Find the Best Things to Do in City Center
By Sam Mednick
Barcelona Local Expert
About City Center
Photo courtesy of Passeig De Gracia
Many people think that Barcelona's City Center is comprised around the neighborhoods in Ciutat Vella (Old City). However if you break it down even more, Barcelona's City Center revolves largely around Plaza Catalunya and its surrounding areas. If you're looking to shop, eat, drink, browse or just soak up the 'city vibe', then this is the place to be.
See & Do
One of the city's most well known landmarks, Plaza Catalunya brings people togethers and provides for one of the main hubs in the city center. Signifying the division between Barcelona's 'Ciutat Vella' (Old City) and Eixample's more 'modern' neighborhoods, Plaza Catalunya sits smack in the middle, just above La Rambla and below the trendy and chic walkway of Passeig de Gracia. During summer, the water fountains are a wonderful place to snap a few photos.
Eat
Sitting on the cusp of the city center, Tapas 24 is on Passeig de Gracia, just a short walk up from Plaza Catalunya. This greasy and delicious tapas bar is well known for it's small and intimate space, tasty food and quick service. They have a few outdoor tables as well, but you have to come early to get a seat as they don't take reservations, so it's first come first serve.
Party
You can't go wrong at City Hall. It's Barcelona's 'go to' club at the end of every night. Open until 6am, this extremely fun and always busy nightclub sits at the bottom of Rambla Catalunya, just a stone's throw from Plaza Catalunya and across the way from Passeig de Gracia. It's always a sure bet if you're looking for a late night out with great music and a cool crowd.
Stay
One of the city's most elegant hotels is just a short walk down La Rambla from Plaza Catalunya. Hotel 1898 is for those looking for a slightly more luxurious setting in the City Center. It boasts one of the best rooftop terraces, featuring panoramic city views, comfy lounge chairs and a great pool. The 1898 is an excellent choice when it comes to higher-end hotels in the city.
Shop
Adjacent to Plaza Catalunya is another city center staple; El Corte Ingles. Barcelona's largest department store, with 6 stories of everything you could possibly be looking for, including a supermarket and a gourmet food section in the basement. Corte Ingles is the city's best one stop shop for clothes, gadgets, furniture, house hold items and pretty much anything you could possibly be craving.