In this travel guide you will find some of the best places to visit in Barcelona. From vintage shopping to hidden gems to the city’s best music events.

We’ve stayed clear of the typical tourist attractions of the city. The focus is more on things to complement and heighten your experience to the eclectic city of Barcelona.

Vintage in El Raval

Exploring the small boutiques of Barcelona will take you all day. There is just so much to be discovered! If you’re into the vintage game, you will undoubtedly be happy to hear that the vintage scene in Barcelona can offer some real treasures.

The neighborhood of El Raval is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona for exactly thrift shopping. This is home to most of the vintage shops in the city, which have resulted in a more young and alternative crowd.

You can also find some of my favorite restaurants in this neighborhood, so I would recommend spending a day – it’s so much to to discover in El Raval. 

If you want the whole charade; you can start with a loving breakfast at Caravelle, and then grab a coffee to go at El Collectivo (located in the same street). Enjoy this delicious coffee while strolling around the MACBA (the museum for modern art), followed by a round (or two) in the many vintage shops. To name a few; OHLALA!, Camden, Produit National Brut (P.N.B) and Flamingo Market Kilo.

After hours of discovering the art scene, hidden gems and treasure hunting in the streets of El Raval – enjoy a well deserved and delicious meal at Flax & Kale.

Palo Alto Fest

One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a big city is to explore and discover the local markets. Something which is easy to do at Barcelona’s biggest and most famous food market, La Boqueria. But if you are looking for something a little bit more chic – Palo Alto might be just what you are looking for. 

Taking place in the hip area of PobleNou, Palo Alto is an elegant street market hosted the first weekend of every month. In other words, one of the best places to visit in Barcelona if visit the city around the beginning of the month.

You will be able to find all kinds of treasures here. Street style fashion, crafts, books, records, jewelry and accessories. In addition, the market offers incredible food – both tasty street food and more healthy, ecological options. Spend a day getting lost in Palo Alto’s exciting culture scene.

Entrance is 3,50€ if you book it online, and 4,50€ at the box office. 

Placa St. Felip Neri

It’s hard to avoid Barcelona’s history as it’s basically found in buildings and monuments all over the city. It would be a shame to travel to Barcelona without visiting the old town, Gotico. Even though it’s become one of the biggest tourist traps of the city centre, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. 

With some guidance, you will be able to find the hidden gems of Gotico. My favorite is the little square in the middle of the old town, that carries a tragic yet important history, which is still to this day very well kept.

This is amongst other things where Gaudi went to church every day, and also where past Spanish dictator General Franco dropped a bomb killing more than 30 children in the 60s. Placa St. Felip Neri carries a beautiful and special atmosphere that is hard to find in the Gotico area, and should absolutely be experienced. Why not combine a trip to the unique square with a meal at St. Felip Neri’s own à la carte restaurant. Pssst… Ask for the history of the restaurant. Maybe you recognize it from a movie…

Sonar

Barcelona is home to a lot of different music events year round, Primavera Sound and Brunch in the park to name a few. But there is one festival which has become the highlight of the epic music scene of Barcelona. You guessed it, Sonar.

Sonar is one of the biggest festivals in the world for electronic dance music. The festival is arranged into two parts; Sonar by Day and Sonar by Night.

But Sonar is not just a music event. They actually also have events running parallel with the concerts, such as art exhibitions and light and sound shows. On top of that Sonar also hosts another event at the same time called Sonar +D. This is a creativity, technology and business fair, hosting activities such as film screenings, debates and exhibitions, among many other things.

Sonar is so varied that anyone can find something to enjoy. And for those enjoying a good electronic party – prepare yourself for an unforgettable musical experience.