Barcelona and Spring in the Air

Even though I’ve already gathered plenty of memories from previous visits to Barcelona, this city manages to offer something completely new every time—and once again, it surprised me.

Traditionally, I try to come up with something special for the younger generation during the spring school holidays. This time, the three of us packed our backpacks and I set out to give my successors a memorable, food-filled week in Catalonia.

Personally, I was especially happy about the opportunity to spend most of the week guilt-free, simply exploring and uncovering the most exciting flavors Barcelona has to offer.

We flew with SAS via Copenhagen. They served water, tea, and coffee, and honestly, not much else about the flight stood out. The timing was convenient, and we landed smoothly in Barcelona around 6 PM.

Booking occasionally offers perks like free airport transfers. We had that offer on a winter trip to Lanzarote, but unfortunately, the car that was supposed to pick us up never showed. After some back-and-forth with Booking, they offered the same benefit again for this trip. Instructions arrived, and everything should have gone smoothly—with the driver waiting right at the exit. Of course, there was no driver. A few phone calls later, and after focusing all our attention on understanding the person on the other end (the language was a mix of not quite English, not quite Spanish, and not quite anything else), we finally managed to communicate. About 15 minutes later, a breathless man arrived, escorted us to the parking lot, and shortly after, an equally breathless and visibly annoyed driver appeared. Something had clearly gone wrong again, and driving us was not part of his original evening plans. Still, we arrived at the hotel safely and in good spirits.

Finding reasonably priced accommodation in central Barcelona is quite difficult. Even in the low season, options are limited and prices are high. Our home for six nights was Hotel Gaudí. The location was simply perfect—right near La Rambla and Gaudí’s famous buildings. Everything was within easy reach. The room was a classic average three-star, and as a self-sacrificing mother, I ended up sleeping in a pull-out iron bed from the closet. After a few days, I got used to it—despite my 174 cm height meaning my feet dangled off the edge every night. A bonus, however, was the Gaudí house right next door, with tourists lining up from morning till evening to admire the stunning mosaic towers on the roof. Our hotel’s rooftop terrace had a direct view of that same roof, so while enjoying a morning sunbath, we got to admire those towers again and again.

Now, let’s get to the places we visited and that are worth checking out in Barcelona in 2026.

First, you should be prepared for queues. Most worthwhile places have a line outside, and many don’t take reservations. Fortunately, waits are usually manageable—30 to 40 minutes at most. Avoid the beautiful and inviting restaurants right next to La Rambla or Sagrada Familia. They are often overpriced and, surprisingly, the flavors can be disappointing (if such a thing can even be said in the fairytale-like culinary world of Catalonia). I’d also skip large chains and international cuisines. The local food scene is simply too good and diverse not to fully dive into.

One place that left an unforgettable impression on me about ten years ago is Cal Pep. A tiny, narrow restaurant where you’re squeezed tightly at the bar, with a queue stretching far behind you. Hot, noisy, full of food aromas… but once you finally get your seat, that’s when the magic begins. Older gentlemen clear the table in front of you and place a paper tablecloth with a graphic design (makes you wonder if DiverXO’s Dabiz Muñoz got inspiration from here). Then the game begins. They ask about allergies. If you say no, you’ll see a knowing smile—you’re accepted. There’s a small menu, but the best thing to do is simply say: “Bring whatever you recommend.” And then, as if by magic, small plates start appearing: bread with tomato sauce, tiny crispy shrimp resembling plankton mixed with fried egg (yes, really—and unforgettable), silky tuna tartare, their unique tortilla with mushrooms, fluffy pink squid drowned in parsley and garlic, morcilla with black beans, and finally a Catalan cream dessert. Revisiting it now, I was amazed—nothing had changed. If anything, it was even better.

Markets are perfect for breakfast. Right near our hotel was La Boqueria, offering excellent bocadillos, Iberico ham of various ages, fresh fruit, juices, and hundreds of flavors. It’s a bit more tourist-oriented and pricey, though. A short walk away, Mercat de Santa Caterina offers a more local experience. It might not be as polished, but enjoying tapas at a long counter alongside locals is unforgettable.

During the day, you’ll need a few ice cream or dessert breaks.Badiani Gelato is a must—top-tier gelato, with flavors like tiramisu that take you to another dimension.Cinnamood offers cinnamon buns from pistachio to classic.And Tea Shop of East West Company is a lovely stop for a refreshing iced rose tea on a warm April evening.

At some point, you’ll need a break from all the flavors. A great option is the MOCO Museum of modern art—refresh your mind with works by Banksy, Warhol, and even Robbie Williams.

Afternoons bring a pause (siesta), and then restaurants reopen. Early evening is perfect for a light bite before the crowds return. The second dinner wave starts after 9 PM.

One very special place worth highlighting is Quimet & Quimet. Nearly 100 years old, this tiny tapas bar has no seating—only standing tables. You’re given exactly one hour. When time’s up, you’re politely shown the door. The walls alone are worth seeing, covered with an incredible wine selection. Their orange wine is a must-try. Service is lightning-fast, and the food—dried tuna heart, salmon sashimi with stracciatella and honey, Iberian pork cheek, snails, foie gras with chestnuts… should I go on?

Take a day trip out of the city—to Montserrat. We booked through GetYourGuide, and it was an excellent choice. Our guide Hector gave a fascinating introduction to Catalan history. The monastery visit was deeply moving. Montserrat has inspired artists like Gaudí and held spiritual significance for many. Even Napoleon tried to burn it down—but it was rebuilt. Monks still live there, and it’s a stop on the Camino de Santiago.

Nearby, there’s also a convent with a small food market. You must try two things: a ricotta-like local cheese with honey, and sweet bread with hot chocolate.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also visit a winery—we went to Oller del Mas, over 1,050 years old. They specialize in red wines, but also produce a rare orange wine (only 500 bottles per year, starting at €250). We tasted it—and the silkiness was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Barcelona in spring isn’t complete without spending time in Barceloneta. The water is still cold in April, but the atmosphere is perfect. Avoid the beachfront tourist traps and head slightly inland—for example, to Perikete, a tiny tapas bar with incredible flavors. Highlights included black sausage and crispy eggplant with honey.

We walked a lot—about 25,000 steps a day—which helped balance out the eating.

One of the most memorable experiences was a Catalan cooking class. After some research (and a bit of AI help), we found an amazing chef. We spent an afternoon cooking together, learning details and traditional tricks. The dinner was fantastic—and we got to enjoy everything we made.

I’ll keep what we learned a secret—for now.

We also visited the Catalan History Museum—interactive and great for students. Tickets are only €6, and students get in free.

Then there was PortAventura. Not really my thing, but I lost the vote. Getting there was the hardest part—trains weren’t running, and after four different transport methods and three hours, we finally arrived. The park was impressive, especially Ferrari Land, with a 115-meter ride completed in about 8 seconds. My kids loved it. I couldn’t even watch.

Back in the old town, we found another great tapas place (name unfortunately forgotten). The rule still applies: the smaller, narrower, and more crowded, the better. Highlights included vermouth with orange and olives, and a tapas version of potato salad with marinated tuna belly.

For a more classic tourist experience, visit Los Caracoles. Their famous snails in Iberian pork broth are definitely worth trying.

Finally, if you get hungry at the airport, Dabiz Muñoz (DiverXO) has opened a fast-food concept called Hungry Club. Prices are high, but portions are generous and flavors worthy of a world-class chef.

Thank you, Barcelona!