Keely Colcleugh, Kilograph’s founder and CEO, shares a delightful 24 hours in Barcelona – a bit off the beaten path of most guidebooks!
MORNING
El Dole is the perfect place for a hearty breakfast in the heart of the Sarria neighborhood. The atmosphere is local and warm and the food is really excellent. There are a ton of options but always include a cortado. 😉
After breakfast, take a walk through the tranquil streets of Sarrià. It is an elegant, pedestrian-forward residential neighborhood with a very appealing scale and a peaceful ambiance. These streets wind up a fairly steep hill punctuated by squares, cafes and many unique food shops. My favorite square all year round is Plaça de Sant Vicenç de Sarria, between the small streets of Sarria Village and surrounded by still more local bars and cafes. If you’re feeling hungry after breakfast (not likely) the best chocolate croissants in Barcelona can be sampled at Foix de Sarria. Waaay more chocolate than the French version. Or just take another coffee on the terrace of Gouthier Bar de Ostras.
If you are up for patatas bravas before afternoon, a very special and famous version can be found at El Tomàs de Sarrià. Many places claim to have the “best patatas bravas in Barcelona.” These are truly unique and have rightfully claimed the title. Also, try the boquerones (fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, olive oil and seasoned with garlic and parsley).
MIDDAY
Photo credit: Sant Antoni market
If it’s a Sunday, head to the Sant Antoni neighborhood to explore the Sunday book fair. Browse through rows of stalls offering a wide selection of books, from rare finds to contemporary bestsellers. Also some very interesting old magazines. If you are heading out on a Sunday, there are many brunch spots in Sant Antoni where you can get everything from tortillas to avocado toast and acai bowls :). This is a youthful, popular, and energetic neighborhood not to be missed.
Any other day, grab your bike or your metro card and head to:
Photo credit: @duttonarchitects
This is a lesser-known museum showcasing contemporary Catalan art. The museum contains a collection of spectacular paintings, sculptures, and installations by Catalan artists. A unique insight into Catalonia’s modern art scene. The museum itself is housed in a renovated 18th-century factory building renovated by the architect Jordi Badia. The museum is located on the edge of the Poblenou district (more details below). (Note: Closed Mondays.)
After the museum, head to Els Encants Market, one of Barcelona’s oldest flea markets (from the 1300s!) renovated in 2013 by architect Fermín Vázquez. The renovation included the addition of a massive mirrored roof structure lifted 25 meters into the air. It reflects the surrounding skyline, the market stalls below and creates a mesmerizing effect. So beautiful and some amazing pieces to deal-find. I particularly love the vintage canvases and boxes and boxes of metal pins. Of course there is a bar on the roof for your mid afternoon cerveza. (Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.)
AFTERNOON
Wander through the El Poblenou district down towards the sea. This is a quieter part of the city with wide sunny avenues, an interesting mix of industrial buildings and design studios, and home to an increasing number of festivals. There are craft beer bars and original ice cream stores serving Spanish Horchata (different from the Mexican and an acquired taste!), and sunny terraces all around. The street art of Poblenou is notable and you can follow various maps of its ever-changing canvas on your wanderings like this one here.
Continue to stroll on down to the boardwalk along the sea or south to the tighter street grid of Barceloneta. There are plenty of spots to grab some tapas and a vermouth in this former fisherman’s village. Or, head north along the boardwalk to the skate park Mar Bella.
EVENING
This is a recently opened seafood restaurant in Barceloneta with a wide terrace right along the beach. The restaurant was renovated by Catalan architect Román Sarrió, founder of architecture studio RRIO, and contains an incredible triptych painting by the artist Juaki Pesudo behind its vintage mosaic facade. Indulge in fresh catches and gourmet riffs on traditional Catalan dishes, all accompanied by stunning views of the sea. Try the Sea Bass with Mediterranean vinaigrette! One of my favorite traditions here in Spain is the ‘sobremesa’, which is the tradition of relaxing at the table after the meal is done. Never in a rush to leave the table, you should enjoy leisurely conversation, coffees, and more vermut for hours after the eating part of dinner ends.
NIGHT OPTIONS
(If you have any energy left or have older teenagers looking for something to do!)
Experience cinematic nostalgia at Phenomena, an iconic cinema known for its retro charm and diverse film screenings. Enjoy a classic movie or cult favorite in a unique setting, surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts. Cash only at the concession stand! Beer in cans, 80s movies, 70mm projection. A film buff’s dream.
