For context, I was in Barcelona meeting with a friend to go to the Brunch in the Park music festival. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona in the summer, make sure to check out this festival. There are multiple shows throughout the summer. Because of this, I stayed in the El Poble-Sec neighbourhood, within walking distance of the event. When I return, I will stay in El Born or El Raval.

Highlights:

1. Start your morning with coffee and breakfast in Sant Antoni.
2. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter.
3. Eat, drink, and shop in El Born.
4. And, of course, late-night pintxos (pinchos) and tapas in El Poble-Sec on Carrer de Blai. 

Day 1:

News & Coffee – This reinvention of the kiosk breathes new life into this fundamental institution of any cityscape. By bringing together coffee and a curated selection of unique magazines, limited releases, and newspapers, N&C provides an updated experience for your morning coffee run and hunt for excellent quality reads.

Egg Lab – A hipster brunch spot that serves quality food and coffee. The coveted terrace is excellent for people-watching while being light and breezy. The portions are ample, and the coffee is on point. I recommend sampling a few items to do a tasting of the menu.

Mercilona – This adorable little shop in the Gothic Quarter has an assortment of hand painted art, postcards, gifts, and souvenirs. Consider a whimsical print for yourself as a reminder of your time in Barcelona.

La Manual Alpargatera – One of the oldest espadrille makers in the city, they are known for quality and price. A serious selection of styles will have you humming and hawing what will fit in your suitcase. The shop isn’t just popular with tourists; locals also don these delightful shoes. 

Musee Picasso – A must-see on your museum tour in Barcelona. The sketches were another perspective of the artist I had yet to see. The provocative nudes are beautiful and erotic. The interpretation of the Princess painting series and the pigeons were my favourite. Make sure to enjoy the space as a whole.

Day 2:
My trip was based on attending the daytime music festival Brunch in the Park. So the morning was chill with breakfast and coffee at The Federal Café. Of course, you must stop for tapas, pinxtos, and wine to round out the evening.

The Federal Cafe – Nestled in a leafy pedestrian area in Sant Antoni, this was my favourite cafe for its atmosphere and vibes. In the early morning, it’s quiet and reflective, especially in the window seats. They also serve excellent coffee and breakfast. Watch the locals go by as your sip your flat white.

Blai 9 – Pinxtos, taps, and wine. Stop by this spot if you’re hungry and want to share. They have good quality pinxtos with a bustling vibe, yet cozy and friendly. If you’re by yourself, sit at the bar. Highlights include a pancake with an omelette, a pancake with smoked salmon, a quesadilla, and many more. It’s okay if you find yourself ordering multiple rounds.

Brunch in the Park:

Day 3:

Exploring the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood.
Barcelona is beautiful on foot, allowing you to see the city’s hidden gems on the sidestreets. Indeed planning a trip to see the Gaudi wonders is part and parcel of a trip to Barcelona. However, this time I could not go inside the Sagrada Familia or the Park Güell. We did, however, walk through the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood, which is quite beautiful once you’re away from the crowds of tourists. Walk through the Gracia neighbourhood, and if you have time, walk to El Raval and the Gothic or take the metro.