Barcelona is a city best discovered slowly. From its neighbourhood cafés and lively markets to its architecture and long Mediterranean evenings, there’s always something worth exploring.

Located in the heart of the Eixample neighbourhood, Botafumeiro is one of Barcelona’s most established seafood restaurants. Known for its fresh fish and shellfish sourced from the Mediterranean and Galicia, it offers a traditional dining experience in an elegant, lively setting. A place to enjoy a long lunch or dinner and discover a classic side of the city’s food culture.

In the heart of Eixample, Casa Bonay is a boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. Beyond its rooms, it brings together a café, restaurants and a rooftop terrace, making it as much a gathering place for locals as a place to stay. Stop for a morning coffee, an afternoon drink or simply enjoy its welcoming atmosphere.

At the foot of Montjuïc, the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion offers a quieter side of Barcelona. Originally designed for the 1929 International Exhibition and later reconstructed, it is one of the city's most significant examples of modernist architecture. Its carefully considered spaces, natural stone, glass and reflecting pools invite visitors to slow down and appreciate the relationship between architecture, light and nature.

Download our complete Barcelona City Guide featuring our favourite recommendations across eight categories: Eat, Stay, Shop, Coffee, Drinks, Culture, Wellness and Nature.