Fly into Barcelona - El Prat Airport (BCN)

High-speed Rail from Madrid and Europe

20–30 minutes by car or train to the city center

Biking, Metro, and walking are easiest for exploring

Found Tip: Stay centrally (in El Born, Eixample, or Gràcia) and plan to walk or bike — it’s the best way to truly experience the city.

Monument Hotel - A FOUND favorite, this 84-room jewel on Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s premier shopping avenue, is a sanctuary where haute cuisine meets boutique luxury. The details here are unmatched, from a pillow menu to the hotel's 24-hour concierge service. A rooftop pool complete with a poolside bar, full-service wellness studio, and 24-hour fitness center. Last but not least, the hotel, under the culinary leadership of acclaimed chef Martin Berasategui, proudly houses four Michelin Stars (Lasarte-3, Oria-1) and a rooftop gem, the Verbena Terrace.

The One Hotel - Urban luxury in the Eixample district, one block from Passeig de Gràcia. The property offers 89 bespoke rooms, a rooftop pool and bar with skyline views, and a world-class Despacio Spa.

Mercer Hotel - This 28-room boutique hotel is nestled within the ancient Roman walls of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Awarded the 2024 Michelin Key distinction, discover timeless elegance, historic arches with modern design, refined rooms, a rooftop pool, and impeccable service.

W Hotel - From the sands of Barceloneta Beach rises the glass sail silhouette of this modern landmark, which blends beachfront chic with cosmopolitan energy. Designer rooms with sweeping sea views, a rooftop sky bar, a floor-to-ceiling spa, and an infinity pool offer a resort-like experience in the city.

Alma Hotel - Sleek five-star hotel in the heart of the Eixample district, which blends classic architecture with sleek modern design. Offering 72 rooms and suites that boast thoughtful luxury touches, like fingerprint room access and bespoke mattresses, a Turkish bath(hammam), full spa, flawless service, and the “Jardin del Alma,” a serene private garden offering guests a green oasis amidst the bustling streets and shopping nearby.

OHLA Hotel - Tucked in the Gothic Quarter, this 5-star boutique offers 74 design-led rooms showcasing minimalist design with bold materials, curated amenities, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Caelis), and a rooftop plunge pool. The facade of the hotel features ceramic eyes piercing the exterior walls, earning it the nickname “the hotel with a thousand eyes.”

Serras Hotel - This historic 19th-century building, where Pablo Picasso established his first studio, is now home to 28 richly curated rooms and suites, complete with Hypnos beds and Diptyque bath amenities. The rooftop terrace features an infinity pool that overlooks the marina and the Mediterranean, offering a rare blend of urban and seaside luxury.

Hotel Arts - Located right on the beachfront at Port Olimpic, this 483-room, iconic Ritz-Carlton property rises above the Mediterranean, offering modernist architecture and resort-style indulgence. Home to a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, Enoteca Paco Perez, as well as a 43rd-floor panoramic spa, this property checks a lot of boxes for those looking for a high-end luxury stay.

Antoni Gaudí transformed Barcelona into a living gallery of Modernisme, blurring the line between architecture and sculpture. Each of his masterpieces fuses geometry, faith, and nature into real forms-undulating facades, mosaic-covered surfaces, and whimsical structures. Gaudí’s meticulous craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism make his works not only UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also essential stops for those seeking art, culture, and wonder in Barcelona. At FOUND, we believe that to understand the evolution of art entirely, you should visit these five masterpieces in chronological order. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Casa Vicens - Gaudí's first major commission was this summer house in the Gràcia district, showcasing Moorish, Oriental, and naturalist motifs. The use of bright ceramic tiles, wrought iron, and asymmetry foreshadow his later style.

Park Güell - One of the most famous public spaces in the world, originally envisioned as a garden city for the elite, a self-sustaining utopia that integrated homes with nature, a real estate project that would have produced only two homes, neither of which was built by Gaudí, and that ultimately failed. However, Gaudí’s contributions here are still visited by 4.4 million annually. From the fairy-tale-esque main entrance, which resembles gingerbread houses, to the famous Mosaic Dragon Staircase (Escalinata del Drac), terraces, viaducts, and pavilions, every surface is alive with curves, color, and nature-inspired patterns. Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance online and are available on a timed-entry basis. 

