¡hola de Barcelona! -

Ultramodern skyscrapers, along with Gaudi's surreal sacred buildings, define the urban cityscape. It's clear from first glimpse of this Catalan metropolis: the area of city between the mountains and the Mediterranean is limited. Which only makes the proud Catalans freer and more full of joie de vivre. Barcelona delights with its lively mix of fashion and tradition. Between Tibidabo, Parc de Montjuiic and the city's beaches in Barceloneta, new gems of urban modernity are constantly popping up.

Route profile

Country:	Spain
Distance:	77 km
Absolute Driving time :	3 h
Recommended tour duration:	1 Day
Best touring season:	Jan. - Dec.

Route course

Barcelona El Raval - Ronda Litoral - Avinguda Diagonal - Tibidabo - San Cugat del Vallés - Parc de Montjuiic - Barcelona El Raval

Route character

Track
exhilarating	-1	relaxing
Landscape
wild	0	picturesque
Destinations
intellectual	1	pleasurable

Comments:
All BMW routes are available exclusively to BMW ConnectedDrive contract customers for import to vehicles via BMW Online. Select a BMW route of your choice in your vehicle and discover some of the most beautiful areas of Europe, conveniently guided to your destination by your BMW navigation system.

Destinations

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Hotels

Don't waste time looking for caravans and tents here: Casa Camper is no place for fans of camping. Rather, behind Camper lies the well-heeled shoe of this Spanish shoe empire. True to the saying that real luxury rests in the simple things in life, the 25 rooms and suites delight with their simplicity, aesthetics, discretion and authenticity. In the midst of the lively El Raval district, where tourists and local matadors rub shoulders, this is a great place to stay right in the heart of things.

Address:: Casa Camper, Carrer Elisabets 11, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Susana Marin, hotel director
Tel.: +34-(0)93-3426280 Fax: +34-(0)93-3426280
E-Mail: barcelona@casacamper.com
Parking:: Available in the hotel's car park
Opening hours:: Open year round
Good to know:: Leave your car where it is. It's just a 200-m walk from here to the MACBA museum, with the Camper shop en route
Further information:: www.casacamper.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Museums

Bright, white and inviting gleams the huge MACBA building on the Plaça dels Àngels. The top American architect Richard Meier designed this bold building back in 1995. It houses the works of the most significant Spanish, Catalan and international artists from the second half of the 20th century. The combination of straight and curved lines is reminiscent of works by Le Corbusier. Lively and provocative exhibitions inspire in well-lit spaces.

Address:: Museu d'art contemporani de Barcelona, Plaça dels Àngels 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Bartomeu Marí, museums director
Tel.: +34-(0)93-4120810 Fax: +34-(0)93-4120810
E-Mail: info@macba.es
Parking:: Available at the museum
Opening hours:: July - September, Mon. - Wed. from 11:00 - 20:00 hrs, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 - 00:00 hrs, Saturday from 10:00 - 20:00 hrs, Sunday and bank holidays from 10:00 - 15:00 hrs; during the winter from October - June, the museum closes at 19:30 hrs from Mon. -Fri.; closed Tuesday except bank holidays
Good to know:: Adults €7.50 / €6 concessions; €3.50 for everyone on Wednesdays MACBA nights! During the summer months, the museum and roof terrace bar with views over Barcelona's nightlife is open every Thursday and Friday night till midnight. Entrance is €3.50 with a free guided tour
Further information:: www.macba.cat

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Food & drink

The food is as colourful as the wave-shaped roof of the new market. ‘Cuines' is Catalan for ‘cuisines'. The plural is deliberate because Cuines Santa Caterina cooks four delicious themes: Asian, Mediterranean, Italian and vegetarian. The ambience in the market bistro, part of the renowned Grupo Tragaluz, is unconventional, yet smart and elegant. All the ingredients are of course sourced from the neighbouring market. Huge wooden shelves house olive oil, wines, vinegar and flour.

Address:: Cuines Santa Caterina, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Avinguda de Francesc Cambó, 20, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Perico Cortes, host
Tel.: +34-(0)93-2689918
E-Mail: cuinessantacaterina@grupotragaluz.com
Parking:: Available at the bistro
Opening hours:: Open daily from 13:00 - 16:00 and 20:00 - 23:30 hrs; Thur. - Sat. evening open till 00:30 hrs; the market is open daily on Monday from 08:00 - 14:00 hrs; Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 08:00 - 15:30 hrs, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 20:30 hrs
Good to know:: The route to the sea passes the Natural Gas Headquarters. The architecture of this dazzling tower with its cantilevered wing is well worth seeing
Further information:: www.grupotragaluz.com/santacaterina

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Food & drink

Who'd expect it: here we are in the former Planet Hollywood. Who'd have thought that here of all places would become one of the city's trendiest hotspots? In place of burgers and tourist traps, now there's new urban chic and Catalan cuisine. The Bestial, another Grupo Tragaluz project and a style magnet for the local fashion and media scene, appeals with its minimalist design and airy openness onto the neighbouring beach.

