Hubby and I just booked our tickets to travel from Minneapolis to Barcelona for the Christmas holidays. I'm putting aside what may or many not happen around Covid restrictions at this point. I need a little brainstorming and dreaming help.
My birthday is in late December, and we will be in Barcelona. If it was your birthday and you were celebrating in Barcelona, what would you do to make it a special birthday? I'm feeling open minded about ideas, so bring em' on!
Well, that is an interesting question, the first thing that comes to mind is to have a fancy culinary extravaganza!
Lunch at Barceloneta: upscale establishment with a great view of the harbor front, local seafood themed menu with some of the best Paella and Fideua in Barcelona. https://restaurantbarceloneta.com/ca/el-restaurant/
Gelato at Rocambolesc: world's best and most unique ice cream shop, from famed Michelin Stared Roca Bros., they have a location in Barcelona close to las Ramblas. https://rocambolesc.com/es/
Dinner at Àbac - a three star Michelin restaurant, one of the hottest places to eat in Barcelona currently, lead by the innovative head chief Jordi Cruz, who is a bit of a celebrity in his own right in Spain. Here' is their website https://abacrestaurant.com/en/#home
I will be celebrating both my birthday and my honeymoon in Barcelona in October. Hoping for some good tips in this thread. For those with experience, would you more recommend one of these avant garde michelin places like Abac or a more old school place like Botafumeiro? I've never tried either one.
and don't forget about a coffee break for hot chocolate and pastries at Granja Viader, also just off the rambla,
in business since 1870:
http://www.granjaviader.cat
pro tip -- they sell great small-batch chocolate and candy from boutique dairies
another pro tip -- don't just get the gelato at Rocambolesc, get their special hot ice cream sandwich,
similar to what you'll find in Sicily but with wild flavors, kind of closer to an ice cream panini.
Also... if it were specifically my birthday I would catch a Barça football match at the world-famous Camp Nou, it's truly an exhilarating and unique experience, even if you are not a fan of the sport. I've lots of good memories growing up, going to the home matches there with my father.
The stadium capacity is currently at 25% due to covid, but they will slowly increase capacity in the coming months, if we continue in the good direction now.
Barça have a few home games in Dec, could be something to look into.
O, what a wonderful opportunity to dream! My idea would be Christmas Eve at the Palau de la Musica for a special flamenco evening with Chicuelo, a Barcelona native and musician colleagues. And then, on to a late night supper.
https://www.palaumusica.cat/en/gran-gala-flamenco_927696
The best way to experience one of the most amazingly beautiful concert halls in Spain. Some of my most memorable musical evenings in Spain happened there. If you’re already booked for Christmas Eve, check out another evening. Happy Birthday! Happy Christmas!
Visit some of the Christmas markets! The one by the main cathedral in Barri Gotic is fun. Pick up a little caganer or Caga Tio, or an ornament.
I recommend churros and chocolate at Granja Dulcinea as a celebratory treat!
Odds are you'll have pretty good weather! We did in December of 2019, so a nice stroll outside would be lovely.
The highlight of my trip was Montserrat, so if you can fit it in I highly recommend it.
Thank you everyone for these delightful ideas! I am now in full on research mode and know I am going to have a wonderful birthday in Barcelona!
