Beaches
Barcelona offers the luxury of combining a city break with a beach holiday. Thanks to a huge restoration project in preparation for the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona now boasts a number of clean and sandy beaches. The seven beaches by name are Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella, Llevant, Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta, the latter two being the largest and most popular.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Barcelona is excellent and many people come for this alone! At night there are a number of areas that come alive for a thriving night scene, with bars, restaurants and clubs all in full swing. The Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are two such areas and Port Olimpic is another, although a little more on the pricy side. Maramagnum, a waterside shopping centre, is another seafront spot which also promises a lively night out.
Food Drink and Shopping
Food and Drink
For food, the best market in the city is arguably La Boqueri. Packed with locals, it's a good sign that the food is authentic and above all totally delicious. Browse the stalls and don't forget to sample a thing or two as you go along.
As for what to try, fruit, vegetables, cheese, ham, olives and fish are all good options. Catalan cuisine is known for its tasty sauces that accompany meat or fish. Some to look out for include sofregit (a tomato, onion and garlic sauce), chanfaina (tomato, garlic, red pepper, aubergine and courgette) and allioli (garlic, olive oil and egg yolk).
If you're eating during the day then keep your eyes open for the menú del día. You usually get the choice of a couple of options, normally made up of three courses and a drink. It's definitely the cheapest way to eat during the day and a good opportunity to sample local treats such as fish, meat, soup, salads and crema catalana, fruit or ice cream for desert.
Breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee and pastry, or if you're not watching the calories, then a cup of rich 'chocolate' and churros, long, warm, donut-like pastries which are dipped into the chocolate. A great way to start your morning!
When it comes to drink, you can get a good selection of soft drinks as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. If you're looking for something stronger however, wine - red, white and rosé - is freely available and a common accompaniment to most meals. White wine is probably Catalonia's best and cava is always a good choice. Beer, spirits and sangria are other options to try. The later can be made with brandy or if you prefer, cava.
Shopping
If shopping is your thing then make sure you don't forget your credit card when you come to Barcelona, because you'll have ample opportunity to give it a work out!
Las Ramblas is perhaps the most popular place to spend those euros, in the numerous shops, boutiques and stores which line it. Close to bars, restaurants and hotels, it's a convenient place to shop, ensuring you can spend all day there if you want.
Other hot places to shop include the Paseo de Gracia where you can find designer stores as well as a good selection of clothes shops. For the biggest department store, the Corte Ingles is where you should be heading. Here you'll find pretty much anything you're looking for, including electrical items, clothes, perfumes, lighting, furniture, CDs and food. Designer names also have collections here, so it's a great place to go if you want to find everything under one roof.
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