Casa Batlló - Standing on Passeig de Gràcia, this completely redesigned building would become Gaudí’s living fairy tale and one of the most photographed buildings in all of Europe. Often called Casa del Ossos or House of Bones for the façade that undulates like waves, its balconies and columns that evoke bone structures, and the roof that looks like the back of a dragon. As a significant landmark, it gets busy. Tickets should be purchased in advance online and are for timed entry. We at Found recommend the early access tickets for morning visits and the “Magical Nights” concert series, held on the roof terrace, which offers dramatic sunset views over Barcelona, making for an unforgettable experience.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - In Catalan, meaning “the quarry,” referencing the building’s undulating stone-like façade, this UNESCO World Heritage site captures Gaudí’s mature expression of natural form architecture. “Warriors Rooftop” crowns Casa Mila with helmeted guardians and sculptural chimneys resembling stone soldiers, blending art and function as they silently watch over Barcelona’s skyline. To avoid the large crowds, we recommend purchasing the La Pedrera Sunrise experience and heading straight to the rooftop. 

La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona’s most iconic landmark and Gaudí’s magnum opus. Gaudí would take over this project in 1883 and work on it until he died in 1926. Construction continues today, making it the world’s longest-running architectural project. The soaring basilica, consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, is a symphony of geometry and stained glass through which sunlight pours, transforming the basilica into a kaleidoscope where architecture and spirituality merge as one. Tickets are required and can be reserved online for a timed entry. You may choose to visit the basilica or also include one of the façades. The Nativity Façade symbolizes the joy of Christ’s birth and was completed during Gaudí’s life. The Passion Façade depicts the suffering of Christ, and the Glory Façade, still under construction, will represent resurrection and eternal life. If you're unsure, do both.

Bike Barcelona- We at FOUND believe there is no better way to experience Barcelona than by bike. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated cycling lanes, seaside promenades, and vibrant neighborhoods make it an effortlessly bike-friendly destination. Bicing is Barcelona’s municipal bike-sharing service, but it requires users to have a Catalonia address and a membership; it is designed for residents. For travelers, there are many dedicated rental firms offering city bikes and e-bikes for all rental durations. For our last visit, we rented an e-bike for three days from the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Barcelona Rent a Bike. They offer high-quality e-bikes, along with all the necessary accessories, including helmets and chargers. They do require you to bring the e-bike in at night, so please check with your hotel to see if they can accommodate it. We had no problem at all at the Monument Hotel, whose concierge let us park them right off the lobby. We also cannot overstate how bike-friendly Barcelona is. Our e-bikes were the only mode of transportation we needed for our entire stay, and we covered the whole city. Lime bikes are also available and can be located and rented via the Lime app.

Get lost in the Gothic Quarter - the cultural and emotional soul of Barcelona, a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, secluded plazas, and ancient architecture that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern boutiques, tapas bars, galleries, and street musicians in every stone passage. 

Explore El Born- Barcelona’s most captivating districts, blending Gothic charm with modern allure, arts, tapas, bars, and boutique indulgence in every cobblestone turn.

Visit the markets of La Boqueria - Barcelona’s most iconic market, located beneath an iron and glass canopy on La Rambla. It's a food lover's must for local flavors, authentic tapas stalls, and a taste of local Catalan life.

Cathedral Barcelona - Rising from the heart of the Gothic Quarter is this masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture. Soaring spires, intricate gargoyles, and panoramic rooftop views that stretch from the old city to the Mediterranean, this Cathedral embodies timeless beauty, creating a striking blend of faith, history, and artistry.

Palau de Musica - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a jewel of Catalan Modernisme and one of the world’s most ornate concert halls. We recommend not only taking a tour but also catching a concert, whether it's a symphony, flamenco, or jazz performance. From the kaleidoscopic skylight, floral columns, and the angelic choir motifs, Barcelona’s most dazzling stage will not disappoint. 

