Suprise your partner! 5+ Romantic things to do for Couples in Barcelona

Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Barcelona

Planning a city trip to Barcelona for your next romantic getaway? Surely tapas dinners and pitchers of sangria are already on the agenda. Eager to do something a little bit more memorable for that special someone? Here are 5 out of the ordinary and romantic things to for couples in Barcelona!

1. Sunset wines at the Bunkers del Carmel

For the best view of Barcelona, head up to Bunkers del Carmel. As the name suggests, this nowadays popular viewpoint formerly served as a bunker to defend against aircrafts during the Spanish civil war in 1937. This spot now offers 360 degrees over Barcelona and is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, that often go here to hang out, have a picnic and watch the sun drop over the city. The bunkers are easily accessible via public transport. Make sure to bring your own bottle of wine and start spotting those landmarks.

Free entrance

Visit www.bunkers.cat for more information

2. Rent a jet ski for a thrill ride

More the adventurous couple? Opt for some thrill and rent a jet ski to see Barcelona’s skyline like never before. Jetscoot is located in Port Fòrum, a short taxi ride from the city center, and is a one-stop shop for all sorts of water activities. Either rent a jet ski all for yourself or hop on the back of your significant other. No license required and whole a lot of fun guaranteed.

Price for 20-minute jet ski rental: €55 ($62)

Visit www.jetscoot.com for more information.

3. Relax at an underground spa: AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona

Hidden within the El Borne area, AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona is something special. This one of a kind spa is set completely underground, within the walls a former meat storing facility and is still upholding all of its historic features. This is the place if you’re looking to spoil your partner with some tranquility and relaxation in a captivating setting. AIRE even has wine baths on their treatment menu.

AIRE Barcelona is open daily from 09:00 till 23:00. As they strive to not overcrowd the baths, only a set amount of guests are allowed to enter at the same time for a set amount of time.

Price of a visit to AIRE Ancient Baths starts from €39 ($44)

Visit www.beaire.com for more information

4. Picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella

If you’re looking for a romantic picnic spot, look no further than Parc de la Ciutadella. Parc de la Ciutadella is Barcelona’s largest parc and is great for a pleasant picnic or a casual stroll in the afternoon. Best place for a picnic setup? If not too crowded, the grass fields near the fountain, set amidst the center of the parc, lend themselves perfectly. TIP: At Picnic Barcelona you can hand pick a picnic basket which will then be delivered to the entrance of the parc. Or, if you truly want to surprise someone, they can even arrange the whole set up for you.

Free entrance

5. A visit to Palau de la Musica

Palau de la Musica, located in the narrow streets of Barcelona’s center, is perhaps one most stunning concert halls in the world. Palau de la Musica was first opened in 1908 and is still in use today. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the concert hall is characteristic for modern Catalan design and has been a part of the UNESCO world heritage list since 1997. There are two ways to visit Palau de la Musica; either by going to a concert or by booking a daytime tour.

Costs of a tour through Palau de la Musica: €20 ($22)

For more information visit www.palaumusica.cat

All prices converted on xe.com as of 19 December 2019, in US dollars & EURO. 

 

TAPAS IN BARCELONA: 6 delicious Tapas Bars

Where to eat the best Tapas in Barcelona

Looking for a restaurant to eat tapas shouldn’t be all too difficult in Spain. These yummy bites, coming from the traditional Spanish cuisine, are to be found on every corner, street, and sidewalk. But, with such a big city like Barcelona, it can be hard to find the best. Here are 6 all-time favorite Barcelona tapas bars, where it’s guaranteed that the next bite is even better than the last.

1. Vinitus

Simple but brilliant. With an interior unlike most tapas bars in Barcelona -stylish and modern- Vinitus is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Don’t be surprised by the long queues outside, the restaurant doesn’t take reservations but works with a waiting list. Way to avoid the wait; arrive early before the locals do, which is usually around 20:30.

Tip: Going for white wine instead of Sangria? Their Verdejo (€12.8 p/bottle) is incredible! 

2. Casa Lolea

We said it before, and we’ll say it again. A visit to Casa Lolea is a must; only if it’s just for their unparalleled truffle risotto. Casa Lolea is furthermore renowned for its dotted bottled sangria, which is sold around the world. That and the cozy atmosphere are more than enough reasons to visit the restaurant hidden in the streets of Eixample. Make sure to call ahead to ensure yourself of a seat.

