In this Barcelona guide, Júlia Vigas shows us that in a city so full of life and with such an active energy, it is still possible to find calm places that connect with the Mediterranean vibe. The businesswoman and wife of footballer Thiago Alcántara has achieved a balance as a mother of a family, a public figure, and someone who takes care of herself.
Barcelona could mean a thousand things depending on who you ask, but for Júlia it represents home, family, and roots. And that’s why this personal guide looks at the city from authenticity and takes us along a path of those places that only someone who knows the city well could recommend.
A stroll through the city
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER. For you, what makes Barcelona unique?
JÚLIA VIGAS. This city has a very special mix: city, sea, culture, gastronomy, architecture, and a lot of life in the streets. It isn’t a calm city; it has a lot of movement, but that also makes it very vibrant. For me, what makes it unique is that ease of blending family, social life, great restaurants, cultural outings, and the sea in one city.
CNT. What hotel would you recommend to discover the most inspiring version of Barcelona?
JV. In Barcelona I would recommend the METT Barcelona, for the city views. Nobu Hotel Barcelona for a romantic getaway —we like to go for a massage and dine on the top floor—. And to disconnect by the sea, without a doubt, the Hotel Terramar Llafranc, which is my family’s hotel.