Museo Picasso - Housed within five adjoining Gothic Palaces in El Born, the museum will immerse you in Picasso’s connection to Barcelona- the city that shaped his vision and rebellion. Home to over 4000 works, it is both a museum and a memoir, offering a rare glimpse of the artist's early evolution. 

Arc de Triomf - Built in 1888 as a symbol of openness and artistry. The arch honors progress, culture, and innovation. Intricate stone carvings in the red brick facade depict Barcelona welcoming the nations. The arch leads directly into Ciutadella Park, forming a graceful promenade often filled with musicians, cyclists, and street performers.

Ciutadella Park - The green heart of Barcelona, once a military fortress, is a lush haven of neoclassical beauty, featuring fountains, palm trees, and romantic walking paths. Locals gather here for picnics, boat rides, music, or a casual stroll. We love and recommend riding your bike as the park is enormous. Don't miss the Grand Fountain designed by Josep Fontsere with input from a young Antoni Gaudí.

Bike Passeig Maritime & Barcelona Beach- Stretching along the glittering Mediterranean is Barcelona’s elegant seaside promenade. Extending from Barceloneta Beach below the W hotel to Port Olimpic and beyond, it’s lined with palm trees, beachfront restaurants, luxury hotels, art installations, and skate parks.

FC Barcelona (Barca) - Founded in 1899, the club's motto, “Mes que un club” (More than a club), makes it one of the greatest football clubs in the world. It represents not just a football team but a social and cultural institution. With over 400 million global supporters, the club’s iconic blue and garnet colors will soon be on display at their newly renovated home in Barcelona, Spotify Camp Nou, which is set to reopen in 2026 as the largest stadium in Europe. From the player-coach Johan Cruyff, who defined Barcelona’s philosophy, to all-time scorer and global icon Lionel Messi, to more recent stars like Gavi and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona embodies excellence and passion that transcends sport. For the ultimate experience, we suggest attending a match at Spotify Camp Nou. Even without a match, it offers an unforgettable journey with interactive exhibits like the Barca Immersive Tour, trophies, and jerseys in the Barca Museum, culminating in the press room, dressing rooms, and players' tunnel to the pitch.

Aire Baths Barcelona - Although not the first in the Aire concept, it did define the brand’s international identity. The Aire Baths philosophy is about restoring historic buildings into minimalist sanctuaries inspired by ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bath rituals. The brand offers an excellent choice for a non-hotel spa day. Located in the El Born district, this elite spa experience offers a thermal cycle bath journey, with optional upgrades such as massage therapy and facial rituals. FOUND is obsessed with this brand and thoroughly enjoyed our visit, as well as their other global outposts in London, New York, Seville, and Chicago.

Shop Vintage + Local - From the Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s most prestigious shopping avenue, to the Bohemian chic local designers and boutiques of the El Born district, Barcelona has some of the best shopping in the world.

Primavera Sound Barcelona - World-renowned music festival held each June at Parc del Forum, where seaside scenery meets global sounds.

Sonar Festival - Annual 3-day festival held in June in Barcelona dedicated to electronic music, digital art, and technology. 

Tour de France Grand Depart - The formal start of the Tour de France, the world-famous 21-stage cycling race. Since 1950, the Tour has often begun in a different country, making the Grand Depart a significant international sports moment. The 2026 Grand Depart will be in Barcelona.

Grand Prix(F1) - For motorsports connoisseurs, 2026 will be your last chance to experience F1 in Barcelona, as the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid.

Terraza Verbena - Whether it’s sunset drinks or a stylish dinner, this rooftop jewel with sweeping city views, lush greenery, and a refined yet sophisticated ambiance is your destination. Sip inventive cocktails and savour curated tapas by Michelin chef Martin Berasategui. FOUND loves this rooftop for a luxurious and breezy lunch or brunch.

