The historic city of Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines and architecture that dates back centuries – so we can understand not knowing where to start when it comes to the best places to stay, eat, and visit when in town. Luckily for you, founder and creative director of Mode Mischief Studios Mia Zotos has sent us postcards from the city to run us through her go-to spots.

 

Stay ...

At Hotel Colón. Located in the heart of Barcelona, this hotel boasts an unbeatable location right across from the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. The highlight is its amazing rooftop bar, with panoramic views of the city – it’s a perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail at sunset. The hotel is near the Gothic Quarter and within walking distance of numerous shops, museums, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The interior and rooms are quite chic, with many rooms offering unique views of the city. With many nearby spots to grab tapas and the Picasso Museum just a short walk away, this hotel is an ideal place to stay for a memorable Barcelona experience.

 

Eat ...

Barcelona is great place to explore Spanish or Catalan cuisine, whilst also offering an array of other cuisines. For tapas, I recommend starting at Bar del Pla, which is quite groovy and specialises in slow-cooked dishes. El Xampanyet is a must-visit for its renowned traditional tapas, though be prepared to line up. For a more casual experience, Can Paixano offers the perfect wine bar atmosphere with great tapas.

If you’re looking to branch out to other cuisines, I love Cecconi's at Soho House is great for authentic Italian cuisine, or Isabella's Restaurant for beautifully presented Mediterranean cuisine and cozy interiors. Another favourite is Julieta's, located on Barceloneta beach, which offers delectable paella right by the water. Noxe is another taste-igniting restaurant located in Barceloneta, serving Japanese cuisine with a 360 view of Barcelona. This restaurant also turns into a club later on, so it’s great for a fun night out.

 

Drink ...

After a morning of sightseeing and shopping on Passeig de Gracia, Terazza la Dolce Vitae is a great place to stop for a mid-day drink or bite to eat while enjoying city views from the rooftop. If you're looking for a quick and healthy refreshment, head to Nudes for Erewhon-inspired smoothies that are both nutritious and aesthetically appealing.

As the sun sets, the Edition Rooftop is ideal for enjoying drinks with stunning views. Dr. Stravinsky Bar, ranked among the top 50 bars in the world, offers an exceptional cocktail experience. For wine enthusiasts, Pepa Bar a Vins serves natural wines paired with interesting Spanish food. Lastly, Bar Pimentel – a hidden gem with a vintage vibe, is a local favourite where you can savour glasses of local Catalan wine alongside tapas classics.

 

Do ...

Barcelona is a beautifully designed city, from Gaudi’s creations to historical architecture in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a fascinating place with so much to see, even if you're just wandering around. Though I usually don’t book guided tours, experiencing them on my last trip was worth it; you learn so much. When you first arrive, a hop-on- hop-off bus tour is perfect to get your bearings and appreciate the city's architecture.

When it comes to Gaudi's masterpieces, Casa Batlló is a great place to start. Book tickets to go inside; it's worth seeing the design and innovation Gaudi showcased at a time when modernism was rarely expressed. Park Güell is another highlight – get dropped off at the top to avoid a long walk and consider booking a guided tour to learn about the park's history and design. Sagrada Familia is an absolute must-see.

Booking a guided tour inside the church will help you understand its rich history and future. Seeing the details that have gone into its construction blew me away.

After a stroll around the Gothic Quarter, visit the Picasso Museum. It’s very interesting to learn about Picasso's history and art style with a guided tour. After dinner, watch a Flamenco show—my favourite is Palau Dalmases, located in a gorgeous courtyard in the Gothic Quarter.

 

Shop ...

If you like thrifting and finding vintage gems, Barcelona is the city for you. El Encants is a must-visit flea market, open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a wide array of unique finds that you may need to filter through. For a more curated vintage shopping experience, Zoetrope Vintage has an excellent selection of well-chosen pieces for reasonable prices. A little further from the city is House of Rowdy, which has a great selection of vintage pieces and locally designed items. If you want to explore Barcelona-based brands, Gimaguas and Mais X Frida have stores located near Passeig de Gracia, which is also an excellent place to shop for more international brands.