I studied abroad in Barcelona during my junior year of college and had not been back for eight years. I was thrilled to return to the city a couple of weeks ago. Here are my top recommendations for places to visit if you have 48 hours in Barcelona!
Tip: Uber works very well from the airport, but once you're in the city, I recommend taking taxis everywhere. The airport is only a 25-30 minute drive to the city center.
EAT
Carrer Merce, Carrer de la Mercè, 35, bajos, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
You MUST go here for lunch for a sandwich or the salad plate. You can make your own but tell them you want a chicken plate with everything on it- also get the patatas bravas and ALL the sauces.
C/ de Buenos Aires, 42, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Sophie discovered this restaurant and the amazing food blew us away. Each dish was better than the next, the prices were great and the atmosphere was unmatched.




C/ del Rosselló, 180, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
I think this was my favorite meal. Blown away by the food. Super casual amazing vibe and each dish was different but all went together so well and if you can try and order as many things to try as possible. The wine was also great.




Carrer del Regomir, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
SHOP
C/ del Bruc, 71, L'Eixample, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
This was one of the best vintage stores I have ever been to. Such a curated and perfect selection and all the designers I am always after. The founder Alissa is very cool and has an impeccable eye. It was a couple of hours of playing dress up in her adorable store and chatting about all things fashion. I can’t wait for the Celine dress I scored to wear this Fall.




C/ de Mallorca, 168, L'Eixample, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Get ready to be blown away and overwhelmed by the collection of bags at this store. They have everything from Prada nylon pouches to Loewe, Chanel, and Hermes. You name it- and the prices are amazing. I scored a beautiful vintage suede LV bag and a red Rimowa suitcase (that I have ALWAYS wanted) in pristine condition. Hit the Jackpot!!




C. d'Enric Granados, 26, L'Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
A good selection but very expensive prices.
Rambla de Catalunya, 35, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Very chic and affordable home finds.




Rambla de Catalunya, 41, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
More great home finds! The only problem is that they don’t ship to the US- but if you live in Europe you are in luck!




De, Pg. de Grà cia, 30, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
I could have stayed in here for hours. It was like walking into the most beautiful apartment that was perfectly decorated with the best furniture, books, and clothing.




STAY
C/ de Bergara, 8, L'Eixample, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
I can’t recommend this hotel enough! The location was amazing and so central. You can walk to all the shops, restaurants, beaches and most importantly the staff was lovely and extremely hospitable. The rooms are quite small but I also booked the least expensive option. Very chic and boutique vibes and I would stay here again!




Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
I haven’t stayed here but have heard amazing things!!
C. dels Lledó, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Pl. del Duc de Medinaceli, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
You don’t have to be a member to stay here and I always love staying at Soho Houses. Didn’t stay on this trip because the rooms were expensive but I would love to go next time! Also great because you are on the water and there is a pool.
Let me know any other recs or questions you might have and I am more than happy to help!! These are just a few of my favorite places I went!!
Xo
Lilly