Discover another side of Barcelona at eight iconic establishments 14/12/2022

Barcelona has a plethora of wonderful, often unknown places. They include wine and tapas bars, or bodegas, shops, bakeries, cake shops and restaurants…, with a special charm, which stand out from the rest and, because of their history and unique architectural features, have become iconic. This is true to such an extent that Barcelona City Council has placed them on the city's architectural heritage list. Be that as it may, they are interesting places that no visitor to the city can afford to miss.

Fleca Artesana

This bakery on the ground floor of a majestic building on the corner of La Rambla has been welcoming clients through its doors since 1876. The exterior retains many of its original architectural features, which remind us of its origins, but the interior has been completely refurbished with only a few original elements remaining. Regardless of the changes and renovations, the Fleca Artesana has been baking bread since the late 19th century and when you visit you won't fail to be impressed.
Address: Tallers, 2.

Fleca Balmes

The Fleca Balmes stands on Carrer Balmes in the heart of the Eixample district. This bakery, with its long tradition and history, opened in 1908 and retains elements dating from the middle of the last century, including the wrought-iron door with metal scrollwork and a sheaf of wheat in the centre. Inside it retains the original wooden fixtures and fittings and engraved-mirror panels, accompanied by a majestic painting of children eating in a field of wheat.
Address: Balmes, 156.

Pastisseria La Colmena

La Colmena has been making the lives of people in Barcelona sweeter for more than a century. It was originally a confectioners known as Ca l'Abella founded in 1849 and run by Rosendo Abella. In 1868, it moved to its current location, not far from the site of the original shop, and was run by different proprietors. Its history and traditional hand-made sweet treats and cakes make it an absolute must for visitors.
Address: Plaça de l'Àngel, 12.

Pastisseria Mauri

In the heart of Barcelona we find the Pastisseria Mauri. A sweet place that has been steeped in tradition since 1929 when it was founded by Francesc Mauri. Although it was originally established as a grocers shop in the most elegant area of Barcelona's Eixample district, the cake maker from Manresa soon began to sell his sweet treats and transformed the business into a confectioners and bakery. Cakes, breads, croissants and the most delicate pastries have played a key role in helping Maurí carve out a place in the city. Over the years, it has continued to increase its product range and

Quimet d'Horta

In the middle of the former village of Horta, now one of the city's neighbourhoods, Quimet d'Horta is an iconic bar that opened its doors in 1927. Its frontage with its wood-framed doors and windows epitomises the style of early 20th-century Barcelona bodegas. Inside, a glazed cabinet lined with bottles above the bar is the centrepiece. Quimet d'Horta will take you on a journey back in time with its long history that is inextricably linked to the life of the neighbourhood and an example of the enormous transformations the city has undergone in the hundred years since it opened.
Address: Plaça d'Eivissa, 10.

Quimet & Quimet

Since it opened in 1914, the bar Quimet & Quimet has kept the name of its original proprietor, Quim Salsas, and is one of the go-to tapas bars in the neighbourhood of Poble-sec. The exterior retains some of the original elements: the hanging metal sign with its decorative scrollwork and repoussé lettering, the painted wooden door and folding shutters Having a drink and a bite to eat in its unique and beautiful interior is highly recommended.
Address: Poeta Cabanyes, 25.

Restaurant 7 Portes

This iconic restaurant has been serving delicious food since 1836 and comes highly recommended if you want to understand how traditional Catalan cookery has evolved over the years. The interior retains traditional and modern elements as well as the private dining rooms that are perfect for small groups. The current management say The fact that we can boast of being open for nearly two centuries means we have been able to adapt to the tastes of the new generations. And as cookery has evolved, the restaurant has launched new initiatives, such as cultural events and hearty breakfasts, that

The fact that we can boast of being open for nearly two centuries means we have been able to adapt to the tastes of the new generations.

Turrones La Campana

La Campana embodies more than 130 years of tradition. It was founded in 1890 by Francisco Mira Miralles, who hailed from Alicante. Since then, four generations have continued to make history at this iconic Barcelona confectioners, which makes its sweet treats completely by hand. You simply have to try its traditional nougats, or torrons, chocolate and all kinds of mouthwatering delights and discover the place where they are made, the history of the business and the family's long-standing tradition.
Address: Princesa, 36.