Three questions always spring to mind when planning a trip. How do I get there? Where do I stay? What should I do once I’m there?

Luckily, the first two questions are easy when it comes to Barcelona. Flights from all over the world take off and land at El Prat International airport on a daily basis. As for accommodation, there is an abundance of hotels for every budget and lots of stylish holiday apartments in Barcelona. That leaves the third question: what to do once I get there?

Barcelona has a lot of different faces. Every neighbourhood has its own special flavour, from the bohemian chic of Gracia, the vibrant diversity of the Raval and the upscale sophistication of the Eixample Esquerra to the unpretentious local vibe of the Poble Sec. The one neighbourhood that many long-time residents like to write off as being a mere tourist trap is the Gothic Quarter. Well, they’re missing out. I’ve lived in Barcelona for ten years, and I still find hidden gems in this small slice of medieval geography.

One thing is true: discovering what makes the Gothic Quarter special takes some navigating skill, timing and imagination. First of all, to really absorb the historical atmosphere of a neighbourhood that’s been around since the Roman Empire, it helps to see it at specific times of day. Getting a true sense of the neighbourhood’s medieval atmosphere requires darkness and the warm glow of old streetlamps. And uncrowded streets, no small feat in this popular neighbourhood. Stick to the tiny streets behind the cathedral where gargoyles peer down from the high turrets or to the meandering alleys in the Call, the old Jewish Quarter, where the streets are so narrow, the buildings seem to touch above your head.

On my strolls through these labyrinthine streets, I’ve come across special places and curious sights. One of the strangest is the little altar in honour of Santa Eulalia at the top of the slope that bears her name (Baixada de Santa Eulalia). The teenage martyr and original patron saint of Barcelona has a wild and gruesome story. Legend has it, the Romans rolled her down this slope in a barrel full of broken glass before crucifying her. When she died, snow began to fall, her hair grew and a white dove flew out of her mouth. In the 19^th century, she was demoted to secondary patron saint status in favour of La Virgen de la Mercé when the latter got credited with saving the city from a locust plague. Santa Eulalia’s relics now reside in the cathedral, in a crypt named after her.

Speaking of Romans, the ancient wall around the cathedral complex isn’t the only vestige of their presence (the little Plaça dels Traginers offers the best view of the wall as well as having lots of wonderful café terraces for a meal or aperitif). On Carrer del Paradis, a tiny street behind the cathedral, is a small sign – so small it’s easy to miss – for the “Centro Excursionista de Catalunya” (number 10). And inside this building, encapsulated in a glass-ceilinged atrium, are the remnants of an ancient Roman temple. And with remnants, I don’t mean a few scattered rock piles. Four enormous columns reach for the sky and give us an inkling as to how different this area looked when it was the Roman city of Barcino.

During the Middle Ages, the area between the cathedral and Las Ramblas was the Jewish Quarter, but years of persecution and neglect destroyed most traces of this cultural legacy. In fact, it wasn’t until well into the 20^th century that renovations at an old dry cleaners revealed an astonishing and invaluable find: the remnants of an ancient synagogue, perhaps the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula (Carrer Marlet, 5). Since then efforts have been underway to recover the city’s Jewish history, and the Barcelona History Museum has a special branch dedicated to the subject, the MUHBA El Call.

Occasionally, the remnants of the past pop up in the most unexpected places. Caelum (Carrer Palla, 8) is an exquisite café and shop that sells cakes, biscuits, sweets and liquors made at monasteries and nunneries. The place has a charming, 19^th century, tea-time-at-grannys feel to it, but the downstairs cellar with its fragments of ancient Jewish baths takes you even further back in time.  While soaking in the ancient atmosphere, I recommend ordering a cup of tea or coffee and selecting a treat from the pretty crystal cake dishes…there really isn’t another place quite like Caelum in this city.

