OUR Spotlight On column takes an in depth look at the best things to see and do in your fave holiday destinations and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.
This week we’re looking at the much-loved city of Barcelona with a closer look at its Gothic Quarter in particular.
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski says: “I’ve never understood why Barcelona’s Las Ramblas gets more attention than the Gothic Quarter when it comes to shopping.
“For starters, most of the shops there can be found in pretty much any major city – plus, it’s so bogged down with tourists that it’ll take you 30 minutes to stroll just 10 metres.
“The maze of narrow streets that make up the Gothic Quarter, however, are so much fun to explore, flanked by pokey antique stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
“You’ll find lots of little tapas joints and bars, too. Nevermind Bar has outrageously cheap drinks and nibbles – beers will set you back €3.50 while a hefty portion of chips costs €1.50”
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“The architecture is what makes this area of the city so special and you’ll feel instantly enveloped by the era in which these Gothic buildings were erected.
“Every street has its own story to tell and bears the scars of a different time. Bring your camera – it’s a great spot for those all important holiday snaps.”
MUST SEE / DO
The Barcelona Cathedral takes pride of place in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and is an absolute must for the bucket list.
The mighty structure dates back to the 13th century, although its main tower was built much more recently.
Entry costs €16pp and that includes access to its glorious rooftop, where you can soak up panoramic views of the city.
Make sure to take a stroll through El Call, too, the old Jewish Quarter.
HIDDEN GEM
The Gothic Quarter and its winding alleyways tend to be crammed full of tourists and locals, weaving between boutique stores and tiny cafes.
The Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, however, is a much quieter spot. That’s partly because not much else is there other than an old Baroque church that still bears visible scars from the Spanish Civil War.
Despite the horror these streets once saw, the atmosphere is extremely peaceful today with a water fountain at its centre, dulling the buzz of the nearby streets.
BEST VIEW
Barcelona isn’t short of cracking rooftops, offering a brilliant vantage point of the key sights. Terraza de Vivi, however, is one of the best.
Part of the Kimpton Vividora hotel, this laidback restaurant-cum-bar, splashed with tall potted plants, has cushioned corners to cosy down in with a cocktail while drinking in the sunset, watching the orange light reflect off the rooftops and church spires.
The vibe is just as energetic during the day, too, where locals and tourists alike spill in for brunch washed down with free-flowing mimosas and Bloody Marys.
RATED RESTAURANT
You won’t be short of places to sample local Catalan cuisine in the city centre – and make sure to order the Pa Amb Tomàquet if you do.
This bread-dish, drenched in tomato, olive oil and garlic, is a staple in these parts and can be found on many menus.
For something a little different, Kiltro Restobar puts a South American spin on traditional Catalan flavours.
The menu features moreish small plates like fried green banana with pulled pork, guacamole and pickled red onion as well as prawn ceviche drizzled in lime, cucumber, and Valentina sauce (a type of Mexican hot sauce).
People may come for the food but they stay for the cocktails and lively ambience.
BEST BAR
Few cocktail bars become true destination spots, but Paradiso is firmly one of them.
Regularly named as one of the top spots in The World’s 50 Best Bars, the experience begins before you’ve even ordered a drink, with entry through a seemingly ordinary refrigerator door inside a pastrami shop.
Once inside, the other-worldly space will blow you away with a carefully crafted menu of cocktail favourites as well as some very imaginative creations including a yellow glowing cocktail that relies on the natural luminescent properties of vitamin B2 and an unusual whisky-based drink infused with lavender, truffle honey and manchego cheese.
HOTEL PICK
The Kimpton Vividora Barcelona is perfectly-positioned within the Gothic Quarter, within reach of many key landmarks.
Rooms are very modern and trend-led but not to the detriment of cosiness and charm.
Solo travellers can check into a slightly more affordable City Single Room with a queen bed.
Rooms start from around £204 per night, on a room only basis. See ihg.com.