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Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
- Cosmopolitan
Eat your way around Barcelona! 11 of the city's must-visit eateries, from bocadillos to pintxos
Going to Spain for a long weekend won't solve all of your problems (it's giving pain without the 's', vibes), but that didn't stop me and my best girlfriend, nor you, if you're reading this, from booking a trip to Barcelona on a random Tuesday. Yep, that long-awaited sun-soaked city break has finally arrived, and I'm here to prepare you with an abundance of hotel, activity and food recommendations that'll have you 90 per cent pain-free* – tried and tested by your average 20-something-year-old sangria-fuelled girlie. You can thank me later... *The remaining 10 per cent of post-holiday agony will be down to European Monzo transactions, FYI. When it comes to choosing where to stay in Barcelona, you've got options galore; Airbnbs that feel like home and hotels that offer a slice of luxury. But if you're looking to elevate your trip, I experienced the following three-night stay that truly stood out. Seeking a stylish and indulgent escape (Aren't we all...)? Well, SLS Barcelona is the city's newest five-star hotspot that offers a chic waterfront retreat, seamlessly blending Mediterranean vibes and culinary excellence with Miami design and a luxury flair. Basically, if this hotel were a Hinge date, I'd no doubt swipe right. Situated at Port Fòrum, the hotel boasts 471 rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies with views of the marina or Mediterranean Sea. Interiors by Rockwell Group combine sleek materials like Venetian mirrors and sculptural lighting, creating a sophisticated ambience. Rooms aside, with six dining spots, SLS Barcelona is a foodie's dream. Lora serves up Mediterranean dishes cooked over a wood and coal grill, while L'Anxova Divina offers tapas with a Gaudí-inspired twist. And coming soon, they have Kyara, a cocktail bar exploring mixology as an art form, and Cosmico, a rooftop pool bar and club with floating sushi boats and Ibiza-worthy vibes. Oh, and they're not short of amenities, either. Guests can unwind at one of the three pools, including rooftop options with panoramic city views, or enjoy exclusive access to Coral, the guest-only pool bar. Plus, with a 24/7 fitness centre, complimentary bikes, and a forthcoming subterranean spa, SLS Barcelona provides a luxurious base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. Basically, if you don't want to leave the hotel, you don't have to! But if you do want to explore the city, I've got you covered... Book now Whether you're looking to indulge in retail therapy at chic boutiques or immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture, Barcelona has a number of specialities waiting for you. Park Güell is Gaudí's signature, whimsical masterpiece – think pastel-coloured mosaics, curvy stone benches, and panoramic city views that are the epitome of "Instagrammable." It's the perfect spot for a chill day of exploring, snapping pics, and soaking in the surrealist vibes. But be warned: Book in advance and head early to beat the crowds. For vintage treasures and gourmet street eats (away from tourist traps), Mercat dels Encants is Barcelona's must-visit flea market, blending vintage treasures with modern finds. From retro furniture to quirky fashion, it's a treasure hunt that's both eco-friendly and totally unique. Don't miss the live auctions for some extra thrill. Spiral through ancient laneways, spot the Cathedral, and cosy up in hidden plazas with a morning trip to the Gothic Quarter. It's packed with hidden squares, independent cafés, and historic landmarks that make you feel like you're stepping back in time. You can't visit Barcelona without going to El Born (no, seriously, it's pretty unavoidable...). El Born is Barcelona's artsy, boho neighbourhood. Prepare for indie boutiques, art galleries, and street art that give the area its creative edge. It's the perfect place to get lost and discover something new around every corner. If Parc Güell is a lil out of your budget, or you just don't have the time to spend a day there, some of Gaudí's most renowned architectural genius is on full display around the city – including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These buildings are like living art – curvy facades, colourful tiles, and designs that defy convention. Ocaña is a cultural hotspot in Plaça Reial, offering a mix of art, food, and nightlife. Don't forget to snap a quirky photobooth pic to remember your night out in one of Barcelona's most iconic squares. Whether you're lounging by a rooftop pool or catching rays at Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona's got your chill time covered. Grab a drink, soak up the sun, and vibe out to the sounds of the city and sea. The SLS Barcelona pool (and its bar) is the place to be. Barcelona's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, offering everything from traditional tapas to innovative Mediterranean cuisine and world-class wine bars. These spots are basically Barcelona's best mix of iconic, artsy and outright delicious. The OG tapas spot where you're basically time-travelling back to 1929. Get ready to elbow in beside locals, chug that homemade cava, and snack on anchovies and tortilla like a true Borneño. It's a classic, total vibe. Enter: Picasso's hangout turned artsy café. Gats has got that vintage Modernisme look plus major Bohemian energy – basically peak Insta meets art history IRL. (The patatas bravas are the best I've ever had, BTW...) Okay, slight mix-up: you've got Boadas, the slickest cocktail bar since 1933 just off La Rambla. Think mint‑tux bartenders, daiquiris