# LLMs.txt - Sitemap for AI content discovery # Homage to BCN > A Blog About Barcelona --- ## Posts - [Isidra’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/isidras-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Isidra Mencos, author of Promenade of Desire—A Barcelona Memoir, shares her perfect day in Barcelona. Read and enjoy! - [An Excerpt from Promenade of Desire: A Barcelona Memoir](https://homagetobcn.com/promenade-of-desire/): This memoir from Catalan-born Isidra Mencos chronicles her time growing up in a pivotal moment for Spain. It is an absolute joy! - [Richard's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/richards-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Richard from Barcelona Lowdown shares his perfect day, from paddleboarding in Barceloneta to Poblenou, El Raval and back again. Read on... - [Watch ‘Barcelona. A Day. A Life.’ (A Short Film by Ben Holbrook)](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-short-film-ben-holbrook/): One-time Barcelona resident Ben Holbrook spent lockdown trawling through old video footage. Read his story and watch the resulting film. - [Margaux’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/margauxs-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Margaux, owner of the local flower delivery service Mosaic Flowers, shares her perfect day of simple pleasures in Gràcia, Barcelona. - [WSET Wine Courses in Barcelona from Rack and Return](https://homagetobcn.com/wset-wine-courses-barcelona/): Want to study WSET courses in Barcelona? Then look no further than the wine courses offered by Rack and Return. Online-only options available. Read more... - [Check out the Gaudí and Modernisme Free Tour!](https://homagetobcn.com/gaudi-modernisme-free-tour/): Barcelona local Georgina Blasco checks out the Gaudí and Modernisme Free Tour. The perfect free walking tour for tourists and locals alike. - [Hope's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/hopes-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): A short but sweet perfect day in Barcelona from embroidered bag designer Hope. This would be very close to my perfect day! Read and enjoy. - [A Kids & Family Walking Tour of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/kids-walking-tour/): The Kids & Family Walking Tour from Runner Bean Tours is a tour where the kids are the focus. But that doesn't mean the adults can't learn a thing or two! - [An Extract from "Slow Travels in Unsung Spain"](https://homagetobcn.com/slow-travels-in-unsung-spain/): "A compelling and eclectic narrative full of the unexpected", is how Rough Guides describes Brett Hetherington's new book, "Slow Travels in Unsung Spain". - [Barcelona Tapas Tour in Poble Sec with Context Travel](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tapas-tour-context-travel/): Read my review of Context Travel's Pica-Pica in Poble-Sec Walk. Three stops, full stomachs, and a whole load of knowledge about Catalan food. - [Olga's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/olgas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Interior design specialist Olga shares her perfect day in Barcelona. Full of wonderful interior design shops and the odd restaurant or two. Read and enjoy! - [Getting Out of Your Fitness Comfort Zone in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/fitness-barcelona/): Pilates teacher Devorah Al-irimi explains how you can mix it up while keeping fit in Barcelona. From running, to HITT training, to trapeze and Pilates. - [Restaurante Suchart's: A Review](https://homagetobcn.com/restaurante-sucharts-review/): Restaurante Suchart’s, just a hop, skip and a jump from Gran Via 2 shopping centre deserves each and every one of its glowing five-star reviews. - [Camilla's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/camillas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Camilla Mathias, a British/Romanian actress, singer, guitarist, composer and artist shares her perfect day outdoors in beautiful Barcelona. - [A French Guy's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/the-french-guy-barcelona/): The French Guy is a French guy from Paris who lives in Barcelona. Read his tongue-in-cheek exploits and ideas for a perfect day in Barcelona. Videos too! - [The Rise of Digital Nomads in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/digital-nomads-barcelona/): Why is Barcelona the Digital Nomad Heaven? We explore 5 top reasons contributing to the rise of digital nomads in Barcelona. Read them here! - [Nicola's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/nicolas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): If you like a day of sightseeing and history then Nicola Kennedy has the perfect day for you. Catch the famous sights but don't let the history pass you by! - [Jamie’s Perfectly Autumnal Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/jamies-perfectly-autumnal-day/): Autumn in Barcelona is a special time of the year. And very diffierent to autumn in Edinburgh where the author Jamie is from. Read, enjoy and reminisce! - [Tilly's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/tillys-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Close your eyes. Picture your favourite city in the whole world. Imagine moving there. That’s my life in Barcelona. Well, I guess it wasn’t that easy. I’m actually doing my Erasmus year abroad from Leeds University, I just got lucky with my placement. - [Julia's Perfect Day in Gràcia](https://homagetobcn.com/julias-perfect-day-in-gracia/): Julia shares her love of the neighbourhood of Gràcia. From Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Plaça del Sol. To the wonders of the annual Festa Major de Gràcia. - [The Catalan Language: Do You Really Need It?](https://homagetobcn.com/catalan-language/): To learn or not to learn the Catalan language? In this article I’ll share with you the difficulties, the benefits and the insight into Catalan culture and society that has come from knowing it, and the reception I’ve received from local people. Read on... - [Marta Ezquerro's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/marta-ezquerro-barcelona/): Spanish teacher and published author, Marta Ezquerro, shares her love of the Gràcia neighbourhood and of Barcelona as a whole. Read on... - [Painting and Wine at Arte Bar Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/arte-bar-barcelona/): For one of the best evenings you can have, visit Arte Bar Barcelona for a painting and wine event from two of the loveliest people you could hope to meet. - [Views From Above: The 5 Best Viewpoints in Barcelona for Photography](https://homagetobcn.com/best-viewpoints-in-barcelona/): Charlie Gardiner, founder of World of Travel Photography, shares his 5 best viewpoints in Barcelona for capturing the perfect photograph. - [Barcelona Immigration Statistics](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-immigration-statistics/): Barcelona immigration statistics from Studies on Immigration on the Ajuntament de Barcelona website. Great info about the foreign population in Barcelona. - [Where Tourists and Locals Play Football Together in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/where-to-play-football-in-barcelona/): Get the lowdown on where to play football in Barcelona and meet locals, tourists and expats. And maybe even share a few beers afterwards! - [Marina's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/marinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Born and raised in Moscow, Armenian Marina is a foodie entrepreneur who founded Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours and partnered with Bitemojo in Barcelona too! - [Las Cloacas de Interior (Spain - The State's Secret Cesspit)](https://homagetobcn.com/las-cloacas-de-interior-english-subtitles/): This 2017 Mediapro documentary is the result of 9 months investigation and analysis revealing the dirty works at the heart of Spain's Interior Ministry. - [Flotarium: Release Your Inner Floater](https://homagetobcn.com/flotarium-barcelona/): The Flotarium in Barcelona gives you the experience of complete sensory isolation and deep relaxation as you float weightless in the salt water. Try it! - [Barcelona Room Prices by Metro Station](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-room-prices/): Based on their own research, Uniplaces used the Barcelona metro map to create a “Barcelona Room Prices” map, with the average rent price per metro station. - [The Wonderful Wanderbeak Savor Spain Food Tour](https://homagetobcn.com/wanderbeak-barcelona-food-tour/): This excellent Barcelona food tour is from Wanderbeak Tours, a company just beginning to make their mark in Barcelona and definitely one to watch out for. - [Patricia Caicedo's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/patricia-caicedo-perfect-day-barcelona/): Chuffed to bits to have the Colombian classical soprano and musicologist Patricia Caicedo share her perfect day of beauty in Barcelona. Read and enjoy! - [Martin's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/martins-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): As a self-confessed sun worshiper and mad outdoor fitness enthusiast, Martin's perfect day fits in well with Barcelona's healthy living lifestyle. - [Barcelona on a Budget](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-on-a-budget/): We highlight some of the things you can do in Barcelona on a budget. A list of the top 5 things you can do in Barcelona without spending too much money. - [Nuria's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/nurias-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Nuria from the wonderful Food Lovers Company food tours here in Barcelona shares her perfect day of food and walking through the neighbourhoods of the city. - [Ebylife: Your Very Own Personal Trainer in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/personal-trainer-barcelona/): Martin Ebner is a personal trainer in Barcelona and runs Ebylife. I caught up with him in Parc de la Ciutadella to see if he was all that. TLDR; He was. :) - [The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/best-rooftop-bars-barcelona/): There's no shortage of rooftop bars in Barcelona. And the best can usually be found at hotels. Here's 5 of the best from the guys at The Rooftop Guide. - [Christina's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/christinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): UK-born Beirut resident Christina recalls her perfect day in Barcelona when she visited the city one September. It's clear she fell in love with the place! - [Anna's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/annas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Anna from Barcelonina recalls her perfect day in Barcelona after finding a cactus, a ring, a chocolate bar, and a red and white bandana in her bag. - [Smart City Expo (and Other Upcoming Events at Fira de Barcelona)](https://homagetobcn.com/smart-city-expo-barcelona/): What can you expect at Smarty City Expo? Read this article to find out! Includes an infographic of other Fira de Barcelona events over the coming months. - [A Network of Liberated Spaces: Visiting Barcelona’s Squats](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-squats/): Tomás Lynch visits some of the squats in and around Barcelona and asks what's happened to the 15M movement since 2011. First published on Novara Media. - [Día de Brasil Barcelona 2016](https://homagetobcn.com/dia-de-brasil-barcelona/): Día de Brasil Barcelona - Sun 4th September 2016, 12pm-11pm at Parc del Fòrum. A great day out featuring Brazilian music, dancing, cocktails and food. - [Picnic Deli in Poblenou](https://homagetobcn.com/picnic-deli-poblenou/): Picnic Deli in Poblenou makes deli-style baguettes, salads, pastas and other meals daily in their on-site kitchen that you can eat in or take away. Go! - [Andre's Perfect Foodie Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/andres-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Andre from Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours shares his perfect foodie day in Barcelona. Simple pleasures with family and friends. How life should be. - [El Principal del Eixample](https://homagetobcn.com/el-principal-del-eixample/): Looking for somewhere a little special to eat this summer? You could do a lot worse than the beautiful interior courtyard at El Principal del Eixample. - [Tera's Perfect Yoga Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/teras-perfect-yoga-day-in-barcelona/): Tera Kaur, a holistic therapist and yoga/meditation teacher, shares her perfect day full of yoga, meditation and the little-known yoga music scene. - [Barcelona Boat Trips with Captain Noah](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-boat-trips/): There's nothing quite like being out on the open sea. And thanks to Noah's Barcelona boat trips that's exactly what I was able to do. I highly recommend it! - [Barcelona Instagram ShoutOut Challenge (June 27th – July 1st)](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-instagram-challenge/): Homage to BCN is going to be joining with the Barcelona Instagram ShoutOut challenge (#IGShoutOutBarcelona) that's running between June 27th and July 1st. - [Charlotte's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/charlottes-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): UK-qualified British lawyer, Charlotte Wigham shares her perfect day in Barcelona. From the golf course of Sant Vicenç to an homage to the Adriá brothers. - [Fun, surreal, and highly addictive. Getting hooked on comedy with Barcelona Improv Group](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-improv-group/): Sarah shares her struggle with improv addiction. She's now in her 5th term of Barcelona Improv Group classes. She encourages you to become addicted too! - [Sara's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/saras-perfect-day-in-bcn/): Barcelona will forever be, in my eyes, one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and laid back approach. - [Nicole's Perfect Day in Sant Adrià & Badalona](https://homagetobcn.com/nicoles-perfect-day-in-badalona/): Read Nicole Janeway's beautifully written perfect day from Badalona to Barcelona and back again. A real joy to read! Who wants to go to Badalona?! - [Gemma's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/gemmas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Scottish-born Gemma Reid shares her perfect day and beautiful photos of Barcelona. From Barri Gòtic and Barceloneta to Gràcia and back again. - [What do expats like least about Barcelona?](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-expat-dislikes/): What do expats like least about Barcelona? The guys at OK Apartment Barcelona wanted to know. So they surveyed 850 expats in the city. - [Caitlin's Perfect Vegan Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/caitlins-perfect-vegan-day-in-barcelona/): Caitlin shares her perfect vegan day in Barcelona from her home neighbourhood of Gràcia, down to the beach in Barceloneta - check out her vegan tips! - [Help the Homeless in Barcelona with Esperança](https://homagetobcn.com/homeless-in-barcelona/): Esperança is a volunteer group helping the homeless in Barcelona. Co-founded by Julie Stephenson they go out twice a week to distribute food and clothing. - [Ben Holbrook's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/ben-holbrooks-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Ben Holbrook of DriftwoodJournals.com and author of the Barcelona edition of The HUNT Guides shares his perfect day in Barcelona with his girlfriend Rosana. - [Pedralbes Monastery Photography Tour with ShootCities](https://homagetobcn.com/pedralbes-monastery-photography-tour/): Pedralbes Monastery in Barcelona is a stunning venue for learning photography. Read about my photography tour courtesy of Martín at ShootCities.com. - [Mandy's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/mandys-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Mandy Lutman, a copywriter from Slovenia but based in Madrid, shares her perfect day in Barcelona from the Bunkers del Carmel to the beach at Barceloneta. - [Must-See Barcelona Museums: From the Romans to the New Generation](https://homagetobcn.com/must-see-barcelona-museums/): Take a tour of the must-see Barcelona museums where you will find Roman history, the influence of Gaudí on Barcelona, modernism and contemporary art. - [Barcelona vs London (according to Teleport)](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-vs-london/): Take a look at a comparison of Barcelona vs London from the guys at Teleport and compare Barcelona to your home city! - [Liz's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/lizs-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Californian girl Liz shares her simple and delightful perfect day in Barcelona. From Gràcia and the Carretera de les Aigües to the beach and back again. - [Claudia's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/claudias-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): 6 years in, Claudia from the Coffee & Brunch blog shares her thoughts about Barcelona and what she might do during her perfect day in the city. - [Natalie's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/natalies-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): If you happen to have been caught up in the Barcelona magic, it’s not just one day but almost every day that feels like a dream in this beautiful city. - [Barcelona Tapas Tour from the Food Lovers Company](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tapas-tour/): There's not much more that gets me excited than food and wine. So this Barcelona tapas tour from the Food Lovers Company was right up my street! - [Trevor: An Indie Film About Expats in Catalonia](https://homagetobcn.com/trevor/): I interview the screenwriter, director and lead actor of the low budget, indie film 'Trevor' about British expats in Catalonia. Support their crowdfunding! - [Georgina's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/georginas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Multi-talented Georgina Tremayne shares her particular brand of amusing and offbeat