Sustainability is a basic principle in Barcelona, a city with a longstanding commitment to the environment.
Here there are many establishments and activities that are environmentally friendly, as well as a cuisine that focuses on local products and a great awareness of sustainable mobility.
In this article you will find a series of proposals to enjoy the city in a sustainable way: km0 restaurants, market cuisine, sustainable fashion and shopping, nature trails and events. Find out more about them!
Ideas for enjoying Barcelona sustainably
Markets and km0 gastronomy
One of the most significant impacts on the planet is what and how we eat. From the origin of the ingredients to what we do with waste, the whole process of putting food in our mouths has an enormous effect on the environment.
There are many restaurants in Barcelona with sustainable and high-quality proposals, such as El Mercader de l’Eixample, the hamburger restaurant El Filete Ruso or Fat Veggies
This is also a city with an important network of historic neighbourhood markets, where in addition to fresh produce there are restaurants and prepared food stalls. The Sant Antoni, Ninot and Santa Caterina markets are a good alternative to La Boqueria, the city's busiest and most touristy market.
Sustainable fashion
As one of Europe's fashion capitals, Barcelona is home to several shops that produce environmentally friendly textiles. Green Lifestyle, Humus Barcelona and Velvet BCN are some stores where you'll find clothes and accessories made from sustainable or recycled materials.
Crafts and local products
Don't settle for just any souvenir, and make the most of your visit to Barcelona by discovering the marvellous works of local artisans. Jewellery, ceramics, and other gift items, handmade by local craftsmen. We recommend Bornisimo and Minimal Life, which is also a zero-waste business. There are also emblematic shops run by lifelong artisans, which have been passed down from generation to generation and are still in business today.
Green route through Barcelona
Because of its size and the impressive network of 250 km of cycle paths, Barcelona is an ideal destination to discover on foot or by bike. It is very easy to visit the most emblematic places by walking or cycling, as most locals do. There is also an efficient metro network with 11 lines connecting to the airport, trams, buses, and various shared electric mobility systems - there's no excuse for taking the car!
Another ideal way to discover the city sustainably is to visit green spaces such as the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Horta Labyrinth, the Collserola Natural Park and the Montjuïc Botanical Gardens. Soak up Barcelona's nature and enjoy all the city's parks and gardens.
Sustainable hotel in Barcelona
At Único Hotels we are aware of the impact of our actions on the environment and we aspire to a sustainable tourism model. For this reason, we carry out a series of initiatives with the aim of protecting our planet:
- We are committed to renewable energies with the use of solar panels
- We purify our own water
- We minimize food waste
- We avoid plastics
- We promote sustainable mobility among our clients.
- All our hotels are awarded with the Biosphere Certification
... and much more! Here you can check all the sustainable actions of Único Hotels, which we invite you to discover first-hand at our Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona.
Your hotel for a sustainable experience in Barcelona
Our 5-star hotel in the centre of Barcelona is fully committed to sustainability and your comfort. We invite you to enjoy a stay in a central location, provided with luxury gastronomy and exclusive services for an unforgettable experience in the city. At the Bistro Helena restaurant, you will discover an excellent gastronomic proposal based on market and seasonal products, with all the classic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine.
Our hotel with spa in Barcelona also cares about your physical and mental health, that is why we have an exclusive wellness area with sauna, fitness room and beauty treatments. You can complement your experience with yoga sessions on the terrace or running routes that will take you through the Ciutadella Park and Barceloneta beach.
All this from a convenient location in the heart of Barcelona, in the Gothic Quarter, ideal for discovering the city on foot or by bike. Book your stay at Grand Hotel Central to live this unique experience.
