1) Chill out on the beach
Everyone’s favourite summer spot in Barcelona – the beach. The city has over 3.6 km of golden sands stretching from the edge of the old town in Barceloneta to Poblenou in the north of the city. Check out the numerous chiringuitos (seasonal informal bars) that line the beach, ideal to quench your thirst during the heat of the day or to drink cocktails at long into the night.
2) Enjoy breathtaking views over the city at Montjuic
Montjuic Mountain (often referred to as the magic mountain by locals) dominates Barcelona’s skyline. You can reach it on foot if you are feeling energetic but if not, there is always a funicular which you catch from Paral.lel metro station. As you exit Montjuic station, cross the road in front and slightly to the left is yet another one of those marvellous outdoor chiringuitos where you can enjoy a cold drink with a view of the city spread out like a map in front of you. Watch the sun set over the city and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Sagrada Familia, the Eixample, the beach and the old town. Look out for the distinctive octagonal tower of Plaça del Pi.
3) Relax in a medieval old town square at Plaça del Pi
This is one of those pedestrian parts of the old town that are a sheer delight. No more than 2 minutes walk from the old town, this square is steeped in history. With its distinctive medieval church on one side (with the octagonal tower) and medieval, 18th and 19th century town houses on all other sides, this is a pretty square where artists sell their paintings. There are 2 or 3 small cafes with terraces where you can enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere of the medieval old town.
4) The best of the hip born district at Calle Allada Vermell
Another delightful pedestrian area of Barcelona is Allada Vermell, just of Calle Princessa in the hip Born district. A popular area with young people and families, the street is lined with informal restaurants (the wonderful Pizza Paco should not be missed), bars and pubs. There is a play area in the middle of the street (it is a very wide street and thanks to having no cars feels more like a square really) so children can play safely while their parents relax at a bar.
5) Enjoy a sea breeze at the Port Vell
Port Vell is found at the foot of Las Ramblas in the Old Town. The Maremagnum centre offers numerous bars, cafes and restaurants as well as a shopping mall. You can complete a circuit walk over the bridge to Maremagnum and around the harbour. But be sure to stop at a bar or cafe and enjoy a drink nest to the sea, this is a great place for just people watching or spotting the yachts going past. The proximity to the sea guarantees a cool breeze in the middle of the city.
