Travelers who don’t brim with excitement over yet another “Top Ten Sites for Tourists” list will want to see the world from a local’s point of view. How is that possible when you’re not actually a local?
Stay away from the area’s most visited sites – unless you really, really have your heart set on seeing them – and take notes from area residents about where to eat, shop and hang.
- One-of-a-kind pieces can only be viewed in person if you’re willing to seek them out. Luckily, art lovers won’t be disappointed with the collection in Barcelona. Art Dealer Natalia Foguet runs the Galeria Safia, which shows work from the areas most talented up-and-coming artists.
- Sick of technology-based games and toys? Get back to your roots at Bateau Lune, an old school toy store with whimsical and traditional games and gadgets.
- Theater lovers won’t be turned off by an energetic, hip town that’s just the tiniest bit seedy. Catch the latest performance at the Sala Beckett theater in Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood. Then, mingle with a theatrical crowd at Bar Raval, where drinks average close to $10.
- Independent music shops are quickly being replaced by Internet stores, but you can still browse one of the last left by visiting Discos Castello.
- You can’t spend a week in Barcelona without writing to your nearest and dearest back home. Browse the stationery selection at charming Paperam.
- Late night dinners have left you with just enough energy to pull together a picnic lunch and lounge somewhere on the grass. Head to the Parc del Forum and snag a spot that overlooks the Mediterranean. Hint: Head to the saltwater swimming pool for an ideal view.
- Shop till you drop at the Galvany Market, where you can return to your hotel with everything from spinach pizza to new table linens for your dining room back home.
- If part of your trip to Barcelona was to shop for items that you’re going to have shipped back home, don’t skip over En Linea Barcelona, which sells modern housewares, or the department store Corte Ingles, owned by Illustrator Jordi Labanda.
- Order delicious, rich coffee for two for $12 at Els Quatre Gats, a favorite cafe among locals.
- For a crash course in Barcelona culture, head to the Barcelona Contemporary Culture Center, which has changing exhibitions.
- Kill two birds with one stone by shopping for a new wardrobe as you browse the art collection at Iguapop Gallery.
- Inspired by the architecture and design of Barcelona’s most appealing buildings? Stop by Galeria Ras to purchase books dedicated to those very things.
- Splurge on dinner as Dos Cielos, owned by twin chefs who love putting their personal spin on Catalan dishes. If the restaurant’s closed, you may catch the duo chomping on breakfast at Pinotxo, which is located in the Boqueria food market.
- Shock your palate and listen to live music at Xemei or go the traditional route by dining at Via Veneto.
- Settle in for a long lunch at Cal Pep, one of Barcelona’s most loved tapas bars.
- Come home a new person after getting a haircut at the Anthony Llobet Salon, which is staffed with stylists who trained in London.
Franck Anais operates ShBarcelona apartments, a real estate agency located in the heart of Barcelona, for more than 10 years. He and his team help tourists, students and businessmen find the perfect apartment for their stay in Barcelona.
