Get Out of Town is a series where we highlight easy getaways from Boston. These may be a perfect bitesize weekend trip or a splurge worthy weeklong escape. But the main criteria are that the destination is both convenient to access and offers visitors an experience that surprises and delights. If you missed our recommendation last week, read all about why you should book a trip to San Juan this winter. This week we are headed to Barcelona, Spain.
Why visit Barcelona, Spain
You would need a lifetime to understand all the reasons why Barcelona is amazing and that is quite possibly the reason why there is a whole Time Out dedicated to the best things to do and see in Barcelona! However, the key things to remember when you are thinking about destinations to visit from Boston is that Barcelona is accessible via nonstop flights, the cost of living is considerably cheaper than many other major European cities and the weather is typically a lot sunnier as well. Not to mention that Barcelona was also the home of some of the world’s most renowned artists like Gaudí, Picasso and Miró, so the city is filled with stunning architecture, museums and history all worth exploring.
Getting there
Barcelona is accessible from Boston via a nonstop route on LEVEL four times a week. LEVEL is a relatively new budget airline based in Barcelona, so the great thing is that via its partner airline Vueling, Bostonians can access much of Europe for a reasonable price—or simply enjoy getting to Barcelona is an affordable and convenient fashion.
What to do and where to stay
Barcelona has no shortage of hotels at every price point, but if you are looking for the perfect long weekend trip from Boston, the The Barcelona EDITION (Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14, 08003 Barcelona, Spain) is a smart choice. While it has a funky, boutique feel, it is a member of Bonvoy, so you can use and collect Bonvoy points during your stay.
Located near both the Gothic Quarter and El Born, the EDITION makes exploring the popular sights easy for first time visitors to Barcelona. With 100 rooms and suites, all equipped with custom-made Le Labo bathroom products, the hotel offers all guests the comforts they need for a nice getaway.
Now is the time to plan those spring trips. Europe is dreamy in the shoulder season and Barcelona enjoys high sixties, low-seventy-degree weather in April and May, with lots of sunny days, making it a nice change of pace from the rainy spring we usually have in Boston. And you will want to enjoy those warm days to the fullest on the hotel’s spacious rooftop where there is a pool, sun loungers and Asian fusion restaurant. But don’t forget to check out visit Bar Veraz in the lobby level at the Barcelona EDITION; they serve locally produced vermouth, craft beer and delicious cocktails each night!
But the best part about staying at the Barcelona EDITION is that is truly feels like a home away from home. And after a day of exploring the Sagrada Família, La Rambla, the Picasso Museum and all of the other amazing sights in town coming back to the natural, warm tones of the property is like a breath of fresh air. Barcelona can feel hectic and busy and when you are visiting for the first time you will want to see it all, but having a calm, comfortable space to recharge is worth every penny.
For more ideas on the best weekend getaways from Boston this season check out our top picks and if you are looking to stay a little closer from home read our guide to the best day trips from Boston as well!