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What to Wear in Barcelona: A 36 Hour Style Guide

Oliver Bonas Wren Rafia Tassel Earrings, SS18, Barcelona Packing Guide
Oliver Bonas Wren Rafia Tassel Earrings, SS18, Barcelona Packing Guide | © Oliver Bonas

From strolling the city to lazing on the beach, this is the only style guide you need for 36 hours in one of Europe’s most eclectic destinations.

Where to stay:

Mr and Mrs Smith’s Yurbban Passage Hotel and Spa mixes style with comfort and boasts beautiful views of the city from its rooftop pool area. It’s located close to Las Ramblas (Barcelona’s central boulevard) and the beach, and it’s only a 25-minute taxi ride from the airport, which works especially well when you’re paying a fleeting visit to the city.

Yurbban Passage

Barcelona in-flight essentials:

Skincare is an in-flight must and a mini moisturiser is the simplest way to combat the inevitable dehydration that comes with air con on board. Small yet stylish headphones will drown out the surrounding noise and allow you to either plan your 36 hours effectively or catch up on sleep ahead of a busy few days.

Oliver Bonas in-flight essentials, 36 Hours in Barcelona, SS18

Shop the look, from left to right: Oliver Bonas coral eye mask, £15 | Oliver Bonas alligator make-up bag, £16.50 | Oliver Bonas diary, £23 | Frank Body everyday moisturiser, £16 | Happy Plug headphones, £30

Day 1, exploring the city:

Start the day with brunch at Federal Café, a healthy-eating spot with wide-open windows and an outdoor seating area in summer, then visit the works of Gaudí at the Park Güell or the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art to absorb the local art scene. In the evening, graze on tapas and enjoy a rooftop view of the city from Skybar at the Grand Hotel Central.

What to wear in Ciutat Vella:

Easy-to-wear separates are key for a long day exploring a new city, so opt for breezy tops, relaxed-fit trousers and accessories designed to enliven your look. Don’t shy away from wearing black in summer, but team it with bright pops of colour to keep the look relevant. Fan earrings will emulate Barcelona’s vibrant style and platform espadrilles are this season’s answer to easy day-to-night footwear.

Oliver Bonas, exploring Barcelona, the style edit SS18

From left to right: Oliver Bonas broderie top, £45 | Chloé wedge espadrilles via Net-A-Porter, £435 | Oliver Bonas sunglasses, £55 | Oliver Bonas cropped trousers, £55 | Oliver Bonas earrings, £22 | Simon Miller bag via Browns, £575

Day 2, by the beach:

The beauty of Barcelona as a 36-hour destination is that it’s part city, part picturesque coastline. Even though the beach is man-made, it’s still a beautiful spot to enjoy the Spanish sun. Wander down Las Ramblas for a day by the sea, stopping at the famous Mercado de La Boqueria food market where you’ll find fresh fruit and juices as well as the fisherman’s catch and sweet treats.

What to wear on La Barceloneta and other local beaches:

A lightweight shirt, cut to an oversized fit, makes for an effortless beach cover-up that works just as well teamed with tailored shorts for the walk through the city as it does worn open over a bikini by the sea. Oliver Bonas’ printed iteration is an artful way to embrace the look and will up the impact of a neutral-hued bikini and leather sandals. Make the straw fedora your statement accessory of choice and add delicate shell- or pearl-inspired jewellery for a considered final touch.

Oliver Bonas, by the beach in Barcelona, the packing edit, SS18

From left to right: Oliver Bonas straw hat, £22 | Oliver Bonas earrings, £29.50 | Oliver Bonas printed shirt, £55 | Rebecca de Ravenel shell beach bag via MATCHESFASHION.COM, £240 | Everything I Know About Love, book by Dolly Alderton, £12.99 | ATP Atilier sandals via Farfetch, £160

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