3. Perikete

Any ham lovers out there? Perikete is the place you’ll want to go. The fairly new restaurant features a nostalgic interior, with ham covering the entire ceiling, barrels of vermouth that are placed above the bar and a selection of over 250 wine bottles placed throughout the bar. The owners specifically aimed to recreate tapas bars as they used to be. The result? An incredible authentic Spanish tapas bar, with great service and an atmosphere alike. Another bonus: the restaurant is very price friendly,

For more information visit www.gruporeini.net/perikete/

4. La Flauta

Dine where the locals dine, at La Flauta. For over 25-years la Flauta has proudly served the Catalonian locals with qualitative tapas, building a name for itself one step at a time. Now, the tapas bar is more popular than ever and ques running along the street aren’t uncommon. Just walk up to the bar and place yourself on the waiting list, same things as our no 1 on this list. The service at La Flauta is pretty fast so the wait probably won’t be that long. Overall, the price and quality of the food are excellent.

Expect to pay around € 25 per person for an evening filled with tapas and wine.

5. Bar Lobo

Just an alley away from La Rambla, in a rustique square, lies Bar Lobo. The light and modern bar, that features an open kitchen, is in particularly loved for its sun faced outdoor terrace in the afternoon. Their menu goes beyond your traditional tapas classics, so even for those who think they’ve had just about enough tapas, Bar Lobo has got you covered. For an extensive dinner, with a jug of cava sangria expect to pay €30 per person.

For more information visit www.grupotragaluz.com/restaurante/bar-lobo/

6. El Nacional

Okay, so maybe this doesn’t qualify as just a tapas bar, but it deserves a prominent spot on this list. El Nacional is a massive compound, that’s elegant nevertheless, right in the heart of Barcelona. Within the compound, there are 4 distinct- bars and restaurants. All specialized in a specific matter such as beer, wine, cava cocktails for the bars. Meat, fish, rice, and -of course- tapas, for the restaurants. In the tapas area, the way things work is slightly different than what you might be accustomed to. Obers stop by with a diverse range of tapas- whatever is fresh and ready to go out of the kitchen- and will show/sell you what they have. See something you like, grab it on to the table and the bill will be compiled later.

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For more information visit www.elnacionalbcn.com/en/

Not in the mood for tapas? Visit one of our other favorites!

Brunch & Cake

Brunch & Cake; where every item on the menu is a feast for your eyes. Due to its success, more and more Brunch & Cake restaurants are popping up throughout Barcelona. No matter where you’re located, one is ought to be nearby.

Flex & Kale

Flex & Kale, serving good-food-that-is-good-for-you. Their menu consists that for 80% out of plant-based items, the remaining 20% percent includes oily fish. Make sure to order the watermelon & feta starter while your there, yumm!

9x IBIZA FAVORITES: Restaurants, Bars & Beaches

Mirror mirror on the wall, what is the finest island of them all? While we wait for an answer, we’ll go ahead and try to fill in the blanks: Ibiza. It’s bizarre that a tiny island, with less than 132,637 inhabitants, has so many different aspects to offer. Fine dining and ultimate tranquility, on one hand, parties where you can dance until dawn on the other. Not to forget the abundance of sangria and authentic Spanish culture at the center of it all, gluing the whole island together. Whilst discovering your own route through the island is half the fun, we’ll give away 9 of our favorite restaurants, bars, and beaches for a small nudge in the right direction.

Visiting Ibiza in July or August? Make sure to place reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. Whether it is for beach clubs, sun beds, lunch or dinner seats.

1.Little Ibiza

The perfect place to start your day, whether it’s with breakfast or brunch, is at Little Ibiza.  Their colorful terrace, filled with the classic tasseled parasols, overlooks the sea and Figuerates boulevard – not bad for a morning coffee. The items on the menu are  all decently priced with fruity smoothie bowls going for €10 ($11.6) and cocktails for around €7 ($8.2). In the mood for something oriental or Asian inspired later in the day? Then Little Ibiza is worth a visit as well.

