Primavera Sound kicks off in Barcelona today, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Formed in Barcelona by ex-members of Wind Atlas, North State, Wann, and Glitterhouse, HEAL is navigating the waters of indie rock, slowcore, and distorted folk with a style completely their own. Though they have just two songs released, they are one of the top bands to look out for this year.
HEAL vocalist and guitarist Laia Vehí grew up in Catalonia and has called Barcelona home for decades. Contributing Editor Megan Shelton had the chance to connect with Laia to learn where she suggests travelers stay, dine, imbibe, and visit in tandem with their festival schedule.
Where to Stay:
Mercer
“Mercer is elegant, artistic, and fresh. You should know that all of the paintings in this hotel are by the artist Agustí Puig, who created the paintings used in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, starring Spanish actor Javier Bardem. They have a really amazing restaurant, which you can visit even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, with an incredible chef who makes interesting dishes with fresh catalan produce.”
Where to Eat:
Quimet & Quimet
“It’s such a special bodega with great Spanish gastronomy, and above all else––tapas! You’ll love it!”
Los Tortíllez
“It’s all about tortillas at this 80s-style bar. Why not?
Bar ROSO aka El Toro
“Just one more! It’s probably one of my favourite bars in Barcelona. The owners and staff are great people, and you should try their ensalada rusa and homemade vermouth.”
Where to Drink:
Bandini’s
This natural wine bar and seasonally-focused cafe prides itself on “very good food and wines;” Laia definitely agrees. “I went here the other day and really enjoyed the space, food, and the wine.”
Where to Visit:
“This is Gaudí’s first home in Barcelona. It’s maybe less well-known but it’s an amazing work of art and I really love discovering the ‘first works of arts’ of artists, which helps me to further understand their essence.”
Phenomena Cinema
“If you are into movies, you have to go here. This theatre offers great sound, velvet carpets, and amazing films…but no seat reservations, so you have to queue to get a good spot.”
Llibreria Finestres
“For those who like books––for me, it’s a great plan for the morning: go to Finestres, find a good book, go to their bar at the end of the shop with a vertical garden, and just read and have a coffee.”
