10 essential Barcelona activities

Here are 10 essential Barcelona activities that you can easily enjoy from Hotel Jazz.

Sant Antoni has become Barcelona’s hottest neighborhood for going out for tapas. It’s always been a commercial area par excellence, but now it’s getting even better. New local bars and restaurants are opening all the time, specializing in tapas and vermouths, and blending in perfectly with the hot spots that have been there forever.

The neighborhood’s central thoroughfare is Calle Parlament, which joins the Raval with Paral·lel – here you’ll find the best places to try vermouth, or enjoy tapas in the afternoon or at dinner with friends. One place not to be missed is without a doubt the Fábrica Moritz. Tapas and beers!

Just steps away from the city center is one of Barcelona’s most unique neighborhoods: the mercantile village of La Barceloneta. Vibrant beaches, a wide variety of bars and restaurants, sports facilities, a lovely seaside promenade, and tiny streets and plazas with a character all their own.

And, just as you would expect, La Barceloneta is home to the city’s finest establishments for enjoying fresh fish, seafood, rice and paella dishes.

The ancient neighborhood of la Ribera de Barcelona is better known today as the Born. This was once a plaza which saw the celebrations of medieval tournaments, religious processions, and festivals throughout the 13th – 17th centuries. Strolling through this part of town you’ll find winding, cobblestone streets, medieval façades, tiny and picturesque plazas…

And don’t miss the Catalan Music Palace, the Market of Santa Caterina, Calle Montcada, the Picasso Museum, the Passeig del Born, Santa Maria del Mar, the Market of the Born, the Museum of Chocolate, or the Park of the Ciutadella.

Jardins de Rubió i Lluch.

Just a few steps from Plaza Universitat sits the Raval, one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods, by day and by night. The Raval is now Barcelona’s most diverse neighborhood, and also one of the districts that make up the old city.

Your first stop should be the MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art) in the Plaza dels Àngels. Keep walking until you reach the Gardens of Rubió i Lluch, in the patio of the ancient Holy Cross hospital and House of Charity. Just around the corner sit some of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions, such as the Institute for Catalan Studies, the Library of Catalonia, and the Royal Academy of Medicine.

Calle Aribau is just steps away from the hotel, right in the heart of the Eixample. This street and the ones around it (Balmes, Muntaner, Casanovas…) have always been known for their vibrant nightlife scene and amazing bars, pubs, cocktail spots and discothèques.

Passeig de Gràcia & Rambla Catalunya.

Diagonal, Paseo de Gracia, and the Rambla de Catalunya are lined with storefronts displaying the world’s most refined brands in fashion and accessories, footwear, jewelry, and luxury watches. Exclusive labels like Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Hugo Boss, have each chosen to showcase their treasures here.

Great selection of restaurants & night life.

Right in the heart of the Eixample, carrer Enric Granados (1867-1916) pays homage to the masterful musician and composer. It’s one of the most special streets in the city, and is half pedestrian-only, with a bike line. This street, which spans from Diagonal to Diputación, is short but intense; here you’ll find a wide array of terraces serving up all sorts of delicious dishes. It will not be hard to find a nice place to sit and have a drink or a bite to eat!

Ciutadella & Passeig Marítim.

Barcelona is for runners again! From Hotel Jazz we’ve devised a special route that all runners – beginners to the pros – can follow to get a good workout and see a great side of the city.

Start out by Ronda Universitat and Ronda Sant Pere until you get to Arco de Triumfo; then go down Passeig Lluis Companys until you find yourself in the Park of the Ciutadella. From there, head towards the sea, through the park of the Barceloneta, where you’ll find the seaside promenade, the Olympic Village, and the Forum, which all offer wide sidewalks where you can jog right alongside the sea.

Moll de La Fusta & Maremagnum.

The Old Port is the city’s most ancient port. Visit this area to view the Columbus Monument, Via Laietana, and the Passeig de Colom. Or, take a ride on a golondrina and go for a tour through the port.

The Rambla de Mar will take you to the Moll de la Fusta, and Maremagnum, a shopping mall open 365 days a year. Here you’ll also find the Aquarium of Barcelona and the Port Vell IMAX theater.

Carrer del Call, Boquería, Cera & Avinyó.

You can’t really say you’ve been to Barcelona without going shopping in the Gothic neighborhood and exploring its tiny and exclusive shops you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Independent designer clothing stores make Calle Avinyó a total paradise for all shopping aficionados.

And be sure not to miss the streets abutting Avinyó: calle de la Boqueria, calle Ferran, calle de la Palla, calle del Call… where you’ll find dozens of shops selling clothes, design, records…