Catalonia’s capital has a free-spirited swag other cities wish they had.

The surfs great, skating even better, and it’s home to the Gaudi’s rainbow swirls buildings 🍭 Here’s our pick of the bunch, the five must-do activities for your trip to Barca...

Views from Bunkers del Carmel

“Rooftop bars are sooo mainstream.”

Rest your beers on a rusty cannon and dangle your feet over the edge. These Civil War bunkers on Turó de la Rovira hill boast bird's eye views over Barca. Guys in faded Vans light up to ‘Spanish melodic skate punk’ as the sun sinks into the sea.

Jean chains are still a thing apparently…

Catalan brunch at Jai-Ca

Avocado on toast? Naaah. Catalan brunch (vermut) is all about seafood, olives and booze.

Head to the counter at Jaica and suss out their daily selection. Tanned waiters glide across black and white tiles delivering fried cod balls (buñuelos de bacalao) and battered mussels (tigres) to hungry locals. Come here with a big squad - sharing is caring.

Gaudi’s Casa Batlló

If Gaudi went on Grand Designs…

Balconies like bony jaws, muscle walls and a scaly roof - stare for long enough and Casa Batlló morphs into a giant dragon (yep). Stroke the colour changing spine and have a chat with a pavement octopus.

Underground rave at Moog

This tiny underground venue turns its nose up at Apolo and Razzmatazz - why go to mega clubs when you can sweat all over resident DJ Gus Van Sound banging out homegrown techno.

Wednesdays are big here but everyday of the week has its own night. Join the BCN locals and two step til breakfast.

Secret drinking at Pipa Social Club

“Brandy and cigars?” Pretty much.

Pipa social is a pipe smokers club, 2 stories above the Glacier restaurant. Ring the doorbell at street level and a barmaid will escort you up. Inside find 6 rooms decked out like a Victorian mansion and oozing with smoky jazz.