Dear Aa Readers,
I’m excited to take you on a journey to the city I lovingly consider my second home: Barcelona. The place where I learned to slow down, reconnect, and lose myself in a world that balances tradition with rebellion.
To me, Barcelona is more than a sunny postcard destination. Beyond the sangria afternoons and Gaudi’s facades, the city moves to a rhythm that’s as chaotic as it is grounding, the kind that lets you catch a break while still making your heart skip a beat.
Some Barcelona days start with a cappuccino in a corner café and end with a margarita at a rooftop bar. Others are quieter: lingering by the sea, flipping through magazines in kiosks, or people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya.
Beyond Barcelona’s tourist sheen is a different pulse. In the tangled streets of Gràcia, the fading corners of El Raval, and the late-night buzz of Sant Antoni, the city keeps revealing itself, one story at a time. From getting lost in late-night bodegas to stumbling upon local art galleries, Barcelona is a haven for those who crave inspiration, warmth and genuine connection.
This guide dives deep into this city full of contradictions, offering you a glimpse of Barcelona beyond the clichés, and into the spaces where its true character reveals itself-so keep your eyes open and your Google Maps ready. I hope it inspires you to explore, wander, and fall in love with the city just as I have.
Till next time xx,
Viviana Puica
P.S. Huge thanks to the Aa team and to my friends for helping me discover these places.
Guide by Viviana Puica
Cover art by Joshue Garcia
EAT
Clara
Clara serves up stunning interiors and even better food. The menu reimagines Catalan classics with a twist, and no matter what you do (unless you’re vegan or vegetarian), get the steak. You won’t regret it, trust us. Perfect for a date night or a solo treat-yourself dinner.
Quimet & Quimet
One of those cosy places you never really plan to go to but always end up at. Tucked away in Poble Sec, with shelves lined with a thoughtful selection of natural wine, anchovies for days, and that effortless charm only a true neighbourhood food spot can pull off.
Amateur
With a seasonal menu full of Mediterranean small plates and a rotating list of natural wines, it’s the type of place that makes you want to order the whole menu. (Bonus: they also spin vinyls)
Caravelle31
Just a few steps from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the entrance to El Raval, is where you’ll find one of the best Sunday brunch spots in Barcelona. The creamy baked eggs and cauliflower shawarma are a must!
Metl Cocina Mexicana
Metl strikes the perfect balance between elevated and unfussy. Go for the tuna tostada, stay for the mezcal negroni.
Vereda
A hidden gem in Barcelona that feels like a secret garden. Think interiors with natural wood, and beautiful earthy green tiles. If not one of the coolest bars from a design perspective.
Parking Pizza
If you love food cooked over a fire in a former parking garage, this is the perfect cosy restaurant. Think industrial-chic communal tables and an open kitchen where you can watch your pizza being made right in front of you.
Vinitus
Be prepared to queue, but trust me when I say it’s worth the wait. Perfect for those who come to Barcelona for the tapas, this spot serves them with a modern twist. And whatever you do, save some space for dessert—you won’t want to miss the homemade churros!
La Antigua de México
One of the best taquerías in Barcelona, this off-the-radar find located in Garcia serves up what are probably the best homemade tacos I’ve ever tried. La Antigua de México keeps it real with traditional recipes, handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients.
Tantarantana
Tantarantana is a cosy tavern that brings Mediterranean flavours to life with a modern twist, offering fresh tapas and plates perfect for sharing. The mushroom risotto paired with a glass of wine from their curated selection is a must-try!
DRINKS
Canvis Nous
Canvis Nous is a warm, atmospherical wine bar in El Born. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to feel at ease, surrounded by soft lighting, interesting faces, and a glass of something natural in hand.
Oblicuo Hi-Fi Bar
Oblicuo Hi-Fi Bar is an intimate, beautifully designed listening bar tucked just off the main streets of Barcelina. Its the perfect spot for when you’re torn between going out and stying in, offering great music without the overstimulation, and a calm atmosphere where you can hold a conversation with a delicious drink in hand.
Morro Fi
Morro Fi is where the midday magic happens. Vermouth under five euros, sun on your face, and two glasses in by 2pm. Ideal conditions for romantic delusion with a side of olives.
FOCO
Located in Barcelona’s Gràcia neighborhood, Foco is a cocktail bar founded by English bartenders Tom Godfrey and Theo Quinn. Inspired by Foreign Correspondents’ Clubs, it offers a rotating menu of twelve modern takes on classic drinks, served in a relaxed, contemporary space.
Casa Figari
Barcelona is full of bars—some great, others forgettable, and a few that slip under the radar. Whether you’re a jazz lover or just looking to unwind after a long day of wandering the city, Casa Figari is that rare kind of place that feels like a home away from home.
Libertine Cocktail Bar
Hidden inside Casa Bonay, this spot is the perfect laid-back escape for working during the day. But after the sun sets, it transforms into one of the best cocktail bars in Barcelona, offering expertly crafted drinks in a refined, intimate setting.
BAKERIES
Origo Bakery
Mornings in Barcelona start slow—at a tiny bakery tucked into the quiet corners of Sant Antoni. If you’re looking for a gentle wake-up call to ease into your day, a warm sourdough pastry here will do the trick.
Forn La Llana
Forn La Llana is a traditional Catalan bakery tucked in the old town, known for its classic pastries. Grab a coffee and something sweet, then take it to the nearby cathedral steps for a quiet moment in the heart of the city.
