Barcelona entices with both historic architecture and a surplus of modern energy, drawing crowds of visitors from around the world to ramble along Las Ramblas and gawk at Gaudi’s eccentric architecture. Globetrotting model and multidisciplinary creative Nuria Val was born in Barcelona and gave us a quick personal tour to some of her favorite, semi-secret spots in the city.
TIBIDABO
It’s a theme park with the most beautiful city views. I love to drive up there to enjoy the sunset and hike around the mountain.
GREEN SPOT
My pick for best vegetarian restaurant in Barcelona! I am addicted to the pizza and always get a vegan brownie for dessert.
Fundació Miró is my favorite museum of Barcelona. This center for the study and dissemination of Joan Miró’s work (plus other contemporary art) has beautiful architecture and a dramatic location in the hills of Montjuic. I recommend spending some extra time at its library full of art books.
PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA
A perfect place for a picnic in the city (located just to the north of El Born), with a beautiful greenhouse inside and a small lake.
GARRAF
30 min away from the city by train, you can find one of the most beautiful local beaches in Barcelona. It has small fishermen’s houses along the beach, with a couple of old-fashioned restaurants serving lunch.