This 2024, Barcelona has shone like never before, and I cannot help but feel an enormous city pride. From gastronomy to culture and sport, we have left a mark on the world.
These are the leaders who have taken Barcelona to the top, showing the talent and passion of many retailers behind these projects.
The best restaurant in the world: Disfrutar.
This year, the restaurant Disfrutar has reached the pinnacle of world gastronomy by being named the best restaurant in the world by The World's 50 Best Restaurants of 2024. Located in the Eixample, Disfrutar has earned three Michelin stars thanks to the creativity and innovative approach of its chefs, Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro, and Eduard Xatruch. Since its entry into the ranking in 2018, Disfrutar has climbed positions to reach the first place this year.
The best market in the world: La Boqueria
La Boqueria has been recognized as the best market in the world by Food&Wine in its Global Tastemakers ranking of 2024. With more than 300 stalls offering fresh and local products, from fruits and vegetables to seafood and meats, La Boqueria stands out for its quality and experience. This market, which is an essential pillar of the city, has surpassed global icons such as Tsukiji in Japan and Borough Market in London. This recognition complements the award it received in 2017 from CNN as the best fresh produce market in the world.
The best cocktail bar in the world: Sips
Barcelona has also proven to be a powerhouse in mixology, with Sips winning the title of best bar in the world at The World's 50 Best Bars in autumn 2023. Located in the Eixample, this bar, created by Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, has transformed the concept of cocktail making, fusing hospitality, rigor, and a complete sensory experience. Sips joins Paradiso, another Barcelona bar that reached first place in 2022 and now holds the fourth position.
The best library in the world: The Gabriel García Márquez
In the cultural sphere, the Gabriel García Márquez Library has been recognized as the best new public library in the world in 2023 by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Located in the Sant Martí neighborhood, this library, specialized in Latin American literature, stands out for its innovative design and community focus, becoming a new cultural landmark of the city. The jury valued the architectural quality of the project, its sustainability, and its intense interaction with its surroundings.
The icing on the cake: the America's Cup
Finally, Barcelona has become the epicenter of global nautical sport with the America's Cup, which is being held between August and October of this year. This prestigious event, added to other major competitions that the city has hosted, such as the Olympic Games, attracts attention from all over the world and reinforces Barcelona as one of the main sports capitals. Visitors, and also Barcelonans, will be able to enjoy the regattas from various emblematic points of the city.
Thus, Barcelona closes 2024 with a series of achievements that fill me with immense pride. From restaurants that set the standard in global gastronomy to sporting events that attract crowds, the city is shining with great energy.
These successes have been achieved largely thanks to the dedication of the city's restless and nonconformist talent, among which is that of the retailers, who bring life to the streets and fill those of us who live here with satisfaction, while consolidating Barcelona as an essential place on the world stage.
Add The New Barcelona Post as your preferred Google source for free
Stay informed with the latest news.