The Modernista Route
Morning
Pop into the decrepit
chess bar El Pato Loco (cnr Diputació & Aribau) to get a sepia
picture of Barcelona that hasn’t changed for a century. Wake up with a cafè solo and watch the old men playing speed-chess, then stroll around the gardens of the Universitat Head east along Gran Via past the elegant Palace Barcelona Hotel and right down C/Bruc for your first real taste of Catalan Art Nouveau, with Gaudí’s
Casa Calvet
on C/Casp. Turn right onto C/Casp and walk
three blocks west to the majestic Pg de Gràcia; then go right again
three blocks to the impressive buildings known as the
Mansana de la Discòrdia
and the
Perfume Museum
. Sniff around
Regia
perfume shop before continuing north to marvel at Gaudí’s
La Pedrera
. Feeling peckish? Stop at
Tragaluz
on Ptge de la Concepció. The set menu is an enjoyable way to experience this glitterati hang-out.
Afternoon
After lunch, head north on Pg de Gràcia, turn right along Diagonal, taking in the fairy-tale
Casa de les Punxes
at No. 416. Walk along Diagonal, making a detour left at Pg Sant Joan to see Palau Macaya at No. 108. Then stroll along C/Mallorca to the
Sagrada Família
. Here you can take in the Nativity Façade and
rest weary legs in the Plaça de Gaudí before climbing the bell towers
for a breathtaking view of the city.
Design Shops
Shoppers, Passeig de Gràcia
Vinçon
The
cream of the crop in Spanish design with out-of-this-world designs for
the most everyday objects. Furniture is displayed in a 1900 upper-class
apartment. Breathtaking.
Furniture, Vinçon
L’Appartement
A
spacious, white-painted store packed with gorgeous furnishings and
knick-knacks at reasonable prices: from quirky, cool lights and
sculptures to bags, jewellery and t-shirts.
C/Enric Granados 44
Closed Sun, Mon
Regia
The
biggest perfume shop in the city has over one thousand scents,
including all the leading brands and other surprises. Also home to the Perfume Museum.
Dos i Una
A
designer gift shop with a steel-tiled floor and a psychedelic colour
scheme. Concentrates on selling “made in Barcelona” items, which make
for unusual souvenirs.
Light, Dos i Una
Muxart
Excellent and arty shoe shop for men, women and kids in a country famed for its leather.
Biosca & Botey
Exceptionally elegant shop selling all kinds of lamps, from Art-Nouveau mushrooms to ultra-modern steel shades.
Rambla de Catalunya 125
DA
Pilma
Breathtaking
designer shop selling quality modern furniture and interior accessories
by big names, as well as cutting-edge creations by Catalan designers.
DBarcelona
An
eclectic range of gadgets and gifts in a shop that doubles as an
exhibition space for up-and-coming designers and more established
artists.
Kowasa
A
specialist photography bookshop with over 7,000 titles, including
foreign magazines. The ambience is friendly and intimate and browsing is
encouraged.
Sadur
The
owner designs and sells her own leather accessories: wallets, bags and a
few gifts. Classy designs are well made and well priced.
After-Dark Venues
La Fira
Decked out in vintage fairground memorabilia, this striking bar rates high on novelty factor. Order a cuba libre while swaying in a swing. Lively atmosphere, unique setting.
C/Provença 171
Closed Mon
Adm
Lika Lounge
This
New York-style cocktail bar boasts an ice bar and the best martinis in
town. One of the city’s hippest nightspots, it hosts DJ sessions with a
different theme each night.
Lika Lounge
Dry Martini
A
classic and elegant venue where extraordinarily professional barmen are
ready to prepare your favourite cocktail. Quiet jazz sounds play in the
background.
Omm Sessions Club
Located in possibly the most fashionable address in town, the OmmSessions Club attracts a young, international crowd.
OmmSessions Club
Velvet
Large, popular and populist disco bar with lavish decor, luxury fittings and music ranging from Elvis to Abba.
Luz de Gas
A classic late-night watering hole, this half concert hall, half bar has live music nightly – from blues to jazz and soul.
Ideal
Luxurious
cocktail lounge opened by legendary barman José María Gotarda in the
1950s and now run by his son. More than 80 varieties of whisky.
City Hall
This popular club has two dance floors. Club nights cover a range of music styles, from electro pop to drum ’n’ bass.
Dietrich Gay Teatro Café
A
trendy gay club with a mixed door policy and a beautiful internal
garden. It plays house and garage, and holds shows by singers, trapeze
artists and acrobats.
Les Gens que j’Aime
The ideal place to have a drink while enjoying soft music, after walking around Paseo de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya.
