Perched on the Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain, the chic city of Barcelona is a destination city that you may never want to leave. Boasting cutting-edge art, musical extravaganzas, epicurean delights and avant-garde design, you’d be hard pressed to find time to do it all, but it’s worth a try. Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, gaze at the outlandish and awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia (or even climb it if you’re feeling brave), or head to one of the region’s euphoric music festivals, all before settling into an atmospheric bar to enjoy some well-deserved tapas and an aperitivo with the locals. With its dazzling architecture, pulsing beats, mouth-watering food and picturesque coastline, Catalonia’s capital truly is a feast for all the senses.

Brought to you with Aperol. Please enjoy responsibly.

Music

Primavera Sound / Image: © Campari

Primavera Sound (May 29 – Jun 2, 2024) One of the most significant festivals in the independent music scene, spanning pop, rock, underground and electronic genres, gathers at the Parc del Fòrum in the city of Barcelona. With a 20-year journey, it stands as a benchmark both nationally and internationally. The Primavera Sound has evolved into a meeting point for artists and spectators of various generations.

Kamoma Spritz bar  Tucked amongst Gràcia’s narrow streets away from the tourist hubbub is this hidden gem. Find a table in the cosy interior for a front-row seat at a cavalcade of excellent live local and visiting music acts. Thirsty? Then you’ve come to the right place – the clue is in the name, this bar is a great place to enjoy an Aperol Spritz. And with its outdoor terrace, Kamoma is the kind of place you can settle in with your friends for long evenings of live music, delicious light bites, and vibes as warm as a Catalan summer.

Food

4 Latas  You simply cannot leave Barcelona without indulging in some dedicated tapas time, just like the locals do. When that time comes, 4 Latas – a buzzy tapas and rumba joint – has you covered with 10 outposts scattered around the city. Take your pick from the bite-sized traditional snacks packed with Catalan flavours (or there are heftier meals like quesadillas and loaded brioche buns) and accompany your tapas odyssey with an Aperol Spritz for the perfect combo. If you stop by 4 Latas in the daytime, allow yourself to enjoy a long, lingering and perfectly low-lit lunch, while if you’re visiting in the evening, wait until those rumba sounds get cranked up and immerse yourself in the music – again, just like the locals do.

Granja Petitbo  Whether you’ve been pounding Barcelona’s distinctive grid pattern of streets all day or you are just waking up and getting ready to do so, this stylish bar and cafe is the perfect bookend to your day. Famous for its pioneering and mouth-watering brunch options, it’s impossible to leave Granja Petitbo hungry. Sink into one of its vintage sofas and choose from the expansive menu – huevos rancheros anyone? Or enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the sun on one of the outdoor tables. The only problem you’ll have is getting back off your snug sofa again.

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Travel

Poblenou  East of the city centre, the effortlessly cool Poblenou neighbourhood is one of the best places to delve into Barcelona’s thriving street art scene. One of the top places to get a great shot is graffiti corner, across the street from Parc del Centre del Poblenou, which is home to work from some of Barcelona’s most recognised graffiti artists: S. Waknine, Valiente Creations, ONA, and Adit, among others. And don’t miss the constantly changing art along Carrer de la Selva de Mar – a good excuse to come back.

Kiss mural  If you don’t know it is there, it could be easy to stroll past this striking mural which is hidden in a square near the city’s old town. It was created in 2014 following a call-out from the Catalan photographer Joan Fontcuberta in El Periódico newspaper asking for photographs representing a “moment of freedom”. Made up of thousands of tiny ceramic tiles each featuring a miniature picture, even if you’re not in Barcelona for a romantic getaway, this unusual photo mural will likely stir your heart.

Leisure

Image: Palo Market Fest

Casa Milà by night  No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting at least one of Gaudí’s architectural triumphs. A nocturnal tour of Casa Milà, or La Pedrera as it’s known to locals – a reference to its rough hewn-stone appearance – is a quirky way to take in this modernist masterpiece. Featuring projections, lighting effects and an accompanying soundtrack, the tour ends on the undulating warrior rooftop, the perfect place to take in 360-degree views of this glamorous city by night.

Palo Market Fest  Whether you’re looking for vintage furniture, bags, books or trinkets, this shrine to shopping is not to be missed. Taking place on the first weekend of every month and located in a disused factory, the street market is popular with those in-the-know and is home to stalls mounted by small businesses from all across Barcelona. Dance while you shop with live music but make sure you don’t spend all your euros before visiting one of the many food trucks serving local hand-made food and bars offering excellent Aperol Spritzes. The market is on 13 times throughout the year (normally the first weekend of every month), so make sure you time your visit to coincide with what is hands down one of Europe’s coolest street markets.