2. La Oliva

Set within the romantic and characteristic old town of Ibiza lies La Oliva. The restaurant features a Mediterranean menu infused with hints of Asian cuisine (yes, please). Pulpo fan or curious to try it out? This is the place to give it a go. The vast majority of tables at La Oliva are set outside, in an angled picturesque street nearby the bustling Dalt Vila square. All in all: the perfect old town dinning experience.

For more information visit www.laolivaibiza.com.

3. Aiyanna

The brand new sister of Amante, (our lucky no. 7 on this list) is Aiyanna Ibiza. Located on the north side of the Cala Nova bay, the beachfront restaurant features a panoramic view of the Mediterranean sea. The interior is very Ibiza alike, boho chic, with a focus on wood, white, and pops of colors throughout. Their healthy menu is large and varied, with a focus on organic ingredients that come straight from the garden, right to your table. Like what you may ask? Think sharing plates with all sorts of Mezze; avocado and pea guacamole, hummus, muhammara, feta cheese with olives and vegetable crudites for € 19,50.

For more information visit www.aiyannaibiza.com.

4. La Paloma

A treasure to be found in the middle of the island, in a small village named San Lorenzo: La Paloma. The small family-owned restaurant is set between the orange trees and therefore boasts a romantic atmosphere throughout. Simplistic, yet incredibly charming. Their menu can be found on chalkboards, scattered throughout the restaurant and hanging from trees. All featuring tons of yummy dishes, with organic ingredients and seasonal daily specials. The restaurant specialty is a homemade focaccia, stuffed with all sorts of goodness.

The total price of an extensive lunch: €42,70 ($49.9)  For more information visit palomaibiza.com.

5. Ohana Ibiza

Poké bowls at the beach – anytime! At the Playa d’en Bossa boulevard, you’ll find the new Poké bar Ohana. Choose between the salmon, tuna or vegetarian option; all topped off with delicious ingredients such as avocado, seaweed, edamame and so on.. you know the pokebowl drill. And, all for a very decent price – the salmon bowl will set you back €14 euro. Not in the mood for some poke lovin’? Then there are plenty of other options on the menu to chose from.

6. Cotton beach club

Along the western coastline, overlooking one of the prettiest beaches in Ibiza is the all-white Cotton Beach Club. It is in total contrast with the 50 shades of blue coming in from the beach set below (hint: no. 9 on this list) and therefore couldn’t look better. The menu on offer has influences from all over the world, think Japanese premium sushi rolls (>€23) and Thai curries (€25) but also Mexican chicken tacos (€25) or Segovia suckling pig (€36). Aside from being an excellent spot to enjoy lunch or dinner, Cotton Beach Club is a great place to sip wine in the late afternoon and watch the sunset whilst listening to some live Ibiza tunes. View, check. Vibes, check. Food, check.

For more information visit www.cottonbeachclub.com

7. Amante

Set on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of Sol Den Serra bay, lies a stunning beach restaurant named Amante. Offering a view like no other, this restaurant serves modern food from the Spanish and Italian cuisine. Need to lay down for a bit after lunch? Well, you can. Amante has an amazing lounge area, where you can rent a sunbed for €30,-. The sunbeds, however, are limited and in high demand. So if you’re keen on spending your entire day here after seeing the photos (we get it), make sure to reserve the sunbed weeks in advance. Fully booked? An alternative is to work with their waiting list – all reserved beds (no show) are released at 13:00

For more information visit www.amanteibiza.com

8. La Scala

The restaurants in Ibiza old town are charming, to say the least. But restaurant La Scala takes it up a notch, with an incredibly romantic outdoor terrace. The street faced terrace is covered in all sorts of greens, lights, and flowers; creating a wonderful atmosphere.  Needless to say, you’ll want to book a table outside. The waiters are chatty and charming, offering complimentary cava to start your evening with and fresh fruit to end it. For a 3-course dinner, with a bottle of wine and water, a total was paid of €105,90 ($122,6).

9. Cala Tarida

Last but not least. Our favorite beach in Ibiza for an afternoon dip: Cala Tarida. The water here is super clear and mostly free of rocks and seaweed. Not to mention the awe-inspiring tones of blue overlaying each other. But, (yep, sorry there is a but) we’re not the only ones that feel thay way. It tends to get extremely crowded with locals and tourists alike in high season. Want to find a somewhat more secluded area? You can actally climb down the parking lot for a tiny, private-esque type of beach. Where it will just be you and everyone else that risked the climb.

