you are happy to eat at the bar, you will be rewarded by the spectacle on display there. The restaurant is always full thanks to its excellent value for money and frenetic atmosphere.
Dospalillos Restaurant
Located in the El Raval neighbourhood (midway between the Illusions Museum, the Contemporary Culture Centre and the Contemporary Arts Museum), the Dospalillos restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy an original Asian take on “Tapas” like never seen before. Each course is a taste and texture sensation – we recommend that you take the Chef's menu as the 19 courses are perfectly manageable and offer exceptional value for money. Dospalillos restaurant received it’s first Michelin star in 2012.
La Flauta
Located in the Eixample neighbourhood, only 50 meters from Axel hotel (on the street corner), La Flauta is a rustic restaurant that offers a wonderful menu composed of local Catalan products. The restaurant is spacious and the decor completely authentic. The feedback of this restaurant is especially great and it’s a perfect casual dining option if staying at The Axel Hotel.
Padraic, founder andMmanaging Director of Fresh Eire Adventures, tried this restaurant and reviewed it on TripAdvisor :
‘’Excellent casual lunch in this authentic and competent restuarant in Barcelona's trendy Eixample neighbourhood. A casual lunch which was truly wonderful - gambas cooked to perfection, spicy patatas bravas and a delicious glass of vina sol. Great value for money. Recommended.’’
Sagrada Familia
Located in the heart of the Gothic quarter, the Sagrada Familia is the most visited monument in Spain followed by the Alhambra (Granada) and the Prado Museum (Madrid). In 2012, more than 3.2 million tourists visited the temple, an icon of the city. This unfinished Antoni Gaudi’s artwork whose the construction started in 1882 is considered as one of the most famous examples of Catalan modernism.
Liceu
Considered as one of the most prestigious theatres in the world, the Liceu is also the oldest theatres in Barcelona. Located on “La Rambla” and opened in 1847, the Liceu has welcomed the best singers, actors and Opera singers for more than 150 years. The theatre offers around 2.300 seats spread over 6 floors. The theatre was rebuilt twice in 1862 and in 1999 because of fires in 1861 and in 1994.
Park Güell
As the Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell is one of the famous Antoni Gaudi’s creations. Built between 1900 and 1914, this beautiful Park has a natural originality due to the important relief of the region that Antoni Gaudi tried to preserve by allowing his imagination and his creativity run wild. Every year, the Park receives visits from a massive number of tourists.
Museum Picasso
Located in the street Montcada in the Born neighbourhood, the Picasso Museum attracts more than 1 million of visitors every year. Indeed, with 4.251 of Picasso’s artworks exhibited throughout its 11.000 m2, the Picasso Museum is one of the most complete permanent collection of his works. The Museum opened in 1935 thank to Jaime Sabartes (Pablo Picasso’s secretary). The majority of the art exhibited dates from the period 1890 to 1917.