suggestions for a perfect day in Barcelona. Enjoy! - [Mat's 10 Year (and Counting) Obsession with Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/mats-barcelona-obsession/): In this mammoth post Mat describes his 10 year and 50 visit obsession with Barcelona and shares some of the favourite places he has discovered. - [Matís Bar from Michelin-starred Artur Martínez](https://homagetobcn.com/matis-bar-barcelona/): Matís Bar in Barcelona serves top quality, modern tapas at reasonable prices from Michelin-starred chef, Artur Martínez. Read my review. Or just go! - [An Ode to La Sonora de Gràcia](https://homagetobcn.com/la-sonora-de-gracia/): This wonderful contribution about the Barcelona live music venue, La Sonora de Gràcia, is by the multi-talented and equally wonderful Camilla Mathias. - [Chris's Perfect Day at Bunkers del Carmel](https://homagetobcn.com/chris-perfect-day-at-bunkers-del-carmel/): Chris left London to follow his girlfriend to Barcelona. Here he shares his perfect day and perfect spot in Barcelona, El Bunkers del Carmel. - [Elena's Perfect Day in Barcelona's Golden Autumn](https://homagetobcn.com/elenas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Elena, a professional translator, linguist and freelance journalist, originally from Moscow has been living in Barcelona since 2013. Here's her perfect day. - [Suspension Training in Barcelona with Jamie Luke Health & Fitness](https://homagetobcn.com/trx-suspension-training-barcelona/): Looking for a full body workout? TRX suspension training in Barcelona with Jamie Luke Health & Fitness might be the answer. Read about my experience here. - [Snowfall in Barcelona (1962)](https://homagetobcn.com/snow-in-barcelona-1962/): By far the heaviest snow in Barcelona during the 20th century was in Christmas 1962. Here are some of the best videos showing the city and surrounding area. - [Linda's Perfect Day in Malgrat de Mar](https://homagetobcn.com/lindas-perfect-day-in-malgrat-de-mar/): Dutch-born Linda takes us 60 kilometres up the coast from Barcelona to share her perfect day in Malgrat de Mar where he has lived for over a year. - [Tara's Perfect Day in Poble Sec & Sant Antoni](https://homagetobcn.com/taras-perfect-day-poble-sec-sant-antoni/): The Culture Trip's Tara Jessop shares her perfect day in Poble Sec and Sant Antoni. A day spent eating and drinking in Poble Sec and Sant Antoni. Enjoy! - [Marta's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/martas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Marta is a born and raised Barcelonesa living in the Netherlands. Read about her perfect day in her home city starting in beautiful Horta. - [Meritxell's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/meritxells-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Tourism professional Meritxell shares her perfect day in Barcelona, from Las Ramblas and Barri Gòtic to her own neighbourhood of Sagrada Família. - [Manolete Barcelona: Tapeo Relajao](https://homagetobcn.com/manolete-barcelona/): UPDATE: The excellent Manolete is no more. It is now the Aperol Spritz Bar. A nice bar, in a good location, that thankfully serves more than Aperol. - [Zoe's Perfect Wedding Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/zoes-perfect-wedding-day-in-barcelona/): Zoe shares her perfect day in Barcelona. Her wedding day! Set in the beautiful 13th century Palau Requesens, home of the Real Academia de las Buenas Letras. - [Ramon of Hidden City Tours in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/hidden-city-tours/): This 4 minute film follows Ramon Holgado Ordaz, a homeless man whose life has been transformed thanks to the Hidden City Tours social enterprise project. - [Brian's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/brians-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Street art connoisseur Brian Reedy shares his perfect day. If you want to find street art in Barcelona Brian is the man. But he's not giving away too much! - [Katrina's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/katrinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Katrina Logie, a presenter from English Radio Barcelona shares her perfect day. Expect views of the city, a bit of swimming, and a fair few glasses of wine. - [Feel Like a Modern-Day Sancho Panza with Steel Donkey Bike Tours](https://homagetobcn.com/steel-donkey-bike-tours/): If you’re in Barcelona and you fancy getting out and about on a bike then you could do a lot worse than checking out Steel Donkey Bike Tours. - [Angela's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/angelas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Angela Carroll from Las Calles de BCN shares with us her perfect day in Barcelona involving coffee, shopping and "definitely a bit of rooftop drinking". - [Humans of Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/humans-of-barcelona/): Guillem Costas' documentary follows Enric Mestres around Barcelona as he explains his process and passion for the 'Humans of Barcelona' project. - [Sara's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/saras-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): My perfect day in Barcelona starts early. It's a sunny Saturday morning around 7. 30 at the end of May.... - ["Sixto, Sitges and Camp Nou", An Excerpt from a New Book](https://homagetobcn.com/sixto-sitges-and-camp-nou/): Brett Hetherington has kindly allowed me to reproduce an excerpt from his latest (but yet to be finished) book. It's a great little anecdote, enjoy! - [Steve's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/steves-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Steve Tallantyre of FoodBarcelona.com shares his perfect day in Barcelona. Used to fine dining, Steve's just as happy at a local family restaurant. - [Discover Catalan Wine with CatalunyaWine.com](https://homagetobcn.com/catalunya-wine/): Catalunya Wine is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Catalan wine region that the rest of the world is even now only just discovering. - [José's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/joses-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Artist and Philippines native José shares his perfect day in Barcelona. From an early start on Barceloneta beach to a late night at Club Cronopios. - [Ben's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/bens-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): New York native Ben Nathan-Serio takes us on a hedonistic 24 hour journey around Barcelona. Is this a day Ben has had? Only he knows the answer to that. - [Barcelona Tourists: Don’t go away, just behave better](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tourism/): Timmer Brown from Catalunya Wine with his response to the latest outcry about Barcelona tourism. - [Eliana Guerrero: The Pickpocket Huntress of Barcelona's Subways](https://homagetobcn.com/eliana-guerrero-pickpocket-huntress/): Video: Eliana Guerrero patrols Barcelona's Metro every day warning tourists about the dangers of pickpockets and confronting the pickpockets themselves. - [Mark's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/marks-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Tour guide Mark shares his perfect day of highs in Barcelona, from the Carretera de les Aigües to El Castell de Montjuïc and the top of the Barceló Raval. - [Interview for Barcelona Metropolitan](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-metropolitan-interview/): I did an interview for Barcelona Metropolitan about Barcelona blogging but they only published a small part so I've posted the whole interview here. - [Cataluña, A Region Apart (A 1979 BBC Documentary)](https://homagetobcn.com/bbc-cataluna-a-region-apart-1979/): Cataluña, A Region Apart is a 1979 BBC documentary that tells the story of the history of Catalonia and its relationship with Spain. Well worth a watch! - [Roisin's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/roisins-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Hailing from Scotland, Roisin likes nothing more than strolling around her barrio eating and drinking along the way. Here she shares her favourite spots. - [Barcelona - 10 Locals Tell You Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Fit In](https://homagetobcn.com/gigi-griffis-barcelona-guide/): I contributed to a guide book by Gigi Griffis called 'Barcelona - 10 Locals Tell You Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Fit In'. Read about it here... - [Into the Night: A Timelapse Video of Barcelona at Night](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-into-the-night/): Jordi de Temple's timelapse video Into the Night is an exercise of light and colour that shows Barcelona from an unusual cinematic point of view. - [Annebeth's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/annebeths-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Annebeth, originally from Holland, has lived in Barcelona for the last 13 years. Plenty of time to work out what she likes and doesn't like about the city. - [Barcelona Neighbourhoods: El Born](https://homagetobcn.com/el-born-barcelona/): El Born in Barcelona is definitely one of my favourite neighbourhoods - a fabulous food market, a beautiful church and shops, bars and restaurants galore. - [Claire's Perfect Day In Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/claires-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Claire shares her perfect day in Barcelona, filled with eating and drinking, relaxing and contemplating. From the sea to Park Guell, this is a perfect day! - [Barcelona’s Main City Park: Parc de la Ciutadella](https://homagetobcn.com/parc-de-la-ciutadella-barcelona/): Barcelona has quite a few parks scattered around the city, one of these parks is Barcelona’s main green oasis: Parc de la Ciutadella. - [Gabriela's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/gabrielas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Gabriela is from Slovakia but lives with her boyfriend in Olot in Catalunya. Here she shares a perfect day in Barcelona she had in February last year. - [Eat Guides: Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/eat-guides-barcelona/): 'Eat Guides: Barcelona' is an enjoyable, down to earth restaurant guide featuring 40 places where good food, prices and atmosphere is the norm. - [Inside Barcelona with… Homage to BCN](https://homagetobcn.com/inside-barcelona-with-homage-to-bcn/): I was asked by the guys at Generator Hostels to answer some questions for a series of interviews they are doing called Inside Barcelona. - [Turó de la Rovira (Bunkers del Carmel)](https://homagetobcn.com/turo-de-la-rovira/): This beautiful contribution from Cat about one of my favourite places in Barcelona, Turó de la Rovira, has me wishing I was up there now. - [Lapin: Crowdfunding and Filmmaking in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/lapin-filmmaking-in-barcelona/): Lapin is a short film directed by Andrés Bartos and shot with a largely Barcelona-based cast and crew. I interview him about filmmaking in Barcelona. - [Céline's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/celines-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Céline, originally from Germany, now living in Barcelona, shares her perfect day taking in the sights and sounds of Eixample, El Born, Horta & El Raval. - [Multilingual Families in Barcelona [A Study]](https://homagetobcn.com/multilingual-families-in-barcelona-study/): Francesca Walls is a PhD student at the University of Barcelona. As part of her PhD she is writing a thesis on multilingual families in Barcelona. - [Rachel's Perfect Day on Montjuïc](https://homagetobcn.com/rachels-perfect-day-on-montjuic/): Montjuïc is a beautiful hill in Barcelona that offers so much and has some of the best views of Barcelona. Read about Rachel's favourite bits. - [Señor Archer - Barcelona Tintype Photography](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tintype-photography/): Alberto Gamazo's Señor Archer studio in El Raval is the only tintype photography studio in Barcelona using the original 19th century collodion process. - [What Constitutes Freedom?](https://homagetobcn.com/what-constitutes-freedom/): Whether you live in Catalonia or Scotland, the USA or Russia, most people are interested in “freedom”. The question is “What constitutes freedom?” - [The New Miniguide is Here!](https://homagetobcn.com/new-barcelona-miniguide/): Miniguide, the best whats's on guide in Barcelona, has a new website. And this time a new app too! I caught up with Michael to ask him how it's all gone. - [Sammy's Perfect Day in Poblenou](https://homagetobcn.com/sammys-perfect-day-in-poblenou/): Samantha shares her perfect day in the district of Poblenou in Barcelona. Poblenou is one of the old areas that has seen a revival since the Olympics. - [Dawn's Perfect Sunday in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/dawns-perfect-sunday-in-barcelona/): Dawn, who now lives in Granada, shares her perfect Sunday in Barcelona; walking off her breakfast at Brunch & Cake and ending with a life drawing meetup. - [La Finestra Associació Cultural](https://homagetobcn.com/la-finestra-associacio-cultural/): La Finestra Associació Cultural in Barcelona was born in 2013 and focusses on creating a venue where musicians and artists can present their music or art. - [Las Estaciones Fantasma en Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/estaciones-fantasma-barcelona/): Las Estaciones Fantasma (The Ghost Stations), tells the story of the abandoned metro stations in Barcelona. Courtesy of Ling Magazine. - [The Catalan Question: Europe and the Right to Choose](https://homagetobcn.com/the-catalan-question/): The Catalan Question: Europe and the Right to Choose, discusses Europe's failure to address the right to self-determination of separatist regions in Europe. - [Cristina's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/cristinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Cristina, a Catalan expat living in Stockholm, shares her perfect day in Barcelona which includes browsing the shops of Carrer Sèneca, the Soho of Gràcia. - [Cooking paella (and getting a little tipsy) with Barcelona Slow Travel](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-slow-travel/): My day with Guillermo and Cristina of Barcelona Slow Travel on a highly enjoyable market tour and tapas/paella cooking extravaganza. Wine included. - [The New Foodie in Barcelona!](https://homagetobcn.com/foodie-in-barcelona/): Suzy's Foodie in Barcelona website is her personal take on the food establishments of Barcelona and one of a very select few blogs I read religiously. - [Foto Ruta Barcelona Photography Tour](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-photography-tour/): Update: Foto Ruta in Barcelona has closed shop. An excellent alternative is Shutter Kings, photography tours and photoshoots in Barcelona's top locations. - [Justine's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/justines-perfect-day-in-barcelona/): Justine shares her perfect day in Barcelona with some great shopping in Gràcia, a stroll down Rambla del Poblenou and a siesta on Montjuïc. Perfect! - [Jahn's Perfect Barcelona from Dawn until Dusk until Dawn](https://homagetobcn.com/jahns-perfect-barcelona/): Jahn Schlosser, author of '#BCN - by locals' shares his love of Barcelona. His perfect day takes him from Poblenou to the Carretera de los Aigües. - [48h Open House Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/open-house-barcelona/): On Oct 25th & 26th Barcelona's great buildings open their doors to the public. Open House Barcelona, is part of the Open House Worldwide organisation. - [Expat Day - I’m Barcelonian](https://homagetobcn.com/expat-day-im-barcelonian/): Expat Day - I’m Barcelonian, is an event aimed at helping foreigners living in Barcelona by providing information on all the services available to them. - [Maya's Perfect Day in El Raval](https://homagetobcn.com/mayas-perfect-day-in-el-raval/): Bulgarian photographer, Maya Venkova, shares her perfect day in her local neighbourhood of El Raval in Barcelona. Check out her gorgeous photos! - [A Spanish Summer](https://homagetobcn.com/a-spanish-summer/): A Spanish Summer is a beautiful video composition of photography and moving images set to a classically reworked version of Spanish Caravan by The Doors. - [Jenny's (Semi-Hypothetical) Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/jennys-perfect-barcelona-day/): Jenny Marshall from A Thing for Wor(l)ds has been in Barcelona for 2 months but she already has a good idea of what her perfect day would be like. - [Can you imagine Barcelona without any people?](https://homagetobcn.com/nopeople-barcelona-video/): Can you imagine Barcelona without any people? If not I suggest you watch NOPEOPLE*BARCELONA, a clever timelapse video from NNtonio Rodríguez. - [Homage to BCN is on Facebook!](https://homagetobcn.com/homage-to-bcn-on-facebook/): Homage to BCN now has its own Facebook page! Please show your support by liking the page for lots of Barcelona loveliness. I would be very grateful. - [The Completed Sagrada Família](https://homagetobcn.com/sagrada-familia-completion-video/): Ever wondered what the Sagrada Família will look like when it's completed? Well luckily the architects have made this Sagrada Família completion video. - [A Morning Spent Devouring Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/devour-barcelona-food-tour/): Devour Barcelona food tours have opened with the Gràcia Food Tour, a delightful 4 hours spent walking, talking, grazing and learning about Catalan food. - [A Few Things You Need To Know Before Moving To Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/moving-to-barcelona/): In this article Barcelona native, Carmen Carrasco, shares some things to consider if you're thinking about moving to Barcelona. Read her tips here! - ["Catalonia Is Not Spain" Crowdfunding Project](https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-is-not-spain-crowdfunding-project/): "Catalonia Is Not Spain: A Historical Perspective" by Simon Harris is an overview of Catalonia's history and its difficult relationship with Spain. - [5 Years On - My Homage to Catalonia](https://homagetobcn.com/my-homage-to-catalonia/): Claire Gledhill is back with another excellent article, this time reflecting on the highs and lows of her last 5 years in Barcelona. - [The 5 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/gluten-free-restaurants-barcelona/): Marina from Allergychef shares her top 5 gluten free restaurants in Barcelona including Did Platets, Tapeo, Rasoterra, La Lluna and Anauco Gourmet. - [Renée's Perfect Day in El Born](https://homagetobcn.com/renees-perfect-day-in-el-born/): Renée from Devour Barcelona takes us on a tour of her neighbourhood El Born and shares the perfect places for eating, drinking and just taking it all in. - [Spain: A Parent's Paradise?](https://homagetobcn.com/spain-a-parents-paradise/): Spain: A Parent's Paradise?, is a chapter from Brett Hetherington's new book, The ReMade Parent: Why We Are Losing Our Children & How We Can Get Them Back. - [What to Visit in Barcelona (or not)](https://homagetobcn.com/what-to-visit-in-barcelona/): The guys at OK Apartment have surveyed 1,454 people from 15 nations to find out what attracts people to Barcelona. All is revealed in the infographic. - [A Miniature Look at the Catalan Province of Girona](https://homagetobcn.com/a-miniature-look-at-the-catalan-province-of-girona/): Pau García Laita is one of my favourite young film-makers. This time the subject of his tilt-shift short film is the province of Girona. Watch and enjoy. - [Michelle's Perfect Day in Barcelona (with oil)](https://homagetobcn.com/michelles-perfect-barcelona-day/): Michelle from Dribble Dots tell us about her perfect day in Barcelona. And shares her ideas for using edible oils with the foods she eats during the day. - [BCN Type](https://homagetobcn.com/bcn-type/): From the hand of German born, but Spanish influenced, Simón Prades, comes BCN Type. Grungy, futuristic lettering inspired by Barcelona's famous grid system. - [A Barcelona Font](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-font/): Download this Barcelona font for free! A collection of little images related to Barcelona that you can use in your projects. There's even a caga tió! - [10 Things You Didn’t Know About Barcelona [Infographic]](https://homagetobcn.