Food and history also happily coincide at Els Quatre Gats (Carrer Montsió, 3 bis). Founded in 1897 by Pere Romeu and inspired by the Parisian Le Chat Noir, the restaurant was a popular artists’ hangout at the turn of the last century. Painters like Ramon Casas and Santiago Rusiñol helped fund what became the epicentre of Barcelona’s cultural life. As a teenager, Picasso became a regular and held his first exhibition at the restaurant. When Romeu died, Rusiñol said the following about his old friend, “we will miss you, and in missing you, we will miss an era when our lives were fuelled by imagination.” Having a meal at Els Quatre Gats, in the company of its joyous, illustrious ghosts, gives you a taste of this richly creative period.

What makes the Gothic Quarter special is that it is home to so many different eras, layered one upon the other, all fuelled by incredible imagination. The ghosts of countless centuries mark every corner, every stone, of this complex and fascinating neighbourhood. And even an old-timer like myself is surprised time and again by the stories they tell.

This is his personal guide to Barcelona’s food scene. From chocolatiers working with the best quality products, to modern chefs who think differently—there’s something for everyone.

from Unlike City Guides

Read more about Oriol Ivern and his picks here

So here goes things not to do in Barcelona:

Feel you HAVE to go inside the Sagrada Familia

It’s much more interesting from the outside. The views aren’t among the city’s best. Most of the building is under construction. And you’ll be saving 12€.

Use bathroom outside

In Barcelona, we have indoor plumbing. Use it.

Purchasing in Las Ramblas

You can feel that Las Ramblas is the heaven for buying stuffs. Well it’s NOT.  This place is best for window-shopping, look at the culture of the city, to get a crash course on the city’s spirit and of course, look at different themed bars. Beware of rip offs and pick pocketing. To enjoy some of the best things at a cheaper rate, walk few block away from the square.

Do not release caged birds in the park

Wild birds only. We don’t want your sissy domestic ones.

Take pics of the ramblas statues without paying

Would you like to stand completely still for hours on end being snapped by tourists and not get paid a thing? Well, then.
Instead: Carry a little loose change and drop it in their box before snapping. You’ll usually get a little show for your troubles.

Don’t use soup in shower

Apparently you are allowed (and maybe even encouraged?) to sweep the beaches, but soap in the showers is forbidden.

Don’t think about taking Taxis everywhere

They’re far too expensive. The Metro. It’ll get you everywhere, for a fraction of the price. Buy a T10 card, and each of the ten journeys will cost you less than a euro.

If you have more tips and recommendations for our readers, please let us know :)

Videoclip of the song Truth or Prettyness by the electronic artist Luccatoni Marshall.
The video was filmed in Barcelona with the help of Alex Castelló.

These spontaneous protests have been happening all over Spain since May 15, being the biggest in Madrid and Barcelona. They have been generated, communicated and promoted by social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Protesters think political parties don’t do anything worthy to solve the citizens problems and get out of the crisis. Unemployment rates continue growing up and there have been budget cuts in different sectors belonging to the welfare state such as education and health.

After surrounding the camp in early morning, the local police forces in Barcelona evicted the people staying in Plaza Catalunya at around 11:00 AM with the excuse of cleaning up. The reason, they say, is that because Football Club Barcelona plays the Champions League Final (an important football match) the area might be flooded by a massive celebration if they win. And then this happened. Watch video bellow.

Spanish Revolution / Pl. Cataluña / AcampadaBCN

Fan page in facebook of this movement here. It has over 60 000 fans already.

So there goes the best free things to do in Barcelona:

Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia

It’s a giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882. This Barcelona’s most famous landmark may charge admission (12.50 Euros Save12% with the Barcelona Card), but viewing it from the outside is free. Personally, I don’t think going inside is worth it – the museum isn’t especially interesting (unless you have a big interest in architecture) and the climb to the top gives you a less-than-spectacular view of the city. Of course, paying the entrance fee does at least help guarantee that they finish the building (over 120 years and counting, so far), but if you’re on a very tight budget, you can still appreciate 90% of the building from across the road.

Regardless of all the controversy surrounding the Sagrada Familia it is a truly magnificent building and an absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona.

