Top 5 Places in Barcelona You Hear About From Word Of Mouth

La Salsamenta – home hire for feasts and gatherings

Sara and Jordi, who run paella workshops in their beautiful home, now rent out their open-plan kitchen and garden for private events. This little piece of paradise is nuzzled into the top end of Gràcia and is just a few minutes’ walk from Parc Güell. It is a superb venue for hosting a party, special meal or even a business meeting. You can make yourself completely at home there, using the kitchen to prepare your own food or you can take advantage of their catering service. Hiring prices range from 350 euros for 3 hours to 650 euros for 10 hours. Carrer de l’Escorial, 191. Metro L3 Lesseps or L4 Joanic.

WIT Salon & Barber – quality cuts & highlights

The WIT Salon & Barber team are English-speaking stylists from all over the world who do a terrific job cutting and, particularly, colouring. They have a vintage style salon in Raval, and a (rather heavenly) light and spacious salon in Gràcia.

Many of the WIT stylists also teach at Barcelona Hair Academy, which is on the same premise as the Gràcia salon, where they offer free cuts and low-cost colours. Gràcia salon: Carrer del’Església 4-6 4 B 1a. Metro L3 Fontana. Raval salon: Carrer de Sant Pau 122. Metro L2 Paral.lel.

 

All You Eat Is Love – seriously yummy food near the beach

The Creamy Delicious Wrap: peanut butter, smoked tofu, avocado, shredded carrots, mint, ginger and white miso. Yum, yum, YUM. The Japonese Superbowl and Courgette Wrap are also very popular, along with the cold pressed juices, such as cucumber, apple, spinach and ginger. This flexitarian restaurant and its friendly vibes is just a few blocks from the Port Olímpic beachfront and is open till 10.30pm Friday-Sunday. Carrer de la Marina 52. Metro L1 Marina.

 

Babelia – book and coffee delight

Berta is Catalan and Lou is Irish. Together they started up a lovely book-filled café right in the centre of Barcelona. It is cosy, comfortable and homely. Second-hand books line the brick walls and there is even a sofa to slouch onto after gobbling down their scrumptious homemade cake. They often run book clubs and storytelling sessions. Villarroel 27. Metro L2 Sant Antoni.

 

Floresterías Navarro – 24 hour flower shop

“We do not sleep”. Yes, we believe you. You’re open all the time! Literally 24 hours a day, 365 days a week.

This non-stop garden shop is bursting with life, with fresh flowers and plants arriving every day. We love you! Carrer València 320. Metro L4 Girona.