inspired by Havana, and interesting history in every glass. To brunch with style, La Papa in Eixample is a mood: pastel‑tone interiors, avocado-toast glow‑ups, vegan croissants, açai bowls, and sustainable coffee that's actually worth the queue. Mercat de la Boqueria is a total bucket‑list foodie destination. The historic Modernista market (dating back to 1217!) is like walking into a sensory overload of vibrant produce, top‑tier seafood, and legendary cured hams under a stunning iron-and-glass canopy. Benzina in Sant Antoni is a breath of fresh air from the usual Spanish tapas circuit – it's that perfect blend of Italian soul meets rock‑and‑roll swagger. The vibe? Once a mechanic's garage, now a sleek industrial-chic space with vinyl tunes from The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin. Oh, and the food? Well, each dish flips Italian classics in fun, unexpected ways – spaghetti carbonara, eggplant parmigiana with parmesan ice cream, lobster‑avocado linguine and a viral "sferamisu" that doubles as dessert art. A speakeasy behind a random bazaar? You bet. Push past the groceries into this moody, neo‑Gothic cocktail cathedral where drinks are art and the vibe hits different, like the sister‑bar to Paradiso, but moodier and more immersive. I've never been one to fall victim to a restaurant hotel, but Volta is an exception. The setting is the verdant, plant-filled ground floor of Borneta (one of the city's coolest new boutique hotels) beneath the iconic 19th-century arches of Passeig de Picasso, but the menu is even better. Executive Chef Andrea De Benedictis's pan‑Mediterranean dishes (think fire‑grilled tagliolini with clams, cheesy tempura zucchini blossoms, and juicy ossobuco) are as fresh as they come, made with local farm-to-table ingredients and served in a chill space that's cosy but still feels bougie. Famous for its "cloud sandwiches" on challah, fluffy croissants, avocado‑feta toasts, and top-tier barista coffee, brekkie at Flying Monkey is a failsafe start to any Barca day. Plus, the natural wine selection makes it a go-to for evening aperitivo, too. Minute‑by‑minute fresh and massive sandwiches, Bo D Be is a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop that overloads the perfect baguette with your meat/veggie of choice, plus endless toppings (feta, lentils, pesto, tzatziki – no skimps), making each bocadillo feel straight-up custom and enormous. The best bit? It's super affordable; we're talking full meal vibes for €4–6 – sandwiches, bravas, salads. Pet Nat specialises in "pétillant-naturel" (ancestral method) sparkling wines, bottled mid-fermentation to lock in that natural fizz, turning every glass into a flavourful, lightly effervescent surprise. Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she's an expert in recognising the season's next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You'll usually find her putting TikTok's recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it's true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
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Travel + Leisure
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Barcelona's Coolest Hotel Just Opened, but Already Has Some of the Best Restaurants in the City
The hotel's prime location near Parc del Fòrum and several local beaches provides easy marina access. The hotel's bold interiors and tongue-in-cheek design capture Barcelona's buzzy design scene. Each guest room has a private balcony or terrace, perfect for enjoying the sunshine in complete privacy. Standout culinary experiences include the wood-fired Mediterranean dishes at Lora and tapas at L'Anxova Divina. The hotel's soon-to-open rooftop pool and chic Cosmico lounge will offer epic city and sea views. Only one thing came to mind when I walked through the front doors of the new SLS Barcelona: I need to add more color to my wardrobe. From that very first step inside, it was clear that this is not your standard luxury hotel—it's more of a vibrant playground. Located in the waterfront enclave of Port Fòrum, the hotel exudes a youthful energy that's equal parts classy and frisky. 'SLS Barcelona has all the luxury and glamour of a grand hotel, delivered with a playful wit and charm that is its [SLS] signature," Ignacio Rodriguez, the hotel's general manager, shared with Travel + Leisure . Those glam moments stem from decor elements, such as the grand chandelier dripping from the ceiling, only it's slightly askew, tilted up and to the left, signaling that a 'swing from the chandeliers' mentality isn't just welcome, it's encouraged. Designed by Rockwell Group, AvroKO, and AIME Studios, the hotel is packed with dramatic lighting and opulent detailing, partially inspired by the Mediterranean Sea. There's also a hot pink, neon-lit hallway leading to a restaurant, one of many Instagram moments on-site. The hotel's patio pool is dotted with private cabanas, and its soon-to-open rooftop pool has the potential to become Barcelona's coolest spot in no time. Even its common area bathrooms are filled with quirky design details and tilework that made me want to go home and redo my bathroom. Walk through the neon tunnel-turned-catwalk in the lobby. The bold interiors are just the tip of the iceberg; SLS Barcelona also leans heavily into the city's creative culture, from collaborations with celebrity-favorite local designer Caro Luna to partnering with the Primavera Sound music festival. It's a hotel built for those who want to immerse themselves in Barcelona's modern lifestyle and support the local community. "SLS Barcelona is a resort for the curious, the creative, the stylish, the relaxed, and everyone in between. Whether you're planning a couple's getaway, a friends' trip, a family adventure, or a solo recharge, this is a place that adapts to your energy," Rodriguez added. 