Mexican-born, Shanghai-based photographer and diehard traveller Cynthia Corona is truly a global citizen, having lived and snapped her way around the world – from her Lat-Am home, she’s strutted through Europe and all the way to the Far East. But along the way, it was sunny Barcelona that truly captured her heart, not least for its vibrant energy, buzzing dining scene and sweet city escapes.
Especially for LUXE, Cynthia shares her top five dining and doing recommendations for the Catalonian capital…
Located on Girona 68, Bicnic is a well-known secret amongst locals, and firmly off the tourist circuit. The restaurant is divided into a ‘Fast’ counter-style bar and ‘Slow’ tables for a more leisurely dining experience – though the beautiful decor will certainly invite you to stay longer. The tapas plates and larger share portions are delicious.
Toto at Valencia 246 has gorgeous interiors, and fabulous cocktails to match. The seasonal Mediterranean food is excellent, and the bar is great to hang out at for pre or post supper drinks.
Anyone who has been to Barcelona knows Barceloneta beach get super busy in summer. Instead, I head to Bogatell beach, which is still in a tourist area, but much less crowded than the alternative – plus there’s free WiFi! (Passeig Migdia, 100P)
If I need a break from the buzz of the city centre, I jump on the metro to Parc del Laberint d’Horta. The neoclassical landscaping makes you feel as though you’ve escaped to another time and place. (Passeig dels Castanyers, 1 / 10am-8pm daily)When it comes to shopping, there are two areas I love. Firstly Born, where you can get lost in the little alleys mixing high-end designers with Catalan eateries, and secondly Porta del Angel, where if you divert off the main road you can bargain a good deal in many of the little boutiques. My favourite shop is Be The Store at Bonavista 7 in Gracia. Here you’ll find good quality accessories, perfumes, clothing and bags.
For more pearls of wisdom and gorgeous pics, zip over to @cyncynti on Instagram! And if you’re Barcelona bound, don’t forget to nab a copy of the LUXE Barcelona guide…