* All prices as of August 2018, in US Dollars and EURO, converted on xe.com. 

Your favorite spot on Ibiza not on here? Let us know in the comment section! We’d love to pay a visit.

3x PRETTIEST BEACHES ON THE COSTA BRAVA

Discover the best beaches on the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava, in northeastern Spain, is one of the best known coastal areas in the world. With a diverse range of easily accessible and scenic beaches, there is no questioning its popularity. Some of them surprisingly non-touristy whilst others attract them by the mass. Nevertheless, the following three beaches are guaranteed to be amongst the prettiest to encounter on the miles long coastline:

1. Cala El Golfet

Fifty shades of green and blue make it nearly impossible to determine where to look first when arriving at Playa El Golfet. When making your way down from the parking area, to where the small beach is located, the hints of turquoise get clearer and clearer. The best view you’ll get is from above, so make sure to take it all in before heading along. Cala El Golfet is crowded solely with locals and their children. Which makes you instantly aware that this is something precious. The beach is small and as non-touristy as they come,  you won’t find any bars or restaurants on the beach, or nearby for that matter. So make sure to pack your bag before heading out. Furthermore, the beach is quite rough with small stones instead of sand, so if you’ve got some old water shoes in the back of your closet: this is their moment to shine.

2. Aigua Blava

Aigua Blava, a beach which name literally translates to “Bluewater” in Catalan. Guess that it is these stunning waters that make the beach a local favorite. That, and the bars and restaurants that are located directly at on the beach. All combined making this an excellent spot the spend the day, for friends and families alike. Other services, such as showers, restrooms, and shops are limited but available as well. The bay is surrounded by trees and offers a view of the idyllic town, feeling very Italian-esque. Thanks to the fine sand and the crystal clear waters, Aigua Blava is also a great snorkeling area.

3. Tossa de Mar

A lesser known secret, but nevertheless a beach that still belongs on this short list; Tossa de Mar. Where else can you lay down on a beach and admire an ancient city wall, that still stands proudly today. The beach is divided into three separate areas by the boulevard, one more busy than the other but all within walking distance. On the boulevard itself, you’ll find loads of restaurants and bars, all very suitable for a nice lunch or dinner. But, for a cozy restaurant with an incredible view and (incredibly strong) cava sangria, make your way halfway up the city wall. It’s not very steep and/or too much of a climb. Especially not for the views you’ll be getting; definitely worth the effort before heading back on the road again.

What is the car rental going to cost you?

Renting a car in Spain is generally pretty cheap. Starting for as little as €20($23) a day,  going up depending on how fancy you would like your ride to be. This amount however only covers the basic rental of the car, it is always advised to do a full insurance in case anything happens. Not because of your drivers’ skills, but because you’re in a foreign country with unknown roads and if something does happen; they will charge you to the full extent.

We rented our car at Sixt in Barcelona, which is very decent car rental and, with the insurance included, it cost us €84 euros for the full day. They have a 24 hrs return policy, so no need to rush back on the same day.

Save some more money: always chose to bring back the car with a full tank. They usually promote the “bring the car back empty and we’ll fill it up for you” as the laid-back option. However, they charge at least 3 times as to what it would have cost you to fill it up yourself.

Gas was €30($35) for a full day of driving. Bringing the total costs of our Costa Brava road trip from Barcelona to €114 ($133). All beaches mentioned above are within a few hours from the center of Barcelona, making them very suitable for a combined 1-day road trip.

* All costs as of 29 June’18, displayed in EUROS and US dollars, converted on xe.com 

Healthy Barcelona Hotspot: Flex & Kale

Flex & Kale, located in the inner streets of this large Spanish city, is the first healthy Flexitarian restaurant in Barcelona. With a menu that for 80% consists out of plant-based items, the remaining 20% percent includes oily fish. The best thing is, we had no clue that they had so many vegetarian items on their menu until we looked it up later online. With my date, a true carnivore, that’s  something special.

The restaurant is actually quite large and features several floors,  but nevertheless it feels cozy and has garden-esque vibes throughout. At Flex & Kale they flawlessly combine health with happy taste buds. Just the way we like it. Best place to enjoy your meal is on the second floor. That is where the restaurant features a small light infused rooftop terrace.

