Barcelona For A Weekend Getaway
When it comes to a romantic weekend escape Barcelona is not the first place to spring to mind, unlike Paris or Venice yet Barcelona can be just as special a place for that weekend getaway. With is young hip vibe, the Catalan capital can compete with the best of them, and then offer more; its mild Mediterranean climate and plenty of things for tourists to discover makes it a fantastic place for a weekend away. A few days in this beautiful city will rejuvenate you completely!
Where To Stay
Stay at the Hotel Neri in the oldest part of the city the El Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) where this four star member of the Relais & Chateaux group of hotels is a hidden gem tucked away on a pedestrian only street. This 22-room boutique hotel combines all the old world charms with the most modern of amenities and it’s in the perfect location to visit the sights at the centre of the city, while being surrounded by the best restaurants and shopping the city has to offer.
This beautiful hotel is on a pedestrian-only street, which means you will have to walk a little bit once you have left your cab. Ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the Plaza Sant Jaume, and walk down the Calle Sant Honorat to the hotel.
Where To Eat
The Catalan Cuisine of Barcelona has had many influences over the centuries, but can best be described as Mediterranean meets the Pyrenees with a bounty of seafood, and hearty dishes like the Farmers Rabbit Stew being favourites. One thing you can be sure of in Spain is that cooking is looked upon as an art, with every chef going out of their way to prepare the freshest local produce available.
For something uniquely different, and yet at the same time Catalan try Gilda on the Calle Ample 34, where the serve a mixture of local dishes with a mix of Belgium Michelin star infusion. This small intimate restaurant is perfect spot for that first date – its full romantic ambience. Gilda is located in the Barri Gòtic and is only a short walk back to the Hotel Neri. Reservations are recommended, and your concierge will be happy to make them for you.
Where To Drink
If you fancy a cocktail before going out to dinner take a stroll down to the Marina and visit the Dusquesa de Cardona Hotel, for their rooftop cocktail bar which is also popular with locals. Gaze out over the Marina, which is full of moored boats, people strolling and giant artwork, while sipping a flute of deliciously cold Cava!
For a late night spot, visit one of Barcelona’s coolest clubs Café Marula, Carrer Escudellers 49, where they play a mix of funk,soul,disco, and jazz. This is a minimalistic, sleek, modern club for people looking for a sophisticated night out. Remember though the Spanish tend to go out later in the evening, and stay up later than most!
Getting There And Away
Getting to Barcelona is very simple with International flights from most major airports around the world, and also plenty of low cost carriers from most major European cities.  A taxi from the Airport to your hotel will cost around 30€, or a cheaper alternative is the Aero bus, which takes 35 minutes and will drop you off at the Plaza Catalunya which leaves a short walk to the hotel for 5.90. If you want to get in the mood for your romantic weekend in Barcelona, read the Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruis Zafron – it’s a terrific book set in Barcelona that will give you a real feel for the city.
Tim Eubank is a keen traveller who loves blogging and sharing his experiences with other travel enthusiasts. Tim recommends Outlet4Spain.com for the best accommodation options in Spain.