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-barcelona-infographic/): 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Barcelona: A great infographic from the guys at Apartment Barcelona with 10 interesting facts about the city of Barcelona. - [Barcelona with Kids](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-with-kids/): If you are in Barcelona with kids you are spoilt for choice. Here are five attractions your kids will love - interactive museums, the zoo and the aquarium. - [Natura Barcelona - Pau's done it again!](https://homagetobcn.com/natura-barcelona/): From Barcelona born, freelance film-maker Pau García Laita creator of Summer Barcelona and Midnight Barcelona comes his new film Natura Barcelona. - [What currency would an independent Catalonia use?](https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-currency/): Peter Lavelle, an economist at foreign exchange broker Pure FX, poses the question, what currency would an independent Catalonia use? - [Marta's Perfect Autumn Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/martas-bcn-day/): Despite being Barcelona born and raised, it was not until I started travelling that I realised my city had a wonderful combination that was hard to beat. - [In the Streets of Barcelona with Pedro Collares](https://homagetobcn.com/pedro-collares/): A short video about Pedro Collares who plays an instrument called the 'hang' behind Barcelona Cathedral. A man living the life he always wanted to live. - [Vintage Shops in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/vintage-shops-barcelona/): Vintage shopping expert, Marta, on her passion for vintage shops in Barcelona. Including Paris Vintage, La Lentejuela, Ravalintage and Heritage. - [Emma's Perfect Day in Gràcia](https://homagetobcn.com/gracia-in-barcelona/): Gràcia in Barcelona is the best neighbourhood, as it still has that sense of antiquity, a village atmosphere as if it wasn't part of the modern Barcelona.. - [El Raval, Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/el-raval-barcelona/): El Raval in Barcelona has long been regarded with a mixture of fear and caution. While opinion is shifting, this negative attitude has persevered. - [Top 5 Nightclubs in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-nightclubs/): Duncan Rhodes of Barcelona Life shares 5 of his favourite Barcelona nightclubs - Sala Razzmatazz, Marula, ROW14, Sala BeCool & Opium. Read about them here! - [Barcelona in the 60's](https://homagetobcn.com/60s-barcelona/): An article from Anthony Turner about his time in Barcelona in the 60's: "...I was inspired to visit Barcelona by Hemingway..." - [Win a Barcelona Trip for You and 3 Friends!](https://homagetobcn.com/generator-hostels-barcelona-competition/): Generator Hostels Barcelona competition to win a weeks trip to for you & 3 friends. Flights included! Also includes an iPad and a week of fun activities! - [Harriet's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/harriets-bcn-day/): Harriet's BCN Day: It was around 7-8 years ago when I first stepped into the world that is Barcelona. I didn't exactly choose a great time of year to visit (it was December) and I wasn't staying in a particularly touristy area (Gràcia), but nevertheless I ended up falling in love with the city, making it my eventual home. - [Barcelona Street Art Documentary](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-street-art-documentary/): This is the Barcelona street art documentary that evolved from the exhibition, Las Calles Hablan, that showcased the street art and artists of Barcelona. - [Catalonia Exports Infographic](https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-exports-infographic/): This Catalonia Exports infographic visualises the export statistics of Catalonia during 2012 in a way that's easier to digest than reams of data. - [Midnight Barcelona by Pau García Laita](https://homagetobcn.com/midnight-barcelona/): Midnight Barcelona is the new time-lapse film from Pau García Laita. More fast-paced. This is Barcelona at night, looking and sounding great! - [The History of the Catalans from Catalonia](https://homagetobcn.com/the-history-of-the-catalans-from-catalonia/): This video to increase awareness of the Catalan plight around the world is a great potted history of the Catalan state from the year 988 to the present day. - [La Diada de Sant Jordi (St. George’s Day)](https://homagetobcn.com/la-diada-de-sant-jordi/): Many countries have St. George as their patron saint and most celebrate it on April 23rd. In Catalonia it is called La Diada de Sant Jordi. - [Is the “English Gentleman” dead?](https://homagetobcn.com/is-the-english-gentleman-dead/): A friend was visiting Barcelona a while back. He said he might like to write something for my blog. I had no idea what to expect. This is what he wrote. - [We Pop! American Barbecue in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/we-pop-barcelona/): We Pop Barcelona is an American style, creole barbecue pop-up restaurant. We Pop is opening for the 2nd time over the weekend of July 20th & 21st 2013. - [Leona's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/leonas-bcn-day/): Leona's BCN Day: My perfect day in Barcelona is during summer and begins with brunch at Picnic (c/ Comerç, 1). This is the place where the friendly staff serve hearty Bloody Mary’s in gigantic rustic jars! - [Barcelona Cooking Classes with Papa Serra](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-cooking-classes/): Barcelona Culinary Adventures: Joel Serra Bevin aka Papa Serra Jr. Barcelona cooking classes and Boqueria market tours. A day of authentic Spanish cuisine. - [Spain's Secret Conflict: A Documentary](https://homagetobcn.com/spains-secret-conflict/): Gary Gibson's 40min documentary, Spain's Secret Conflict, is one of the most concise explanations of the conflict between Catalonia and Spain that I've seen. - [Cava, a great part of Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/cava-tasting-barcelona/): An article from the cava lady, Anna Wallner, on the delights of cava tasting in Barcelona at Botafumeiro, El Quim de la Boqueria and La Alcoba Azul. - [Laurie's Barcelona Love Story](https://homagetobcn.com/lauries-bcn-love-story/): Laurie's BCN Love story: I first visited Barcelona just under four years ago. It was an unplanned visit but one that would set me up to fall helplessly in love with the place. - [Would an independent Catalonia be economically feasible?](https://homagetobcn.com/an-economically-feasible-independent-catalonia/): Three reports have been commissioned by the CatDem Foundation to answer the question, "Would an independent Catalonia be economically feasible?". - [LDN-BCN Exhibition at Untitled BCN in Gràcia](https://homagetobcn.com/ldn-bcn-exhibition/): LDN-BCN Exhibition at Untitled BCN in Gràcia on Sat 10th Nov 2012. 18 artists will show painting, photography, sculpture, video, installation & performance. - [EatWith Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/eatwith-barcelona/): EatWith Barcelona helps people organise dinners at home for tourists & locals. You choose the menu, date, time & price. They source people for your dinners. - [Ferenz’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/ferenzs-bcn-day/): Ferenz’s BCN Day: My perfect date in the city is on a sunny day in June. When I wake up in the morning some raindrops fall. Then the sun starts to shine like it is already summer and I have a late breakfast at Tarannà. - [Summer Barcelona: A day in the life of Barcelona, in miniature](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-in-miniature/): Barcelona in miniature! Summer Barcelona is the beautiful video by Pau García Laita. Filmed during summer 2012 and using a tilt-shift photography effect. - [Maria's Barcelona Love Affair](https://homagetobcn.com/marias-barcelona-love-affair/): Maria's Barcelona Love Affair: Me and Barcelona have a passionate relationship. It was love at first sight. Barcelona seduced me on its birthday, on the Mercè in September when everyone was invited to celebrate. - [Drap-Art 2012](https://homagetobcn.com/drap-art-2012/): Drap-Art 2012: International Recycling Art Festival of Catalonia. Held at the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB) between Oct 5th & Oct 14th. - [Tom Chant: Wild & Wonderful in BCN Episode 2](https://homagetobcn.com/wild-and-wonderful-in-bcn-2/): The fascinating Wild & Wonderful in BCN series continues with a documentary on English free jazz musician Tom Chant a long-time resident of Barcelona. - [Joel's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/joels-bcn-day/): Joel's BCN Day: Barcelona… the city that Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations described as “the most exciting place to eat in the Western world”. - [Festa al Cel 2012](https://homagetobcn.com/festa-al-cel-2012/): The Barcelona air show, Festa al Cel 2012, between 10am and 2pm on 30th Sep 2012 on the beaches of Playa de la Mar Bella and Playa de la Nova Mar Bella. - [Barcelona Comedy Festival 2012](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-comedy-festival-2012/): Comedy in Spain's 2012 Barcelona Comedy Festival (Festival Internacional de Comedia de Barcelona) which runs between the 27th Sep & 21st Oct 2012. - [Helen's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/helens-bcn-day/): Helen's BCN Day: What is a perfect day? Is anything perfect? Well even if there is no such thing as perfection, it’s possible to get near perfection! Having lived in Barcelona for 5 years, I can safely say that there are many things to see and do which makes up a perfect day for me. However my perfect day involves food and drink with lots of relaxing, one of life’s pleasures! - [La Mercè Barcelona 2012](https://homagetobcn.com/la-merce-barcelona-2012/): After a summer of festivals for each barrio it is all brought to a close with La Mercè – Barcelona’s... - [El Quim de la Boqueria](https://homagetobcn.com/el-quim-de-la-boqueria/): El Quim de la Boqueria is a tapas bar in the famous Boqueria market in Barcelona. Run by Quim they serve Catalan cuisine in the heart of the Boqueria. - [Rachel’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/rachels-bcn-day/): Rachel's BCN Day: My perfect day in Barcelona is a walking and eating day. It starts on a sunny summer day at about 7:30 am with a run down the center of Rambla Catalunya, through La Rambla, down to the pier and over to the W Hotel. This is a great time to be out, as there are not a lot of cars and almost no pedestrians on La Rambla, and it’s a great running route if you’re staying in Rambla Catalunya. - [The National Day of Catalonia (La Diada Nacional de Catalunya)](https://homagetobcn.com/diada-de-catalunya/): National Day of Catalonia (Diada Nacional de Catalunya) commemorates the 11th Sep 1714, when the Siege of Barcelona ended and Catalan troops surrendered. - [Midnight in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/midnight-in-barcelona/): A guest post from Katrine Knauer about the quiet and beauty she treasures whilst meandering through the streets at midnight in Barcelona. - [Wild and Wonderful in BCN](https://homagetobcn.com/wild-and-wonderful-in-bcn/): Wild and Wonderful in BCN is a monthly series of 5 minute short films celebrating the eccentricity of an eclectic mix of residents in Barcelona. - [Sally's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/sallys-bcn-day/): Sally's (The Cafe Cat) BCN Day: One of these days, the city of Barcelona will be but an entry in my memoirs. A mere peppercorn in the mill of my life as a whole, but what a glorious little peppercorn it is! - [Barcelona Street Art Exhibition: Las Calles Hablan](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-street-art-exhibition/): Katrine Knauer has launched a project on the fundraising website, Kickstarter, to hold a Barcelona street art exhibition, Las Calles Hablan in Oct 2012. - [Festa Major de Gràcia 2012](https://homagetobcn.com/festa-major-de-gracia-2012/): Festa Major de Gràcia 2012 started Aug 15th and is on until this Tue 21st Aug. 18 streets were decorated this year. The 2012 winner was C/ Verdi. - [Pilar's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/pilars-bcn-day/): Pilar's BCN Day: I have to thank Rob for letting me share on his blog one of the routes I've done on more than one occasion when I go to Barcelona. We usually go alone my Nikon camera and I, from now on I will have the feeling that you're all accompanying me, it will be a pleasure. - [Lapin's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/lapin-barcelona-illustrator/): Lapin Barcelona: French illustrator Lapin tells us his perfect day in Barcelona, accompanied by old friends' stories and new drawings. - [Doodling & Sketching in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/sketching-in-barcelona/): A fab article from illustrator, Kat Cameron, on the delights of sketching in Barcelona: A mosaic of green, blue, and red emerges in my mind when I visualise Barcelona. A city of flat terracotta roofs, encircled with the olive green forests of the Collserola rolling down to the aqua Mediterranean. - [Jessica's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/jessicas-bcn-day/): Jessica's BCN Day: Of all the most beautiful, perfect days I've ever had in my life, I think it's safe to say that a fair number of them have happened in the incredible city of Barcelona. On its best days, Barcelona is like a dream and you keep thinking "I can't believe this is actually happening to me." - [Barcelona Facebook Pages](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-facebook-pages/): A list of Facebook Pages relating to Barcelona I've come across during my time here. I hope you find something of interest. - [Monica's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/monicas-bcn-day/): Monica's BCN Day: A warm, late September day would be the perfect time for me to enjoy this Ciudad Condal to its fullest. The heavy crowds of noisy tourists have vanished, and I can have my Barcelona back. I would start the day with a cortado sweetened with honey, and a freshly baked croissant, or cruasán, as the Spanish call them. I like my breakfast extra-long, when I can sit in the rays of the sun, enjoying that morning energy you can almost touch. - [Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, the Cactus Park in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/cactus-park-barcelona/): Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, the Cactus Park in Barcelona on Montjuïc, is named after the 19th century Catalan poet, Miguel Costa i Llobera. - [Rosie's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/rosies-bcn-day/): Rosie's BCN Day: My perfect day is inspired by a First World problem, if ever there was one. I apologise in advance if I sound ungrateful, (and I’m really not) but Barcelona sometimes just has a little bit too much going on. For instance, I’d love to try more of the tapas bars, drinking dens and restaurants, old and new, that I hear about, but I don’t want to end up looking like Jabba the Hut on the beach every weekend. - [Barcelona Videos from CityBlink](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-videos-cityblink/): Barcelona videos covering sights, art & culture, hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars & cafés and shopping, these videos are a great way to check out the city. - [Sarah's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/sarahs-bcn-day/): Sarah's BCN Day: I have had many perfect days in Barcelona and inevitably they involve three things... sunshine, beach and friends... - [There's a large cat. In the Raval.](https://homagetobcn.com/raval-cat/): Fernando Botero's sculpture is simply called El Gato del Raval, The Raval Cat. A large statue that is a landmark of this often frowned upon barrio. - [Lauren's Perfect Sobremesa in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/laurens-bcn-day/): Lauren's perfect sobremesa in BCN: I write about food, take pictures of food, think about food, turn every conversation into some topic of food, so