Once a month, Luxus Magazine sets its sights on a destination in France or elsewhere to discover the most elegant spots—all personally experienced and carefully selected. Exceptional hotels, iconic restaurants, hidden gems, cultural getaways, and the local art of living… Our guide unfolds like a treasure map for discerning travelers, presented in the form of keys. After Monaco, we head to Barcelona.
More than just a destination, Barcelona is one of those cities that you never quite experience the same way twice. At once the capital of Modernism, a design hub, a culinary destination, and a seaside resort, it cultivates a unique way of life where the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí stand side by side with century-old markets, historic hotels, and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.
From the slender silhouette of the Sagrada Família to the medieval alleyways of the Barri Gòtic, from the hanging gardens of Montjuïc to the beaches lining the waterfront, each neighborhood reveals a different facet of Barcelona. A city of creativity, light, and contrasts, it invites you to both slow down and marvel.
LUXUS Magazine opens the doors to this iconic destination with its must-know insights.
🔑 Historical Insight
Before becoming the world capital of Modernism, Barcelona was Barcino, a Roman colony founded in the 1st century BCE. The remains of its city walls, still visible in the Gothic Quarter, serve as a reminder that the city was built in successive layers, blending Roman heritage, medieval power, and industrial growth.
In the Middle Ages, Barcelona became one of the Mediterranean’s major commercial ports. Its merchants crisscrossed the seas while Gothic palaces, squares, and churches shaped an exceptional cultural heritage. Later, the Industrial Revolution profoundly transformed the Catalan city, fostering the emergence of an enlightened bourgeoisie that would commission the finest works of Catalan Modernism.
Even today, all it takes is a stroll through the Barri Gòtic, a walk down the narrow streets of El Born, or a visit to Plaça Sant Jaume to appreciate the historical richness of a city that has never stopped reinventing itself.
🔑 The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep: The Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
For over a century, the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona has epitomized luxury hospitality on Passeig de Gràcia. Opened in 1918, this family-run five-star hotel has become a true Barcelona institution.
Its prime location puts Gaudí’s greatest masterpieces, luxury boutiques, and the city’s top dining spots within walking distance. Behind its Belle Époque façade, the Majestic combines classic elegance with contemporary comfort through its bright rooms, refined suites, and renowned service.
The hotel is also prized for its commitment to local cuisine, its Natura Bissé spa, its SOLC restaurant, and above all its spectacular Dolce Vitae terrace, considered one of the most beautiful in Barcelona. Staying at the Majestic means choosing a place that not only tells the story of Barcelona but also embodies its way of life.
🔑 Key to the Panorama: the Bunkers del Carmel
Long overlooked by visitors, the Bunkers del Carmel now offer the most beautiful panoramic view of Barcelona. Perched at an altitude of nearly 260 meters on the Turó de la Rovira hill, these former military structures built during the Spanish Civil War overlook the city with a 360-degree view.
🔑 Architectural highlight: Antoni Gaudí’s seven masterpieces
It’s impossible to talk about Barcelona without mentioning Antoni Gaudí. A leading figure of Catalan Modernism, the architect profoundly transformed the city’s landscape by creating organic architecture in which nature serves as a constant source of inspiration.
Parc Güell unveils a dreamlike world composed of colorful mosaics, slanted columns, and terraces offering spectacular views of Barcelona.
Palau Güell, the first major commission from his patron Eusebi Güell, already reveals his penchant for bold volumes and artisanal details.
The Casa Batlló, a true Modernist manifesto, captivates with its undulating façade reminiscent of a dragon’s scales, while the Pedrera (Casa Milà) astonishes with its sculptural roof dotted with monumental chimneys.
Less crowded, the Casa Vicens offers a glimpse into the early stages of Gaudí’s style through a subtle interplay between Eastern influences and Mediterranean nature.
The architect devoted more than forty years of his life to the Sagrada Família. Its Nativity Facade, the crypt, and the extraordinary play of light inside rank among the greatest achievements in world architecture.
Finally, the crypt of the Colònia Güell, often described as an architectural laboratory, already foreshadows the structural innovations that would bring Gaudí universal fame.
Exploring these seven works—all designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites—is like taking a journey through the entire life of a genius who turned Barcelona into an open-air museum.
🔑 Key to the Exotic Garden: The Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens
Perched on the sunny slopes of Montjuïc, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens are one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. This botanical garden, among the most important in Europe dedicated to succulents and cacti, is home to more than 800 species native to Africa, the Americas, and Australia.
