Fly in style to one of Europe’s favourite beachfront cities, Barcelona

There are few places in the world where city life by the beach works as well as it does in Barcelona. Marrying high-end hotels, bustling commercial activity, a non-stop party scene, a warren of medieval lanes and long stretches of beach, this is one of Europe’s go-to destinations when it comes to making sure all can be catered for. And that’s before we get to the likes of Gaudí, Miró or Picasso.

To start at the beginning you have to go back to Roman times and then through Barcelona’s prominent position as a major hub in the middle ages. But what is left now is a layered cultural capital, so rich that every visit back can reveal something new.

 
The Picasso museum - Image courtesy of Museu Picasso
 

The Barri Gotic, or the gothic quarter, is never a bad place to start – and though often busy there is always a quiet corner to find. Browse handmade shoes and leather goods, see the Picasso Museum which documents in fine detail his artistic progression and his development of his unique style, and after making your way through the picturesque narrow cobbled lanes.

Stroll from here to the world famous food market – Mercado de La Boqueria – which, although as crowded as the nearby thoroughfare Las Ramblas, is still worth a visit for a taste or just to marvel at the spectacle of it all.

 
Dining at Tickets - Image courtesy of Barcelona Book
 

From the food-laden market stalls be sure to also book a table to enjoy some of the city’s finest fare. On another of the city’s main arteries Avinguda del Paral·lel (which runs parallel to the equator) try Albert Adrià’s Tickets. Ranked among the best restaurants in the world, sample Adrià’s modern take on tapas in his playful 90-seat restaurant.

Another restaurant of note is Disfrutar which won the Miele One To Watch in 2017 award last year. Be ready to be surprised as the 3 ex-El Bulli chefs who also have a Michelin star under their belt take diners on a truly avant-garde gastronomic adventure.

 
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1882
 

Through the day take in the beach before the sun’s heat rises and things get busy and explore Gaudí’s architectural gems that dot the city, including the magnificent masterpiece that is the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família and the beautiful La Pedrera - with an equally stunning roof top that you can explore.

 
The stunning La Pedrera, designed by Antoni Gaudí
 

For places to stay close to the beach try The Hotel Arts, Spain’s tallest building. Managed by the Ritz-Carlton (its first in Europe), the hotel certainly has interiors to match its dramatic exterior, and rooms at this height present some spectacular views.

However, if you prefer something on a more intimate scale book one of just six stunning all white 2-bedroom suites at El Palauet, housed in a meticulously-restored art nouveau building with some very modern touches.

 
The beautiful interiors of El Palauet - Image courtesy of El Palauet
 

In the evening find a bar and be ready to stay up late – from rooftops at the W and the Mandarin Oriental offering some of the best views to the baroque splendour of Palau Dalmases plus numerous cosy charmers in each neighbourhood.

 
The W, located on Barceloneta Beach
 

With everything you could want from a world-class city – the arts, the shopping, the food, and the nightlife - beautiful and buzzing Barcelona will get you every time.

Fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport and enjoy one of five VIP lounges in the main airport terminals with a wide range of services and make your flight experience even more pleasurable.