Casa Bonay
Build a trip to Barcelona
About
Casa Bonay is a restored 1869 mansion that celebrates the creative spirit of Barcelona. The hotel owners collaborated with local artisans, furniture designers, and even a local coffee roaster (Satan's Coffee) to create a truly 'local' sensory experience. The original hydraulic tile floors and high ceilings are paired with modern, minimalist furniture. Expert recommendation: the rooftop 'Chiringuito' serves some of the best grilled food in the city during the summer months. Pro tip: this is a social hotel; the lobby bar, 'Libertine,' is a popular spot for locals to have a drink and listen to DJs, so it can be lively and loud in the evenings, which is perfect if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local scene.
Highlights
- Creative lifestyle hotel
- Restored 19th-century mansion
- Trendy rooftop bar
- Artisanal coffee and food
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Billy Brunch
Billy Brunch is a high-energy, quirky breakfast and brunch spot that has become a social media sensation. The decor is rustic and playful, often featuring a resident rooster statue. The sensory experience is one of a lively, international breakfast party, with huge plates of food and fresh-pressed juices. Expert recommendation: their 'Eggs Benedict' are considered some of the best in the city, and the 'English Breakfast' is famously hearty. Pro tip: they don’t take reservations, and because of its popularity, there is almost always a wait on weekends. However, you can leave your name and wander the nearby Eixample streets until they text you.
Nomad Coffee Lab
Tucked away in the beautiful Passatge de Sert, Nomad is a mecca for coffee purists. This is more of a laboratory than a traditional cafe, focusing on the science of brewing and the unique profiles of single-origin beans. The sensory experience is defined by the clean, minimalist aesthetic and the intense, precise aromas of expertly roasted coffee. Expert recommendation: try a 'Cold Brew' in the summer or a flat white to appreciate their milk-steaming technique. Pro tip: they don't serve food or have Wi-Fi; it is strictly a place to appreciate high-end coffee. It’s also one of the best places in the city to buy freshly roasted beans to take home.
Palau de la Música Catalana
This concert hall is a jewel of Catalan Modernism, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Unlike the organic curves of Gaudí, the Palau is a riot of color, floral motifs, and stained glass. The centerpiece is the magnificent inverted stained-glass skylight in the auditorium, which depicts a choir of angels and bathes the room in natural light. It remains a functioning venue for everything from symphonies to flamenco. Expert recommendation: even if you don't attend a concert, the guided tour is essential to see the 'Muses' on the stage. Pro tip: the Petit Palau cafe on the ground floor is a beautiful, less-crowded spot to enjoy a coffee surrounded by Modernist architecture.
Arc de Triomf
Built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas as the main gateway for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition, this triumphal arch stands out due to its reddish brickwork and Neo-Mudéjar style. Unlike military arches found in Paris, this was a civil monument dedicated to artistic and economic progress. It anchors a wide, palm-lined promenade that leads directly into Parc de la Ciutadella. The area is always alive with skaters, families, and street performers. Expert recommendation: the promenade is a perfect spot for photography, especially during the 'golden hour' when the red bricks glow. Pro tip: it’s a flat, easy walk from here to the beach, making it a great starting point for a cross-city stroll.
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