Ramblas and Boqueria market

Las Ramblas Boulevard is one of the main attractions in Barcelona, crowded with visitors all around the year. It runs from city’s harbor to Plaça Catalunya, and it’s the right place to explore Barcelona’s busy life. Dancers, musicians, mimes and actors are there all day, every day and for a few cents will do their little party trick for you.

You don’t have to pay if you visit La Boqueria either. This noisy food market catches travelers attention with its fruit and vegetable colorful stands, chic coffee shops and inexpensive restaurants.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell is another of Gaudi’s works and, like the Sagrada Familia, was never completed. It was intended as a residential area for Barcelona’s rich and famous, but it didn’t receive the local support required. What exists today is a fabulous park with gingerbread houses, fountains and interesting ceramic statues that will fascinate young and old alike. The famous Gaudi’s lizard that became the symbol of Barcelona stands at the entrance of this park. The small museum charges to get in, but everything else is free.

Picasso Museum

The Picasso museum is the best showcase of works by the Spanish cubist artist. It is only free on the first Sunday of the month. Be warned, the line to get in is gigantic – get there early. The museum is also free to under-16s and to study groups (only on Wednesday afternoons). Inquire at the museum for more information.

On certain days there are free guided tours of the collection, but you have to pay the normal entrance fee to see it.

Montjuïc park and magic fountain

Montjuic park has a wealth of sights for those who don’t mind a bit of a climb. Take a walk with a nice view of the sea, wander round the old watchtower and marvel at the Mayor’s Belvedere, a collage of broken bottles and pottery by Carles Buïgas.

The magic fountain of Montjuïc’s first performance was on May 19, 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition. This is a spectacular fountain which is very popular because of its water arrangements, sound and lighting. 2,600 litres of water are pumped through this great fountain per second in three concentric pools.

Operating hours from 30th April to 30th September:
Thursday to Sunday, 9pm – 11:30pm
Musical displays: 9pm, 9:30pm, 10pm, 10:30pm and 11pm

Operating hours from 1st October to 30th April:
Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm – 9pm
Musical displays: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm and 8:30pm

Hospital de Sant Pau

Designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Antoní Gaudí, this fully functioning hospital is an architectural delight and is within walking distance of La Sagrada Familia, which means you don’t need to even pay for any more transport. Though you might have to side step the elderly and infirm to get your photos, the vast majority of the hospital is open for you to wander around.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Take the kids for a run in a very pleasant park in the center of Barcelona. It features Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf (much nicer than the one in Paris) fountains, museums (not free) and a zoo (also not free).

Barceloneta Beach

It isn’t the most attractive beach in the world (artificially made, rumor has it that it is half sand and half concrete) but everyone loves to spend half a day catching some rays, right?

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral (also known as La Seu) is a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14th century. Entrance to the Barcelona Cathedral is free, so you can marvel at the Romanesque cathedral from both outside and within.

Metronom

Since 1980, as a result of an initiative by the collector Rafael Tous, Metronom has not only become an exhibition centre but a key point of reference for art considered too experimental for normal galleries. Modern art museum that offers innovative exhibitions, often incorporating modern technology.

These are the top places for shopping in Barcelona:

Shopping in Paseo de Gracia

This famous street is also known locally as Passeig de Gracia, and boasts some of the most expensive shops in Barcelona. Noted for its famous modernist architecture, this street runs from Plaza Catalunya to the metro Diagonal. You will find many famous names here, including Gucci, Desigual, D&G, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, and also a number of top restaurants and bars to refresh you when you are tired of shopping. Those searching for world famous brands and pure luxury will be delighted here, but be ready to use your credit card and spend freely since this area is for upscale shopping, and the prices reflect it.

Shopping in Diagonal Mar

This area offers a large number of Barcelona shopping stores, cinemas, restaurants and other facilities, as would be expected of one of Barcelona’s newest shopping centres. Open from 10 am to 10 pm, you can shop here day and night. Good for family shopping.

Shopping in Portal de L´Angel

If you are right in the centre of Barcelona, then this is a pedestrian thoroughfare in the Ciutat Vella (downtown) district beginning at Plaza Catalunya and running to the cathedral. You will find the department store El Cortes Inglés at its start and the street also boasts names such as Benetton, Massimo Dutti, Camper, H&M and Zara. This street offers more economical brands and its target market is a younger crowd, so if you are searching for the latest fashion trends at an affordable price you should come straight here.