'If you're someone who wants to trade everyday life for something extraordinary, even for one night, you've come to the right place.' Here's everything you need to know about staying at the SLS Barcelona. The bedroom opening up to the terrace of the Luxuriate Suite. The hotel's 471 rooms and suites, designed by Rockwell Group, marry high-end elegance with youthful whimsy. Each accommodation boasts a private balcony or terrace, providing access to lovely views of the marina. Bold colors, reflective surfaces, gold-hued hand curtain holdbacks, pendant light fixtures, all create an atmosphere as indulgent as you'd expect from an SLS hotel. Guests who want to level up should opt for the Euphoria Apartment, which offers residential-style comforts, such as a stove, oven, microwave, and mini-fridge. It also includes a dining space and a private balcony or terrace. I also got a sneak peek at the soon-to-open Celestial suite, and it packs quite the design punch. The suite features a massive light fixture that doubles as an art installation, a stunning marble bath, and a 1,044-square-foot private rooftop terrace overlooking the marina. Enjoy a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion at Lora. If you need a single reason to book a stay at the SLS Barcelona, it's this: The dining is simply spectacular. Once complete, the hotel will offer six distinct restaurants and bars. Lora, designed by AvroKO, channels the relaxed coastal charm of the Mediterranean, where seasonal dishes are prepared in a wood oven and coal-fired grill—think charred flatbreads, perfectly seasoned seafood, and shareable plates. (Do not skip over the muhammara , a dip made with grilled pepper, chili, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, which is so flavorful I asked for seconds and was tempted to go for thirds.) Then there's L'Anxova Divina, which pays homage to Barcelona's legendary tapas culture with bite-sized delights. According to the hotel's team, its design is a nod to Antoni Gaudí's iconic architecture, channeled in the undulating curves of its banquets and splashy decor. Pro tip: on warmer days, ask for a table out on its sunny seafront terrace. At Deluxe, the hotel's lobby lounge and bar, guests can enjoy morning coffee, lunch, or an evening cocktail. Coral, a poolside bar, offers a selection of sunny day drinks and whatever frozen concoction you can dream up. And in June, the hotel will open Kyara, a cocktail bar, designed to evoke a curated perfumery, where the cocktails will be just as custom as a scent. Also opening this summer is Cosmico, a rooftop lounge that could easily become Barcelona's most sought-after nightlife spot. Aerial view of the SLS Barcelona across from Port Forum. SLS Barcelona is almost anti-experience, and I mean that in the best way possible. Here, things are tailor-made to simply relax and do nothing. Its infinity pool is lined with chaise loungers, private cabanas, and day beds that made me want to snooze away the day in the sun. Its soon-to-open rooftop pool will be an idyllic spot to unwind, while the lounge is all about kicking back and savoring every last drop of your coffee or cocktail. Guests who like to stay more active and explore are also in luck as the hotel is just feet away from Port Fòrum, the perfect place to charter a boat for some water-based fun. SLS Barcelona also offers access to Primavera Sound, the city's coolest music festival. Guests booking the Primavera Package for the festival dates over June 6 and 7, 2025, will also receive VIP tickets to the event. SLS Barcelona's spa is set to open later this year. However, guests can work up a sweat in the bright gym, open 24/7. The massive space is equipped with treadmills, bikes, free weights, a variety of machines, a full spin studio, and classes offered through Edan Studios. Currently, the hotel has one pool, with two more in the works, so there's plenty of room to splash. Connecting rooms and suites are available to families and multi-generational groups, with more family-friendly touches like kids' menus, cribs, rollaway beds, and babysitting services provided upon request. The hotel is fully accessible and has 14 accessible rooms (including twin-size beds and queen-size bed options) that offer roll-in and transfer showers, visual alarms, and closed captions on TVs. Sustainability is an essential part of the SLS ethos. The hotel complies with some of the EU's strictest environmental regulations, including ventilated ceramic facades, high-efficiency thermal windows, LED lighting, and solar panels to ensure energy efficiency. The artwork handing in the Events Lobby. SLS Barcelona is located slightly outside of the historic city center, where you'll find some of the best vintage shopping (don't miss the Mercat dels Encants) and all of Gaudí's masterpieces (I can't recommend this specific guided tour via GetYourGuide more). However, it's still easily accessible via public transit (there's a tram stop about a three-minute walk from the hotel). It was incredibly easy to explore the city and hop on and off the tram for just a few euros per ride. The hotel is also within walking distance of Parc del Fòrum, the venue for the Primavera Sound music festival and Mar Bella Beach. Dis-loyalty, Ennismore's travel and dining membership, gives members 50 percent off stays at new hotels, including SLS Barcelona, until July 1, 2025, along with 20 percent off first-time stays, 10 percent off return visits, and 10 percent off food and drinks at participating venues. Nightly rates for the SLS Barcelona start from €350 (about $391). Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