FISHOLOGY - Barcelona’s avant-garde seafood destination that offers patrons a deep dive into the ocean's flavours. This Michelin-starred restaurant presents a culinary narrative around the sea, reimagining fish and seafood through aging, salting, and smoking to create unexpected textures and tastes. The servers guiding you through this journey are both attentive and knowledgeable. Chef Riccardo Radice, originally from Northern Italy, has not only created something unique and special, but also sustainable. 

Cal Pep – An institution in Barcelona’s tapas scene, this lively counter-bar setting is a Found favorite for an authentic tapas experience. Located in vibrant and historic El Born, arrive early or expect a wait, especially for bar seats. There is no fixed menu as the offerings are driven by what's fresh and good in the market that day. The best approach is to leave it in your server's hands.

Paradiso– 2022 NO. 1 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. This globally recognized high-concept cocktail bar is located in the El Born neighborhood, hidden behind the door of a pastrami shop. Barcelona’s best mixologists craft a multi-sensory cocktail experience that centers on craft, presentation, and storytelling. 

Varmuteo - The focus here is vermouth (vermut), offering more than 20 varieties from Spain, Catalonia, Italy, and beyond. We at FOUND love this spot for a relaxed lunch or happy hour, where the knowledgeable staff will help guide you through the selection process. Tapas and snacks are taken as seriously here as the vermouth.

Berbena - Named for the traditional Spanish street festivals, this Bib Gourmand restaurant may just be one of the best meals you have in Barcelona. Tucked away in a quiet street in the Gracia neighbourhood, this intimate open-kitchen concept is informal and unpretentious, and reservations are essential. There are no gimmicks here, just high-quality food and cooking. To allow patrons to taste multiple items, they offer half-portions of their ever-changing, market-driven menu. From the in-house-baked bread service, complemented by smoked butter, to their esteemed wine list featuring natural and organic wines, you will leave full and not disappointed.

Batea - Cosmopolitan seafood bistro, and sister restaurant of Besta, which combines Galician products with Catalan methods. Offering seasonal seafood dishes, raw and marinated options with a curated cocktail program, you will come back here again and again. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Besta - Concept restaurant, from Galician chef Manu Nunez and Catalan chef Charles Ramon, combines their regional heritages and culinary training to offer patrons approachable fine dining where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The play here is to choose one of the excellent-value tasting menus. The menu's emphasis is seafood-driven, but it also offers creative combinations of sea and land. 

Koy Shunka - Japanese-born chef Hidakki Matsuhisa brings diners an intimate, chef-led sushi and omakase experience behind a secret door in the Gothic Quarter. Reservations are essential at this Michelin-starred establishment, and we recommend opting for counter seating for the whole dining experience.

Disfrutar - 2024 was ranked #1 in the World on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, along with 3 Michelin stars. The founders, alums of the legendary El Bulli, present guests with a creative tasting menu that blends Mediterranean soul with playful innovation. Disfrutar is global fine dining and culinary excellence, so prepare for a multi-course journey of textures and surprises. 

COME - Earning a Michelin star for its bold redefinition of Mexican cuisine, Come, under the leadership of Paco Mendez, formerly of Albert Adria’s Hoja Santa, combines fine dining with traditional Mexican cooking. The tasting menu journey is curated in several formats that evolve seasonally. We recommend trying the mole interpretation and the tlayuda with caviar and lobster.

Avenir - Located away from the tourist crowds in the Sarria-Sant Gervasi neighborhood, this Bib Gourmand restaurant delivers culinary value with unique character. You will enjoy hidden luxury, local authenticity, and refined cuisines.

Lasarte - the first restaurant in Barcelona to hold three Michelin stars since 2017- is one of the city’s most prestigious dining destinations. Located inside the Monument Hotel, world-acclaimed chef Martin Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande offer a curated sequence of dishes that combine Basque roots, Catalan terroir, and global inspiration.

Xiloteca - Ideal spot to start a day in El Born, at this refined cafe rather than at a crowded chain. You will be treated to artisanal roasts and a calm atmosphere in a boutique setting. 

