Avoid the overtourism at this beautiful Barcelona escape
Food + drink
Cal Pep, Barcelona's celebrated tapas diner, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, but due to its popularity, it can be subject to queues, especially for the coveted counter spots. But to savour more contemporary Spanish cuisine you really needn't leave the hotel. Its in-house Volta restaurant and bar serves creative, share-based Mediterranean dishes featuring the best of the region's superb local ingredients from small-scale artisan producers.
Out + about
Even though this is an area less troubled by the tourist throng than other Barcelona barrio, many of the city's leading attractions are easily reached from El Born and the hotel itself. Head along its narrow, boutique and gallery-filled streets to Museu Picasso, known for the early works of the legendary Spanish artist. Further along is the floridly decorated concert hall, Palau de la Musica Catalana, an art nouveau architectural masterpiece. Elsewhere, take a meander through the bustling Mercat de Santa Caterina with its bold swirling modern-day roof addition daubed in the colours of the produce on sale inside.
The verdict
If your aim is to be in the action in Barcelona but not held captive of it, then this beauteously boutique bolthole with a deceptively appealing location is a smart choice in an oft crowded Catalan capital.
Essentials
From $385 for a classic room (low season); Borneta Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 26, 30, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain. Phone: +34 935 47 86 00. See miirohotels.com
Our rating out of five
★★★★½
Highlight
El Born is a beauty; a distant, though not too distant, alternative to a busier Barcelona barrio such as the all-too-popular Las Ramblas.
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Lowlight
It can be difficult, especially for the jet-lagged, to stay awake long enough for Barcelona's night owl dining hours, so don't be coy about making your main meal a daytime affair.
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