it comes as no surprise when I’m in Barcelona, one of the food capitals of the world, I chow down. - [Kitchen Shops in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-kitchen-shops/): These kitchen shops in Barcelona are for that cool kitchen gadget that does a certain cooking task the perfect way or that gift for a foodie friend. - [Chris' Perfect Rainy Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/chris-bcn-day/): A Rainy Day in Barcelona: Blessed with a generally bright and sunny disposition, Barcelona is cursed with an excess of fair-weather friends with no appreciation for precipitation. - [Julie's Take on a Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/julies-bcn-day/): Julie's BCN Day: I tend to see the best of Barcelona, I’ve noticed, when I’m with other people. When I look back over the last year, highlights always involve some kind of shared experience. It could be workmates down the pub on a Friday night, a party on the beach till 5am or just those fleeting instants that end up shifting all sorts of dubious paradigms. Then, I imagine myself standing up on Tibidabo looking down over the city, viewing the cityscape through a kaleidoscope. - [The Wild Side of Barcelona Literature](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-literature-writers/): Barcelona Literature: Back to Cervantes, whose Don Quixote rode into Barcelona in the 16th century. For eons, Barcelona has served as the literary scene.. - [Yvonne's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/yvonnes-bcn-day/): Yvonne's BCN Day: My perfect day in Barcelona would begin with a sunrise walk on the beach. It’s so lovely and peaceful before the crowds arrive. Then I’d take a walk through Barceloneta Park and to the Baluard bakery (c/ Baluard, 38-40) for some fresh bread and breakfast pastries. - [The Festival of the Calçotada in Valls](https://homagetobcn.com/calcotada-festival/): The calçotada in Valls is a feast which starts with calçots that are chargrilled and served with romesco sauce. Valls in Catalonia is a famous location. - [Susie's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/susies-bcn-day/): Susie's BCN Day: My ideal day in Barca would be to get up for sunrise and make my way down on bicycle, all groggy and sleepy eyed, to the beach, to watch the sunrise, and if it is summer to go for a swim... - [Learn Catalan in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/learn-catalan-barcelona/): This article explains where Catalan is spoken, why it's useful to learn Catalan if you're staying in Barcelona. And where you can learn Catalan for free! - [Think you know all the Best Burgers in Barcelona?](https://homagetobcn.com/best-burgers-in-barcelona/): Do you think you know where all the best burgers in Barcelona are? I bet there's a few burger bars and restaurants you haven't heard of yet... - [Books About Barcelona & Catalonia](https://homagetobcn.com/books-about-barcelona-catalonia/): A list of some of the best books about Barcelona & Catalonia incl. George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia and Colm Tóibín's Homage To Barcelona. All books have descriptions & links to Amazon. - [Enllaç Barcelona Transportation iPhone App](https://homagetobcn.com/enllac-barcelona-transportation-iphone-app/): Review of Enllaç, an iPhone app that helps you find the best routes using Barcelona public transportation. Including TMB services, Bicing, Taxi and even Walking. - [La Mercè 2011](https://homagetobcn.com/la-merce-2011/): La Mercè 2011: Barcelona's annual festival that celebrates the Roman Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Mercy with fireworks, street theatre, circus, dance and music. - [InTransit Issue 5 - Creative Communities](https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter-issue5/): InTransit Issue 5: Interviews with the artist, Jaume Plensa, the writer and philologist, Jaume Cabré and the artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela. - [Ruth's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/ruths-bcn-day/): Ruth's BCN Day: When the temperatures start to rise, many in Barcelona head out of the city for the traditional August break. But for me, it’s the perfect time to enjoy balmy days and sultry nights, seduced by the weather and the sound of the cicadas. - [Festa Major de Gràcia 2011](https://homagetobcn.com/festa-major-de-gracia/): The Festa Major de Gràcia is the largest of all the neighbourhood festivals in Barcelona. The week long Gràcia festival is during mid-August each year. - [Beach Fit Barcelona Boot Camp](https://homagetobcn.com/beach-fit-barcelona-boot-camp/): Beach Fit Barcelona are doing their first boot camp the weekend of Fri 16th - Sun 18th Sep at a retreat near Tarragona with an emphasis on health & fitness. - [The Best Barcelona Bodegas](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-bodegas/): A Google Map highlighting the best Barcelona bodegas. Over 40 bodegas reviewed with details of the products, food and wine tastings on offer. - [Cala del Vermut - Vermouth in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/vermouth-barcelona/): Cala del Vermut on c/ Magdalenes, 6 in Barcelona serves its own label, Catalan brewed, Spanish vermouth on tap. Open Mon-Sun, 11am-4pm and Mon-Sat, 7pm-10.30pm. - [The Best Goddamn French Macarons I've Ever Eaten!](https://homagetobcn.com/macarons-barcelona/): Macarons Barcelona: Maria Selyanina makes some extremely good French macarons. As well as many other delicious cakes for any type of event. - [L'Ou com Balla (The Dancing Egg)](https://homagetobcn.com/lou-com-balla-barcelona/): L'Ou com Balla (The Dancing Egg) is a seemingly Catalan tradition from the 16th century where a hollowed out egg is placed on a jet of a fountain and is left to dance about in the spray. - [Barcelona Comedy: Tom Stade - Last Show of the Season](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-comedy/): Tom Stade is playing the season-ending show for the Giggling Guiri, a Barcelona comedy night at 131 Fahrenheit on Saturday 4th June at 8.30pm. Tickets are 17 euros. - [Memoro Project: The Bank of Memories](https://homagetobcn.com/memoro-project/): The Memoro Project is a non profit online initiative dedicated to collecting and divulgating short video recordings of spontaneous interviews with people born before 1940. - [After Tea Barcelona - The Happy Market](https://homagetobcn.com/after-tea-barcelona/): The After Tea Barcelona market, a space where people can sell their creativity and spend a day amongst friends enjoying a moment where music, fashion and creativity come together. - [Claire's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/claires-bcn-day/): Claire's BCN Day: A perfect day in Barcelona for me would, without doubt, be spent during one of the sweltering, balmy days in mid-summer when your pace slows right down as the slightest movement results in beads of sweat trickling down your neck and back. - [InTransit Issue 3 - Destination : Europe](https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter-issue3/): Issue 3 of my favourite English language Eurocatalan newsletter, InTransit, is out today. Eight or so articles about Catalonia's place in Europe now and in the past. - [Mark’s Brill Day in Barna](https://homagetobcn.com/brill-day-in-barna/): A Brill Day in Barna: Now then, I’m five years deep in Catalonia, so I have my regular hang-outs and haunts, but that’s not to say there aren’t some glaring omissions in my fun day, as I am uncovering hidden gems on a monthly basis. - [Julia's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/julias-bcn-day/): Julia's BCN Day: Not knowing Barcelona too well, but loving the short time that I've spent here, my perfect day would start by waking up with the sun shining through the curtains, warming my face and encouraging me to get up. - [Giggling Guiri Barcelona Comedy Club](https://homagetobcn.com/giggling-guiri-barcelona/): Giggling Guiri Barcelona: English language comedy nights in Barcelona. Australian comic, Steve Hughes and cannabis smuggler, Howard Marks with his one-man show, 'An Audience with Mr Nice'. - [CosmoCaixa Barcelona: Out of this world!](https://homagetobcn.com/cosmocaixa-barcelona/): The CosmoCaixa Barcelona is an impressive museum space with interactive science exhibits, an Amazon rainforest and a planetarium. Read about this world-renowned museum in more detail. - [Andy’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/andys-bcn-day/): Andy’s BCN Day: Like most people who have written this, my day would be pretty crammed full but I start early so I should be able to fit it all in without stretching the imagination too far... - [Munich My Way - 3 million combinations](https://homagetobcn.com/munich-my-way/): The Munich My Way website and iPhone app lets you create your very own pair of personalised Munich Sports shoes. Select the colour for 10 different sections of the shoe. - [Valentine's Day? Nah, let's stick with St. George's Day](https://homagetobcn.com/valentines-day-in-spain/): Valentine's Day in Spain and Saint Valentine. But Spain has another 'lovers day' that to me seems a much more appropriate day to celebrate your love for someone. St George's Day, or La Diada de Sant Jordi in Catalonia. - [Bacardi, Cuban right?](https://homagetobcn.com/famous-catalans-bacardi/): Facund Bacardí i Massó was born in Sitges in 1814 and emigrated to Cuba in 1830. In 1862 after a brief spell back in Catalunya he returned to Cuba and founded the eponymous rum brand. - [Nikki's Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/nikkis-bcn-day/): Nikki’s BCN Day: It would be much easier to write about ‘my perfect WEEKEND in Barcelona’ as I have so many favourite places and things to do and they all depend on whether it’s a day spent with my family, a day having some well earned ‘me time’ or whether we have visitors to entertain. - [The Best Pincho Bar in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/maitea-taberna/): Maitea Taberna, in my opinion the best pincho bar in Barcelona. Pinchos are generally slices of baguette type bread with different toppings. - [Munich. In Barcelona?](https://homagetobcn.com/munich-sports-barcelona/): Munich Sports Barcelona, the shoemakers company from Barcelona, family owned since 1939 with shops all over Barcelona and a new one at the La Roca shopping village. - [Ale’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/ales-bcn-day/): Ale's BCN Day: Well! To think of a perfect day in Barcelona isn’t difficult at all. It would all start with one of its many sunny days in which from 7 in the morning, the sun, without asking permission, gets into your bed and invites you to start your day. - [InTransit - Seven communities, one language](https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter/): The InTransit Eurocatalan newsletter has some fantastic articles if you're interested in the Catalan perspective of Spanish current events. - [It’s Barcelona’s turn at Show Us Your Type](https://homagetobcn.com/show-us-your-type/): I love fonts. And I love cities too. So thank god I came across the Show Us Your Type website. Because they love fonts and cities too! Barcelona, Berlin, Hong Kong & NYC portrayed in type. - [Valerie’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/valeries-bcn-day/): Valerie's BCN Day: Firstly my perfect day would have about 36 hours in it. At least! Having had a long and lovely night’s sleep, I would wake up early, and drive or cycle to the beach. - [Chupa Chups (or ‘sucky sucks’ maybe?)](https://homagetobcn.com/chupa-chups/): Headquartered right here in glorious Barcelona and with a logo designed by Dalí himself, Chupa Chups have been around since 1958. Chupa Chups now sell 4 billion lollipops a year to 150 countries worldwide and turn over 500 million euros! - [Jordi Labanda – Illustrator & fashion designer (and candle designer?)](https://homagetobcn.com/jordi-labanda/): Jordi Labanda, illustrator and fashion designer we know, but candle designer? You can find Jordi's candles in Cereria Subirà, the oldest shop in Barcelona. - [El Born Chiro: Chiropractor, Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/chiropractor-barcelona/): Barcelona chiropractor Dr Robert Colin Moore runs El Born Chiro, Carrer de Sombrerers 27. Tel 932 683 070. Email bornchiro@gmail.com. - [Sophie’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/sophies-bcn-day/): Sophie's BCN Day: Well, my perfect day would start by waking up slowly – I’m normally woken up by my cat, JC, (stands for Jean-Claude. Not Jesus Christ)... - [Le Cool Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/le-cool-barcelona/): A Weird and Wonderful Guide to Barcelona - Le Cool Barcelona, has just released (Jan 2011) their wonderfully quirky guide to Barcelona. - [Famous Catalans (and their streets): Enric Granados](https://homagetobcn.com/famous-catalans/): Carrer d'Enric Granados in Barcelona. Who was Enric Granados? When was he alive? How did he die? And why did he deserve to have a street named after him? - [Joe’s Perfect Day in Barcelona](https://homagetobcn.com/joes-bcn-day/): Joe's BCN Day: "The perfect day begins with waking early. I’m lucky enough to live a stone’s throw from the beach (Barceloneta). I leave the house and... - [What’s this ‘BCN Days’ section?](https://homagetobcn.com/bcn-days/): What is BCN Days? The best way to discover a city is to ask the people who live in it what they like to do and where they like to go. BCN Days came from this. - [Non Solo Pizza – not even pizza!](https://homagetobcn.com/non-solo-pizza/): A recent visit to Non Solo Pizza on Carrer d'Enric Granados in Barcelona. What we had, what we thought of it, and how much. And you have to try the olive oil! - [Barcelona Metro iPhone App](https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-metro-iphone-app/): The Barcelona Metro iPhone app from Presselite. It has the latest official metro map plus more detailed maps of all the lines in Barcelona and includes the all important route finder. - [Welcome to Homage to BCN](https://homagetobcn.com/welcome/): Welcome post for the Homage to BCN website explaining why the site was started and that the name is a nod to George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. --- # # Detailed Content ## Posts ### Isidra’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Isidra... - Published: 2022-10-20 - Modified: 2022-11-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/isidras-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Biblioteca de Catalunya, c/ Escudellers, Café Orlandai, Café Zurich, contributors, Diobar, El Pescadito de Mandri, El Velódromo, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Isidra Mencos, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Plaça Reial, Sarrià, Tramvia Blau When I was young and I lived in Barcelona, my perfect day would have been very different than what a perfect day in the city is for me today. At the time, you couldn’t get me out of Las Ramblas, el Raval, el Barri Gótic and El Born. I had spent my childhood and teen years between Tibidabo and Sarrià. As soon as I started Uni and I discovered the old city I fell in love with it. I moved there, living in various areas, all below Plaza Catalunya. That was the time when the Francoist dictatorship had just ended, and the streets were popping with newly liberated youth going crazy with hedonism and experimentation after having grown up repressed religiously, linguistically, politically, and sexually... Placeta... --- ### An Excerpt from Promenade of Desire: A Barcelona Memoir > This... - Published: 2022-10-18 - Modified: 2022-10-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/promenade-of-desire/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: books, Isidra Mencos There's nothing quite like reading a memoir that details a place you are living, but not the time. Even more so I think, if you are a foreigner in that place. A place that you now know well, but that you didn't grow up in. It opens up a world you know, but from a very different perspective and time. And this memoir from Catalan-born Isidra Mencos is just that. It is an absolute joy! There's... --- ### Richard's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Richard... - Published: 2021-04-29 - Modified: 2021-04-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/richards-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Blu Bar, c/ Almogàvers, c/ Pintor Fortuny, c/ Tallers, contributors, Horchatería El Tío Ché, L'Hortet, La Masia, MACBA, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Plaça de Viçenc Martorell, Poblenou, Rambla del Poblenou, Sala Razzmatazz, Sidonie, vermut My perfect day in Barcelona starts early. I want to make the most of it, so I get up before daybreak, at around five am. Bleary-eyed, and still half asleep, I wander into the kitchen and refill the moka pot that sits on the hob. As I wait for the coffee to bubble up into the top part of the pot, I hurriedly pull on my board shorts and a long-sleeved rash vest before dragging my inflatable SUP down from on top of the wardrobe... Hotel... --- ### Watch ‘Barcelona. A Day. A Life.’ (A Short Film by Ben Holbrook) > One-time... - Published: 2021-04-15 - Modified: 2021-04-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-short-film-ben-holbrook/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: contributors, videos One-time Barcelona resident Ben Holbrook spent lockdown trawling through old video footage and honing his video editing skills. Read his story and watch the resulting short film below. One-time... --- ### Margaux’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Margaux,... - Published: 2020-07-17 - Modified: 2021-04-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/margauxs-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: AMMA Gelato, c/ Domènech, c/ l'Encarnació, c/ la Perla, c/ Torrijos, contributors, Gràcia, Jardí del Silenci, La Sedici, Las Ikas, Nabucco Tiramisu, Park Güell, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol, Swing Cats I could spend my entire life just wandering around the coloured streets of Gràcia, so if I had to choose where to spend 24h, it would definitely be there. I’m an early bird and would start the day around 7am, walking my dog Ed in the neighbourhood. Carrer de Mozart, Carrer de Sant Pere Màrtir, Carrer de Manrique de Lara… I find it so invigorating to simply walk in the streets when everyone is still asleep. Sun is there, but quite shy and you can feel the light summer breeze... I... --- ### WSET Wine Courses in Barcelona from Rack and Return > Want... - Published: 2020-06-30 - Modified: 2020-07-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/wset-wine-courses-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Denassus, Poble Sec, Rack and Return, wine I never really drank a lot of wine before coming to Barcelona. But since being here it seems rude not to. And Catalonia, I have learnt, has some of the best wines in the world when it comes to quality versus price. Catalonia has 10 wine regions, the most famous being Priorat. But it is some of the lesser known regions that have become my favourites. But outside of Catalan wine I knew very little. So I snapped up the chance to get some basic wine knowledge with the guys from Rack and Return... WSET... --- ### Check out the Gaudí and Modernisme Free Tour! > Barcelona... - Published: 2020-01-29 - Modified: 2020-01-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gaudi-modernisme-free-tour/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó-Morera, Casa Martí, contributors, Gaudí, La Pedrera, Sagrada Família, tours I have been living in Barcelona all my life, so I know the city like the palm of my hand: from the best cafés and cheap traditional restaurants to the most underrated city attractions, I am one of the lucky locals who can brag about their knowledge of the best things to do in Barcelona. That is why when one of my coworkers suggested that we went on a free tour around the city I couldn’t help but feel a bit skeptical. What could they tell me that I didn’t already know? Spending an afternoon following a crowd of thrilled tourists didn’t sound very appealing to me. However, I joined for the sake of team building and because I felt curious about how foreigners learned about my home town... I... --- ### Hope's Perfect Day in Barcelona > A... - Published: 2020-01-18 - Modified: 2020-01-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/hopes-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Absenta, Avinguda del Litoral, Barceloneta, Bodega Fermín, c/ Baluard, c/ Grau i Torras, c/ Maquinista, c/ Sant Carles, Caupolican, cocktails, contributors, La Cova Fumada, Santa Marta Living in Barcelona feels to me like living on holiday, with palm trees, beaches and sun on tap it’s easy to feel that way. So my aim is usually to spend as much time outside as possible. I live in Barceloneta, the compact and lively old fisherman’s neighbourhood by the beach, and I would choose to spend most of my time here on a perfect day... A... --- ### A Kids & Family Walking Tour of the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona > The... - Published: 2019-09-20 - Modified: 2019-09-23 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/kids-walking-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: gegants i capgrossos, kids, Metro Jaume I, Plaça dels Àngels, Runner Bean Tours, tours There are many walking tours in Barcelona. But I didn't know of any that had a specific tour for children. After all, what did American actor and writer W.C. Fields say, "never work with children or animals". Even the simplest jaunt with children can, depending on their mood, become worse than a visit to the dentist. So, it was with more than a little trepidation that I agreed to go on the Kids & Family Walking Tour from Runner Bean Tours. The... --- ### An Extract from "Slow Travels in Unsung Spain" > "A... - Published: 2019-05-18 - Modified: 2019-05-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/slow-travels-in-unsung-spain/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: books, Brett Hetherington "A compelling and eclectic narrative full of the unexpected", is how Nick Inman from Rough Guides describes Barcelona journalist Brett Hetherington's new book, "Slow Travels in Unsung Spain". Reading the book, I myself felt like a bird sitting on his shoulder, seeing all that he sees in wonderfully vivid detail. Because the following paragraphs are also funny as well as entertaining and informative, I chose them from near the end of the book where Brett tells us about what he finds after leaving Barcelona Sants station on RENFE's Line 4... Puente... --- ### Barcelona Tapas Tour in Poble Sec with Context Travel > Read... - Published: 2019-05-06 - Modified: 2019-05-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tapas-tour-context-travel/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: bodegas, Catalan Cuisine, Context Travel, Palo Cortao, Quimet y Quimet, Sortidors del Parlament, tours We meet Esther, a Barcelona native, outside El Cafetó, a bakery on Ronda de Sant Pau in Sant Antoni. This is purely our meeting point, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, and so after introductions amongst our group we’re on our way. I’m on a tapas tour organised by Context Travel. We are experiencing the local tradition of “pica-pica”, enjoying small plates over a glass of vermouth (or wine) before a meal. Our guide is Esther, who grew up cooking with her mother and grandmother. Catalan traditions and cuisine are in her blood. She is bubbly, and clearly very passionate and proud of Catalan produce and cooking. Pica... --- ### Olga's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Interior... - Published: 2019-04-28 - Modified: 2019-04-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/olgas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: A Loja do Gato Preto, Aire de Barcelona, contributors, Déjà Vu Concept, El Born, Etnia, Kave Home, La Cachapera, La Paradeta, Maisons du Monde, Palau de la Música, Rambla de Catalunya, Sans & Sans I believe that most of us, foreigners, will agree that we’ve been drawn by local lifestyle, more than anything else. 300 sunny days a year – that says it all! Even if the bathing season is pretty limited (at least for my liking, it’s around 3 months only), but the mere fact of seeing people play beach volley in February makes my heart beat with joy! I... --- ### Getting Out of Your Fitness Comfort Zone in Barcelona > Pilates... - Published: 2019-03-21 - Modified: 2019-03-20 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/fitness-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: contributors, health & fitness, Montjuïc As an exercise fanatic I was thrilled to find out about the Spartan obstacle race that comes to Barcelona every year. Loving a new challenge, I made Spartan my excuse to get “out of my fitness comfort zone” in 2019. As a trainer it is important to shake it up as every discipline has its benefits and something to take away. Running... --- ### Restaurante Suchart's: A Review > Restaurante... - Published: 2019-03-17 - Modified: 2019-03-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/restaurante-sucharts-review/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: burgers, contributors, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Restaurante Suchart's, restaurants As a Barcelona local, I love to find hidden gems off the beaten track, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trail. Restaurante Suchart’s, just a hop, skip and a jump from Gran Via 2 shopping centre and Fira Barcelona, deserves each and every one of its glowing five-star reviews. Restaurante... --- ### Camilla's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Camilla... - Published: 2019-03-15 - Modified: 2019-03-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/camillas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Bicing, contributors, menú del día, Playa del Bogatell I’ve been in and out of Barcelona for the last few years - it’s my second home right now. Ok, so I do have a fair few places in the world in which I instantly feel at home. But right now, my most regular flight-path is LDN-BCN. I’ve... --- ### A French Guy's Perfect Day in Barcelona > The... - Published: 2019-02-21 - Modified: 2019-02-21 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/the-french-guy-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: contributors, El Nacional, El Raval, Gràcia, Hospital de Sant Pau, Mercat de la Concepció, Mercat dels Encants, Montjuïc, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Rambla del Raval, Raval cat, Turó de la Rovira, Vila de Gràcia Hi my friends! I am the French guy! Firstly, I want to warn you that not only I am French, but I am also from Paris. I prefer to say it before you get so dazzled by my talent and my top attitude. I understand this puts me directly in the top races of the world but please, let's try to forget it. It's a pity that you are not able to hear my fucking French accent (in English and Spanish). Ok, ok, my mother tells me that I speak like a Spanish cow. This isn't nice Mom! But it is true. Even if I don't really understand this expression. According to me, my accent would be closer to a kind of German monkey. The... --- ### The Rise of Digital Nomads in Barcelona > Why... - Published: 2019-02-15 - Modified: 2019-12-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/digital-nomads-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Cahoot Coworking, contributors, coworking, statistics The modern business environment has evolved in leaps and bounds thanks to the fast internet and portable devices. Besides this, the millennial generation which is slowly dominating the work environment, prefer jobs with flexible working hours, that also does not require them being in the office from Monday to Friday. In a recent study, over 30% of the population are freelancers and leverage on technology for work. These freelancers are also known as digital nomads and forecasts show that the number will continue to increase exponentially, and by 2035, there will be more than 1 billion digital nomads. And what better place to enjoy this work-life freedom than in sunny Barcelona. The... --- ### Nicola's Perfect Day in Barcelona > If... - Published: 2019-02-01 - Modified: 2019-01-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/nicolas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barri Gòtic, Casa Batlló, contributors, Gaudí, Maremagnum, Mercat de la Boqueria, OD Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, Picasso Museum, Sagrada Família Over the holidays my friends and I were discussing where we had been in Europe and what places were still on our bucket list of places to see and explore. As it turns out none of us had ever been to Barcelona, mainly due to the press and it’s reporting of how along with Venice and Dubrovnik the city was just overrun with tourists. After having looked into it in more detail it turns out that the overcrowding is due to the massive cruise ships that pull into port during the summer months and unload their thousands of passengers onto Barcelona’s streets for a day of sightseeing. Having decided that this should not be a problem in the middle of May, my friends and I decided that Barcelona would be a great place to go for a short trip. Over... --- ### Jamie’s Perfectly Autumnal Day in Barcelona > Autumn... - Published: 2019-01-29 - Modified: 2019-01-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/jamies-perfectly-autumnal-day/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Arte Bar, Barceló Raval, contributors, Tamarindo, Viet Kitchen Back in Scotland, autumn would usually set in around the end of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The beginning of September brought with it plummeting temperatures, bidding farewell to summer and ushering in the winter wardrobe. It’s been 3 years since I made the move to Barcelona and autumn here is very different. Whilst it gets cooler in October, you can still squeeze in the occasional beach day and the only additional layering you’ll need is a light evening jacket on the breezier nights. Yes,... --- ### Tilly's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Close... - Published: 2018-10-06 - Modified: 2018-10-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/tillys-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: c/ Verdi, contributors, Gràcia, La Bicicleta Close your eyes. Picture your favourite city in the whole world. Imagine moving there. That’s my life in Barcelona. Well, I guess it wasn’t that easy. I’m actually doing my Erasmus year abroad from Leeds University, I just got lucky with my placement. Although I’m spending my days working in Eixample, I’m living in Gràcia. And I absolutely love it. I cannot tell you how nice it is to leave the hustle and bustle of the centre and relax in a neighbourhood which feels more like a village than a city... Close... --- ### Julia's Perfect Day in Gràcia > Julia... - Published: 2018-08-25 - Modified: 2018-10-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/julias-perfect-day-in-gracia/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Antúnez, c/ Verdi, contributors, Correfoc, Festa Major de Gràcia, Gràcia, La Sonora de Gràcia, Mercat de la Llibertat, Nabucco Tiramisu, Park Güell, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Plaça del Sol Prior to moving to Barcelona, two years ago now, I had a three-day trip to cram in as many flat viewings as possible and visit as many areas as possible. Looking back, I was insane to think I could get a feel for the city’s residential areas in just a few days. Prior... --- ### The Catalan Language: Do You Really Need It? > To... - Published: 2018-03-11 - Modified: 2018-03-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/catalan-language/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan, contributors, learning Catalan To learn or not to learn Catalan? If you are an expat in Catalonia, you might be in this common dilemma as you constantly hear different opinions about the topic. In this article I’ll share with you the difficulties, the benefits and insight into Catalan culture and society that has come from knowing it, the reception I’ve received from local people and more... Déu... --- ### Marta Ezquerro's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Spanish... - Published: 2017-10-25 - Modified: 2017-10-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/marta-ezquerro-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, Barri Gòtic, c/ Verdi, cactus park, contributors, El Born, Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic Lluís Companys, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, Gràcia, Jardins de Laribal, Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Park Güell, Passeig de Miramar, Plaça d'Espanya, Plaça de l'Armada, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol, Torre Calatrava, Turó de la Rovira, Turó de les Tres Creus, Vila de Gràcia Barcelona is a city that should be written with capital letters, a place where every single day deserves to be enjoyed. Barcelona is my favorite city to spend my days off, when I do not have to work. Barcelona... --- ### Painting and Wine at Arte Bar Barcelona > For... - Published: 2017-08-30 - Modified: 2017-07-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/arte-bar-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Arte Bar, c/ Roger de Flor, Eixample, experiences, Sagrada Família This blog is just a hobby, I certainly don't make any money from it. So it's always nice to be invited on a food tour or to the odd restaurant now and again. But a painting evening, even with wine, I wasn't sure about at all. And to be frank, I was a little nervous. But I needn't be. This was without doubt one of the most fun evenings I've had in Barcelona... My... --- ### Views From Above: The 5 Best Viewpoints in Barcelona for Photography > Charlie... - Published: 2017-08-27 - Modified: 2017-08-24 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/best-viewpoints-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barceló Raval, contributors, Montjuïc, photography, Tibidabo, Turó de la Rovira, World Trade Center Everyone knows the beauty of Barcelona, it’s history, its architecture, its people. It is true that walking through the streets and alleyways of the various neighbourhoods can sometimes feel like you’ve been taken back in time, back to a period of imperialism and decadence. However Barcelona is just as beautiful from afar, if you want to step back and take it all in there are a number of great viewpoints dotted around that give you a unique view and perspective of the city... Everyone... --- ### Barcelona Immigration Statistics > Barcelona... - Published: 2017-08-25 - Modified: 2017-08-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-immigration-statistics/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona foreign population, Barcelona immigration, Població Estrangera a Barcelona, statistics, Studies on Immigration I'm fascinated by data. Well not so much data, as the informative ways it can be displayed. One of my favourite coffee table books is called Information is Beautiful. There's a page on the Ajuntament de Barcelona website called Studies on Immigration that contains some great information about Barcelona immigration statistics. I spent far too long poring over it when I should have been working. I thought you might find some of it interesting too! This... --- ### Where Tourists and Locals Play Football Together in Barcelona > Get... - Published: 2017-08-23 - Modified: 2022-09-09 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/where-to-play-football-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About Recently, the conflict between tourists and locals has become a bigger topic in Barcelona. Locals are tired of so many tourists visiting the vibrant city and are not afraid to show their displeasure. Signs saying ‘tourists go home’ are all over the city especially in neighbourhoods such as Barceloneta. The negative sides of mass tourism are all over the news but the combination of locals and tourists can also be a great thing! Get... --- ### Marina's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Born... - Published: 2017-07-27 - Modified: 2017-08-31 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/marinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours, Barri