Belly Out in Barcelona
canada
(Oct.06.07)
Follow your nose for a full day of indulging your senses.
We challenge you not to put on at least a few pounds in this city steeped in history and overflowing with tempting treats. Take it from us – we no longer fit into pre-trip purchases quite as well as we did before heading to the beautiful beach city of Barcelona.
Follow your nose for a full day of indulging your senses.
Morning
Beat the crowds by heading to Mercat de la Boqueria (La Rambla de Sant Josep 93) early and get first pick of the freshest fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, nuts and sweets we’ve ever seen.
Grab a table for one at the back of the store Escriba (La Rambla de Sant Josep 83) and indulge in a cup of thick, creamy hot chocolate. Don’t forget to order a pasty for dipping.
Mid-morning
Pick up fresh-roasted nuts and coffee to take home from the apothecary-style shop, Casa Gispert (Carrer dels Sombrerers 23, 93 319 75 35), roasting their own since 1851. For double the perk, El Magnifico (Carrer de l’Argenteria 64, 93 319 60 81) has more fresh-roasted coffee and tasty treats to keep you going.
After lunch
Head to Demasie (Princesa 28, 93 310 42 95) to indulge your inner cookie monster. This boutique sells tiny versions of age-old favourites; try the white chocolate with fresh lemon and candied lemon peel. While not edible, you can let your senses guide you into Enjabonarte (Carrer de l’Argenteria), an emporium of handmade soaps that are gentle enough to be used on your face and body. You’ll love the vanilla-cinnamon, strawberry and cocoa.
Pre-dinner sugar high
Snack on Xocoa (Several locations in Barcelona). With flavours ranging from green tea to rosemary to wild berries, these bars packaged in crazy colours will leave you smiling – and satisfied. Cocoa Sampaka (Carrer de Ferran 43-45, 93 304 15 39) offers gourmet chocolate goodies, including jams, spreads, bars, truffles and our new favourite, dark chocolate covered toasted corn. Grab a hot chocolate at the café for the road. Even if you’ve reached your sweet-threshold by this point, don’t miss out on the cozy corner shop Fargas (Carrer del Pi, 93 320 03 42), selling all things chocolate since the 1930’s.