Oz Bakery
Oz Bakery is a bright, laid-back spot in Barcelona offering seasonal brunch dishes and excellent sourdough bread, all baked in-house. With its open kitchen, pale wood interiors, and a focus on quality ingredients, it’s a go-to spot for a quiet morning or relaxed midday break.
Demasie
The perfect place in you’re in the mood for dessert. Whether you’re grabbing a box to go or enjoying the freshly baked cookies out of the oven, Demasie is your go-to for a delicious treat.
CAFÉS
Cafés El Magnífico
Cafés El Magnífico is a cornerstone of Barcelona’s speciality coffee scene, tucked in the heart of El Born. Expect everything from rich espresso to house-made cold-brews.
Índigo Café
After strolling up from Plaça de Catalunya, you’ll encounter a Mediterranean café that feels like a hidden gem. I recommend going solo with a good book, indulging in their gluten-free matcha cake, and watching the parrots soar down Carrer de Aragó.
Lodetto Café
Run by friends Agus and Nacho, this underrated spot is tucked away between the narrow streets of El Raval where its modern branding and minimalist interiors offer a striking contrast to the faded charm of the neighbourhood outside. Grab a coffee, sink into the window seat and watch the rhythm of local life pass you by.
Raw Studio
Perfect if you’re looking for a charming and chic café serving up a unique experience. Beyond serving breakfasts and coffee, the studio collaborates with local artists to produce handcrafted objects that blend functionality with artistic expression.
SHOPS
Bunker Barcelona
One of the newest second–hand store additions in El Born, it’s the type of place you discover by chance. Think curated racks, vintage pieces with personality, and just the right amount of chaos that makes digging through clothes feel like a treasure hunt.
Gijoe Surplus
Gijoe Surplus is a military surplus archive you can get lost in. Less curated concept store, more raw goldmine.
Desire Attire
Open by appointment only, this showroom in Barcelona’s El Besòs i el Maresme neighbourhood feels more like stepping into a personal archive, than a traditional store. Curated by @betzaidanathaly, the space offers a selection of streetwear and contemporary fashion, inviting visitors to explore its unique collection in an intimate, one-on-one setting.
Manifesto
An emerging concept store in the heart of El Raval. Curated by local insiders @lacomunevintage and @boga_avante, the multidimensional space offers community events, monthly pop-ups, and a rotating selection of vintage finds on its racks. I would recommend you save this place for your next shopping trip in Barcelona!
Oddkiosk
Barcelona is a haven for unconventional urban kiosks. Located on Carrer de València in Eixample neighbourhood, the pink kiosk is the first of its kind offering a curated selection of independent magazines, art & books-celebrating queer voices from Barcelona and beyond.
SSSTUFFF Supermarket
If you’re into concept stores with unique streetwear clothes and wacky vibes, SSSTUFFF Supermarket, located on Carrer del Duc might be the next spot you have to check out. Founded by creative minds Jepi and Ho, the brand transforms the traditional shopping experience into a playful, immersive environment.
House of Rowdy
Beautiful concept store stocking local and international up-and-coming brands, the perfect spot to pick up something unique for yourself or to take home for your bestie!
CULTURE
33 | 45 – 45 | 33
In true Barcelonian style, 3345 brings together the best of both worlds-art and drinks. Located in Eixample, this venue serves as an exhibition space by day and a bar by night. Expect anything from intimate art showcases to DJ sets and pop-up installations. Whether you come for the drink or the culture, this is the perfect spot for both.
Mies van der Rohe House
A pilgrimage spot for modernist lovers. The Mies van der Rohe House is quiet, precise, and impossibly elegant.
Museu de l’Art Prohibit
Housed in the elegant Casa Garriga Nogués, Prohibit is the first of its kind, dedicated entirely to works that have been banned, censored or withdrawn from the public view. With over 200 pieces from renowned artists like Picasso and Warhol, it offers a powerful exploration of freedom of expression.
MACBA
Barcelona’s contemporary art museum’s permanent collection is a thoughtfully curated mix of Spanish and internationally acclaimed modern and contemporary artists, while its temporary exhibitions highlight rising stars in the contemporary art world. Beyond being a fantastic museum, it is also the premier skateboarding spot for both local and visiting skaters, definitely with a stop.
Mercat dels Encants
Located under an impressive reflective roof, Mercat del Encants is the largest and most well-known market in Barcelona. This treasure hunt haven will delight any second-hand enthusiasts and informed antique dealer alike. Saturdays are the busiest—go at your own risk and have fun surfing through the crowds!
PARTY
INPUT Dance Club
This club is all about big sound, flashing lights, and sweaty dance floors-the holy trinity of a proper techno night. With a Function-One sound system that shakes your core and visuals that feel like you’ve stepped in another dimension, it’s where you go when you want to lose yourself in the music.
Negro | Rojo
Where dinner and dancing collide in Barcelona’s Zona Alta. By day, it’s a stylish restaurant with two distinct dining experiences: the upstairs “Negro” offers modern international cuisine, while the downstairs “Rojo” serves Japanese-inspired dishes in a cosy, tavern-style atmosphere. As night falls, the venue transforms into a vibrant club.
and if these reccomendations aren’t enough, make sure to check out these Aa team favourites:
See you in the next city!
Xx Aa