Shopping in La Rocca Village

La Roca Village outlet is situated in the village of the same name that is off Junction 12 of the A7 motorway. You can also get a bus from Fabra I Puig metro in the Sant Andreu district or a train from Sants Station. It’s well worth the time taken to get here because you will find top designer outlets at up to 60% off and some of the best shopping therapy in the world. Being an outlet, it also has a Rebaixes period (seasonal sales) held in July and January when well known luxury brands are sold at a bargain prices.

Shopping in Gracia

Gracia was originally a separate village from Barcelona, and even now it retains its own character with bars, restaurants and plazas, and also several unique boutiques and shoe shops. Although you pay, you are sure to find original and creative fashions here. Get off at the Fontana metro stop and walk down Carrer d’Asturies towards Carrer Verdi and turn right. You will find all you want around this area.

Shopping in L’Illa

Situated by the corner of Avinguda Diagonal 555-559 and Carrer de Constança, L’Illa is a shopping mall that offers more than 170 shops and restaurants, including Benetton, Diesel and Zara. It is easiest to get the Tombus, or circuit bus, starting at Plaza Catalunya and goes on to stop at 28 locations. This distinctive blue bus will drop you off at Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia allowing you hop on and off for your shopping. When it turns left on Diagonal, wait until it reaches L’Illa and then get off. The advantage of this large shopping center is that you can find mid-priced and well known brands like Zara, Mango, etc., as well as small, unique boutiques with more exclusive models all in the same place.

Shopping in Raval

Raval offers you a good choice of vintage fashion. You will also find several second hand shops here and the historic Boqueria Market, one of the most famous markets in Europe. Lailo, on Carrer de la Riera Baixa, is an example, offering top-quality goods such as genuine Victorian bustles and vintage dance costumes. However, if you can’ find what you want here, there are several others on the same street for you to check out.

Shopping in Encants Mercat

This is a flea market, or antique market, however you look at it. Known also as the Mercat Fira de Bellcaire, this is the largest open air market in Barcelona selling anything from books to furniture. You must haggle for a good deal and it is expected that you do. The Encants Mercat is open each day except Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Shopping in El Borne

If you are young (or even not so young) and are looking for a trendy area of Barcelona, then El Borne is for you, with its clothing, shoe and jewelry boutiques. The cafes and bars are packed at night, and you will also find the textile and Picasso museums here. El Borne is where the artists tend to hang out.

Shopping in El Corte Inglés

Almost where we started, El Corte Inglés is situated in Plaza Catalunya, and is not only Barcelona’s largest department store chain, but also the largest in Spain. There are several around the city, and this is the biggest, offering a range of goods that you would expect to find in a large comprehensive department store. If you like wandering around large stores, then this is for you. In Spain it is said that if you can´t find what you´re looking for, come to El Corte Ingles, because the huge variety of items means you can find almost anything you need.

Opening times

Shops normally open at about 10:00 am and close around 8:30 pm, Monday-Saturday. Small shops still have a siesta in the afternoon from about 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. All trades are allowed to open on 11 Sundays per year. Nevertheless most of the shops on Las Ramblas are opened throughout the week, seven days long.

Sales

There are two big sales in Barcelona. The winter sale starts during the second week of January and lasts until the end of February. The summer sale begins in the middle of July and lasts until the end of August. Discounts of 20%-50% are offered, at the end of each sale up to 70%!

Shopping bus

Barcelona offers a unique service: the Tomb bus, a bus that brings you directly to all interesting shopping areas. It departs every seven minutes at Plaça Catalunya and goes up Diagonal to Plaça Pius XII. The air-conditioned bus is very comfortable with armchairs, music, and magazines. Pay on board (1,25 Euro per ride) and jump off at any of the 28 stops!

Tax Free

Upon departure, visitors from outside the EU, who have been in the EU for less than 180 days, can get a VAT refund from the airport, on goods worth €90 or more.