Barcelona is a city which it is very difficult not to fall in love with. It’s eccentric architecture, sunny weather all the year round, party vibes and positive people make you feel like every day there is a celebration. And if like us, you explored every corner of Guell and Casa Battlo, walked up and down La Rambla dozen times, took 288 selfies with eternally-under-construction Sagrada Familia and tried paella in every second restaurant on the beach… But still long to return to Barcelona from time to time – we hope this article will give you some fresh ideas how to make your next visit to this truly amazing city even more enjoyable. Here we go
ATTEND MUSIC CONCERT IN LA PEDRERA AT NIGHT
One of the most glorious Barca rooftops turns into a live music venue during summer nights. We don’t know when it all started, but sending a huge gracias to a genius who came up with this idea. From june to early september, with a glass of cold bubbly in your hand, you can live an unforgettable experience of illuminated Gaudi creations and spectacular views of night Barcelona accompanied by live music from masterly bands. Last couple of years they’ve played jazz, and before that there was chamber music from what i remember. In spring official Casa Mila website will publish details of summer 2019 calendar of events. From there, you can normally buy tickets online there from any part of the world. Keep your chin up even if you are visiting at winter time. There are some random recitals during winter months as well, check the museum’s activity calendar and who knows – you might be lucky
SPEND A DAY ON THE CITY BEACH LIKE LOCALS DO
And let me immediately take a step back and mention that most of Barcelonians are not that eager to spend their time on the city beaches and prefer to travel a bit longer for a proper day by the sea. However, if they still happen to go to suntan and bath within Barcelona, as you probably guessed Barceloneta and Nova Icaria are not quite their choice. Short leisurely walk along the sea in north direction will bring you to a cleaner and calmer stretch of Bogatell, Mar Bella and Llevant beaches. Make sure not to leave when the sun goes down because the fun is only starting. Numerous bars scattered along the beach turn the volume up, and it is great barcelonian ritual to chill out there under the stars and to the lounge beats
TRY YOUR HAND AT SARDANA
It is vibrant and energetic as Barcelona itself and is danced to the accompaniment of live music bands, in circles where men and women usually alternate. If the circle becomes too big, it divides, and the more participants there are the more impressive it looks as the place fills up with circles. Everyone is welcome to join, so don’t be shy. The dance looks simple but it requires some precision and coordination, one might need a little bit of rehearsal – up to you and your dancing talents. Sardana is danced during weekends as well as at all Catalan festivals, like those of Sant Joan or la Merce. You can find this fun and enthralling activity next to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Barcelona Cathedral) on Saturdays at around 6 pm and Sundays around noon, and at Placa Sant Jaume on Sundays at around 6 pm. (The same schedule has been respected for many years, however if anything changed recently – do inquire with the locals and they will be happy to help you)
ATTEND BARCA’s GAME
It is cool to take a guided tour around Camp Nou – one of the most famous stadiums in the world. But how cool is that to show up for the match, blend with local supporters (get some seeds to crack during the game to complete the experience 😉 ) and become a part of roaring cheering crowd when Messi or Dembele scores? Even if you are not a soccer fan at all, watching a legendary team playing at the legendary stadium is something you’ll remember for many years. Tickets for La Liga (the name of the Spanish Premier League) can be bought from multiple kiosks around the city, and schedule of the games is available from many resources in the internet, like the official website of the team
MASTER THE ART OF PORRO DRINKING
Porro is an ancient wine pitcher with a narrow spout on the end used to pour wine directly into one’s mouth. It contains 750 ml – an entire bottle of wine – and is a great traditional way to share in a company without actually using glasses. (So when you are hosting a party next time and feel no inspiration about doing dishes afterwards, you know what to do). Drinking from porro is not as easy as it looks, the process may become messy, especially with the red wine that stains, therefore you might want to choose the white one for your debut. Nevertheless it is a lot of fun and is definitely worth trying. One can find the drinking vessel in rustic restaurants and tapas bars, as well as in wineries and wine cellars -bodegas – and most of them provide dedicated lessons with lots of practice 😉
TAKE A STROLL AROUND EL BORN
Just a few blocks from majestic Gotico lies one of the most Instagrammed streets of Barcelona.
Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell is the perfect impersonation of Spanish Mediterranean character. It’s cobbled payment runs through the mix of historic buildings with lines of fresh laundry and lush flower pots on tidy balconies here and there. House #12 here has become city’s iconic sepia visit card. Other colourful doors will take you to authentic small bars or designer shops.
Having a leisurely walk here is a truly enjoyable experience. The whole El Born neighbourhood is racy and vibrant, but peaceful and relaxing at the same time – a true spirit of Barcelona
Photo credits and copyrights: UpYourValley, WikiMedia, Flickr
Hi, very nice website, cheers!