Barcelona hen weekends

More than the history, the music, or even the people, a visit to Barcelona is defined by one thing: Catalan cuisine. But between all the top-notch bolt holes slinging tapas, Spanish ham, and dreamy crema Catalana desserts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Let us break it down…

If you’ve got a penchant for paella, then head to Barraca. The food here is homemade and there’s seating outside so you can tuck into your three courses with a side of sunset. Indulge in the tasty and creamy homemade burrata if it’s on the menu.

If the girls fancy something hand-held, super-sweet and always satisfying then head on down to Lukumas for the kind of doughnuts that’ll ruin your life. These tiny mouthfuls of pleasure will be on your mind long after you’ve left Barcelona. You’ll wake up in the middle of the night craving them and nothing else will do. Nevertheless, get your handheld fix of pleasure whilst you can.

You’ll be wanting to pop into Bitácora for the tapas alone. They serve homemade fare, and the type of patatas bravas that’ll have you smiling all night – piping hot and doused in a delicious garlicky sauce.

La Paradeta is usually packed with young locals and travellers. Dig into fresh grilled prawns, a cod pie that will make you weep, or a fisherman’s catch straight from the sea.

Be Chocolat, tucked down a cobbled street that’s been around since the Middle Ages, serves up the type of delicious chocolatey goodness that’ll cure a hangover with just one taste. All of the confections are handcrafted on-site in this minute chocolate shop. Explore the city’s Gothic Quarter while sucking on a wafer-thin slice of salted caramel or munching a dark chocolate melt in the mouth truffle. Grab a bag of churros to go too because, you know, YOLO.

Each of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods boast such an immense drinks offering that deciding where to go can be a daunting task. We’re here to help…

There are good cocktails and then there are the cocktails served up by Dr. Stravinsky which are damn near perfect. The place is sexy and dimply lit, with an array of devilishly good-looking bartenders, ready to whisk you off your feet with their flavoured liquors.

Head into the L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample neighbourhood and you’ll find Solange. Holy Smokes this place is good. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to meet James Bond and you might – his name will probably be something a little more exotic though. He’d hand you one of Solange’s signature cocktails as you got comfy at the stately wooden bar.

Hit La Ramblas next, which is chock-full of great bars and, once you’ve made your way to the very end of the boulevard, you’ll find the neighbourhood of Raval. One name for you here: Magic Club. This place is friendly. It’s always rammed. It’s always awesome. 80’s pop and disco and two huge dance floors that hold up to 1000 revellers.

If you and the girls fancy starting the night with something a little more sophisticated, you won’t want to miss a visit to Monvínic, a wine bar that’s made quite a name for itself recently. Pick from some of the most sumptuous tapas dishes and over 3,000 varieties of wine. Cin cin.

The Gata Mala bar, with its warm atmosphere and free flowing drinks is one of the best-kept secrets in the Gràcia neighbourhood. Friendly prices, free tapas with every beverage and the sort of G&Ts you could swim in. Hell yes.

Chillers and down‐time seekers can hit up the dazzling beaches ‐ with dazzling bodies to match ‐ which line this coastal city. The stretch of sand around Port Olímpic Marina is a great spot for people‐watching and a few, languid hair‐of‐the‐dogs.

Barcelona’s beaches also play host to day‐time parties and raves for if and when you feel like switching up gears. But if you prefer to blaze your own trail and keep a distance from other stag groups, there are secret spots that Packed can guide you to. More on that below.