Sunset Rooftops, Hidden Galleries, and the Coolest Neighborhoods: An Insider's Guide to Barcelona

Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're tapping notable locals in the style space to share a tight list of their top recommendations of what to see, eat, and shop in their home city. They'll share off-the-radar recs that you won't find in your average guidebook, resulting in digestible mini guides revealing where the city's most fashionable residents are actually hanging out.

When I think of Barcelona, the first thing that comes to mind is its energy—sun-drenched streets buzzing with creativity, hidden cafés tucked between centuries-old buildings, and a fashion crowd that always looks effortlessly cool. It’s the kind of city where you can start your day with a museum visit, end it with rooftop cocktails, and still feel like you barely scratched the surface. That’s exactly why I fell in love with it and have spent the past two years going at every opportunity.

Thus I was inspired to chat with jewelry designer, founder of PDPaola, and creative local Paola Sasplugas, who’s spent over 15 years calling Barcelona home. If anyone knows how to craft the perfect city guide for your next trip, it’s her. With a passion for skipping the typical tourist spots everyone saw on their college study abroad, Sasplugas dug deep to uncover Barcelona’s hidden gems. From the galleries she loves to get lost in to the best places for a spontaneous night out, she shares a truly local perspective on the city’s most stylish corners—complete with the exact neighborhoods, shops, and Catalan dishes worth building your itinerary around.

Where are you originally from, and how long have you lived in this city?

I was born in Andorra and raised in Barcelona, so this city is deeply woven into my identity. I’ve traveled a lot, but I always find myself drawn back here—it’s home in every sense. I’ve been living here for more than 15 years.

What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time?

I love the contrast between different areas of Barcelona. El Born, with its winding streets and hidden gems, is where I go for inspiration. Sarrià, where I grew up, has a peaceful charm and some of my favorite spots. Lately, I’ve been spending more time around Poblenou—it has this creative energy and evolving food scene that I love.

What does a typical day off look like for you?

It usually starts with a slow morning at a cozy café, followed by a long walk near the beach or through Montjuïc. I’ll squeeze in a bit of vintage shopping or visit a gallery before meeting friends for a long lunch. Evenings are for cocktails, spontaneous plans, and maybe ending the night at a small hidden bar with great music.

If you had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with a limited amount of time, which area would you send them to, and what would their afternoon entail?

I’d send them to El Born. Start with coffee at Nomad, wander through the narrow streets, pop into some boutiques, and stop by the Picasso Museum. Then, a vermouth at El Xampanyet before heading to Barceloneta for golden-hour views by the sea.

How has the city of Barcelona and its architecture inspired you as a designer?

Barcelona is a constant source of inspiration—from Gaudí’s organic shapes to the minimalist lines of contemporary design. The city balances history and modernity effortlessly, and that harmony influences how I approach my own creative work.

Which neighborhoods best capture the city’s fashion scene?

El Born has a cool, effortless vibe—lots of independent designers and concept stores. Eixample is more polished and timeless, while Gràcia brings a more eclectic, artsy energy to the mix.

WHAT TO PACK

If you’re looking for a gift to share with a bookworm in your life or just love to be visually inspired, the color-coded shelves of Terranova will certainly draw you in and convince you to stay awhile. If you’re lucky enough to time your visit with one of its art exhibitions, you’ll get to see a unique window display featuring works by local artists and craftspeople.

A 45-minute taxi ride (or an hour spent with the locals on public transit) will take you to this tiny coastal town known for its colorful beach huts and crystal-clear water. Most locals skip the main beach in the city (Barceloneta) and instead visit this enchanted beach town when they want to take a dip in the Balearic. It only hosts two or three restaurants and is nothing but blue skies and pretty waves.

Editor’s Tip: Stay at Soho House’s Little Beach House if you want an added layer of peace, and beware of jellyfish.

Anyone planning a visit to Barcelona probably knows that this city is a treasure trove for vintage shoppers. There are many stores to choose from, and the options are endless. In order to help you narrow down the hunt for your next archival find, I convinced Saspluga to share her favorite store of them all, and she put me on to Los Féliz Shop. All pieces are handpicked by Nadia Benedicte Pape, who has managed to source ’90s pieces from every It brand you can think of.

Locals Only Tip: “Many looks from Chelsea in White Lotus are from this shop.” — Saspluga

If you are a fan of Gaudí and are already planning a visit to La Sagrada Familia (in its final year of construction), you may also want to check out Casa Batlló, an equally marvelous work of architecture by the mastermind behind many of the greatest buildings in this city. The colorful mosaic tiles and wavy, spiral details create quite a dreamy recluse and the perfect photo opp.

Editor’s Tip: Instead of getting stuck in winding lines, visit Casa Batlló when an event is being held there. It makes getting in feel way less chaotic.

If you have a chance to get out of the city center to have a taste of authentic Catalan cuisine, you must see Bodega Pasaje 1986. The restaurant boasts a sunny terrace and a two-story layout. My ideal itinerary would involve a walk through Montjuïc that ends with tapas at this location.

Locals Only Tip: “This is the kind of place you stumble upon and instantly fall in love with. A mix of classic Catalan dishes with a modern twist, an intimate atmosphere, and an impeccable selection of wines.” — Saspluga

Another thing the city of Barcelona is known for is surrealism and modern art. With so many options for sightseers, I had to find out where the locals were going for a museum day and that’s how I found out about Tàpies. While the core collection of this museum focuses on Antoni Tàpies's extensive body of work, it also includes pieces by other notable 20th-century artists.

Something you get to experience in Barcelona as opposed to the rest of Spain is Catalan culture. A signature dish of this region is called Canelons, and they are handmade at Ca L’lsidre for a truly authentic experience. The dish is similar to a ravioli but stuffed with an array of seafood, meat, or vegetables and often eaten on holidays. Saspluga calls Ca L’lsidre’s version of them “unforgettable.”

While many tourists head to the beach clubs for a drink during late-night hours, you can find the locals dipping in and out of this speakeasy in El Born. Hidden behind a retro-inspired fridge door, you’ll feel like you’re breaking all the rules by just walking inside. Once you arrive, you’ll find a very exciting list of cocktails to indulge in.

This elegant green space features a combination of palm trees, pines, and even more beautiful vegetation. It’s a place to get lost, read a good book, write a postcard letter to a friend, or just disappear.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re looking to plan the perfect Saturday in Barcelona, start here reading a good book and then take a walk to Passeig de Gràcia for shopping and a coffee at Santa Eulalia.