Handmade espadrilles, gastro tapas and sandy walks… How to spend 48 hours in Barcelona
If stunning architecture, tasty food, vintage steals and glorious sunshine sound good to you, this Spanish city is not to be missed
SUN, sand, sea and culture all parceled up in one city break. Sounds too good to be true right?
Barcelona will make you think again...
Get to know Gaudi
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí reshaped Barcelona in the early 20th century.
If you only see one of his works, make it Sagrada Familia. Entry to the extraordinary, yet still unfinished, cathedral costs £13.
Its elaborate exterior starkly contrasts with the minimalist interior.
Go Goth
Dodge the crowds as you walk down the city’s most famous promenade – the pedestrianised La Rambla – then detour to the nearby Carrer d’Avinyó, a boutique-filled street, to pick up handmade espadrilles at .
Meander through the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes, finishing up at Plaça del Pi – a square lined with cafes, antique shops and the occasional artists’ market.
Soak up the sun
Later, take the metro to the Gaudi-designed . Entry to the park is £10, with a great city view from its terraces.
Shop the markets
Pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch at .
Finally, finish up at with gastro tapas at – think smoked anchovies and aubergines with honey. Mmm!
Catch some Zzzs
Perfectly positioned on the border of the Gothic Quarter and the Born District, the white rooms at have leather and gold accents, making them feel more decadent than its three-star price tag might suggest.
Oh, and there’s a rooftop bar and Jacuzzi, too… Doubles cost from £85, room only. cost from £28.
If Spanish sunshine appeals to you, you might be interested in how to spend 48 hours in Seville, too.