Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is possibly one of my favourite European cities I have been to  (although it is impossible for me to ever name a favourite place). I spent 3 months living in Barcelona over my gap year to improve on my Spanish. But since then I have been back at least 5 times. Just the most vibrant and exciting city whether you are there for a few days or a few months. There is such a vast amount of activities to do. The beach is just 15 minutes walk away from the city centre.You are surrounded by beautiful sites everywhere you go because there is artwork (and being the home of Guadi) everywhere and the architecture is just breathtaking. Even the graffiti is better than the average. Park Guell for example is just amazing, as is walking around the Gothic quarter in Barcelona, or walking along the port.

 I think what really distinguishes Barcelona for me is that it is a place I never seem to get bored of re-visiting. Whether it is for the nightlife, visiting friends or simply going back for a short break. I often find with other cities that once you cover all the tourist attractions you are supposed to, you tend to scratch it off that imaginary tick list you have in mind, been there, done that and bought the souvenir. But with Barcelona I would happily go back to the majority of tourist attractions and still be impressed. I probably wouldn't buy any souvenirs again! But for me that is when you know it is a great city.

Park Guell (this one is not my own pic, but it is stunning)

A view of the city 

Sagrada Familia

Where to Stay?
Hostels: If you are travelling on a budget, Barcelona is full of hostels to choose from. I have definitely seen some on hostelworld from as little as 8 - 10euros a night! Although I can't account for inflation as it was a few years ago since I last looked for a hostel there! However, I would recommend:

KABUL, Plaza Real (The main square off La Rambla)
Although the dorm rooms can be crowded, with some dorms having as many as 20 beds in one! It really does have a great atmosphere and is a great place to meet people if you are travelling alone, or simply interested in meeting some new friends. They have a great bar and a pool table and best of all is the location. If you are looking to have a fun few days in Barca, see the sights and sample the nightlife and restaurants, this is definitely a hostel to stay in.

HOSTEL ONE BARCELONA CENTRO
I haven't stayed in the Hostel One in Barcelona, but if Madrid is anything to go by, the Hostel One chain is amazing. Really friendly staff, with a great atmosphere and very clean and comfortable hostel. This one is situated on Calle Bailen, off Plaza Catalunya, which is also a perfect location and just a stones throw away from all the action. I suspect it will probably be cheaper than Kabul as well.

The Luxurious Option: If you are willing to splash a bit of cash then I have one five star hotel that really blew me away.

HOTEL ARTS
This five star hotel is located right by the beach, at the Port Olympic. You wont really be able to miss it as it is right next to the massive iron fish statue. This hotel is beaautiffulll and full of gorgeous contemporary artwork that I believe you can purchase. It is modern and fancy and even if you don't get a chance to stay here, I would definitely recommend the champagne brunch.

Hotel Arts

Where to Eat?
OVISSO, Plaza Tripi
This plaza is right in the centre, just off one of the side streets from Plaza Real, near Kabul in fact but it seems like a hidden gem. Perhaps a little dark and alternative, but Barcelona is a city that gives off that kind of rustic/edgey feel, so I say why not embrace it. There are a couple of restaurants in this little plaza but this one is my favourite. It offers the best Menu of the Day for just 6 euros (includes a soup, salad, main dish & drink!)

EL BORNE
The arty/shopping and restaurant district of Barcelona. Very beautiful and scenic on the main streets, but be advised that the side streets are often lurking with pick pockets, so just be aware of your belongings. Other than that, I am certainly not trying to put you off this location! There are some great tapas bars around here. There is a large selection and variation of tapas, often allowing you to choose whichever ones you want and calculating your bill according to how many toothpicks you have left on your plate.

Where to go out?
This is probably where my expertise lies when it comes to Barcelona. There is simply so much choice and there is somewhere to go every day of the week. But I will keep it to a minimum, although if you are dying to know more, I can always post some more.

Bars
OVELLA NEGRA 
Just off La Rambla, right near Plaza Catalunya, this is a great chilled out underground/rustic bar. The decor is simple and cave-like, with long wooden benches. The best option is to buy a pitcher of beer or sangria for 10 euros and sit with your free refills of popcorn for the evening chatting, drinking and unwinding from the day.

CHUPITOS, Calle Aribau, Right near Plaza Catalunya
The shot bar where there are over 200 different shots to choose from and where all shots cost between 1.5 - 2 euros. Get ready to see the bar go up in flames, shot glasses getting knocked in domino style, people toasting marshmellows over the flames. This is most certainly one of my favourite bars to have some shots and a good night! I recommend the Harry Potter, The boyscout and I dare you to order the Rambo or the Monica Lewinsky.

List of shots at chupitos 

Harry Potter shot

CHAMPAGNERIA, Barceloneta
The champagne bar which is always busting out the door with the amount of people that come here. I have never seen it any other way, but it is worth coming as early in the evening as you can - or simply start in the afternoon. If you buy 2 tapas plates you get a bottle of cava for about 3 euros. It's not the most comfortable bar to go for a drink, but it's very Spanish and has a nitty gritty feel to it.

Clubs
SHOKO, Vila Olimpica
One of the many clubs along the beach, but this one was my favourite. It has a chic red and black decor and serves some quite tasty Japanese fusion food in the early evening, before converting into a club serving cocktails and playing commercial music. There is a great outdoor lounge area overlooking the beach as well. If you aren't taken by Shoko, there is a wide selection of clubs right next door, or you can check out the little bars and clubs along Vila Olimpica for a more informal night out.

OTTO ZUTS, Calle Lincoln, Fontana
A really great club with an eclectic mix of music as there are a number of floors playing a variety of music. Back when I was in Barca, this was one of the clubs which many of the Barca football team used to frequent.

LA PALOMA, Calle Tigre 27, Raval
More of a house music club. Really good fun, with an easy and spacious layout. Great night out for a big group of you.

RAZZMATAZZ, Calle Pamplona 88
It is very unfortunate that I never went to this club as it is a little further out of town than the others. However, I have honestly only ever heard great things about this club and it seems to definitely be worth a visit if you have the time in Barcelona.

Wish List....
I wish that I had spent more time in Montjuic and watched the fountain and lazer show because it looks stunning if you have a look at the pictures below. I also wish that I had gone to watch a Barca vs. Real Madrid match.