Gòtic, Bitemojo, c/ Bonavista, c/ Breton de los Herreros, c/ Pere Serafí, c/ Verdi, contributors, D'Lirio, Gràcia, Lo&Lo Juicing, oo, Sincronia, vermut Barcelona in a word for me would be: lifestyle. The city’s history, cosmopolitan approach, fantastic weather and terrific food are a great combination that would make any of your days perfect! So, in that sense I compiled the best elements of different days into a single one, and I must say I am amazed about the result! Barcelona... --- ### Las Cloacas de Interior (Spain - The State's Secret Cesspit) > This... - Published: 2017-07-24 - Modified: 2017-09-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/las-cloacas-de-interior-english-subtitles/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, videos Las Cloacas de Interior is a damning exposé of the sinister machinations within Spain's Home Office and the upper echelons of the national police force to discredit the then Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, and others... Las... --- ### Flotarium: Release Your Inner Floater > The... - Published: 2017-05-10 - Modified: 2017-05-09 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/flotarium-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Flotarium, health & fitness, Plaça de Narcís Oller Have you ever been to the Dead Sea? No, me neither. So this is as close as you're going to get without actually going there. Al least floating-wise. The Flotarium just up from Diagonal near Passeig de Gràcia is the place to go to relax and let any tension from the day dissipate... Flotarium... --- ### Barcelona Room Prices by Metro Station > Based... - Published: 2017-05-10 - Modified: 2019-02-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-room-prices/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona Metro, statistics You've decided you want to move to Barcelona. Now what? You need to find a place to stay. You are looking at the neighbourhoods, checking where the best bars are, where you university or workplace is located and then you start looking for flats. But money is also an issue right? Well, the student accommodation provider Uniplaces thought about it and decided to help you out. Based on their own research, they used the Barcelona metro map to create a “Rent Price Map”, with the average rent price per metro station... You've... --- ### The Wonderful Wanderbeak Savor Spain Food Tour > This... - Published: 2017-05-08 - Modified: 2017-05-11 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/wanderbeak-barcelona-food-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Bar La Plata, c/ Pintor Fortuny, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Hotel 1898, Jardins de Rubió i Lluch, Las Ramblas, Mercat de la Boqueria, Òsties Pedrín, Plaça d’Isidre Nonell, tours, vermut, videos, Wanderbeak Tours When someone asks me to meet them on the Ramblas I'm immediately concerned, it's a bit too hectic for my liking. But my fears were soon allayed as we headed into the foyer of Hotel 1898 - the former headquarters of the General Philippines Tobacco Company. Originally designed by Catalan architect Josep Oriol Mestres as the private residence of the López y López family, this beautiful, colonial-style building has many original features and the letters FTC (Filipino Tobacco Company) still adorn the entrance-way. A brief walk through the downstairs lounge and we are out on Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, away from the hectic Rambla and our food tour really begins! When... --- ### Patricia Caicedo's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Chuffed... - Published: 2017-03-22 - Modified: 2017-03-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/patricia-caicedo-perfect-day-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Gaudí, c/ Enric Granados, contributors, Enric Granados, Gaudí, Hospital de Sant Pau, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Sagrada Família For me, one of the words that defines Barcelona is beauty. I have been living here for almost 19 years and there is not a day that I don’t surprise myself with beautiful buildings, streets, art, sounds, light and food, just to name some of the many sources of beauty the city offers. In fact, describing a perfect day in Barcelona is quite difficult because there are so many options and combinations of things to do and see that make it hard to choose just a few. But I will try! For... --- ### Martin's Perfect Day in Barcelona > As... - Published: 2017-03-17 - Modified: 2017-03-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/martins-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, c/ Roser, contributors, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, L'Artesà, Lascar 74, Ocata, Plaça del Sortidor As a fully fledged sun worshiper and mad outdoor fitness enthusiast, my perfect day out in Barcelona would fall in late spring/early summer. With idyllic weather and infrastructure perfectly suited to outdoor activities, there’s no shortage of ways to keep fit and healthy in Barcelona. As my work week revolves around structure and set appointments, I like to indulge in spontaneity come the weekend. I love the relaxed culture here and it blends perfectly with my weekend persona... As... --- ### Barcelona on a Budget > We... - Published: 2017-03-06 - Modified: 2017-03-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-on-a-budget/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, contributors, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, Mercat dels Encants, Montjuïc, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, Tibidabo Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world. Whether you are a fan of the famous football team or want to visit the city for Gaudi’s art, Barcelona has many things to offer. As students however, money is usually limited and visiting a new city can be quite costly. This article highlights some of the things you can do in Barcelona on a budget... This... --- ### Nuria's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Nuria... - Published: 2017-02-22 - Modified: 2017-03-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/nurias-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: 1881 Per Sagardi, Barceloneta, c/ Baluard, c/ Flassaders, Can Maño, contributors, El Born, Hofmann La Seca, Horchatería El Tío Ché, MACBA, Poblenou, Port Vell, Rambla del Poblenou My perfect day would be a spring day, between late May and early June. But we are in February, and Barcelona is also beautiful in winter. Your only objective for a day of leisure in Barcelona is to abandon yourself to the pleasures that the city has to offer. First, as a good foodie, I need to think about where to get the best breakfast. A relaxed place where I can read the newspaper and eat the best croissant in town. Hofmann La Seca (Carrer dels Flassaders, 40) in the Born district is definitely my choice. In addition to a latte I will order a croissant filled with raspberry or mascarpone, it is difficult to choose, I will order both. Reading newspapers or a good book while time goes by without being noticed is a basic principle of pleasure... My... --- ### Ebylife: Your Very Own Personal Trainer in Barcelona > Martin... - Published: 2017-01-25 - Modified: 2017-01-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/personal-trainer-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Ebylife, health & fitness, Montjuïc, Parc de la Ciutadella How are you all doing with your New Year's resolutions? How are those gym memberships working out for you? We're almost at the end of January and I'm sure some have already fallen by the wayside. If you're anything like me you need someone to help you out on the motivation side of things, especially when it comes to fitness. And if motivation is what's needed there's none more qualified than this hardcore Scot to give you a proverbial kick up the arse! How... --- ### The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona > There's... - Published: 2017-01-19 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/best-rooftop-bars-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Grand Hotel Central, Majestic Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Ohla Barcelona, The Serras Barcelona is one of the most popular cities to visit in all of Europe – and the world. What many people don’t know is that Barcelona is also the best city in Europe when it comes to rooftop bars and magnificent terraces. Mostly because of the perfect climate, but also the large number of luxury hotels and mighty viewpoints. At The Rooftop Guide you can find a list of all rooftop bars in Barcelona. But here’s a list of their 5 favourite ones... Barcelona... --- ### Christina's Perfect Day in Barcelona > UK-born... - Published: 2017-01-15 - Modified: 2017-01-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/christinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Zoo, Barri Gòtic, c/ Flassaders, contributors, El Born, Federal Café, Hofmann Bakery, Parc de la Ciutadella There was this bakery that I absolutely had to try while I was on holiday last September in Barcelona. It was on my “list” before we even landed in Barcelona. Yes, I am a “list” person. So we planned our day’s itinerary around Hofmann Bakery on Carrer dels Flassaders in El Born – even though our accommodation wasn’t so close. We were so glad we did though, because our day turned out to be awesome! Coffee... --- ### Anna's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Anna... - Published: 2016-11-22 - Modified: 2016-11-22 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/annas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Aguicat, castellers, contributors, El Born, Espai Joliu, Parc de la Ciutadella, Poblenou, Valkiria, Xocoxavi It’s 10:30. I’ve just arrived home after a busy day around the city. I take my shoes off, I pour myself a glass of white wine, then I sit down on my couch. It’s been a perfect day, actually it’s Friday and the icing on the cake would be this cold, fruity and just a little bit alcoholic juice. Ups! My cell is ringing so I dig in my purse to find it. Let’s see... I have a cactus... a ring... no sign of my cell (although I can hear the music)... a chocolate bar… a red and white bandana... finally my cell! It’s... --- ### Smart City Expo (and Other Upcoming Events at Fira de Barcelona) > What... - Published: 2016-11-12 - Modified: 2016-11-12 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/smart-city-expo-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Fira de Barcelona, Smart City Expo You may not know this (I didn’t either), but Fira de Barcelona is one of the most important trade fair institutions in Spain. It hosts over 50 events during the year – including Mobile World Congress and the Sonar Festival. Below is an infographic of some of the important events coming up at Fira de Barcelona over the next 18 months – but feel free to comment or suggest other congresses or conferences that I might have missed. Or just share it as is! You... --- ### A Network of Liberated Spaces: Visiting Barcelona’s Squats > Tomás... - Published: 2016-10-06 - Modified: 2020-08-12 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-squats/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, contributors I shared this article on the Facebook page but thought it would be good to reproduce it here for those that missed it. The author visits some of the squats in and around Barcelona and asks what's happened to the 15M movement since 2011... I... --- ### Día de Brasil Barcelona 2016 > Día... - Published: 2016-09-03 - Modified: 2016-09-03 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/dia-de-brasil-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: cocktails, Día de Brasil, events, festivals, Parc del Fòrum I love Brazil! I love the music, the dancing, the beaches and of course the cocktails. But it's a bit of a trek. With the Olympics over Brazil comes to Barcelona for a day of pretty much all I love about the country. Lots of sexy samba, caipirinha cocktails and great food. I go each year and it's always a great day out with a top-notch atmosphere... Día... --- ### Picnic Deli in Poblenou > Picnic... - Published: 2016-08-09 - Modified: 2016-10-05 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/picnic-deli-poblenou/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Passeig del Taulat, Picnic Deli, Poblenou I must say I don't get over to Poblennou that much. But when I do it's usually because I visit one of the beaches that separate this up and coming barrio from the sea. And tucked just behind Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella is the recently-opened Picnic Deli. Picnic Deli makes deli-style baguettes, salads, pastas and other meals daily in their on-site kitchen that you can eat in or take away. They also deliver to a select few local businesses... I... --- ### Andre's Perfect Foodie Day in Barcelona > Andre... - Published: 2016-08-07 - Modified: 2016-10-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/andres-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours, c/ Aldana, c/ Balmes, c/ Comte Borrell, c/ Enric Granados, contributors, DelaCrem, Ecobotiga, Gràcia, Jardines de la Tamarita, Jonny Aldana, Jovani Vins, L'Ostreria Clandestina, Lo&lo, Poble Sec, Sant Antoni An unusual calmness reigns at El Prat Airport at midnight. A few people staring at you make you understand that you should leave the premises soon so everyone can make it back home to enjoy the Barcelona sunrise, accompanied by a good cup of coffee and xuixos. I make my way back home as fast as I can. The taxi driver brings me up to date with the latest weekly developments in the City of Counts. This is still Barcelona, part of Spain. Quietly I open my apartment’s door as the two ladies are asleep. I check that the plants have enough water to survive next day, and I jump into bed. It's already: Friday I am in love! "Ice... --- ### El Principal del Eixample > Looking... - Published: 2016-08-05 - Modified: 2016-08-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/el-principal-del-eixample/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: c/ Provença, Eixample, El Principal del Eixample, restaurants If you're looking for somewhere a little special to eat this summer then you could do a lot worse than El Principal del Eixample. In particular their beautiful interior courtyard. This stunning location in Eixample is run by Grupo Tragaluz stalwart Joan Ferré who after 25 years with the company finally had the opportunity to run his own restaurant... If... --- ### Tera's Perfect Yoga Day in Barcelona > Tera... - Published: 2016-08-03 - Modified: 2016-10-05 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/teras-perfect-yoga-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Yoga Conference, BeOrganic, Casa Verde, contributors, Flax & Kale, Flea Market Barcelona, Happy Yoga, Lost & Found Market, Palo Alto Market, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc del Guinardó, Veganoteca, Vegetalia, Woki Organic Market With just a week or so since one of my favourite yoga festivals in Europe, I took a moment to dedicate my morning meditation practise to reflect on my journey to Barcelona. And what a bumpy unexpected ride it was... Yoga... --- ### Barcelona Boat Trips with Captain Noah > There's... - Published: 2016-08-01 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-boat-trips/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: experiences, Port Olímpic There's nothing quite like being out on the open sea. You get a very different perspective of the city from the Med. And thanks to Noah from BCN Boat that's exactly what I was able to do... There's... --- ### Barcelona Instagram ShoutOut Challenge (June 27th – July 1st) > Homage... - Published: 2016-06-22 - Modified: 2016-09-24 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-instagram-challenge/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Instagram Homage to BCN is going to be joining with the Instagram challenge below. I hope to see some other Barcelona Instagrammers joining in too! Every day for one week, we challenge you to repost photos from your favourite Instagram profiles that you follow in Barcelona, using the same hashtag #IGShoutOutBarcelona and #SMDay — June 30th is Mashable's Social Media Day around the world... Barcelona... --- ### Charlotte's Perfect Day in Barcelona > UK-qualified... - Published: 2016-06-10 - Modified: 2016-06-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/charlottes-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Mistral, Avinguda del Paral·lel, c/ Aribau, cocktails, contributors, Dry Martini, Golf Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Hoja Santa, Tickets My perfect day in Barcelona, assuming it’s a weekend, as I am lucky in that I love my job, inevitably begins with an early morning wake-up call from my apricot Shar Pei, Coco, whose mission in life is to make sure that I never sleep in. She is efficient in achieving her goal, due mainly to an irresistible combination of a very sweet, yet persuasive personality and an adorable, smushy little face... My... --- ### Fun, surreal, and highly addictive. Getting hooked on comedy with Barcelona Improv Group > Sarah... - Published: 2016-05-24 - Modified: 2017-06-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-improv-group/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Barcelona comedy, Barcelona Improv Group, c/ Creu dels Molers, c/ Portal Nou, contributors, Teatre de l'Enjòlit, Tinta Roja An old wooden door adorned with a fresco of graffiti on a dark, narrow street in the Born doesn’t look like the obvious place for an addiction to begin. Or at least not the kind you'd expect. It was my first class from Barcelona Improv Group (BIG). I’d signed up the week before in a fit of late night bravado. So I took a deep breath and pushed open the door... Sarah... --- ### Sara's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Barcelona... - Published: 2016-05-19 - Modified: 2016-05-19 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/saras-perfect-day-in-bcn/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: 1881 Per