Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Spain : Barcelona - November 2007

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Come autumn, Barcelona’s soaring temperatures swiftly drop and the nip in the air spells perfect weather for feasting on the city’s cultural scene – as well as the seasonal roast chestnuts and wild mushrooms – and dropping in on the International Jazz Festival. Judy Thomson tucks in

Getting around

El Prat

Bus: The nearest airport is El Prat Airport, about 12km from the city.

Born & La Ribera

Known for its charm and contemporary chic, this medieval district is also home to one of the most stunning Modernista buildings in the city.

Sleep soundly – The stylish Hotel Banys Orientals (37 Argenteria, tel. , hotelbanysorientals.com, rooms from €98) is extraordinarily good value, so book ahead. The family-run Pensió 2000 (6 Sant Pere més Alt, tel. , pensio2000.com, rooms from €70) is a classy guesthouse overlooking the Palau de la Música.

Culture vultures – Domènech i Montaner’s Modernist extravaganza the Palau de la Música Catalana will play host to part of this year’s Jazz Festival.

Must eat – This cosmopolitan neighbourhood caters for all tastes, from gourmet cuisine at Michelin-starred Abac (79-89 Rec, tel. ) to classic Basque pinchos in Sagardi (8 Basea, tel. ).

Must drink – Cocktail bar Gimlet (24 Rec) is all pared back cool. La Vinya del Senyor (5 Plaça Santa Maria) offers an unusually wide range of wine by the glass.

Shop til you drop – The labyrinthine streets off the central Passeig del Born are studded with boutiques like Cortana (41 Flassaders), which sells Mallorcan designer Rosa Esteve’s soft winter fabrics.

Above Diagonal

These mostly residential ‘uptown’ districts sit literally above the long Avenue Diagonal.

Sleep soundly – The sumptuously appointed Casa Fuster (132 Passeig de Gràcia, tel. , www.hotelescenter.es, rooms from €300) is an indulgent mix of turn-of-the-century design and modern creature comforts.

Culture vultures – Designed by Barcelona’s most famous architect Gaudí, Parc Güell (Metro Vallcarca) is full of dazzling ceramics and panoramic views. The CosmoCaixa (47-51 Teodor Roviralta), a new-generation science museum, is entertaining for all ages.

Must eat – (Plaça Dr Andreu, tel. ) is a quintessentially Mediterranean restaurant with lots of charm.

Dance the night away – The recently opened Sala BeCool (5 Plaça Joan Llongueras) stages live music and frequently plays host to international renowned DJs.

Eixample Esquerra

The elegant 19th-century district teems with boutiques, grocery stores and slick interiors shops, and there are bars and restaurants on every block.

Sleep soundly – Hotel Market (10 Passatge Sant Antoni Abat, tel. , www.markethotel.com.es, rooms from €88) is both cheap and chic.

Culture vultures – Barcelona is proud of its urban spaces, like Parc Joan Miró (Tarragona) with its landmark towering sculpture Woman and Bird.

Must eat – Legendary Catalan chef Carles Gaig’s new domain in Hotel Cram, Gaig (214 Aragó, tel. ) is a must for foodies. More down-to-earth are the excellent tapas at Inopia (104 Tamarit, tel. ).

Shop til you drop – ashion fans will love Jean Pierre Bua (469 Avinguda Diagonal) where they’ll find international labels in an easy-going atmosphere.

Poble Sec

This bustling area in the shadow of Montjuïc hill is full of local colour.

Culture vultures – It’s worth catching La La La Human Steps (14–17 November) in the Mercat de les Flors (59 Lleida), just one of the shows on this arts centre’s busy dance programme.

Must eat – With its own personal take on tapas, Quimet & Quimet (25 Poeta Cabanyes, tel. ) is a tiny bar with a big personality.

Must drink – La Confiteria (128 Sant Pau) was once a pretty pastry shop and is now a relaxing bar.

Dance the night away – Turn-of-the-century Apolo (113c Nou de la Rambla) is one of Barcelona’s most fashionable night spots. It stages an eclectic mix of concerts and holds DJ sessions almost nightly basis.

Compiled by Judy Thomson