john philp
  • Home
  • Menswear
    • All Athletic Casual Formal staples
      Casual

      Bold Spring Jackets

      February 24, 2022

      Formal

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      Athletic

      2021 Wellness

      January 14, 2021

      Athletic

      Better Sore Than Sorry

      June 20, 2020

      Athletic

      Runnin’ up that HILL (CITY!)

      October 31, 2019

      Athletic

      Breathe + Sweat

      January 16, 2019

      Casual

      Bold Spring Jackets

      February 24, 2022

      Casual

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the tee

      January 13, 2021

      Formal

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      Formal

      The Gift of Fit

      December 16, 2019

      Formal

      Kentucky Derby Weekend!

      May 9, 2019

      Formal

      Holiday Tux SZN

      December 22, 2018

      staples

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      staples

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      staples

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      staples

      staples: the tee

      January 13, 2021

  • Travel
    • All City Guides Explore More
      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      Destinations

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Munich

      September 9, 2024

      Explore More

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      Explore More

      Exploring The Cotswolds

      October 4, 2024

      Explore More

      Exploring Nantucket

      May 27, 2024

      Explore More

      Where to Aprés Ski in Aspen

      February 15, 2024

  • Lifestyle
    • All Fitness Food + Drink Grooming Home Music
      Home

      Pillow Talk

      February 6, 2025

      Destinations

      Holidays in London

      December 15, 2022

      Explore More

      Holidays in NYC

      December 6, 2022

      City Guides

      Explore More: New York’s Best Bagels

      November 2, 2022

      Fitness

      2021 Wellness

      January 14, 2021

      Fitness

      Work(out) From Home

      March 24, 2020

      Fitness

      React, Run – Repeat!

      April 19, 2018

      Fitness

      Meet Morning Me

      January 16, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Explore More: New York’s Best Bagels

      November 2, 2022

      Food + Drink

      Old Fashioned Week – with a twist!

      November 9, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Swizzle into Summer

      July 20, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Bring on the New Year!

      January 3, 2018

      Grooming

      Hydrate Your Hair

      March 30, 2021

      Grooming

      Cut to the Classics

      December 11, 2019

      Grooming

      First Thing, Last Thing

      November 6, 2019

      Grooming

      The Right Stick

      May 7, 2019

      Home

      Pillow Talk

      February 6, 2025

      Home

      Outer Space

      September 1, 2022

      Home

      Home Furnishings

      July 13, 2022

      Home

      My (2nd) NYC Apartment!

      July 12, 2022

      Music

      Build Out Your Gallery Wall

      February 3, 2022

  • By Destination
    • All Africa Asia Central America Europe North America Oceania South America
      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      Destinations

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      Africa

      City Guide: Cape Town

      February 7, 2017

      Asia

      City Guide: Dubai

      September 4, 2023

      Asia

      Explore More: Wuhzen, China

      March 30, 2017

      Asia

      Runnin’ Around: Hong Kong

      December 5, 2016

      Central America

      City Guide: Panama City

      September 22, 2023

      Central America

      Explore More: Nicaragua

      May 2, 2018

      Europe

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      Europe

      Exploring The Cotswolds

      October 4, 2024

      Europe

      City Guide: Munich

      September 9, 2024

      Europe

      City Guide: Amsterdam

      May 30, 2024

      North America

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      North America

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      North America

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      North America

      Exploring Nantucket

      May 27, 2024

      Oceania

      City Guide: Byron Bay, Australia

      February 8, 2021

      Oceania

      City Guide: Sydney

      January 9, 2019

      Oceania

      Hawaiian Ways

      June 1, 2018

      Oceania

      Island Casual

      April 3, 2018

      South America

      A Panama Pit-Stop with Copa Airlines

      September 26, 2023

  • Shop The Locker
  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact

john philp

adventure & style seeker

  • Home
  • Menswear
    • All Athletic Casual Formal staples
      Casual

      Bold Spring Jackets

      February 24, 2022

      Formal

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      Athletic

      2021 Wellness

      January 14, 2021

      Athletic

      Better Sore Than Sorry

      June 20, 2020

      Athletic

      Runnin’ up that HILL (CITY!)

      October 31, 2019

      Athletic

      Breathe + Sweat

      January 16, 2019

      Casual

      Bold Spring Jackets

      February 24, 2022

      Casual

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      Casual

      staples: the tee

      January 13, 2021

      Formal

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      Formal

      The Gift of Fit

      December 16, 2019

      Formal

      Kentucky Derby Weekend!