Featuring above are the following three menu items:

WHEN GOAT IS GOD |   $12.90 (€ 10,50)
goat cheese and beetroot cold-pressed juice beetball + mixed sprouts + rocket +
beetroot + mango + strawberries + pistachios + maple syrup vinaigrette

FUNGHI COCONUT TOAST | $9.80 (€7,95)
seasonal funghi mix toast + 5 cereals whole grain spelt bread + white wine +
coconut cream + thyme + black truffle

BTT: BEET TUNA TARTAR |    $16.60 (€13,50)
tuna and beetroot tartar + avocado + seeds + sprouts

 

So enjoy your lunch under their motto “Eat better, be happier, live longer”. And before you leave, make sure to grab some vitamines on the go from the funky cold-pressed juice wall at the entrance.

Flex & Kale is open everyday of the week during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 23:30
• Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 23:30

For our lunch at Flex &. Kale, we paid a total price of $47 (€39). This included three dishes, two coffees and a bottle of water.

For more information on opening hours and menu items click here

* All prices converted on xe.com on 17 February’18 

BURGERS, TACOS & TAPAS – Barcelona

Spending your days filled with tapas and paella is what comes to mind when visiting the capital of Catalonia. But well, let’s be honest. As delicious as those tiny bites might be, after a few days you might want to go for something else. Luckily, as diverse as the city of Barcelona is, as diverse is the food on offer. For a golden mix, check out our selection of burgers, tacos and -of course- tapas.

BURGERS: Makamaka

Hard to believe, but there used to be a time in which I wasn’t much of a burger fan. Well at least, that was until I visited Makamaka for the first time a few years back. An instant game changer. From hungry man patties to hot mama’s, these burgers will satisfy all. Perfervid burger fan ever since. Their beach orientated location and large terrace make this the perfect spot for afternoon hangouts  or hangover brunches.

Two burgers+ garlic fries+ white sangria : €34.60 – $42.43

For more information visit www.makamaka.es

TACOS: Café Carabela

Because Mexican food is always a good idea. From fajitas to enchiladas and tacos, Cafe Carabella serves it all. Complemented with a good pitcher of Sangria, surely. For those in the mood for something else than sangria -which I find hard to believe, but – there is also an extensive cocktail list on offer. Located a 100 m from the seafront harbour, this is a superb pit stop from beach in to town.  

Small nachos €5-$6.1 + White sangria €16 – $19.16

Burritos €6 – $7.35

TAPAS: Casa Lolea

Casa Lolea, world renowned for its dotted bottled sangria. Which is first and foremost reason enough to visit this tiny restaurant hidden in the streets of Eixample. That, and the cosy atmosphere, playful interior and -undoubtedly- the top notch food. Their selection of yummy tapas is something I can go on and on about. But most importantly, make sure to try the legendary truffle risotto, something we’re still craving for… 

Extensive tapas dinner + Bottle of sangria €58 – $71

THE truffle risotto €8.50 – $10.42

Side note – due to the size and popularity a reservation for Casa Lolea is key. 

For more information visit www.casalolea.com

* All prices converted on xe.com, as of 17 January 2018

Barcelona lunchtime: Brunch & Cake

Carved pineapples used as bowls and fluffy green pancakes sounds luscious, right? The restaurant Brunch and Cake, which on its own obtained quite the Instagram fame, offers a brunch one cannot pass on.

Have a look on their Instagram feed here and you’ll get why. Apart from the fact that every plate deserves to have their photo taken at least three times, the food on its own is evenly delicious. The restaurant is open every day from 09:00 until 22:00 with the same menu throughout the day.

They operate with the same mantra as we go through life with: in grandma’s kitchen we trust, and more importantly- it is never too early, or late for that matter, for pancakes.  Keep in mind that this place does get really busy and does not do reservations.

We got lucky two times and were seated immediately (yes, we went twice, did we mention we love pancakes) but we saw a lot of queuing up outside. If the suns out, grab a seat outside in their window frame, definitely as chill as it looks.

Juices/Smoothies around $6.65

More information

Brunch & Cake, located at C/Enric Granados, 19 (Barcelona), is part of Cup & Cake and has multiple venues throughout Barcelona.

For more information visit their website here 

All prices are in US dollars as of 03’Oct-2017, converted on xe.com