The Ultimate Hen Do Guide for Barcelona

I get loads of requests from groups of girls planning their best friend´s hen do and wanting to make it as easy, fun and as classy as possible, so here´s a guide that will cover all your eating, dancing and drinking plans for the weekend! Hope it helps! 

EATING:

For group restaurants in the centre of town, try:

Bar Lobo for tapas off the Rambla and a sunny terrace...

Cheri Restaurant for tapas with an outdoor terrace...

Right in the centre you´ll find Ultramarinos. A recent hen group I met went here and loved it. Although it´s on the Ramblas, it´s relatively new, great interior and good food. You can also speak to them and organise a group menu for around 30 / 35 euros per head. 

Ocaña is also in the centre in Plaza Real. Good food, cocktails & a fun environment and outdoor dining.

Veggie option:

Flax n Kale a 10 minute walk from Plaza Catalunya with a lovely sunny terrace & great fresh juices...

Lunch:

In a sunny square 10 minutes walk from the Ramblas; Alsur Café

Across the square 8and usually in the sun in the afternoon, try baguette sandwiches, houmus dips and good wine or coffee at Hush Hush Café

(For the perfect coffee spot, read more here...)

(Photo by www.coffeeandbrunchbcn.com)

By the beach: 

Il Gallito for paella, delicious fresh tapas and fish by the beach..

(photo by @lascallesdebcn)

Dressy up cocktail drinking:

Get glam at Bocachica...great cocktails, quite glitzy & the only bar I´ve seen with a dj in the toilets!

Casual early evening or post shopping cocktails at El Nacional. On Passeig de Gracia with Gran Via, you can nip into &Other Stories & Mango next door, then head for a cocktail! Try the cheeseboard and bread with tomato.

Rooftop Terrace drinking with views at Alaire Bar. With its recent refurb and delicious tapas and decent drinks prices, it´s a great pre-dinner cocktail spot with views. Book a table if you´re a big group.

Secret cocktails through a fridge door at Paradiso. Start the night with some incredible cocktails served in treasure chests & bronzed pineapples & don´t forget to try the pulled pork rolls! Step out onto Passeig del Born and continue the night with mojitos in this busy vibey street just 15 mins walk from the Ramblas.

OUT OUT:

Quite a few hen do groups have told me they loved their night out at Eclipse Bar at the top of the W Hotel. With views over the sea and city and a very glam bunch it´s worth contacting them, getting yourself on the list and heading up to the 26th floor.

If you get there early you could even enjoy a cocktail by the pool looking out over the sea at the Wet Bar.

Get the shots in at a very tacky but fun end-of-night shots bar called Espit Chupitos...only for the brave (and young..I´m too old now!)

If you´re into the Ibiza Café del Mar vibe, then head a little way down the coast (15-20 mins by cab from centre or grab a tube to El Maresme / Fòrum) to the massive new beachfront bar & club opening in May 2017.

A good second night more chilled option is Salt Bar (just in front of the W Hotel). It sits directly on the beach with views over the sea, chilled music, cocktail in hand, feet in the sand. 

For more bars and clubs in Barcelona, read on here.....

SHOPPING:

High Street Stores: For massive H&Ms, Mango, Zara etc head to Portal del Angel and the bottom of Passeig de Gracia . Grab a "Party Recovery" juice at the cute & healthy cafe in H&M Passeig de Gracia:

Designer stores: At the upper end of Passeig de Gracia you´ll find Chanel & Gucci or have a browse for your dream Chloé bag at Santa Eulalia

Boutique shopping: Head to the areas of Gracia or Born & discover unknown boutiques whilst wondering cobbled backstreets.

Vintage shopping: Head to Calle Riera Baixa in the Raval or Calle d´Avinyó in the centre or wander the backstreets of the Born.

Shopping Centres: La illa is in the centre of town and is a lovely shopping centre if it´s raining. Loads of good high street brands and coffee shops. 

ACTIVITIES:

There are loads of cool activities to plan in Barcelona, from sunset boat trips to floral crown workshops & paddle surfing to Afternoon Tea. 

Check out these and more here....

(photos from web)