      May 9, 2019

      Formal

      Holiday Tux SZN

      December 22, 2018

      staples

      staples: the suit

      April 28, 2021

      staples

      staples: the sneakers

      March 2, 2021

      staples

      staples: the jeans

      February 1, 2021

      staples

      staples: the tee

      January 13, 2021

  • Travel
    • All City Guides Explore More
      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      Destinations

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Munich

      September 9, 2024

      Explore More

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      Explore More

      Exploring The Cotswolds

      October 4, 2024

      Explore More

      Exploring Nantucket

      May 27, 2024

      Explore More

      Where to Aprés Ski in Aspen

      February 15, 2024

  • Lifestyle
    • All Fitness Food + Drink Grooming Home Music
      Home

      Pillow Talk

      February 6, 2025

      Destinations

      Holidays in London

      December 15, 2022

      Explore More

      Holidays in NYC

      December 6, 2022

      City Guides

      Explore More: New York’s Best Bagels

      November 2, 2022

      Fitness

      2021 Wellness

      January 14, 2021

      Fitness

      Work(out) From Home

      March 24, 2020

      Fitness

      React, Run – Repeat!

      April 19, 2018

      Fitness

      Meet Morning Me

      January 16, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Explore More: New York’s Best Bagels

      November 2, 2022

      Food + Drink

      Old Fashioned Week – with a twist!

      November 9, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Swizzle into Summer

      July 20, 2018

      Food + Drink

      Bring on the New Year!

      January 3, 2018

      Grooming

      Hydrate Your Hair

      March 30, 2021

      Grooming

      Cut to the Classics

      December 11, 2019

      Grooming

      First Thing, Last Thing

      November 6, 2019

      Grooming

      The Right Stick

      May 7, 2019

      Home

      Pillow Talk

      February 6, 2025

      Home

      Outer Space

      September 1, 2022

      Home

      Home Furnishings

      July 13, 2022

      Home

      My (2nd) NYC Apartment!

      July 12, 2022

      Music

      Build Out Your Gallery Wall

      February 3, 2022

  • By Destination
    • All Africa Asia Central America Europe North America Oceania South America
      City Guides

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      Destinations

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      City Guides

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      Africa

      City Guide: Cape Town

      February 7, 2017

      Asia

      City Guide: Dubai

      September 4, 2023

      Asia

      Explore More: Wuhzen, China

      March 30, 2017

      Asia

      Runnin’ Around: Hong Kong

      December 5, 2016

      Central America

      City Guide: Panama City

      September 22, 2023

      Central America

      Explore More: Nicaragua

      May 2, 2018

      Europe

      City Guide: Copenhagen

      May 16, 2025

      Europe

      Exploring The Cotswolds

      October 4, 2024

      Europe

      City Guide: Munich

      September 9, 2024

      Europe

      City Guide: Amsterdam

      May 30, 2024

      North America

      City Guide: Oaxaca

      April 23, 2025

      North America

      Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

      April 22, 2025

      North America

      City Guide: Atlanta

      March 4, 2025

      North America

      Exploring Nantucket

      May 27, 2024

      Oceania

      City Guide: Byron Bay, Australia

      February 8, 2021

      Oceania

      City Guide: Sydney

      January 9, 2019

      Oceania

      Hawaiian Ways

      June 1, 2018

      Oceania

      Island Casual

      April 3, 2018

      South America

      A Panama Pit-Stop with Copa Airlines

      September 26, 2023

  • Shop The Locker
City GuidesDestinationsEurope

City Guide: Barcelona

written by John Philp July 24, 2019

It was not my first time to Barcelona, but this trip was the first time I felt like I really had the chance to sink my teeth into the city and I have a new appreciation for it!  From the incredible food, laid-back Spanish lifestyle, it’s easy to find why this seaside Spanish city continually tops travel lists.

Even though there is no Uber in Barcelona, getting around the city is still easy.  Barcelona is quite walkable and there are more than enough cabs zipping by that hailing one was never an issue. There are also more than enough rental bikes and scooters for a fun alternative and a great way to see the city. We stuck to the Gothic Quarter as it’s close to the beach and nearly all the restaurants we wanted to visit were walkable from there.

Pinchos, tapas, paella, and all the patatas bravas.. we really ate our way through Barcelona. There were still quite a few spots on our list that we didn’t get to check out, but more the reason to visit again.. soon! Dinner is notoriously late in Barcelona, so make reservations around 9:30-10:30. Also, be wary of the Spanish siesta, which means some stores close from 2-4pm. That messed up one or two of the things we had planned to do one day. I actually didn’t have one glass of Spanish sangria while there, which some might amount to a travesty. The last time I was in Madrid, I got hooked on a drink called “tinto de verano” (summer wine). It’s pretty much a red wine spritzer with lemon. It’s so light and refreshing and not as sweet as sangria. Below is a list of recommendations:

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona Spain

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

To Eat:

