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Barcelona: the best spots for a weekend off the beaten path

undefined undefined 1 décembre 2024 undefined 18h00

undefined undefined 11 décembre 2025 undefined 17h22

The Editor

Headed to Barcelona, but not the postcard version or the selfies in front of the Sagrada Família. Here, we leave behind the tourist crowds for a city trip that explores the unexpected.

Good news: the Catalan capital often enjoys almost summer-like weather even in winter, so there's no reason not to bask in some good doses of vitamin D. Ready to explore a different, vibrant, and alternative Barcelona? Join us!

3 great places to stay

To experience Barcelona like a savvy local, we recommend hotels that blend style, comfort, and the perfect location. Here are three tried-and-true addresses for your Catalan getaways.


1. Casa Bonay

A gem of a hotel nestled in a modernist building in Eixample. Casa Bonay is more than just a place to drop your suitcase: it’s a vibrant urban hub where you could easily spend the whole day without exploring the city—but that would be a shame, right? Its café, Satan’s Coffee Corner roasts exceptional beans on-site, while the Libertine bar, perfect for sipping a cocktail while enjoying DJ sets, transforms into a grand gourmet buffet each morning. The rooms, decorated with style...elegance, blending vintage furniture, artisanal details, and ultimate comfort. A special mention for the green terrace with pool, perfect for a sunny breakfast or a quiet aperitif with a view of the rooftops of Barcelona.

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Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700


2. Borneta

A charming little gem that's a must-visit, the Borneta hotel is full of charm and perfectly located in the heart of the bohemian El Born district. Behind its discreet facade, you'll find a boutique hotel designed to feel like a warm home: bright rooms with ultra-comfortable bedding, modern marble bathrooms, and decor touches inspired by Scandinavian design. Some rooms even come with a double terrace, giving you the feeling of staying in a real countryside home. The highlight? The attention to detail, like eco-friendly bath products and cozy common areas perfect for relaxing between visits. Don't miss out on the restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast with a fantastic and complete buffet in the morning and share bold dishes in the evening, like crispy oysters, a modern twist on osso buco, or a...

absolutely scrumptious butternut carpaccio ! And just a couple of steps away, the streets of El Born are filled with tapas bars, art galleries, and independent shops to extend the local experience. Oh, I almost forgot the rooftop with its pool, simply exquisite. 

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Passeig del Born, 27

3. Citadines Ramblas

Looking for a budget-friendly getaway with a view? Head over to Citadines Ramblas, a perfectly located and chic hotel residence, right in the heart of the city, surrounded by the delicious scents of jamón ibérico and the palm trees of the Rambla. Just a stone's throw from the Boqueria market and the Gothic streets, this spot offers studios and fully-equipped apartments, ideal for experiencing Barcelona at your own pace (and enjoying a leisurely breakfast before heading to the beach). Bonus: the rooftop access, complete with loungers and breathtaking views of the old town rooftops. Perfect for an impromptu sunset aperitif with a dreamy backdrop!

La Rambla, 122, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

5 great spots to eat and drink (without getting tricked)

1. Can Maño

An authentic little joint in Barceloneta where fish takes the spotlight. Guaranteed freshness with simple yet delicious dishes: grilled sardines, tender cuttlefish, and patatas bravas that taste just like home.

ison. No frills, just flavor and a local vibe.


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Carrer del Baluard, 12


2. Bodega La Puntual

Chic bodega vibes with reinvented tapas in the Born district. Enjoy classics like Iberian ham croquettes and modern creations like their wasabi tuna tartare. A special mention for their selection of local wines.


Carrer de Montcada, 22


3. El Xampanyet

It's impossible to walk past this legendary bodega without stopping in, perfect for . We absolutely love their selection of cured meats, marinated anchovies, and fried artichokes to share with friends.


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Carrer de Montcada, 22

Where’s the party ? 

Looking for an underground evening ? Moog, a true institution for techno and house fans, offers a sharp lineup and a minimalist atmosphere that captivates night owls. And for a retro vibe, head to Apolo, THE iconic electronic music club located in a former theater, perfect for a night of dancing until dawn. 

Finally, don’t miss Sala Upload, tucked away in Poble Espanyol. This unique venue offers intimate and eclectic nights, blending electro, hip-hop, and live performances in a cool and artsy setting.

Moog : Carrer de l’Arc del Teatre, 3
Apolo : Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113
Sala Upload : Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13

5 places to wander... off the beaten path

If it’s your very first time, we definitely recommend checking out the market at Boqueria to discover stalls of all the Catalan specialties, but be careful not to fall for the tourist trap restaurants nearby. 

1. Palo Alto Market

In an old factory transformed into a creative space, Palo Alto Market is the meeting place for lovers of art, design, and street food. With delicious food trucks, local creator stands, and live concerts, it's a complete dive into the trendy Barcelona scene. 

Carrer dels Pellaires, 30


2. Explore Montjuïc Park

Far from the hustle and bustle, this expansive park is full of surprises: hidden gardens, a cable car with panoramic views of the city, and cultural institutions like the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia). A timeless stroll that you won’t want to miss.

Avinguda dels Montanyans, 1


3. Dive into Contemporary Art at the Joan Miró Foundation

Escape into the colorful and poetic world of Miró. This museum, nestled in the heights of Montjuïc, offers a fascinating collection that blends paintings, sculptures, and drawings, all within a bright building designed by Josep Lluís Sert.

Montjuïc Park


4. Discover the Bunkers del Carmel

For an unbeatable view of Barcelona without the crowds at Park Güell, hike up to the Bunkers del Carmel. This former military site is now a popular spot for a sunset picnic or just to enjoy a 360° view of the city.

Carrer de Marià Labèrnia


5. Get Lost in the Alleyways of El Raval

This vibrant cultural melting pot, this eclectic neighborhood is bursting with art galleries, vintage shops, and quirky bars. Don’t miss a visit to the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona) for its stunning architecture and avant-garde exhibitions.

Plaça dels Àngels, 1

What about the beach ?

Yes, the beach in Barcelona during November and December is totally possible! We recommend you wander a little away from Barceloneta (which is often crowded) and explore the quieter beaches. Head over to Playa de Bogatell, perfect for a chill, family-friendly vibe, or venture to Playa de la Nova Icària, with its calm waters ideal for a relaxing swim if you’re brave enough for the 16°C. For an even more peaceful setting, take your time to reach Playa de Llevant, the least visited beach in the city. It's the perfect alternative for a moment of serenity by the Mediterranean.