Address:: Bestial Restaurant & Bar, Ramon Trias Fargas 2-4, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Marcos Armenteras & Evaristo Triano, hosts
Tel.: +34-(0)93-2240407 Fax: +34-(0)93-2240407
E-Mail: reservas.bestial@grupotragaluz.com
Parking:: Available on the beach promenade
Opening hours:: Open daily; Lunch Mon. - Fri. from 13:00 - 15:45 hrs, Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 - 16:30 hrs; Dinner Mon. - Thur. from 20:00 - 23:30 hrs, Fri. - Sun. from 20:00 -00:30 hrs; the bar is open till 02:00 hrs Thur. - Sat.
Good to know:: You are always in the best company at the Mediterranean-inspired Bestial, which is located right under Frank Gehry's copper fish sculpture
Further information:: www.bestialdeltragaluz.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Food & drink

The locals know it only as Escriba. El Xiringuito is one of the Escriba family's renowned gourmet temples. They make the best paella in town. They themselves say that the marriage of mussels and prawns is the best combination on earth. And indeed, at this busy beach bar, with its eccentric graffiti as decoration, street BBQ and blue lagoon, Spain's national dish is served to the table in giant cast-iron pans and you are sure to clear your plate.

Address:: El Xiringuito, Ronda Litoral 42, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Escriba family, hosts
Tel.: +34-(0)93-2210729
E-Mail: xiringuito@escriba.es
Parking:: Available at the bistro
Opening hours:: Lunch Tue. - Fri. from 13:00 - 16:30 hrs, Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 - 17:30 hrs; also open in the evenings during summer from Tue. - Sat. from 21:00 - 23:30 hrs; closed Monday
Good to know:: You simply must visit the El Xiringuito website! It brings just as much joy as the food, service and atmosphere in the real El Xiringuito
Further information:: www.escriba.es

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Sightseeing

It looks like an oversized giant cartridge, but is designed to reflect the energy and ease of a geyser shooting upwards. Built by the top French architect Jean Nouvel, the glittering Torre Agbar in the new 22@ district is probably the best know addition to Barcelona's wide skyline. This bold tower rises 142 metres and 34 floors high into the sky above the Catalan harbour city. At night, it gleams in glistening red and blue.

Address:: Torre Agbar, Avinguda Diagonal 211, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Parking:: Available at the tower
Opening hours:: Mon. - Fri. from 08:30 - 14:00 and 16:00 - 20:00 hrs
Good to know:: The first half hour's parking is free in the car park immediately opposite the tower
Further information:: www.torreagbar.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Hotels

500 metres above the city, the Gran Hotel La Florida soars fairy tale-like above the Catalan metropolis. Ernest Hemingway, Rock Hudson and James Stewart all stayed here to enjoy the best panoramic view in the city. Built originally in 1925, this intimate luxury hotel reopened in 2003 following a four-year renovation. A 37-metre, stainless-steel pool cleverly splits the Zen Zone Spa and the terrace with its views over the city.

Address:: Gran Hotel La Florida, Carretera de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo 83-93, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Andreu Canals, hotel director
Tel.: +34-(0)93-2593000 Fax: +34-(0)93-2593000
E-Mail: reservations@hotellaflorida.com
Parking:: Available at the hotel
Opening hours:: Open year round; spa open daily from 09:00 - 21:00 hrs
Good to know:: The old-fashioned Parc d'Atraccions del Tibidabo, with its nostalgic charm, and the splendid Sagrat Cor church are within walking distance of La Florida
Further information:: www.hotellaflorida.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Golf courses

It's worth making a detour to Catalonia's oldest golf club for the descent into San Cugat del Vallès alone. The sporty bends of the well-made road lead through thick vegetation down into the deep-green valley. The legendary British golf course architect Harry S. Colt built the golf course in 1917 with the help of British railway workers who were also working on the train connection to San Cugat del Vallès. The game over the slightly hilly terrain with water obstacles is challenging.