🔑 Maritime Highlight: Port Vell, Where Maritime Heritage Meets the Good Life
Long centered on maritime trade, the old port, Port Vell, has now become one of the city’s most pleasant neighborhoods. Sailboats, yachts, ferries, and fishing boats mingle in a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
🔑 Key to the Mediterranean Balcony: Montjuïc
Towering over Barcelona from a height of more than 170 meters, Montjuïc Hill offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Catalonia. Accessible on foot, by funicular, or by cable car, it brings together historic gardens, museums, Olympic facilities, and natural areas in a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. From the castle’s terraces, the view takes in the harbor, the beaches, the old town, and the entire skyline of the Catalan capital all the way to the Collserola mountain range.
🔑 A must-see: La Boqueria Market
There are monuments you photograph… and those you savor.
Beneath its iconic metal structure, the Boqueria has been the culinary heart of Barcelona for nearly two centuries. Colorful fruits, Iberian hams, freshly caught fish, spices, Catalan cheeses, and pastries come together to form a veritable mosaic of flavors. While visitors flock to its aisles every day, Barcelonans continue to do their grocery shopping there, carrying on a tradition deeply rooted in the city’s daily life.
🔑 Key to the legend: the Sagrada Família
No building symbolizes Barcelona quite like the Sagrada Família.
Begun in 1882 and dedicated by Antoni Gaudí over the course of more than forty years, this extraordinary basilica is still under construction today, creating a dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary architectural feats.
On the outside, the facades depict the major episodes of Christ’s life with exceptional sculptural richness. Inside, the columns rise like a mineral forest where light streams through stained-glass windows whose colors shift throughout the day.
More than just a monument, the Sagrada Família has become the very identity of Barcelona, a universal symbol of creativity, faith, and perseverance.
🔑 Packing Checklist for the Trip: The Essentials
Before setting out to explore Barcelona, there are a few must-haves that naturally belong in your suitcase.
To keep your hair looking flawless despite long days of walking and Mediterranean humidity, the compact Straight & Go heated styling and straightening brush by Revamp is easy to take on the go thanks to its cordless design and travel pouch. Designed for globetrotters, it offers up to one hour of battery life and tames your hair in just a few minutes.
After a day spent soaking up the sun and strolling through the city, the Summer Boost kit from Weleda offers a refreshing break with its fruity scent and nourishing formula, perfect for pampering your skin.
Finally, Barcelona is a city that deserves much more than just digital snapshots. With its new self-timer, macro mode, and selfie mirror, Fujifilm’s Instax mini 13 instantly captures the most beautiful memories, from the mosaics at Park Güell to sunsets on Barceloneta Beach.
🔑 Top Pick for Lunch with a Sea View: El Tribut
Just a few meters from Barceloneta Beach, El Tribut celebrates hearty Mediterranean cuisine in a decidedly contemporary setting. Grilled fish, rice, seafood, and local produce make up a menu that showcases Catalan flavors. But it’s above all its terrace overlooking the Mediterranean that attracts travelers seeking a sunny break, lulled by the sound of the waves.
🔑 Key to the wine-tasting getaway: Torelló Experience, a day in the heart of the Penedès
Less than an hour from Barcelona, Catalonia reveals another of its treasures: its vineyards. Conceived by the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, the Torelló Experience invites travelers to leave the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital behind and head to the Torelló Viticultors estate, situated opposite the Montserrat mountain range in the heart of the Penedès region.
The day begins with a private transfer from the hotel before visitors immerse themselves in a landscape of organically farmed vineyards. Guided by the estate’s staff, visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Catalonia’s finest sparkling wines, from the vineyard to the cellars where the vintages age using the traditional method.
The highlight of this getaway is a tasting of the estate’s wines and cavas, including the prestigious Torelló Gran Reserva, the true signature of this family-owned estate that has been cultivating its land for several generations. The experience also highlights Torelló’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and a savoir-faire deeply rooted in the Catalan terroir.
More than just a wine tour, this getaway offers an immersion in authentic Catalonia, where the landscapes, traditions, and the passage of time seem to follow the rhythm of the seasons.
🔑The key to well-being: the Majestic Spa by Natura Bissé
Located at the heart of the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, the Natura Bissé spa stands out as an oasis of serenity. In a cozy atmosphere, the treatments combine Spanish cosmetic expertise with personalized protocols, for which Natura Bissé is internationally renowned. Massages, facials, a hydrotherapy area, and treatment rooms invite you to slow down, while natural light and fine materials extend the hotel’s understated elegance.
