Hidden Barcelona

In the heart of the city, close to the busy commercial thoroughfare that is Portal de l’Àngel, you’ll find four arches from the Roman aqueduct that, for many years, brought water to Barcino (the name of the Roman settlement that once stood here) from the Besòs river – the arches are now integrated into the wall of a more modern building. The sight of this Roman relic in a square that houses a children’s playground will carry you back through the centuries, but, if you have any soul at all, will also make you feel rather wistful.
Plaça del Vuit de Març, s/n (Barri Gòtic)

One of Barcelona’s coolest hairdresser’s is located on the top floor of a clothes shop that stocks urban-casual pieces from Scandinavian labels that are not easy to find in this city. If you head to The Room Hairstyle, make sure you have your Visa on a tight lead, because temptation will pop out at you from all sides, in what is a truly trendy space, in the form of trainers, bags, T-shirts, sweaters, cosmetics and amazing hairstyles.

What to do with a former gym called California Loop Gym that you come across by accident, behind a hidden door in the premises where you’re planning to set up a cooking school? Maria, who from the very beginning wanted to stay loyal to the California Loop Gym, knew exactly what to do – organise gastronomic show cookings with two key protagonists: deli specialities (foie gras, oysters) and entertainment in its purest form.

In an unknown location in Barcelona, you’ll find this restaurant that defines its philosophy as strictly hush-hush, a concept that is already widespread in places such as New York and London, but is still rather undeveloped in Barcelona. They don’t give out their address, there’s no menu, and the secret of their success is down to word of mouth. All you have to do to be part of the gang is send an email to the creator of the project, Alessandro Castro, who goes shopping every day in the Boqueria market and then creates an extensive set menu using fresh produce that costs around €30, which – he’s Sicilian, it’s inevitable – takes its cue from Italy.
Tel.: 630 774 714
Twitter: @quintocuartabcn

Many of Barcelona’s modernista buildings are spectacularly in your face. Wander down Passeig de Gràcia and you’ll scarcely notice anything apart from such gems as Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. However, with the spotlight falling so consistently on such venues, it’s worth seeking out less-explored territory with a visit to this ornamental edifice, which also features Gothic and Islamic influences, and is located just minutes from the top end of Passeig de Gràcia. Guided tours are organised by Cases Singulars (Unique Houses).
Diagonal, 373 (Eixample Dret)