Barcelona Travel Guide – A Hedonist’s Guide to Barcelona.

Photo credit: Noellefloyd.com

Barcelona or “Barca” as I like to call her with amor, is a city for all: party people, religious nuts, foodies, sex addicts, gays, backpackers, beach lovers and the rich & poor. It is a beautiful and festive city with cool and open people, enthralling architecture, good food and a great vibe. If you want to know more about it hit up Frommer’s (seriously they are amazing for travel) . Since we adore our readers (most of them, at least), we are going to graciously share a lucky 14 insider tips in Barcelona Travel Guide that will profoundly accentuate your trip there.

Do not linger too long on La Rambla – The main strip that runs down the heart of the cool old part of the city is La Rambla. It is fun to walk down and people watch on but do not purchase or eat anything there. It is a quintessential tourist trap (inflated prices & shoddy product). Late night, it is full of prostitutes and hustlers selling one euro beers. The beers are a solid, economical purchase but are at times hidden in the sewers, so wash them well before shotgunning.

Do not exchange money there – Bring enough euros or plenty of “KY” because exchanging money there is financial sodomy. The exchange shops must charge taxes, so the “fair” España exchange rate will end up costing you around 13%-15% of the exchange.

Take a FREE walking tour – No need to actually pay for a walking tour. They are overpriced and the guide has very little incentive to make sure the journey enjoyable. There are plenty of free walking tours, as well as a fun free biking tour. We utilized Travel Bar for both the walking and bike tour and they were phenomenal. You simply pay what you think the tour was worth at the end, but please do not be a dick and Hook the guide up. They give stupendous, funny and insightful tours and only make money based on your tips.

Goat cheese with raspberries, red pepper and ginger Photo credit: EspaiSucre.com

Chocolate with vinegar, strawberry, mint and pepper Photo credit: EspaiSucre.com

Have dessert at Espai Sucre – Espaci Sucre, oh my lord! The mere thought of this celestial establishment induces a stream of saliva cascading down my chin. This restaurant located in the trendy El Born neighborhood is utterly devoted to delectably divine dessert. There are two options: the front of the restaurant has regular seating where lucky ass patrons can order one of many three course “sweet” meals in the range of 45-60 euros. We unfortunately had come bloated straight from dinner so we did not participate in this. The back room has a large table where you can order up to 14 different dessert tapas. The minimum order is 3 per person which costs around 12 euros but, oh my fucking lord, they are captivating (yes, deserts can be captivating). These are not your mundane, plebeian desserts. These are complex masterpieces with diverse ingredients and textures interwoven into orgasmic, sweet, blissful bites. They are tiny but pack a ridiculously potent punch. We only tried six and they were all beyond superb. We are talking combinations of chocolate & vinegar as well as goat cheese and raspberry. The ginger, lime, and basil combo was one of the faves. Not only are the flavors exquisite but the different textures melded into these diminutive heavenly dishes are orgasmic. I gave the chefs a standing ovation to their smiling faces before I sadly departed.

Go to Xurreria for churros – Xurreria are known for some of the best churros in the city. This deelish hole in the wall will give you 100 grams (around 5 churros ) for a hefty euro. You will have to navigate the windy confusing roads of las ramblas to find it, but it’s worth the trek. In Barca, they dip their churros in hot chocolate, which actually has more of a fudge-like consistency. It is freaking incredible. Xurreria does not sell hot chocolate so take a couple bags to go and find the nearest cafe to get the hot chocolate for this magical dippage. There happens to be one right down the street from it. Also, try to wait for a fresh churro batch and avoid the chocolate covered ones, the plains are significantly better.

No more bull fighting – Bull fighting is a sick, boring and barbaric sport. If you are expecting to see it in Barca, you will be let down. They have banned it, not for humanitarian reasons as one might think, but rather to obviate signs of Spanish culture. About half of the city’s people want to secede from Spain.

Check out Boqueria Market- Boqueria Market is a must go. This market is buzzing with fresh Spanish food and locals. Meat, fish, sweets, deep fried cod balls, there is something for everybody.

Check out the view from Park Guell – Many visitors pay a lot of euros to go up to Mountjuic or Mount Tibidabo which offers sick views of the entire city. A just as good free option is Parc Guell. You can bring a picnic and/or liquor, enjoy the view and try to catch the sunset.

FC Barcelona vs Valencia

FC Barcelona Match – No Barcelona Travel Guide is complete without mentioning football. If there is a match while you are in town, you must go to a Barcelona Football (soccer) match. Catalonians care about this team more than they care about their progeny! Such a joy to watch, they are one of the best clubs (teams) in the world, home to the best player in the world, Leo Messi. Messi is a gift to the game. It is like watching Jordan toy with his competition back in his prime. Barca scores a ton of goals, so it should be more entertaining than a normal match. There are people who have a member passes that will try to sell you their seats by the box office. Definitely do it. For 25 euro a pop (price will vary by matches), we got 6th row by the goal. Just don’t pay them until you are in the seat they promised. We would recommend sitting mid-field and in the middle of the stadium to appreciate the game more.

Check out Gaudi’s masterpieces – Gaudi is the humble, God-loving architect that really defines the beauty and glorious architecture of Barca. The Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo are breathtaking. Definitely go to both and pay to see the interiors.

Casa Batlló Photo credit: Wikipedia (Rapomon)

Don’t be a baby and Try some Absinthe – Absinthe in Barcelona is legal and potent. Definitely enjoy it responsibly. It is so much freakin’ fun. Just remember — no matter how sensational you feel, you are actually not superman.

Check out Picasso’s old hangout: Els Quatre Gats – The original bar at Els Quatre Gats acted as a fraternity house for late-18th-century dandies. It later became the preferred hangout for the young Picasso and his bohemian contemporaries. While most of the art adorning the walls is now reproduction, this classic Catalan restaurant is still alive with history. (From Frommers) This place has the best coffee we had in Barcelona.

Els Quatre Gats, Barcelona

AMEX — Definitely leave home without it – Bring a credit card besides American express because virtually nobody accepts Amex there.

Go in the summer – The best time to visit is end of May through September. The city has such a different vibe with clubs, tons of tourists, packed beaches, and Ibiza, the party Island, will be In full, debaucherous swing.

Barca is a must go for any respectable world traveler. Employ this Barcelona Travel Guide and enjoy your trip!.

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