Barcelona has chocolate soul

Maybe when we say "chocolate" you think in Switzerland or even Belgium, but in Barcelona you can find high quality chocolates. According with the website hotpaella:

"If the universe were made of chocolate, Barcelona would be at the very center of it (...) Barcelona has a deep rooted history in chocolate. Strolling the streets around La Rambla and the Barri Gotic in particular, you are certain to wander by and experience Barcelona's love of chocolate".

They also have some sugestion to enjoy it:

Dulcinea: Perhaps the best Chocolate and melindros (a catalan soft pastry) in all of Barcelona are found at Dulcinea (Petritxol street, 2). Established in 1930, this granja gains its namesale from Don Quixote's love, but gains its reputation for their lovely thick chocolate.

Fargas: Adorned with the same rustic décor since 1937, this old-time chocolate shop is one of the most famous in the city. Their Hot Chocolate is a definite must on every chocolate-touring itinerary (Pi street, 16)

Gelateria Xocolateria: Hidden in a corner of Plaça Sant Jaume, their speciality is Spanish chocolate con churros (you have to try it), although their ensaimada pastries are not to be missed either.

Pasteleria Escriba: Chef Ferran Adrià favorite chocolate croissants may be found at this old-time pastry shop. Family owned since 1906, this charming shop truly deserves its place in Barcelona’s history.

Museu de La Xocolata: Run by the Barcelona Confectionary Guild, Barcelona's Museum of Chocolate is the place to stimulate your mind, as well as your taste buds. Learn the history of chocolate, admire the impressively detailed chocolate sculptures, and finally hit The Café for some traditional hot chocolate.

Xocoa: A modern take on chocolate, these sweet treats come with flash wrappers and unique unforgettable flavors. Their shop boasts a novel assortment, including chocolate beer, chocolate candles and chocolate incense in addition to traditional favorites.

Cocoa Sampaka: a chocolate maker specializing in eccentric chocolate combinations (sunflower seeds and bitter chocolate, fried corn and dark chocolate) and classic bars. They also serve up a thick hot chocolate at their café.

Granja M. Viader: The chocolate milk drink Cacaolat (a bottled sweet chocolate milk) was invented here in 1931 and is still offered. We recommend the hot chocolate but they also have great milkshakes.

What to do in Barcelona? (3 of 4 parts)

11. Perfect your path to heaven

Even if you're not the religious sort, you should visit the magnificent churches of Barcelona. The Sant Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture, with a fantastical façade and extraordinary cloister. The graceful basilica of the Santa Maria del Mar is perhaps the best surviving example of Catalan Gothic, and makes a great place to go for a classical concert. And the holy architecture of Sagrada Familia will lift your heart to the heavens. Take your time to explore these beautiful buildings, you might even become a believer.

12. Savour the best in new Catalan cooking

For a taste of Catalan cooking, visit the Cinc Sentits, which is creating quite a stir in Barcelona gastronomic circles. The owners promise to tickle all your senses with gourmet dishes. The menu is a mix of classics such as suckling pig with apple compôte, or Catalan flat coca bread with foie gras, and individual dishes such as lamb cutlets with a crust of porcini dust, and slow-braised pork belly on gingerbread. Save room for the apple sorbet and maple quesada (far better than cheesecake), or the artisan Catalan cheese plate. The wine pairings are impeccable.

13. Discover your sweet tooth

Barcelona is the perfect place to indulge in sweet treats. You'll be spoilt for choice with its selection of confectionery shops. For posh chocolates in fancy packaging, head to Escribà; and for cooked candy visit Papabubble, where you can see the sweets being rolled in front of your eyes. If you're over in Spain during the winter and fancy a hot chocolate, stop by the milk bar La Granja (Banys Nous 4), handsomely fitted with antiques, it serves thick and frothy cocoa, which will warm you up.

14. Marvel at Modernista architecture

Barcelona's love of Modernista has been a passionate affair and the evidence is scattered across the city. In the Dreta area of Eixample, there are some masterpieces. The fairest of them is Gaudí's luminous Casa Batlló, built for textile tycoon. Nearby, you can gaze at his rivals' architecture: the shiny Casa Amatller by Puig i Cadafalch, which houses the Centre del Modernisme, and the decadent Casa Lleó Morera (on the corner of C/Consell de Cent at No.35) by Domènech i Muntaner. Nearby, you'll find his Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, whose city gardens offer a pleasant oasis amid the bustling city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 18 pavilions.

15. Fill your suitcase with local threads

Style comes with all kinds of price tags in Barcelona. High street shoppers will easily recognise the Spanish labels Mango and Zara, but fashionistas should check out Custo Barcelona for its trademark bright T-shirts, and MTX Barcelona (Rec 32) for its restructured womenswear. These are not cheap, but they are certainly designer originals. Those with a yen for footwear should spring to the Mallorca-based eco shoe company, Camper, which is famous for its clog heels and bowling shoe classics.