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Spain : Barcelona - March 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Spring in the air brings the people of Barcelona back out onto the streets. Go with the flow past medieval palaces, fantastical modernista buildings, ancient shops and sun-lit squares where there’s always a terrace bar for relaxing. Dance is the cultural leitmotiv this month, with the Mercat de les Flors centre hosting African collective Jant-Bi, so don’t miss out. Judy Thomson gets into step

Getting around

El Prat

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

LA RAMBLA

The famous boulevard leading from the centre of town to the sea is punctuated with performers, flower sellers, human statues and newsstands. All life is here!

Sleep soundly – A contemporary take on Catalonia’s colonial past, the 1898 (109 La Rambla, tel. , hotel1898.com, rooms from €165) is a handsome, comfortable hotel set the 19th-century building of a former tobacco company. At high-tech Petit Palace Opera Garden (10 Boquería, tel. , hthoteles.com. rooms from €100) you’ll find top style at a low price. There’s even an interior garden to laze in. Family rooms with bunk beds are an asset.

Culture vultures – World-class Nederlands Dans Theater will be bringing exciting contemporary dance to the grand opera house, the Liceu (51 La Rambla) this month. For the cultural low-down on Barcelona, the information centre at the Palau de la Virreina (92 La Rambla) is brimming with brochures and has a ticket booking office.

Must eat – New on the scene but already heaving is La Xina (3 Pintor Fortuny, tel. ), where Oriental cuisine comes complete with cooks on display.

Must drink – Revitalise yourself with a freshly zapped fruit juice from the bustling La Boqueria market (85-89 La Rambla) or sip coffee in the gorgeous surroundings of Escribà (83 La Rambla). While you’re here, pick up Easter eggs and other amazingly designed desserts.

Shop til you drop – The Sunday morning coin and stamp (plus sundry trivia and trinkets) market in Plaça Reial is a gem.

GRÀCIA

Retaining the atmosphere of the village it once was, this popular neighbourhood has a young vibe and is endlessly charming day and night.

Sleep soundly – A building by one of Gaudí’s brilliant contemporaries, Domènech i Montaner, has been converted into the sumptuous Hotel Casa Fuster (132 Passeig de Gràcia, tel. , hotelcasafuster.com, rooms from €189).

Culture vultures – Just above Gràcia is Gaudí’s world-heritage site Park Güell, full of the architect’s fascinating trademark ceramic mosaics, along with stunning views on a clear day.

Must eat – Bilbao (33 Perill) is bustling and atmospheric, and serves great food fresh from the market. Best at lunchtime when the local intelligentsia crowd in.

Must drink – Take a seat at a terrace bar in any of the squares – like Plaça del Sol or Plaça de la Virreina – and soak in the atmosphere at coffee time or cocktail hour.

Dance the night away – One of the first places to put Barcelona on the clubbing map, the legendary Otto Zutz (15 Lincoln), remains as cool as ever.

Shop til you drop – Stop in at Barcelona-born Lydia Delgado’s store (21 Minerva). She’s one of Spain’s bestregarded fashion designers.

POBLE SEC

This up-and-coming district at the foot of Montjuïc is bustling with life and has easy access to the cultural venues and gardens of the hill.

Culture vultures – The everstimulating programme at dance centre Mercat de les Flors (59 Lleida) includes outstanding African dance company Jant-Bi from 26 – 29 March.

Must eat – Stylish restaurant with an Italian flavour, Basílico (142 Paral.lel, tel. ) is good value, while newcomer Bukowski (36 Margarit) is fun for drinks and unusual tapas like ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juice).

Dance the night away – Known for its concerts, DJ sessions and for generally being a seminal night spot, Sala Apolo (113 Nou de la Rambla) also hosts some of the gigs in De Cajón! – Barcelona’s Flamenco Festival (on until 3 April). Try to see dancer David Romero on 6 March.

Compiled by Judy Thomson