Address:: Club de Golf Sant Cugat, Carrer Villa 79, 08173 San Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Francisco Caila Junca, president
Tel.: +34-(0)93-6743908 Fax: +34-(0)93-6743908
E-Mail: golfsc@golfsantcugat.com
Parking:: Available at the golf course
Opening hours:: The 21-hole course is open all year round; office open daily Mon. - Sat. from 09:00 - 18:00 hrs, Sunday from 09:00 - 21:00 hrs; tee-off daily from 07:00 - 21:00 hrs or by arrangement (reservation required); guests always welcome
Course:: 21-hole course (par 70)
Handicap:: 21-hole course (par 70)
Greenfee:: 21-hole course (par 70)
Golf Pro:: Antonio Calvo, Fernando Chaves, Vicente Diaz Pahissa, Ricardo Martinez
Good to know:: The Visigothic abbey of Sant Cugat del Vallès, close to this charming spot, is particularly worth a visit
Further information:: www.golfsantcugat.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Sightseeing

True to the saying that less is more, the pavilion nestles in wonderful simplicity at the foot of Montjuiic park. The German architect Mies van der Rohe constructed it for the 1929 World Exhibition. Even today, this simple building, with its reflective water basins, is an icon of contemporary design and is one of this top architect's best known works. His expression of constructive logic and spatial freedom still inspires generations of future architects.

Address:: Pavello Mies van der Rohe, Avinguda Marquès de Comilles, s/n, Montjuic, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Lluis Hortet, director Fundació Mies van der Rohe
Tel.: +34-(0)93-4234016 Fax: +34-(0)93-4234016
E-Mail: pavello@miesbcn.com
Parking:: Available at the pavilion
Opening hours:: Open daily from 10:00 - 20:00 hrs
Good to know:: In 1930, the decision was taken to demolish the pavilion. This elegant building disappeared from Barcelona's cityscape for 50 years until it was rebuilt in its original location in 1983
Further information:: www.miesbcn.com

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Museums

Spaces flooded with light create ample space for dialogue with the life works of the Catalan artist Joan Miró. Over 200 paintings, 178 sculptures and countless drawings and letters bear witness to this legend's artistic output and life. Miró's friend, the architect Josep Lluís Sert, designed the Mediterranean house with its heavenly roof terrace high above Barcelona in Montjuiic park. Alongside Miró, the exhibition also displays works by other significant 20th-century artists.

Address:: Fundació Joan Miró, Parc de Montjuiic, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Contact:: Rosa Maria Malet, director Fundació Joan Miró
Tel.: +34-(0)93-4439470 Fax: +34-(0)93-4439470
E-Mail: fjmiro@bcn.fjmiro.es
Parking:: Available at the exhibition
Opening hours:: Open all year round; Tue. - Sat. from 10:00 - 20:00 hrs, Thursday till 21:30 hrs, Sunday from 10:00 - 14:30 hrs; from October - June, the museum closes at 19:00 hrs from Tue. - Sat.
Good to know:: There's a funicular railway up to Montjuiic from just opposite the Fundacio Joan Miró
Further information:: www.bcn.fjmiro.es

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Sightseeing

The TV image of the Olympic diver against the backdrop of Barcelona in 1992 remains unforgettable. In 1992, the architect Antoni de Moragas redesigned the competitors' pool with views over the city's roofs and mountainous backdrop. 4,001 spectators witnessed probably the most breathtaking diving competition of all time. Even Kylie Minogue discovered the spectacular scenery, filming her ‘Slow' music video here. The pool is scarcely used nowadays. There are no loungers, changing rooms or kiosk.

Address:: Piscina Municipal de Montjuiic, Avinguda Miramar 31, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Parking:: Available in the immediate vicinity
Opening hours:: The swimming pool is only open in July and August
Good to know:: Even if the gates are shut, it's worth a visit to this legendary pool simply for the unrivalled panoramic view over the Catalan metropolis

Countries:	Spain
Category:	Food & drink

Bar Mut is a tapas bar with an excellent wine menu far away from the crowded tourist route. This favourite spot among the chic Catalans offers high-quality tapas and an unassuming, friendly atmosphere. The wooden shelves house a charming potpourri of mature wines, china figurines and other bits and bobs. Bar Mut is tiny, yet oozes character. The tables are supported on old oak barrels, and there's a new menu on the blackboards every day.

Address:: Bar Mut, Carrer Pau Claris 192, 08037 Barcelona, Spain
Parking:: Available in the immediate vicinity
Opening hours:: Mon. - Sat. from 08:00 - 00:00 hrs, Sunday from 08:00 - 17:00 hrs
Good to know:: Book in advance! Bar Mut is oh so popular

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