Crumbles - Take a sweet detour to this El Born gem serving up fresh pastries and baked goods.

Pipol Coffee - Another FOUND favorite and go-to in the El Born neighborhood for boutique coffee, where every cup is crafted and every visit feels intentional.

Suto - Six seats. One Michelin star. An intimate omakase experience curated by Chef Yoshi Suto in the Sant Martí neighborhood. Reservations should be made well in advance.

Syra - Elevate your morning stroll through the Gracia neighborhood's streets and boutiques with a specialty coffee or espresso from this premium coffee stop. 

Coush Armo - This local gem in the Gracia neighborhood is a refuge from the usual crowded cafes. Artisan breads, elegant pastries, and specialty coffee are what you get. The space is small, and we love it as a takeaway spot to sit outside and take in the beauty and calm of the early-morning streets in this neighborhood.

Tandem - This bespoke cocktail bar, complete with a long wooden bar, dark interiors, and leather armchairs, tucked away in the Eixample area, is the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails or an evening cap. Tandem is known for tailoring drinks to your taste rather than relying on a fixed menu.

Bitter - Intimate cocktail bar in the Sant Antoni district, specialising in classic cocktails crafted from shrubs and herbs.

Bobby’s Free - Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy cocktail bar disguised behind a barber shop facade, which will require a password to gain entry. Follow them on Instagram to access the password and to gain access to a night of craft cocktails and an extensive reference list. 

Xixbar Gins and Cocktails - Pioneering gin and tonics in Barcelona since 2005, specialising in curated gin-tonics, infused gin and bespoke cocktails.

Mariposa Negra - Boutique cocktail bar in El Born, offering highly original cocktails in bespoke handmade ceramic glassware created by the bar. The bar’s story is inspired by the novel “Marina”.

Especiarum - If you're looking for something beyond standard bars, this is the spot. Located in the La Ribera district, the drink menu features imaginative cocktails inspired by spices.

Dux Gin - Start your evening in El Born here at this intimate, craft cocktail bar, where we create perfect gin and tonic cocktails, artisanal gin infusions, and offer creative mixology and presentation.

El Bestiari - Boutique cocktail bar is inspired by the Correfocs, or “fire-runs”, traditional Catalan festivals featuring people running through the streets dressed as devils, setting off fireworks. But don’t let that scare you. This establishment boasts a high-end look and feel, crafting unique cocktails, homemade macerations, and infusions served in handcrafted copper vessels.

Bloody Mary Bar - Just off the beaten path in Gracia, this cocktail bar specializes in, you guessed it, the Bloody Mary. Offering patrons 10+ distinct variations of this classic cocktail, alongside other creative drinks and Italian-style small plates. The space is an intimate, retro-vintage lounge with brown Chesterfield sofas, dim lighting, and luxury service.

Mont Bar - ”Fine dining in a bar” is how this Eixample gastropub describes itself. Here you can experience where tapas meet tasting menus, the perfect spot for relaxed luxury and creative gastronomy.

SIPS - Ranked #3, and previously #1, on the World’s 50 Best Bars, this is where you will find curated flavour profiles, elevated bar service, and theatrical presentations—mixologists at the central island bar craft world-class cocktails for luxury clients who appreciate depth and detail. Reservations are recommended or prepare for long queues.

Alchemix - Fusing haute cuisine and avant-garde mixology, this Eixample establishment offers dishes and cocktails that blend Mediterranean and Asian influences with theatrical presentation.

Dr. Stravinsky - Cocktail bar presented as a laboratory where in-house distillations, macerations, and experimental techniques create unique flavor profiles. Ranked as high as #25 on the World's 50 Best, this El Born spot is where mixology becomes alchemy.

Book major attractions (Sagrada Família, Park Güell) and most restaurants well in advance. We suggest paying for early entry as well to avoid the crowds.

Eat like a local. Eat late — dinner starts around 9 pm

Sunday is quiet — plan accordingly, as many restaurants are closed

Use Uber or FreeNow for late-night rides