  • *Bo de B – Favorite sandwich in the world! Amazing sandwiches with so many fillings & options to choose from. Great value for money and the perfect place to pick up a quick lunch – or late-night! And only 4 euros!
  • *Llamber – Probably the best gnocchi I’ve ever had. And I had just traveled from Italy!
  • Picnic – Great for breakfast or brunch with some fun vegan/vegetarian options!
  • Casa Ràfols – Gorgeous and historic Spanish tapas restaurant that used to be a hardware store with a restaurant in the basement. in 2013, the hardware store closed and the restaurant opened in its place!
  • *Satan’s Coffee Co. – Some of the best coffee in Barcelona. At the bottom of the boutique hotel Casa Bonay!
  • *El Chigre – Located right in the center of the Gothic Quarter, the ambiance is so great here. Enjoy vermouth or cider as well as some traditional Catalonian tapas!
  • *Anita Flow – Brett and I stumbled upon this as we happened to be walking near. Features a diverse and large menu and we loved nearly everything we ordered!
  • Boca Grande – This Mediterranean spot is seafood-heavy with a great terrace in the back! And be sure to check out the bathroom!
  • Disfrutrar – One of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. we made reservations here but ended up not eating here as a typical meal here is over two hours (with a minimum 19 courses!) but will be dining here next time!
  • Tickets – Sophisticated takes on classic tapas in a relaxed space, plus an inventive dessert room.
  • Cecconi’s – at Soho House Barcelona! It’s the same Cecconi’s as in LA & NY and has some solid Italian food!
  • BENZiNA
  • Cañete
  • Xurreria – Great churros!
  • *Cal Pep – Legendary tapas. The line can get quite long and there might be quite a few tourists, but the food is worth the wait! I went at an off-time
  • El Exampanyet  – a very casual and local tapas bar
  • Bar del Pla – Great traditional tapas in a  casual hole in the wall atmosphere
  • Bar Colombo – Cute and casual spot for patio drinks near the beach!

To Drink:

  • Chiringuito on the Terrace – The rooftop bar of the Casa Bonay hotel
  • Paradiso – Cute cocktail bar serving up fun and over-the-top
  • Ovella Negra (The Black Sheep) – Best sangria in a hole-in-the wall bar

To Do:

  • Park Güell – Large park that was designed by and features mosaic-covered buildings by Gaudi. Be sure to purchase tickets online as it will save you time in line (and the heat!) It is 15 minutes north of the beach.
  • See the iconic, unfinished La Sagrada Familia – a Gaudi-designed church that is infamous for still being under construction – started in the 1880s!
  • Walk through Las Ramblas – a Famous tree-lined pedestrian area – be sure to hide your wallet & phone as it is known for pick-pocketers!
  • Stroll through the Gothic Quarter – this is where I spent most of my time! It’s the oldest and most charming part of the city and close to the beach!
  • Visit the Picasso Museum
  • Shop at the Trait Store
  • Shop around for furniture at KETTAL
  • The Outpost
  • Check out Gaudi’s masterpieces:
    • Casa Batlló
    • Casa Millà

Stay:

  • The Majestic
  • The Edition
  • Casa Bonay
  • Soho House Barcelona
  • The Serras 

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona John Philp Thompson Menswear Travel Blogger Barcelona Spain

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

John Philp Thompson Menswear Travel Blogger Barcelona Spain

John Philp Thompson Blogger Menswear Travel Barcelona

Have you been to  Barcelona lately!? Let me know your favorite sites to see and if you have a favorite tapas restaurant that wasn’t on my list. I’m always open to suggestions!!

Stay Risky,

– John

City Guide: Barcelona was last modified: June 1st, 2022 by John Philp
BarcelonaCity GuideSpaintravel
0 comment
5
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
previous post
Pride Style
next post
City Guide: Mykonos + Santorini

You may also like

City Guide: Copenhagen

May 16, 2025

City Guide: Oaxaca

April 23, 2025

Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

April 22, 2025

City Guide: Atlanta

March 4, 2025

Exploring The Cotswolds

October 4, 2024

City Guide: Munich

September 9, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

About Me

About Me

Hey y'all! I'm John Philp Thompson, an NYC-based (but Texas born) photographer, model, blogger, list maker & risk-taker. I started this site as a destination for my city guides and to share some style tips along the way. I'm hoping to bring you all things menswear, travel, and fitness... and everything in-between!

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Tumblr

Weekly Playlist

Recent Posts

  • City Guide: Copenhagen

    May 16, 2025
  • City Guide: Oaxaca

    April 23, 2025
  • Explore the Oaxaca Coast (Puerto Escondido, Zipolite & Mazunte)

    April 22, 2025
  • City Guide: Atlanta

    March 4, 2025

Blogs I'm Digging

  • Captain Barto
  • He Spoke Style
  • Probably This
  • Scout Sixteen
  • sink the sun
  • The Healthy Camper
  • The Nathaniel Manual
  • The Northern Man
  • Tommy DiDario
  • Ty French
  • Ty Severe
  • We Travel For
  • Yummertime

Follow Me

Facebook

The Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • May 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • November 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • June 2020
  • March 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016

john philp is proudly powered by WordPress