Barcelona
DESTINATION GUIDE WITH MOHAMMED ADIB
Barcelona Design City Guide: A Curated Journey with Mohamed Adib
Barcelona is a vibrant design destination where historic charm meets contemporary innovation, making it a dream city for interior designers and creatives. This curated design guide to Barcelona explores Gaudí’s iconic masterpieces, modernist architecture, vibrant markets like La Boqueria, and the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter. The Mediterranean light, textured façades, and dynamic neighbourhoods from Eixample to the beach create endless inspiration for those in search of beauty and contrast.
This Barcelona design guide is curated by Mohammed Adib, founder of Intercon—an architecture and interior design firm known for blending innovation with elegance. Founded in London in 1993, Intercon now operates globally with studios in Barcelona and Dubai, and projects across continents.
DECEMBER 2024
Words: designeers and Mohammed Adib
Favourite design museum:
The Miro Museum
The Miro Museum up in Montjuic, by Sert is one of the most iconic and best designed exhibition space I have ever been to, set in the idyllic Montjuic mountain with its mix of internal and external (patios and roof terraces) spaces.
Favourite art gallery:
Galeria Mayoral
For me has to be the Galeria Mayoral for both its amazing post war art and the split level spaces it offers.
A breakfast and coffee stop:
Brunells
Brunells with their amazing pistachio croissant and pastel coloured interiors are the best wake up treat for a quick breakfast.
A lunch to indulge into:
The Sopa Boba
The Sopa Boba, located in Barcelona's Eixample district, offers inventive tapas crafted from fresh, local ingredients. The cozy interior features warm colors and soft lighting, creating a tranquil dining atmosphere.
A COCKTAIL OR WINE BAR:
Paradiso
Paradiso is still my favourite after all these years, this amazing speakeasy redefined the bar scene in Barcelona, make sure you visit the speakeasy within the speakeasy (after going in through the fridge of the pastrami shop and the handicap toilet mirror!).
A fine dining restaurant:
Disfrutar
Disfrutar would be my choice here, a true temple to Mediterranean food and interior design.
A place to find art, furniture, design objects:
The Glories
The Glories antiques market under the magical faceted mirror roof designed by B720 Arquitectura.
A must see spot for any tourist:
La Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia never seems to stop amazing me, I have probably been there more than 30 times and I still discover new corners and details I have never seen before!
A design hotel to stay in:
Alma Hotel
Has to be the Alma hotel a very understated and exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of the bustling shopping area with its oasis of a interior garden and a never ending show of famous people visiting the city.
An artisan everyone should know about:
Sombrerería Obach
If you are a hat fan like me, a must is the Sombrerería Obach, set in the Gothic part and make and sell any type of hats.
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