Barcelona is huge tourist destination in northern Spain. It’s easy to get caught up in the tourists traps. If you want to veer off of that path and see Barcelona through the eyes of a local, then try a few of these tips and destinations for an authentic taste of the city.
Tapas
Everyone knows that tapas are a staple of the gastronomical scene in Barcelona. As a result, it’s easy to get taken advantage of in the scenic tapas bars along the tourist routes offering mid-day comfort in exchange for highly marked up prices. Stay away from these tapas bars and look for places with less glamour and more neighbourhood feel. Take a look at the other guests to judge who’s visiting. Just remember, less is more – that is, the less time they spent decorating the place and translating the menu, the more likely you’ll find an authentic Barcelona flavour.
Nightlife
The Gothic neighbourhood may be what you’ve heard of – and so have the other tourists. Move away from this area and head to Plaça Reial to experience the locals nightlife scene. Unless you’re set on hitting the disco until dawn, you’ll be happy with this area for the live music and livelier crowds. There are several great options here that are easy to find – Sidecar and Sala Apolo are recommended by those who live in the area.
If you do decide to stay in Gothic Barrio, take a chance on something unique and head to Oviso at George Orwell’s square. The scene here is authentic human interaction – strangers talking to strangers, sharing food and drink, making a large city seem small and cosy. This may not be the loudest party scene, but it may be one of your most memorable nights of the trip. You never know who you’ll end up sitting next to or what stories of Spanish life they may have to share.
Beach
La Barceloneta beaches are easy to find, making them tempting on a lazy morning. Of course, the convenience sounds good – but again, this will be the destination for all of the city’s visitors. Put in a little more effort, and stay on the metro a few stops longer to get to Selva de Mar, a much more local-friendly destination for sun and surf. The beach here offers four kilometres of swimmers-reserved beachfront, as well as a promenade with shops, showers and food to keep you happy for a long day outside the city.
Sleep
An apartment stay can be a great alternative to a hotel in the city. Typically, apartments allow you to stay outside touristy spots, forcing you to explore a residential neighbourhood that you might otherwise have missed. If the homestay is simply a room, your host will likely be happy to show you around and share their local customs with you for a richer experience. A number of home exchange sites, such as AirBNB, help you search for the perfect spot and read past visitor reviews to make sure your visit is tailored to your needs.
Fly
Be sure to check out Barcelona flights from Monarch for all of your travel booking needs. You can find the best deals to be sure your trip to Barcelona is flawless so you can enjoy your trip like a local!
