Barcelona: A Love Letter to Design and Mediterranean Charm

Barcelona isn’t just a city; it’s this amazing mix of design, history, and culture that totally hooked me from the first time I visited.

Barcelona has been a place I’ve gravitated to since the first time I visited. My husband lived here for a decade before we met, and over the years, the city has become an essential part of our lives. We come back often, reconnecting with friends who still call Barcelona home and rediscovering the many hidden design gems this city has to offer. From Antoni Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Família to the bold, modernist creations of Ricardo Bofill, Barcelona is a place where every street, every building, and every corner is an artistic experience.

What really makes Barcelona stand out is how it effortlessly blends the old with the new. Gaudí’s whimsical, nature-inspired designs exist side by side with sleek, contemporary architecture, while centuries-old Modernisme flourishes in a city filled with minimalist spaces. It’s not just the buildings that are worth admiring—Barcelona’s art scene is alive and thriving. With galleries and cultural hubs that showcase local and international talent, the city is a haven for creatives. For us, Barcelona holds a lot of personal significance, but even if you’re visiting for the first time, the city’s energy and design-forward vibe will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

The architectural scene in Barcelona is perhaps best known for the work of Antoni Gaudí, whose organic and imaginative structures have become an inseparable part of the city’s identity. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló show how architecture can go beyond function to become a true work of art. However, the influence of architects like Ricardo Bofill is also crucial to the city’s design evolution. His Walden 7 complex, just outside Barcelona, is a prime example of his architectural experimentation, where colorful, sculptural forms redefine what a living space can be.

I’ve compiled a handful of my favorite places to stay, well-designed spaces to dine, and most importantly the cultural and design hubs throughout the city that I look forward to rediscovering each visit. Keep reading for a design lover’s guide to this beautiful Mediterranean cosmopolitan!