Beneath the surface, Barcelona offers much more than churches and tapas. For those wanting to experience the Catalan city’s road less traveled, here are 10 of the best alternative places to see and things to do.
Bunker Del Carmel
Competing for one of the top locations for 360-panoramic views of the city, the bunker has been a favorite among picnic-goers, historians and romantics who are looking to escape the crowds. Placed high above the city, it has views which stretch far enough to the sea to make the experience photogenic and breathtaking. This is particularly true as the sun starts to set over Mount Tibidabo. The bunker dates back to the Civil War in the first half of the 20th century and was built as an anti-aircraft battery. This allows for visitors to ingest Barcelona’s rich history. The bunker can be reached from the city center by V17 bus or Alfons X metro, but be prepared to wear comfortable shoes for the final uphill stretch.
Catalunya’s coveted culinary variety can intrigue visitors from every corner. However one of the most exclusive produce grown here is so celebrated that locals can be found tucking in to the grilled calçots wearing large bibs with romesco sauce dripping from their lips. Friends and families take to the countryside to enjoy large, open barbecues (known as calçotadas). Here they eat the onion-like vegetables in these seasonal events that take place between January and March. Calçots are one of the city’s specialties and should be eaten with fingers alone – note the need for adult bibs. Make sure you don’t miss you on such spectacular sights and the opportunities to enjoy the Catalan cuisine away from the crowds.
El Born is understandably favored among tourists, with its meandering cobbled streets and endless collection of quirky and fashionable bars and restaurants. Carrer dels Carders runs horizontally across the barrio attracting many visitors, but is also home to one of Barcelona’s hidden gems of the food and drink world. Espai Mescladis is a bar/cafe that is decorated with its vibrant, mismatched terrace and archway of Catalan exhibitions. The cafe is part of an organization that supports social inclusion and integration of immigrants. This makes it not only a rich, cultural and atypical treat with delicious coffee and snacks, but a feel-good experience since you know your money contributes to a good cause.
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One of Barcelona’s lesser known specialties will have you intoxicating yourself in authentic bars filled with unlabelled green bottles and a little old man behind a dusty counter. The suspiciously named ‘Panther’s Milk’ is a concoction best served with cinnamon sprinkled on top. It has a delicious and particular taste that leaves you wanting more. However, the delicacy should come with warning labels to prepare you for the hangover the morning after. Find panther’s milk sold by the bottle in bars located on Carrer Merce and parallel Carrer Ample in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Originally from the UK, Aminah has been living in Barcelona since 2013. She graduated with a degree in Sociology, which furthered her interest in different cultures and exploring new places. She travelled for several years before settling down in Barcelona, throughout which time she managed to explore many different places in Europe and South America. Travelling, writing and photography are some of her passions, which she intends to pursue further.
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