🔑 Gourmet Highlight: La Colmena, since 1849
A Barcelona institution located in the Gothic Quarter, La Colmena has been carrying on Catalan culinary traditions for over 170 years. Behind its antique display cases, you’ll find artisanal turrón, panellets, chocolates, candied fruits, cookies, and candies prepared according to historic recipes.
🔑 Happy Hour with a View: Dolce Vitae
Perched on the roof of the Majestic Hotel, the Dolce Vitae terrace offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Barcelona. As the sun sets behind the Collserola hills, the rooftops of the Eixample take on golden hues while the Sagrada Família stands out in the distance. Signature cocktails, refined tapas, and live music create a sophisticated atmosphere that’s highly appreciated by both locals and international visitors.
🔑 Key to a night out on the town: JOK
Tucked away from prying eyes behind a discreet entrance, JOK embodies the spirit of contemporary speakeasies. The venue focuses as much on the atmosphere as on the food: subdued lighting, creative cocktails, and dishes meant to be shared come together to create an intimate experience, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.
🔑 Gastronomic highlight: SOLC
Recognized for two consecutive years by the Michelin Guide, SOLC embodies the culinary philosophy of the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Under the direction of Chef David Romero and his team, the restaurant celebrates Catalan producers by prioritizing locally sourced ingredients. Vegetables come from the hotel’s own farm in the Maresme region, fish arrives daily from the Barcelona fish market, and meats are selected from local farmers.
On Sundays, SOLC’s gourmet brunch has become one of Barcelona’s must-attend events, regularly recognized for its excellence.
🔑 The key to Barcelona’s legend: Sant Jordi
Every April 23, the city celebrates its patron saint with a tradition unique in the world: the streets are lined with pop-up bookstores and flower shops where lovers exchange a book and a rose.
Inspired by the legend of the knight slaying the dragon, this festival has, over the decades, become one of Europe’s most beautiful celebrations of literature. Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, and the historic squares are transformed into a vast open-air bookstore, making Barcelona a true world capital of books.
🔑 The key to packing for your return: bring a little piece of Barcelona home
Some destinations leave you with memories. Others inspire new ways of life. Barcelona undoubtedly belongs to the latter category.
Foodies will slip a bottle of olive oil from Casa Leopoldo into their luggage—a true reflection of the Catalan terroir (also available at the Publicis Drugstore Paris).
Perfume enthusiasts will step inside Santa Eulalia, a Barcelona institution founded in 1843, to discover Obscuro, an elegant fragrance that evokes the mysterious character of the old city.
Finally, you can’t leave without a pair of espadrilles from La Manual Alpargatera. For over eighty years, this workshop has been handcrafting Catalonia’s iconic shoes, worn by locals and numerous international celebrities alike.
Read more
Barcelona ｜ 2024 ｜Louis Vuitton City Guide
Gaudí, the complete works ｜ Rainer Zerbst ｜ 2020 ｜Taschen
Homage to Catalonia ｜1938｜ George Orwell
Discover Barcelona through the lens of cinema:
Few cities have inspired the silver screen quite like this one.
It’s impossible not to think of Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a true declaration of love for the Catalan capital. Strolls through Park Güell, evenings in the Gothic Quarter, and trips to Oviedo give the film a deeply Mediterranean atmosphere.
Pedro Almodóvar also chose Barcelona as the setting for several scenes in All About My Mother, while Cédric Klapisch’s L’Auberge Espagnole played a major role in shaping the city’s cosmopolitan image for an entire generation of Europeans.
Film buffs can also follow in the footsteps of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s thriller Biutiful, starring Javier Bardem, which reveals a more working-class, intimate, and deeply human side of Barcelona.
Good to know 💡
In 2026, Barcelona will reaffirm its status as a major European cultural capital.
At the Fundació Joan Miró, the institution’s 50th-anniversary program continues with the exhibitions Poetry Has Only Just Begun and Miró and the United States, which trace the Catalan artist’s international influence.
Contemporary art enthusiasts can also explore the exhibition The Cult of Beauty at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, which examines our contemporary fascination with aesthetic standards.
At La Pedrera, the exhibition Les Nabis: From Bonnard to Vuillard brings together nearly 200 exceptional works on loan from Europe’s leading museums.
Finally, the Palau Martorell is hosting a major retrospective dedicated to photographer Steve McCurry, famous for his iconic Afghan Girl, offering a striking look at more than forty years of photojournalism.
Next stop: Sardinia
Read more > An Iconic Stopover… Monaco
Featured photo: © Anna Murzilon
