Twenty-four hour Barca people: The city's most seductive spots

Barcelona is a city brimming with culture: a home to world-class galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, museums, beautiful beaches, unflagging nightlife and, above all, Gaudí – that eccentric innovator of the architectural world. 

Yet, for all of its heavily trodden paths, the Catalan capital is a place where it feels like you’re always at the point of discovering something new. And maybe you are, with all of the new speakeasy restaurants, exhibitions and festivals planned for the coming months. 

Scroll down for a definitive list of what to do on your next visit.  

Where to eat

Besta

Opened in 2021 by Galician chef Manu Nuñez and Catalan chef Carles Ramon, Besta creates a refined take on the food of both regions, with a subtle nod to Scandinavia. 

Every detail is elevated here, from the calamari with Swiss chard and black pudding jus to the bespoke gin, which is distilled with algae and oysters for a cool, slightly salty finish.

Bodega Pasaje 1986

This Galician restaurant has been open for more than 30 years and under new management since 2020. Try the homemade vermouth, as well as the stuffed squid in a creamy sauce with dry sherry.

Denassus

Denassus’s small plates are perfectly matched with a diverse menu of natural wines. Its take on patatas bravas is fresh and delicious, with a generous serving of chunky guacamole on top of the traditional San Marzano sauce. As is the Garbanzo bean broth, served with bacon and squid that’s drizzled with bittersweet balsamic vinegar and the restaurant’s classic ceviche repertoire.

What to see

Fundació Joan Miró

Perched on Montjuic Hill is a museum dedicated to a permanent collection of Joan Miró’s paintings and sculpture, in a dramatic building designed by Josep Lluís Sert. Explore Miró’s work at leisure in its continuous conversation with Sert’s cluster of curves, cubes, and forms. There is also a temporary exhibition on until 6 March, titled The Point Of Sculpture, which tells the story of 20th and 21st century sculpture in 100 works, with a few ancient objects thrown in the mix as well. Visit this show to see works by Antoni Gaudí, Alexander Calder, Julio González, Lygia Clark, and many more.

Soho Rising: RIMON

Eritrean-born, Amsterdam-raised singer-songwriter, RIMON, is playing at Soho House Barcelona on 16 February. Her second EP, Digital Tears, was released in 2021, demonstrating a maturing of her hip-hop, neo-soul, and dancehall sound. Her unique vocal delivery and excellent beat production on her tracks make for a compelling performance.

Where to party

Sitges Carnival

Towards the end of February and the beginning of March each year, the seaside town of Sitges (a 30-minute train ride south of Barcelona), plays host to this ancient bacchanalian carnival. The week-long party attracts more than 250,000 visitors, with larger-than-life parades, endless parties, drag processions, eccentric costumes, and vermouth-fuelled hedonism.

This year, it runs from 24 February to 2 March.

Where to siesta

Soho House Barcelona

After all the sightseeing, eating and drinking, you’ll have earnt yourself a regenerative siesta. Head up to the rooftop at Soho House Barcelona and soak up the sun on one of our poolside loungers (bagsy a spot with views over the marina). If you want to completely disconnect, pop into the Cowshed spa for one of the signature massages. 

Where to recover

Little Beach House Barcelona

Little Beach House Barcelona is reopening in April, and we can’t think of anywhere better to indulge in some R&R. Take a HIIT or yoga class on the quiet Garraf beach each morning or visit Cowshed By The Sea.

Book a bedroom at Soho House Barcelona here, and at Little Beach House Barcelona here.

To find out more about the Soho Rising: RIMON performance, click here. Booking opens on Wednesday 9 February at 12pm.