Barcelona is a huge, metropolitan and multi-cultural city, so while you are in Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, wouldn’t it be good to also really enjoy some of what the city has to offer? But don’t visit the regular tourist places that general online searches for bars, restaurants and places to see will show you. Go to places that locals enjoy to get a real feeling of Barcelona’s diverse cultural offerings. Team AdSecure all live in Barcelona, so here are their favourite places to drink, eat and visit!
Merle Duchatteau Customer Success Specialist
Favourite Bar: Creps al Born
Address: Passeig del Born, 12, 08003 Barcelona (nearest Metro Jaume I)
This small bar has a great atmosphere. You can start the night by having a beer or sipping on a cocktail, while the later it gets, everyone starts dancing. The staff is clearly having a good time and the fun is infectious.
Favourite Restaurant: Agust Gastrobar
Address: Carrer Parlament, 54 08015 Barcelona (nearest Metro Sant Antoni)
Agust Gastrobar serves inventive and exciting dishes of a high quality. Together with the intimate and charming setting, I have a great experience every time I go there!
Favourite thing to see in BCN: Bunkers del Carmel
Address: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona (nearest Metro: El Carmel)
Every now and then I walk up to the bunkers to have a look at the city from great height, which is usually covered in sunshine no matter the season. The panoramic views with the sea in the background shows Barcelona from one of its most beautiful sides.
Bryan Taylor Sales Manager
Favourite Bar: La Marcanna
Address: Carrer del Parlament, 36, 08015 Barcelona (nearest Metro Poble Sec or Sant Antoni)
Located in the heart of the Sant Antoni barrio, the fairly new La Marcanna (named for brother & sister owners Marc, and Anna) has quickly become a favourite of mine for casual drinks with friends. A wine bar at heart, they offer a quality selection of wines by bottle or glass, along with vermut, spirits, and beer. Whatever you fancy, they’ve got you covered. The staff are friendly, and the space manages a pleasant mix of modern and rustic decor, leaving you always feeling welcome.
Favourite Restaurant: Cal Pep
Address: Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003 Barcelona (nearest Metro Barceloneta)
Whether it’s your first visit to Barcelona, or you just haven’t made it there yet, everyone should experience Cal Pep at least once. It’s been rated one of the 30 best restaurants in the world, and that’s not just down to the amazing food, but the unique concept as well. The main space consists of a long, diner style bar from which the waiters serve drinks, tapas dishes, and put on an amazing welcome for every guest, whether already dining or waiting for the next available seat. Cal Pep foregos menus, simply asking you what you like and then serving amazing dishes based on your preferences. Whatever you do, though, make sure you ask for the grilled monkfish, it’s honestly the best fish I’ve ever tasted.
Favourite thing to see in BCN: Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Address: Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, 08002 Barcelona (nearest Metro Jaume I)
At times quiet, haunting, and always beautiful. Placa de San Filip Neri is intrinsically connected to the history of Barcelona, and Spain itself. The site of an historic cathedral (now a children’s school) that faced heavy shelling during the Spanish Civil War, the aftermath of which is still visible on its facade. Depending on the time of day you’ll find musicians playing guitar, children playing games, or people enjoying a drink at the cafe across from the central fountain. If you’re lucky, though, you’ll get there when no one else is around and have the place to yourself, if only for a few moments.
Pierre Brouca Technical Director
Favourite Bar: Madame George Lounge Bar
Address: Carrer de Pujades, 179, 08005 Barcelona (nearest Metro Poblenou)
Friendly, cosmopolitan and romantic. Renowned locally for the finest cocktails.
Favourite Restaurant: Sato i Tanaka
Address: Carrer del Bruc, 79, 08009 Barcelona (nearest Metro Girona)
The place to go for sushi lovers! It has a modern feel with two sushi bars where you can interact with the Sushi chef, you can also try a couple of tasting menus.
Favourite thing to see in BCN: Mercat de Sant Antoni
Address: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 1, 08011 Barcelona (nearest Metro Sant Antoni)
Review: Vibrant market for fresh fish, produce & vegetables set in a sprawling 1882 steel-frame building.
