Barcelona

The medieval Catalan city of Barcelona has only grown in popularity as a cosmopolitan, European destination. Host to the Olympics 25 years ago, the city underwent a modern renaissance that some
residents opposed, referring to the change as a commercialization that stripped the city of its essence. Fortunately, the Catalan culture has very much thrived with no better way to experience the historical Spanish city than through its pioneering, world famous gastronomy and cocktail scene.

Eat
The birthplace of molecular cuisine in the ‘90’s, Barcelona has advanced aeons since the first fishy foam with even Ferran Adrià, it’s inventor attesting, “the high gastronomy formula doesn’t work now”. Still breaking records, Barcelona is home to Tickets and Disfrutar , among other award-winning concepts coming come from El Bulli alumni and the Adrià dynasty.

Drink
Some of the best drinks in Barcelona can be found in the city’s restaurants as the food and drink culture overlaps in this global gastronomy capital. The Eixample neighborhood is one of the best spots to find a mix of innovative and Instagrammable drink spots like Alchemix and the classics like the city’s famous, distinguished Dry Martini Bar.

Experience
As a city, Barcelona offers an excellent quality to price ratio with tapas being such a widespread cultural tradition. Bite-site pintxos and tapas are best enjoyed with a local beer or wine as the city has experienced an emergence of interest in natural wines, or the traditional Vermouth.