The heart of Catalonia is beloved by every visitor, from the culinary expert, the art aficionado, to the luxury seeker. Barcelona buzzes with excitement day in and out, making it the perfect getaway experience no matter what you are looking for. For the most exclusive and deluxe of holidays, our team highly recommends booking a private and customizable tour to abate any and all troubles that come with traveling. To go a step further, why not be ushered around by a professional tour guide? This way, you are sure to be seated on the best seats of the premier restaurants, or else be entertained by the crème de la crème of theater productions.
We have listed down some of our favorite places and activities in and around Barcelona that will surely elevate your luxury experience.
Lasarte
One star means the restaurant produces food that is topnotch in its category; two would mean the restaurant has something special to offer; now three, this means the restaurant is “worth a special journey”. Thus is the interpretation of the Michelin Guide, making 3 Michelin star Lasarte a cut above the rest.
Martín Berasategui’s gastronomic vision lies in the basement of the Monument Hotel, and has been the special home of Berasategui’s union of Basque country and Catalan cuisine. With 12 Michelin stars on his belt, Chef Berasategui’s concoctions are akin to art, an explosion of flavor, and an ode to his talent.
As you enter the restaurant, you will be pleasantly confronted by its modern interiors, sleek and bright, its main dining room with a semi-private room, and another private room for special intimate occasions. For a party of 8, the private room can be used to entertain and dine. This, we believe, is the ultimate dinner experience. You sit down and notice a glass wall showcasing the beautiful kitchen. There you see chef de cuisine Paolo Casagrande at work. After an amazing meal, you head on up to your hotel room in the Monument fully satisfied. Lasarte is indeed worth a special journey.
Travel Tip: Like most upscale restaurants, it is important to dress for the part. It is also highly recommended to book a reservation as early as you can, as the private rooms go quickly, especially during the peak season. We assure you, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Lasarte for anything. If you need assistance booking your experience, feel free to contact our local guides who can give you the most up-to-date information on Barcelona’s nightlife and more.
Shop at Passeig de Gràcia
A delicious meal at Lasarte and a good night’s rest will leave you energized for a full day of shopping ahead. “The Fifth Avenue of Spain” or “The Avenue des Champs Elysées of Barcelona”. Call it what you will, but Passeig de Gràcia is probably one of the most iconic avenues in the city.
Walking through the avenue is like being in a movie. Placa Catalunya is the main square where the shopping districts meet, and is actually a historically important landmark of the Spanish Civil War. Impossible to miss is Casa Battló, displaying Gaudi’s modernist design in plain sight.
As you gaze at the architecture and art, you too will be enchanted by the rows upon rows of designer stores at your fingertips. Feel like Carrie Bradshaw and shop to your heart's content at the boutiques of Loewe, Prada, Cartier, and more. In the midst of shopping, why not take a rest at Santa Eulalia, not only the benchmark of high fashion, but also a temptation for the stomach. As you wait for your custom pieces tailored by Santa Eulalia’s in house bespoke tailoring section, sip on some wine and plan your expedition through the rows and rows of designer brands. With collections for both men and women, Santa Eulalia is a one stop shop for fashion and luxury.
Travel Tip: As with most must-see attractions in Barcelona, it is best to get to Passeig de Gràcia early. Although the stores may not be open just yet, the streets would be completely empty, making it an amazing time for a morning walk, a photoshoot session, or a relaxing sit down by the square.
Also, if you would like to have pieces tailored at Santa Eulalia, make sure to book an appointment. Walk in tailoring is not available.
Drive Barcelona in a supercar
After all that shopping, all you want to do is feel the rush of excitement without the crowds. You may think it a difficult enterprise, but this is not the case if you rent a luxury car for a day. Feel like a Formula 1 driver racing in the Spanish Grand Prix in a Ferrari 488. Not a Ferrari fan? Then hop in a Porsche Carrera S instead and feel like Maverick from TopGun (yes, you can drive a 356 Spyder too!).
Fly through the city and find yourself next to the Olympic Stadium, passing by the old Barcelona Grand Prix Circuit, and heading towards the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. Want to drive further away from the city? Then make your way to the Monastery of Montserrat located 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Barcelona. Feel the fresh mountain breeze and admire the greenery on your ride.
Travel Tip: There are quite a few luxury car rentals around Barcelona; the tricky part is finding the exact car you want to drive. Because of this, we recommend contacting our local guides so they can help you find any specific car you want!
Sunset cocktails on the Mediterranean
You want your last night on holiday to be memorable. This is why a champagne cruise during sunset is the jewel in the crown of Catalonian luxury. On the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean, hop aboard a private yacht to experience a sunset like no other.
An evening with your closest friends or family, combined with the eye-catching colors of the sunset is a luxury of dreams. Depending on your package, you can order from a selection of drinks such as sangria, wine, or champagne whilst enjoying good company and spectacular views. As the sky darkens to a deep blue, be prepared to indulge yourself in the best paella and seafood. When your boating trip is over, some yacht companies will even offer you exclusive VIP entry to some of Barcelona’s most vibrant beach clubs. Now that is how you end a holiday in style.
Travel Tip: Make sure you contact the cruise agency in order to customize your tour appropriately. Or else, book a tour with GoWithGuide to ensure a private, customized experience exactly to your liking.
Conclusion
Exploring Barcelona can also be a posh and plush venture. If it's shopping, yachting, or dining you are looking for, then Barcelona ticks all the boxes. Feel like royalty on our customizable tours led by the most professional of guides. Make sure your Mediterranean adventure is one for the books!
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