The Best Views in Barcelona Come With a Cocktail

For the best views of Barcelona, head up. The majority of the city's buildings aren't much higher than a few stories so it's easy to get an unforgettable aerial view of everything around you. But one place in particular has both stellar views as well as delicious cocktails — a perfect way to experience a city in my opinion.

Set in Eixample on the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, the Almanac hotel offers unfettered luxury in a contemporary space. The hotel stands out among the neoclassical buildings that dominate the neighborhood, with its unique and modern design of square windows that jut out from the facade of the building — giving guests more sunlight and great views. And while the rooms are quite posh, head up to the rooftop for the best treat.

Azimuth Rooftop Bar is located on the eighth floor of the hotel and offers near complete views of the streets around you, from the Raval to the Gothic Quarter. You also get an unobstructed view of arguably the city's most famous attraction: Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia. And if you aren't a guest at the hotel but still want to experience the space, don't worry. It's open to the public as well.

Guests can grab a seat either inside by the bar or at a small table, or snag a lounge outside to really experience the views. For colder nights, there are heated lanterns to keep you warm so you can take as much time as you need.

I opted for a simple Spanish gin and tonic, but the bar's menu is exhaustive with classics like Manhattans and cocktails conceived in-house. The bar offers a limited food menu so you have something to nosh on while you soak in the sites and enjoy your drink.

Once you've had your fill of cocktails and great views, it's time to hit the streets to get well acquainted with all the flavors the city has to offer. And while the hotel has its own restaurant — Virens, which is worth a stop — you haven't come to Barcelona to spend all of your time in the hotel. The team at Almanac is well aware of that, which is why they've created a package that's geared toward food lovers. You'll get to visit Torelló Cellars to learn about Cava as well as be guided through some of the oldest streets in the city to check out, and eat at, some of the best tapas places around.

I spent nearly four hours walking the streets with my guide who showed me all of the hidden gems and pointed me toward all of his favorite dishes. We had jamón on toast with a quail egg at a nearly 100-year-old restaurant and chocolate cake that was voted the best in Europe; we drank local wines at a small bar and shopped for Spanish delicacies that I could bring home as a souvenir. With only a few days to explore everything the city has to offer, it was an unforgettable introduction.

So for those making their way to the Catalonia capital, take time to at least grab a drink at Azimuth to get a good aerial view of your surroundings while you map out your itinerary.