In the huge city of Barcelona, it can tend to be a little overwhelming trying to decide what to do, where to go and where to eat everyday. There are just too many amazing options. So here are three great sightseeing spots, and some delicious restaurants and cafés that are right near them. All of these places are easy to pop in and out of and will show you some of the best parts of Barcelona!
The Arc de Triomf & Picnic Restaurant
Anybody can tell you that the Arc de Triomf is one of Barcelona’s must-sees. The huge red brick arch opens up to a wide palm-tree lined promenade, providing a perfect location for a tourist-filled, yet beautiful stroll. While you’re basking in all the Arc’s glory, you might miss Picnic just a block away. The restaurant is small but delicious, with a killer brunch menu that hardly anyone takes advantage of during the weekdays—making it the perfect between-class spot. Start your meal off with the crunchy and tangy dish of fried green tomatoes and a mason jar filled with pink lemonade, and finish up with their eggs benedict. On top of having perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, and the best hollandaise sauce I’ve ever tasted, the dish comes with a small salad and a handful of fries, guaranteeing a very full stomach.
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| Fried green tomatoes & pink lemonade |
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| The Arc de Triomf |
The Museum of Contemporary Art & Bar Fidel
Take a right turn off the busy Las Ramblas, walk straight, and listen as the city noise slowly fades away. In three blocks, you’ll find yourself in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art in El Ravel. Don’t let the skateboarders who use the museum’s front railing as their personal skate park scare you off. The museum isn’t a usual go-to stop for many visitors, but it offers edgy existential exhibitions that are a great visit in their airy glass-paneled building. After spending an afternoon questioning the meaning of art, take the three-minute walk over to Bar Fidel for the best sandwiches hidden in El Raval. The menu ranges from adventurous, with pâté and camembert cheese, to a simple chicken and cheese sandwich, all atop a toasted baguette.
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| The Museum of Contemporary Art |
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| Our sandwiches at Bar Fidel |
The Cathedral of Barcelona & Satan’s Coffee Corner
The Cathedral of Barcelona is beautiful any day of the week, but especially on Sundays at noon. This is when you can find crowds of people divided into circles around a band, dancing a traditional Catalan dance knows as Sardana. Known as a symbol of Catalan pride and identity, the dance is fun to watch and a true glimpse into their culture. Half-past noon, when the dancing ends and the crowd dissipates, take the narrow Gothic Quarter streets to Satan’s Coffee Corner for amazing coffee, sweets, and brunch options.
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| A flat white and matcha chocolate donut |
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| The Cathedral |
Jennifer S. is the Fall 2016 CEA MOJO in Barcelona, Spain. She is currently a sophmore studying Professional Writing at Miami University.