ONE CITY. LOVE IT. LIVE IT.
There are a ton of music venues in Barcelona, but for me one of the best places to see live music is JazzSí in the Raval neighbourhood. Linked with the Taller de Músics music school, it offers an opportunity for young musicians to get involved with the live music scene, and hosts jam sessions and live concerts …
If you are planning your first visit to Barcelona, deciding on where to eat can be a challenge. The city is bursting with literally thousands of bars, restaurants and cafes, all potentially offering the best food money can buy. Or not. The choice is overwhelming, and as a tourist in an unfamiliar city there is …
If you are a lover of religious buildings then the Monestir de Pedralbes (Pedralbes Monastery) should be on your list to visit. Even if not, it makes for a very peaceful afternoon, and there is free entry every Sunday after 3pm, or all day on the 1st Sunday of the month. Ask the attendant on the …
When I first came to Barcelona, I was surprised to learn that Catalunya and England share a patron Saint. St George to the English, and Sant Jordi to the Catalans, the story of the dragon slaying saint is celebrated on the same day in England & Catalunya, on April 23rd. Whereas in England we don’t …
Traditionally the Hindu festival of Holi celebrates the end of winter, and beginning of spring. In Barcelona there are 2 versions of the festival, one large scale event where you pay an entry fee to watch DJs in September, and this, the original, free event that actually does take place in spring- this year on …
The magnificent Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau is the largest example of modernist architecture in the World. Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s medical complex is stunning, and its hard to imagine in these days of boring practicality that it was, until 2009, a fully functioning hospital. The healthcare activities that once filled the maze of …
When you’ve had enough tapas to last a lifetime, try out this fabulous Greek restaurant in Gracia. We were looking for a place to eat one Friday night and something caught our eye as we wandered along the street. Greek dancing and plate smashing! We were sold. Rushing inside to catch the last few plates …
The story of Santa Eulàlia is not a happy one. With this weekend hosting the festival celebrations in her name I thought it was high time to learn more about her. One of the two patron saints of Barcelona, (along with our Lady of Mercy), Eulàlia was the young martyr who suffered horrific torture at …
You’ve gawped at Gaudi’s works, peeked in the Picasso Museum & rambled down La Rambla. And now you’re hungry. But perhaps you are hoping for something a little more authentic than the pre-packed, frozen paellas offered in many tourist traps. How about learning to cook paella for yourself, in the home of a local teacher? …
There is definitely something inherently relaxing and ultimately satisfying about a sunny day with clear blue skies, and looking out to sea – seeing nothing but the blue horizon glinting back at you. The combination of blue hues in the sea and sky; the glistening rays of the sun shimmering on the gentle waves; the …