Panoptic’s CEO, Craig McGee, recently visited Barcelona for IBTM World 2021! So, we thought it was only right we brought out another one of our well-loved MICE and Events Guides for this vibrant, inspirational city. From it’s dreamy Gaudi architecture to its bustling, quirky streets lined with unique shops, bars and restaurants, Barcelona is a city which attracts equal parts culture and creativity, and one that we all know and love… but what does it have to offer as a MICE destination? Let’s take a look!
Gastronomy
For a true taste of the Mediterranean capital, the La Boqueria market is an absolute must-visit. Located right in the heart of the bustling La Rambla, this food market boasts over 300 stands offering products fresh from the land and sea. The La Boqueria market encapsulates everything that Barcelona stands for – multiculturalism, vibrant atmosphere and a love for the good life.
For some of the freshest, most authentic local tapas – Vinitius serves up some seriously tasty plates. From fried hot padron peppers, to shrimp “al ajillo” style, to montaditos served up with delectable toppings like beef tenderloin with foie gras or piquillo peppers with tuna belly – you will be tempted to try every dish on the menu! Be warned though, this place fills up fast – so get your reservations in early.
For a delicious meal with unbeatable views of the Mediterranean Sea, look no further than the Paseo Maritimo de la Barceloneta – one of the most attractive areas of the city, this boardwalk is lined with beach-side restaurants and lounge clubs that are perfect for relaxed lunches and beautiful dinners. Choose from restaurants like Shoko – which serves up perfectly cooked and beautifully presented steaks, sushi and tempura; or Carpe Diem – which offers terrific Asian cuisine in a chic atmosphere overlooking the beach with live music and dancers.
Experiences
There are many beautiful sights to see in Barcelona, including the Parc de la Ciutadella and the Port Olimpic – Barcelona’s venue of the 1992 Summer Olympics. What better way to see them than by Segway? This adventurous tour is an extremely fun way to experience all of the historical sights in a day. You can even enjoy a gastronomic segway tour, where you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean food as you zoom around carefully selected tapas restaurants in the city.
A great activity for groups is to experience the impressive Camp Nou stadium, home of the world famous FC Barcelona. Perfect for the football fans, visitors can take a tour of the stadium, experience what it’s like to walk down the famous tunnel into the pitch, visit the press room, see the players’ changing room, and marvel at the arrays of memorabilia, silverware and images in the club museum.
Finally, you can’t visit Barcelona without taking a tour of Guadi’s magnificent Modernist work. So, why not enjoy an electric bike excursion along the Gaudi route and visit the famous Gaudi designed houses of Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, experience the beautiful works of Park Guel and see the soaring spires of Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece – the Sagarada Familia cathedral up close and personal.
Unique Venues
One thing Barcelona is not short of is fantastic rooftop spaces which allow visitors to really bask in the glory of its magnificent skyline. What better way to enjoy the sun set than with a glass of wine overlooking the city? Panoptic’s favourites include the Barcelona EDITION, Terrat at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Arola at the Hotel Arts and Soho House. However, it is also not short of fantastic hotels and resorts with bright and spacious rooms, cutting-ende leisure facilities and excellent meeting space facilities for the MICE market. Barcelona is home to several properties that belong to the Great Hotels of the World brand – a portfolio of 60 largely independent upscale hotels and restaurants worldwide that have been thoughtfully curated to cater to the rising bleisure travel.
Hotel Barcelona Princess
This highly regarded property boasts 364 impressively contemporary and elegant rooms arranged over 26 floors, conveniently located across the street from the Forum and the International Conference and Convention Center and just a short 10-minute walk from Barcelona’s beautiful beaches. Offering a modern business center, a stunning 18m outdoor swimming pool on a picturesque beachfront deck, a calming spa and multiple bars and restaurant, this is a hotel that beckons guests to live life to the fullest during their stay.
Hotel Claris
This singular and exciting property delights guests with an intriguing onsite museum and plenty of historical artworks, furnishings, artefacts, rugs and paintings to be viewed throughout the common areas, bedrooms and meeting venues. Exceptionally well-located steps away from Gaudi’s La Pedrera and the high-end Passeig de Gracia, the once 19t-century palace boasts 124 individually styled rooms, a stunning rooftop terrace complete with an outdoor swimming pool and incredible city views, an indoor Japanese garden, a Michelin-star restaurant and Barcelona’s first Dim Sum Club, a Mayan Spa and most importantly, faultless attentive service.
A space dedicated to the balance and harmony of body and mind, the Mayan Spa was awarded by the World Luxury Spa Awards as the Best Emerging Spa in 2017 and Best Historic Spa in 2018 and 2019, it is the only spa to contain authentic pre-Columbian archaeological pieces.
Hotel Almanac
For lovers of Modernist design and architecture, Michelin-star quality dining experiences, captivating culture and high-tech easy living, the Almanac Barcelona Hotel checks all the boxes. This 5 star property is located in one of Barcelona’s most exciting and exclusive neighbourhoods, just steps away from Passeig de Garcia where many of Guadi’s iconic buildings stand and within walking distance of Barcelona’s trendiest eateries, quirkiest shops and fascinating museums.
Fancy finding out more about Barcelona for your next event?
Plan your next unique event with the help of Panoptic. At Panoptic Events, we deliver world-class experiences cross-sector that amaze and inspire. We have the expertise, network and solutions to assist you with the design and implementation of travel, events, activities, tours, transportation and programme logistics. Simply tell us your story, and we will create your legacy. If you would like to find out more about our services, please get in touch at craig@panopticevents.com.
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