Just off La Rambla you will find Plaça de Reial, a beautiful square with palm trees, a fountain and many cafes and bars. It is often recommended as a place to see and although very close to the busy main strip, feels removed and relaxed.
Ocaña is a multi-purpose venue that has a big presence in the square. The glitzy sign in lights and outdoor area is very alluring, and is most often full of young people having a good time. After eight years of extensive renovation, this charming old building has been restored to its former glory highlighting many original features.
Cleverly designed so that each area, though connected, has a different character and theme; Ocaña offers something for everyone. A large terrace overlooks the square, sun-drenched in the early evening, you can watch the nearby circus performers jump about while you sip an ice-cold gin and tonic. Inside an all-day café serves urban tapas. Smarter and more sophisticated, the gastronomic restaurant provides the ideal venue for special occasions and downstairs a hidden away prohibition-style cocktail bar (Apotheke) serves delicious concoctions. A final bar hosts club nights, live music and burlesque shows.
This wonderland of experiences is quite overwhelming; it can be difficult to choose the area in which to spend your time. We chose a light meal and drinks on the terrace before investigating the cocktail bar and vintage photobooth machine downstairs.
More information here: www.ocana.cat/en/
Many thanks to the Barcelona Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.
