Spain

Barcelona

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This El Raval place has lots to boast as it dates back to 1820. It was frequented by Dali, Picasso, Gaudi and Hemingway with his pals. Today it offers charmingly kitschy and decadence atmosphere. Inside an old dilapidated building you will find tiled floors, shabby drawers, old mirrors and web-covered lamps – have your absinthe, feel the spirit and move on. It is a Friday night must, especially since rumors have it the place will be closed soon.

Marsella

This cozy place with nice food turns into a hip bar by night. Dim lights, trendy crowds, works by young artists and illustrators on the walls, charming staff and good cocktails – that's the recipe for success in the city's major bar district.

Dostrece

Another famous Asian all-you-can-eat buffet, this time by the Arc de Triomf. They have all things yummy – sushi, maki and sashimi, fresh seafood, meat and fish grilled in front of you. And don't forget noodles, spring rolls, salads and various starters. And desserts! And all this for 10 euros only.

Seems to be the most popular xampanyeria in town keeping its original tapas menu since the opening. Their favorites are hot dogs and jamon and Manchego cheese platter. The food is simple and attracts crowds – some have to struggle to get their kava bottle, but alcovibes make for noisy talks with everybody and a very special atmosphere. Their homemade rose kava is 3-4 euros a bottle, one euro per glass. So it's hard not to roll out of the place singing and dancing after spending 10 euros on the booze. You can also take a couple of bottles away to keep the feast on. If you are in the city for long with a gang of friends they offer delivery – a crate of 12 bottles for 35 euros.

Can Paixano

This authentic Indian eatery in lower Gracia looks like a cheap cafeteria with Indians fooling around. Don't rush to judge – they make perfect chicken masala, lentil dal, naan bread with cheese and yummy chips with sauces they bring as complements. Despite its cheap looks and prices the place is really a gem.

Swagatam

You need a good walk after a filling lunch and the best place is the Olympic Park. It's easy to spot almost from everywhere due to the 135-meter TV tower built for the 1992 Games. The design symbolises a torch-bearing athlete. Better come after midday to see how the sun is playing on the squares and spaces of this futuristic park. The best way to get there is taking escalators from Spain Square along the National Art Museum of Catalonia (you won't miss this enormous palace). No entrance fee.

Olympic Park

Sant Gervasi has the best private schools, the fanciest restaurants and the poshest apartments. It is the quarter for rich locals and is part of Zona Alta area. So if you are fed up with tourists, smell of pot and hippies of the Old Town come here to spend a day among respectable folks.

Bourgeois Day in Sant Gervasi Quarter

Design museum, a healthy restaurant, a hip bar and other brand new places in the Catalan capital.

Spring in the city: new hip spots in Barcelona

As spring arrives all you need is open verandas during the day and bar hopping at night, walking from bar to bar and not forgetting to have your snack in between.

On a warm Barcelona night: verandas and bars

Barcelona number one alimentation rule – don't miss lunch which runs from one to five pm. Otherwise you'll have troubles to find a decent place. Usually all restaurants have menu del dia – affordable meals from various cuisines. But in more traditional places your drink will be not a glass of wine but a bottle – that's what we love Spain for.

Yummy lunch for ten euros

Due to the recent crisis, European trips are becoming quite pricey so here Barcelona comes into play. It has everything to make one happy – the sea, cheap yummy food and wine, cool architecture and loads of fun. Check our guide of cheap but cool places.

Affordable Barcelona

Everything located to the left of Paseo de Gracia or to be more precise Balmes Street, is called Eixample Esquerra or Left Eixample. The quarter is mainly inhabited by LGBT folks that's why some joke that the area is now called Gayxample. Some say there is nothing to look at but Parc de Joan Miró, Placa d'Espanya,Parc de l'Espanya Industrial and a Galician food venue serving the best octopus in town are all pretty good reasons to visit Eixample Esquerra at least once.

Barcelona

Routes

Places of Barcelona