Barcelona is an open–air museum of Modernism with perfect urban planning by Ildefons Cerdà, which includes the Eixample grid system and Superblocks. The city is impressive in how it blends art, history, sea, mountains and modern life into one naturally beautiful experience. Likewise, let me take you to one of Antoni Gaudi´s masterpieces, the Sagrada Familia. This Roman Catholic Basilica is Barcelona’s most emblematic architectural icon and most visited of the whole city. Did you know that it is now the tallest religious building in the world? Yes, indeed – I am impressed as well.
Nevertheless, today I would love to show you just how rich and diverse Barcelona´s gastronomy truly is. Walking through the Passeig de Gracia, the city´s premier shopping street, lined with several well-known Gaudi masterpieces, you will discover that this same street also has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona. My city leads Spain in total 42 Michelin-stars such as Lasarte by Chef Martin Berasategui (9 stars on his own!), Moments, Hermanos Torres, and Disfrutar, named the best restaurant in the world in 2024. As you can see, you will undoubtedly savour the best gastronomy during your stay!
Barcelona celebrates Catalan cuisine, which is different from other Spanish regions. What makes it special is the combination of tradition, innovation, and Mediterranean ingredients based on mar y montaña (fresh seafood, meat and seasonable vegetables). With this in mind, I would like to guide you to the Rambla de Catalunya, an elegant and tree-lined boulevard full of lively terraces to enjoy l´hora del vermut at one of my favorite spots, La Bodegueta, that hour-long window just before lunch which us locals use to catch up with friends over icy glasses of vermouth, plates of olives, and a little bit of ham and pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato). Afterwards, I recommend having lunch at Gaudim, a family-run restaurant just around the corner, that is still relatively unknown, make sure to order my personal favourite, an authentic Paella or black rice dish.
During your stay, I also suggest enjoying a football match or taking a tour at Camp Nou stadium – currently the largest football stadium in Europe! Afterwards, you can visit Montjuic hill and admire the unbeatable panoramic views of the port, the Mediterranean Sea and the city itself. On your way back to El Palace Barcelona, make sure to stop by Plaça del Rei, a small square filled with history. It is widely believed to be the precise spot where Ferdinand and Isabella welcomed Columbus back from his triumphant first voyage to the New World; the exact place is on the stairs at the corner of the square. Then, you will suddenly notice a sweet chocolate aroma, a sure sign that you are on Petrixol Street, where you simply cannot miss enjoying the Dulcinea’s cup of hot chocolate with churros.
Barcelona and I are waiting for you for a trip filled with culinary discoveries and even more exclusive experiences.
Idalija Nacaite is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Spain. This article has been published in its original form.
Europe Barcelona Museums Shopping Football Gastronomy El Palace Barcelona
My name is Idalija Nacaite, and I grew up in a rural area of Lithuania, where I was raised with strong values of honesty, respect, and hard work. From a young age, I felt a genuine calling to serve others – a desire to make people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. This passion led me to begin my journey in hospitality while studying Recreation and Tourism at Klaipėda University.
Driven by my passion for cultural discovery, I continued my studies in Barcelona, where I completed my Master’s degree while gaining experience in the hospitality industry. Arriving with limited knowledge of Spanish, I challenged myself to learn the language, adapt to a new culture, and take on professional responsibilities, proving that dedication can turn ambitions into reality.
The first time I encountered Hotel El Palace, I was captivated by its elegance and rich history. I knew then that joining its team would be more than a career – it would be a calling. Hospitality is not just a profession; it is an art and a vocation. Each day, I strive to create exceptional and unforgettable experiences, proudly representing Spanish tourism and the Ritz service philosophy with passion, integrity, and dedication.
El Palace Barcelona opened its doors in 1919 as Barcelona’s first five-star hotel. Born the former Ritz of Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona embraces its rich heritage, blending timeless glamour with contemporary experiences, creating a truly elegant and memorable stay in one of the world’s most historic hotels. El Palace Barcelona is only moments from Passeig de Gràcia, the historic Gothic Quarter and home to some of the city’s most prestigious boutiques and restaurants. The hotel is a stone’s through away from the city’s prominent cultural and tourist attractions allowing guests and visitors easy access to explore every aspect of Barcelona’s rich history. All 120 rooms and suites are designed in the hotel’s signature neoclassical-inspired style. Step into one of El Palace’s five signature Art Suites and two El Palace Art Suites inspired by a former prominent guest artist and their artistic preference including painting, dance, architecture, literature, sculpture or music and you enter the worlds of Ronnie Wood, Dali, Miro, and Josephine Baker. From the expansive Rooftop Garden to its renowned afternoon tea in the Great Hall to its gastronomic offering, Amar Barcelona by Chef Rafa Zafra, El Palace Barcelona is the perfect destination to dine and relax in style.
https://www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com/
+34 935101130
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