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 every night of the week. Entry costs between 4 to 8 euros (including a drink) for a 2 hour show. There are different themes each night,…
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 a tendency to either follow your Lonely Planet Guide to the letter, probably ensuring a pleasant trip, alongside your fellow panicked tourists who followed exactly…
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 way in for the audio guide, for just 60 centimos you’ll learn a lot more as you go around. The pretty gardens in the centre…
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 really mark the day with anything special (preferring to jump on the back of the Irish for Paddy’s Day) La Diada de Sant Jordi is…
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 12th April. Organized by Bollywood Sitare & Sangam, the Cultural Association of South Asia, this Holi is in my opinion far better than the other;…
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 buildings have been transferred to a modern building in the same grounds, and now, through ongoing restoration, the original buildings are a fabulous showcase for…
The perfect stop off for an afternoon snack, or a mid-session refuelling, Las Empas offers delicious empanadas to eat in or take away. Owned by an affable Belgian chap who spent several years in Argentina, Las Empas also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers; fusing Argentinian tastiness with continental flair. All the empanadas I’ve tried are delicious, and I have worked my way through most of the menu. My personal favourite is the Empa Siciliana; stuffed with succulent beef,…
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 crashing to the ground, we had sadly missed the weekly performance, but were still rewarded with delicious food. We chose a starter of mixed dips,…
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 the hands of the Romans when she refused to renounce her Christian faith. As the legend goes, During the persecution of the Christians during the…
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? I am a big fan of EatWith; and a big fan of paella, so I have been waiting for a chance to combine the two,…