Sagardi, Barceloneta, contributors, Flax & Kale, Jamboree Dance Club, La Gavina, Mercat de la Boqueria, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Reial, Port Vell, Yhi Spa Barcelona will forever be, in my eyes, one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities in the world. Its vibrant atmosphere, laid back approach to life, glorious Mediterranean weather and unique charm doesn’t quite compare to the gloomy and overpriced London (the city where I was born and bred). Without a doubt my perfect day in Barcelona would take place mid-May - the weather is warm, but not unbearably hot, and tourists are beginning to flock in left, right and centre, giving the Catalan capital that vibrant buzz that I so adore. Not to mention, May is the month of my birthday and I’m sure all Taurus’ and Gemini's would agree with me in saying that May is undeniably the best month of the year... The... --- ### Nicole's Perfect Day in Sant Adrià & Badalona > Read... - Published: 2016-05-06 - Modified: 2016-05-05 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/nicoles-perfect-day-in-badalona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Badalona, contributors, Jardí Històric de Can Solei, Museu de Ciències Naturals, Parc de la Serralada de Marina, Parc Fluvial del Besòs, Passeig Marítim, Pont del Petroli, Sant Adrià In English we have a saying - the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But here in Badalona, you might say it’s through the ears. Attempting to speak Catalan is the best way I’ve found to win smiles from vendors in the shops near my apartment. As I step into the street on a cloudless Saturday, I juggle new phrases for breakfast foods, but I find that the sound of the train rushing by on its way to Barcelona sends these precariously held sounds flying from my brain. No pasa nada - I consult my notebook as I walk toward the market... In... --- ### Gemma's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Scottish-born... - Published: 2016-04-29 - Modified: 2016-04-26 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gemmas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda Diagonal, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó-Morera, Collage Art and Social Cocktail Club, contributors, El Born, Estel de Gràcia, Gaudí, Gourmet Tapas by Sensi, Gràcia, L'Antic Bocoi del Gòtic, La Pedrera, Old Fashioned, Passeig de Colom, Passeig de Gràcia, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Port Vell, Vicino, Zona d'Ombra I spend half my time here alone as my partner works away, so of course the most perfect days are when he’s at home to enjoy this beautiful city with me, after all, that is why we moved here, for that “everyday perfect” lifestyle. April and May are my favourite times of year, not too hot but warm enough not to need a coat and not too busy with tourists. Russell makes the morning coffee as he always does and we sit in the living room as the sun streams through the window discussing our plan for the day. Coming from a seaside town, we both love to be near the water so spend a lot of time walking along the beach front and as a keen photographer, Barcelona is a great place for taking photos and today is a gloriously sunny day so I make sure I have my camera all packed up and off we head... I... --- ### What do expats like least about Barcelona? > What... - Published: 2016-04-26 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-expat-dislikes/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: infographics, statistics What do you like least about Barcelona? The guys at OK Apartment Barcelona wanted to know. So they surveyed some of the expats in the city (850 people from 26 countries) to find out what they least liked about Barcelona... What... --- ### Caitlin's Perfect Vegan Day in Barcelona > Caitlin... - Published: 2016-04-23 - Modified: 2016-04-13 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/caitlins-perfect-vegan-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, c/ Carme, c/ Milà i Fontanals, c/ Reina Cristina, c/ Santa Teresa, c/ Torrent d'en Vidalet, c/ Torrent de l'Olla, contributors, Dostrece, Elephanta, Gràcia, Gren Spot, Knel·la, La Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción, Onna Café, Vegetart My perfect day in Barcelona would start with a nice long lie-in. It’s a day in early summer – not too hot yet but warm enough to go out without a jacket. My puppy would eventually drag me out of bed (he always does) so I could start off my day with a walk around Gràcia, greeting my neighbours as I pass, or rather allowing my neighbours to greet my dog. I’d start off the day right with a chocolate-filled croissant from Knel·la bakery (c/ Milà i Fontanals 9) in Gràcia, or big helping of vegan French toast made with orange zest and topped with real maple syrup at DosTrece (c/ Carme, 40) in Gotico (or both if I was having a very gluttonous morning). As a food and travel writer, sometimes I like eating food I’ve already written about, so I don’t spend the whole time I’m eating it reviewing it in my head! My... --- ### Help the Homeless in Barcelona with Esperança > Esperança... - Published: 2016-04-21 - Modified: 2023-09-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/homeless-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Esperança Esperança is an English-speaking volunteer group co-founded by Liverpudlian Julie Stephenson. The volunteers go out twice a week and distribute food, clothing and chat to the homeless in Barcelona. I've been wanting to feature Esperança on the blog for a while now. When I first heard about it I felt it was deserving of as much publicity as possible, such a selfless act by Julie and her colleagues for the people of their adopted city. So it was great to finally catch up with Julie and ask her about the project... Esperança is... --- ### Ben Holbrook's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Ben... - Published: 2016-04-19 - Modified: 2016-06-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/ben-holbrooks-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Addis Abeba, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Barceloneta, c/ Blai, c/ Joaquín Costa, Can Ganassa, contributors, craft beer, Ferran Adrià, HomoSibaris, LaGorda, Las Arenas, Malamén, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Negroni Cocktail Bar, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Plaça d'Osca, Plaça de la Barceloneta, Taverna La Bauxa, Tickets I wake to the sound of Erica, Pablo and Chica purring at the foot of our bed, the smell of bread baking in the kitchen. A warm breeze floats in from the balcony and I rise to prepare a cafetiere of coffee and bash some eggs around in a pan. Rosana checks on our limonero (lemon tree) and yelps with joy as she discovers the beginnings of our first lemons... I... --- ### Pedralbes Monastery Photography Tour with ShootCities > Pedralbes... - Published: 2016-04-16 - Modified: 2016-04-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/pedralbes-monastery-photography-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Monestir de Pedralbes, ShootCities Photography Tours, tours Pedralbes Monastery (Monestir de Pedralbes in Catalan) was founded in 1326 by King James II of Aragon for his wife Elisenda de Montcada. The Gothic monastery (and the nuns who lived there) were granted protection by the queen through the Consell de Cent (the Counsel of the Hundred)... But hold up, we're not here for a history lesson, far from it. In fact, any desire I might have had to learn about the history of the monastery was not catered for on this tour. This was a photography tour. And not just a 'come along and take some snaps' photography tour. There was some professional shit going on here... Pedralbes... --- ### Mandy's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Mandy... - Published: 2016-04-14 - Modified: 2016-04-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/mandys-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, contributors, El Born, La Fabrica, La Heladeria Mexicana, pincho, Plaça de la Llana, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Sabater Hermanos, Turó de la Rovira I’ve always loved Barcelona. Each time I visit, I am always reminded of how I never want to leave. It’s the history, the beach, the viewpoints, the Catalan pride, the most amazing food and the ability to travel back in time just by walking through the city’s neighborhoods that draws me in... I’ve... --- ### Must-See Barcelona Museums: From the Romans to the New Generation > Take... - Published: 2016-04-11 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/must-see-barcelona-museums/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Casa Batlló, contributors, Gaudí, MACBA, Museu d'Història de Barcelona, Museu del Modernisme de Barcelona, Museu Europeu d'Art Modern, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya Romans in Barcelona? Really? Yes, Barcelona can be traced back to an ancient Roman settlement from 218 B.C. called Barcino! You might not be aware of this – after all, Barcelona is much better known for its Gothic district or Gaudí and modernism. But Barcelona has some exciting museums on ancient Roman times to offer too! So, let’s take a tour of Barcelona’s museum landscape... Romans... --- ### Barcelona vs London (according to Teleport) > Take... - Published: 2016-04-10 - Modified: 2019-02-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-vs-london/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: coworking, statistics, Teleport Sharing my time between London and Barcelona as I do I'm lucky to be able to appreciate the pros and cons of both of these ultimately fabulous cities. Of course the pay is much better in London, but then the cost of living is much higher, nearly 3 times as high. The weather is, of course, better in Barcelona as we are all well aware and there's a blossoming startup scene. In fact by most metrics the cities are pretty comparable, until it comes to Housing and that Cost-of-Living where Barcelona outshines London by far. And did I mention the weather? Life... --- ### Liz's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Californian... - Published: 2016-03-23 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lizs-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Animal Coffee Bar, Barceloneta, c/ Francisco Giner, c/ Martínez de la Rosa, c/ Verdi, Carretera de les Aigües, Con Gracia, contributors, Eclipse, Estació de Peu del Funicular, Estel de Gràcia, Gràcia, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Tibidabo, W Hotel I believe that every great day starts with a run and a great cup of coffee. On my perfect day in Barcelona my first stop will be Carretera de les Aigües, a running path overlooking Barcelona, which will provide the perfect introduction and preview for the day. To get to the path, I take the FGC from Gràcia station to the Peu del Funicular stop and continue up the mountain on the funicular. When I get out of the train car half way up Tibidabo, I decide to take the trail to the left today. An 8km flat run should be plenty since I'll be exploring on foot throughout the day as well. As I run, I look out over Barcelona and take in the city's amazing skyline and view all the way out to the Mediterranean. It's a gorgeous day, so I can clearly see the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, and of course the W Hotel which defines where the sky meets the sea... Carretera... --- ### Claudia's Perfect Day in Barcelona > 6... - Published: 2016-03-17 - Modified: 2016-03-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/claudias-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Gaudí, c/ Marina, contributors, Hospital de Sant Pau, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaça de la Virreina, Puiggròs, Sagrada Família Barcelona is a city that changes its look and energy with the change of seasons throughout the year. After 6 years of living here, I’ve come to the conclusion that winter is the best time to visit this fantastic city – especially if it’s a winter like the one we’re having this year, with plenty of sunny days and mild temperatures. The reason why this season is the best to enjoy this city is mainly because there are fewer tourists, or at least, fewer when compared with the number that are usually here in the warmer months... Barcelona... --- ### Natalie's Perfect Day in Barcelona > If... - Published: 2016-03-12 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/natalies-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, BeachFit Barcelona, contributors, Mercat de la Barceloneta, Parc de la Ciutadella If you happen to have been caught up in the Barcelona magic like me, it’s not just one special day but almost every day that feels like a dream in our beautiful city. Now, I’m a farm girl from Africa where I grew up with nothing but peace, quiet, nature and animals around me. After 18 years living this way, it takes a very special city to capture my attention for longer than a week. I can safely say that a day in Barcelona will make your soul feel fulfilled, leave a huge smile on your face and your heart incredibly happy... Barceloneta... --- ### Barcelona Tapas Tour from the Food Lovers Company > There's... - Published: 2016-03-10 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tapas-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Food Lovers Company, tours I’m always up for getting out and about in Barcelona. And when it involves good food and wine I’m all the happier. Free food and wine and you just have to say the word. So I was over the moon when Nuria and Margherita from Food Lovers Company got in touch to invite me on their Barcelona Tapas Tour... I’m... --- ### Trevor: An Indie Film About Expats in Catalonia > I... - Published: 2016-03-08 - Modified: 2016-03-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/trevor/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: crowdfunding, filmmakers, videos How many creative expats does it take to make a film in Barcelona? Answer, not that many. At least not as many as you might think. I caught up with the screenwriter Georgina Tremayne, director Carlos Domeque and lead actor Hunter Tremayne from the soon to be filmed Trevor, a low budget, and hopefully successfully crowdfunded feature about expats, and one in particular called Trevor (as you may have guessed)... Trevor:... --- ### Georgina's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Multi-talented... - Published: 2016-03-08 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/georginas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bosc de les Fades, c/ Astúries, c/ Diputació, contributors, CosmoCaixa, En Aparté, Green Parrot, Mercat de la Boqueria, Metro Bon Pastor, Monvínic, Parc de la Ciutadella, Rambla de Catalunya, Torre Agbar A massive downpour to clean the streets of the night before – and people. Take an umbrella and walk through Ciutadella Park. Sit by the boating lake, a tiny area of water with about 20 boats that pile up fast like a Friday night traffic jam. Over to the Born and En Aparté for coffee or wine. The service is good, friendly. Predominantly French fare so it’s cheese with ham, cheese with bread, cheese with cheese. Or cheese. Apart from the carrot cake. The coffee’s good. So is the price. There’s the brunch menu at weekends... Parc... --- ### Mat's 10 Year (and Counting) Obsession with Barcelona > In... - Published: 2016-03-06 - Modified: 2016-04-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/mats-barcelona-obsession/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: 7 Portes, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, BierCaB, BlackLab Brewhouse, c/ Aribau, c/ Balboa, c/ Consolat de Mar, c/ Mercè, c/ Pi, c/ Reina Cristina, c/ Vidriería, Camp Nou, Can Paixano, contributors, craft beer, Dry Martini, El Born, El Born Bar, El Born Centre Cultural, El Vaso de Oro, FC Barcelona, Gaudí, Hotel Alimara Barcelona, La Fonda del Port Olímpic, La Pineda, La Plata, Las Arenas, Mercat de la Barceloneta, Montjuïc, Montserrat, Museu d'Història de Catalunya, Numeronueve, Parc de la Ciutadella, Park Güell, Passeig d'Isabel II, Passeig del Born, Pipa Club, Plaça Reial, Pork Boig Per Tu, Refugi 307, Sagrada Família, Tibidabo, Turó de la Rovira My name is Mat, I’m 39yrs old and I live in Southampton. (I moved down here from South of London 20yrs ago and have stayed ever since). My first trip to Barcelona was for La Noche Vieja (New Year’s Eve) in 2004. It was around this time that the “no frills” airline boom really started to take off (no pun intended), and quite a number of my then work colleagues booked short breaks to Barcelona via Ryanair’s Bournemouth to Girona service... My... --- ### Matís Bar from Michelin-starred Artur Martínez > Matís... - Published: 2016-02-27 - Modified: 2016-08-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/matis-bar-barcelona/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Matís Bar, restaurants As I've said before, I'm not normally invited to restaurants, Suzy and Steve are the English-language foodie experts in Barcelona so I leave it to them. But I'm not one to turn down a restaurant invite when it happens. So that's how I found myself at Matís Bar. A restaurant in the basement of the Architects College in the cathedral square... UPDATE: Matís... --- ### An Ode to La Sonora de Gràcia > This... - Published: 2016-02-11 - Modified: 2017-10-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/la-sonora-de-gracia/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: c/ Riera de Sant Miquel, contributors, events, Gràcia, La Sonora de Gràcia Before I had even thought about living in Barcelona, I had been recommended a trip to La Sonora de Gràcia. Well to be honest, I was in the midst of asking around where would suit me to do a gig on my first short trip to Barcelona. And who better but the sister of one of my oldest friends (and tap-dancing partner in crime) to give me a simple answer. Get yee to Sonora de Gràcia! This... --- ### Chris's Perfect Day at Bunkers del Carmel > Chris... - Published: 2016-01-20 - Modified: 2019-01-02 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/chris-perfect-day-at-bunkers-del-carmel/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Absenta, c/ Sant Carles, contributors, Parc de la Ciutadella, Park Güell, Sagrada Família, Turó de la Rovira This month will be a celebration of the 5th month since I moved to Barcelona. I decided to move here so my girlfriend could study at her university at UPF and I had been looking for work since we made the decision to move here and I handed my notice in at my previous employment back in England (where I had spent 10 years). We moved to a flat in Barceloneta, just a stones throw away from the beach and from the moment we moved in we had a sense of the area never sleeping, with tourists and locals frequenting the local bars, restaurants and cafes which are located everywhere around the area until the early hours of the morning... The... --- ### Elena's Perfect Day in Barcelona's Golden Autumn > Elena,... - Published: 2016-01-08 - Modified: 2017-02-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/elenas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Gaudí, Cafe Puiggròs, CCCB, contributors, Hospital de Sant Pau, La Pedrera, MACBA, Passeig de Gràcia, Port Olímpic, Rambla del Poblenou, Universitat de Barcelona My perfect day would be a Friday in September. The city still maintains its business rhythm and schedule (the banks are open, you still can experience rush hour on the metro, with the intervals between the trains short and frequent). However, you already notice that the aura is more relaxed today and there is a foretaste of weekends in air... My... --- ### Suspension Training in Barcelona with Jamie Luke Health & Fitness > Looking... - Published: 2016-01-05 - Modified: 2016-01-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/trx-suspension-training-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: health & fitness, Jamie Luke Health & Fitness, Parc de la Ciutadella 20% of gym memberships purchased in January are cancelled within the first 3 months. This rises to 60% within the first 6 months. I completely made that up. But if I'd researched it properly I'm sure it would be close to that, if not more. I have never been a part of those statistics, I knew I would never go to the gym. I am one of the least motivated people when it comes to exercise. I wish I wasn't, but I am. But being the wrong side of 40 you begin to realise that your ability to eat and drink what you want and stay slim no longer holds, and if you don't keep healthy you'll be in trouble... TRX... --- ### Snowfall in Barcelona (1962) > By... - Published: 2015-12-30 - Modified: 2017-07-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/snow-in-barcelona-1962/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Barcelona Desapareguda, videos With the coldest months still to come in Barcelona there could still be some snow. But with balmy temperatures worldwide this year thanks to a particularly strong El Niño it’s looking highly unlikely. So for fans of winter whiteness check out the famous snow in Barcelona during the Christmas of 1962... Snow... --- ### Linda's Perfect Day in Malgrat de Mar > Dutch-born... - Published: 2015-12-27 - Modified: 2015-12-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lindas-perfect-day-in-malgrat-de-mar/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: cata, contributors, Malgrat de Mar, videos Yes, I love Barcelona. And yes, I have spent some pretty perfect days over there, but there is more to Catalonia than its capital city. Let me take you 60 kilometres up the coast and show you around the place I call home: Malgrat de Mar. Yes,... --- ### Tara's Perfect Day in Poble Sec & Sant Antoni > The... - Published: 2015-11-13 - Modified: 2015-11-13 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/taras-perfect-day-poble-sec-sant-antoni/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Calders, c/ Creu dels Molers, c/ França Xica, c/ Nou de la Rambla, c/ Parlament de Catalunya, c/ Poeta Cabanyes, c/ Radas, c/ Viladomat, Café Cometa, Casa Xica, contributors, Jardines del Teatre Grec, Jardins de Laribal, La Cambicha, La Fabrique, La Pepita, Mano Rota, Montjuïc, Palo Cortao, Passeig de l’Exposició, Plaça del Sortidor, Poble Sec, Sant Antoni, Sortidors del Parlament, Tarannà, Xemei This month, Poble Sec and I will have enjoyed a full year of blissful cohabitation. One of the reasons I love living in Poble Sec is because it feels so homely and laid back. The streets are narrow and you generally get to know your neighbours in ways you weren’t quite expecting, but with that comes a sense of community, of closeness. Although I must admit to crossing Parallel on occasion, I regularly enjoy spending a whole day without venturing much further afield than the Sant Antoni metro station. So, I wanted to share my perfect day in Poble Sec and Sant Antoni (to which the subtitle could probably be “A day spent eating and drinking in Poble Sec and Sant Antoni”)... The... --- ### Marta's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Marta... - Published: 2015-10-29 - Modified: 2020-09-11 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/martas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: 7 Portes, Barceloneta, Bread & Circuses, c/ Aiguafreda, c/ Blai, c/ Blasco de Garay, c/ Campoamor, c/ Escudellers, c/ Horta, c/ Margarit, c/ Montsió, c/ Poeta Cabanyes, c/ Tajo, Can Cortada, Can Mariner, Castell de Montjuïc, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Ciutat Vella, contributors, Els Quatre Gats, Font de la Guatlla, Horta-Guinardó, La Deliciosa, Los Caracoles, Maremagnum, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Ocaña, Palau Nacional, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Passeig d'Isabel II, Plaça d'Espanya, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Reial, Poble Sec, Port Vell, Quimet y Quimet, Spice Café, Torre Calatrava Being born and raised in Barcelona has given me the chance to enjoy this wonderful city in many ways. Now that I live abroad, I still regularly come back to Barcelona, to see my family and friends, to enjoy Barcelona's culinary and cultural hotspots, and of course, the nice weather and the sun! For my perfect day in Barcelona I've made a summary of my favourite places and local spots, which I always enjoy visiting... Houses... --- ### Meritxell's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Tourism... - Published: 2015-09-18 - Modified: 2015-09-19 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/meritxells-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Gaudí, Bar Pinotxo, Barceloneta, c/ Ample, c/ Carbonell, c/ Pelai, contributors, Copa Café, El Nou Ramonet, Enrique Tomás, Gaudí, Hospital de Sant Pau, La Piazzenza, Las Ramblas, Maremagnum, Mercat de la Boqueria, Sagrada Família My perfect day in Barcelona would definitely start with an Iberian ham sandwich, no tomato please, I might be the only Catalan that doesn’t like pà amb tomàquet – no one is perfect. Food is a big part of a perfect day, and I would start with Iberian ham from Enrique Tomás on Carrer de Pelai, there's nothing like good quality Iberian ham. I would walk down las Ramblas in the morning after breakfast at around 10am, any later will be a battle between tourists and locals. It is a pity that the city centre has become a forbidden place for locals since you know how crowded it would be so you don’t want to fight every step you make. Although this changes with the season, I certainly hope that Barcelona tourism is sustainable and tourism in the future combines the local needs with tourism growth... Enrique... --- ### Manolete Barcelona: Tapeo Relajao > UPDATE:... - Published: 2015-09-16 - Modified: 2016-07-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/manolete-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Manolete, Passeig d'Isabel II, Port Vell, restaurants, videos Located slap-bang next to Port Vell underneath the beautiful arches that line parts of Passeig d'Isabel II, Manolete is a charming little restaurant serving some equally charming tapas. Now I want to be up front here. I don't normally do restaurant posts. I'm not normally invited to restaurants. To review them I mean - I have friends. But Manolete kindly invited me and for once with these sort of things they were kind enough to invite my wife too. So it was brownie points all round... UPDATE:... --- ### Zoe's Perfect Wedding Day in Barcelona > Zoe... - Published: 2015-09-11 - Modified: 2015-09-11 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/zoes-perfect-wedding-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Photo Project, c/ Bisbe, c/ Bisbe Caçador, c/ Sant Sever, CaraMona, contributors, Gora, Hostal Poblenou, Hotel Neri, Palau Requesens, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Poblenou, Real Academia de las Buenas Letras, Star3 I’ve lived in (and loved) Barcelona for over 3 years now. And I pinch myself almost everyday that this is my life. It’s easy to have a perfect day here, with the incredible weather, the beach on my doorstep, beautiful architecture at every turn and the goblet of G&T. But all of this can be easily trumped by the ultimate perfect day... my wedding day. Cliché much!?! Of course. But to have all our favourite people, in the city we love, doesn’t get any better in my opinion; wedding or not... Zoe... --- ### Ramon of Hidden City Tours in Barcelona > This... - Published: 2015-09-09 - Modified: 2015-09-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/hidden-city-tours/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: BCN Mes, Hidden City Tours, Otoxo Productions, tours, videos As part of the 'Voices, Faces, City Spaces' series by BCN Mes and Otoxo Productions this short film follows Ramon Holgado Ordaz, a homeless man whose life has been transformed thanks to the Hidden City Tours social enterprise project. It's a great little story that will only take 4 minutes of your time... Voices,... --- ### Brian's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Street... - Published: 2015-09-05 - Modified: 2015-09-03 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/brians-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Francisco Giner, c/ Joan Blanques, Can Punyetes, Ciutat Vella, contributors, El Born, El Raval, Gràcia, Murs Lliures, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Passeig Marítim, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Poblenou, vermut, Vermuteria del Tano If I had to describe my perfect Barcelona day in three words, they would be: street art safari, of course! I’m an early riser, so I’d probably wake up around 7 or so, take a nice run along the Paseo Marítimo before the boardwalk gets crowded, then have a café solo and a glass of water (a habit I picked up while in Italy) and sandwich in a small bar in Barceloneta. Nowadays in Barcelona, if you want to see some fantastic urban art, you need Google no further than Murs Lliures, which is an initiative that gives artists a space to work, with the blessings of the city council. Most of these spots are concentrated in the old industrial areas of Poblenou, and tend to change quite frequently. I’ve been able to see some really great work there... If... --- ### Katrina's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Katrina... - Published: 2015-08-26 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/katrinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bodega d'en Rafael, Bodega Marín, c/ Manso, c/ Milà i Fontanals, c/ Ramiro de Maeztu, c/ Torrent de l'Olla, Can Petit, contributors, Estació de Peu del Funicular, Gràcia, Granja Petitbo, Lukumas, Mercat de L'Abaceria, Mercat de la Llibertat, Nømad Coffee Lab & Shop, Park Güell, Passatge Sert, Passeig de Sant Joan, Plaça de la Llibertat, Poblenou, Restaurante e Bar Terra Mia, Travessera de Gràcia, Vallvidrera I have many a perfect day within different landscapes but a typical favourite day in Barcelona would see the sunrise and view over the city from my balcony. I live right next to Park Güell so have a great view down towards the Sagrada Família, across Barcelona rooftops and hopefully to the calm sea in the background! I am always into seeing the city from a different viewpoint too and a good one is up in Vallvidrera (catching the Peu del Funicular up and a walk along to see the best view of the city)... View... --- ### Feel Like a Modern-Day Sancho Panza with Steel Donkey Bike Tours > If... - Published: 2015-08-24 - Modified: 2015-09-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/steel-donkey-bike-tours/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Comerç, c/ Gignàs, c/ Petons, Design Museum, El Born, El Peix, Forat de la Vergonya, Green Bike Shop, L'Aliança de Poble Nou, La Ribera, Maritime Museum, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Plaça de Sant Miquel, Plaça George Orwell, Plaça Tripi, Poblenou, Poblenou Cemetery, Port Olímpic, Port Vell, Rambla del Poblenou, Sant Pere, Steel Donkey Bike Tours, the Hole of Shame, Torre Agbar, tours, Via Laietana If you're in Barcelona and you fancy getting out and about on a bike for a few hours then you could do a lot worse than checking out Steel Donkey Bike Tours. These guys have been around the block and are consistently recommended on TripAdvisor as a great way to see the city on two wheels. They kindly asked me to join them one morning, and so, feeling like a modern day Sancho Panza and on a very comfy set of wheels from Green Bikes, we set off from Plaça George Orwell with our guide whose name escapes me... Steel... --- ### Angela's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Angela... - Published: 2015-07-29 - Modified: 2015-08-24 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/angelas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: & Other Stories, Alaire Terrace Bar, Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel, Buenas Migas, c/ Almirall Aixada, c/ Arcs, c/ Comerç, contributors, Convent de Sant Agustí, Cos, El Cercle, Gaudí, Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Instagram, La Pedrera, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça del Mar, Sagrada Família, Surf House Barcelona The thing I love about Barcelona is that there are so many areas which offer a different experience of the city. If you need a bit of space away from it all, you can walk down to the port on a quiet morning or if you fancy a browse and a coffee you can head up to the cool neighbourhood of Gràcia and people-watch in one of its sunny squares. My perfect day in Barcelona involves coffee stops, wandering around, a little shopping and definitely a bit of rooftop drinking. I love it when I have family or friends visiting and I get to share all of this with them... Barcelona... --- ### Humans of Barcelona > Guillem... - Published: 2015-07-24 - Modified: 2015-07-24 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/humans-of-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Humans of Barcelona, Instagram, videos Photographer Enric Mestres started 'Humans of Barcelona' on October 10th 2010. Originally called LaLaLaBarcelona Enric changed the name after finding out about the 'Humans of New York' project and seeing the effect it had on people around the world. Guillem Costas' short 5 minute documentary follows Enric around Barcelona as he explains his process and passion for the project... Enric... --- ### Sara's Perfect Day in Barcelona - Published: 2015-07-18 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/saras-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Base Nàutica, c/ General Alvarez de Castro, c/ Lluís el Piadós, c/ Maquinista, c/ Ramon Trias Fargas, c/ Sagristans, c/ Wellington, Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, contributors, En Aparté, La Bombeta, La Torna, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Parc de la Ciutadella, Platja de la Mar Bella, Shunka, W Hotel My perfect day in Barcelona starts early. It's a sunny Saturday morning around 7.30 at the end of May. The alarm goes off, even though I would love to stay in bed, I don't think twice! The Mediterranean Sea and the deserted beaches are calling. I'll get my clothes on and out the door in no time. Walking my quiet street towards the Ciutadella Park. Here I meet the joggers and dog owners, for a split second we enjoy the silent city together. I turn on to Carrer Wellington, then a left on Av. Icària and then a right on to Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas. Then it's just straight down and I can smell the sea. As I arrive, I stop for a second, take a deep breath and I start to walk towards the neighbourhood Barceloneta. Half way to the W hotel, I meet the lady that always has her make up perfectly done at this hour, doesn’t matter if it's Monday or Saturday. Further on I meet the old man jogging a long the beachfront, always with the greatest smile on his face. On the beach in front of the gym Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, the old ladies and gentlemen are preparing for their morning swim... My... --- ### "Sixto, Sitges and Camp Nou", An Excerpt from a New Book > Brett... - Published: 2015-07-15 - Modified: 2015-07-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sixto-sitges-and-camp-nou/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: books, Brett Hetherington Brett Hetherington whose previous book, The ReMade Parent, was featured on this blog, has kindly allowed me to reproduce an excerpt from his latest (but yet to be finished) book. Brett said of the book: "It's a travelogue/memoir of mainly a summer trip I did to some of the country's less touristy inland destinations: Zaragoza, Extremadura, Jaen and Ubeda. I have commented on the news stories of the time and what was happening around me in the street life with local people. I also met and talked to expats who are living "unsung" lives here". It's a great little story below. I hope you enjoy it... Brett... --- ### Steve's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Steve... - Published: 2015-07-10 - Modified: 2015-07-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/steves-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Baluard, Barri Gòtic, Cafès Ros, contributors, CosmoCaixa, El Mirador del Carmelo, Estanc Duaso, Hotel Praktik Bakery, Jardins del Príncep de Girona, Manairó, Parc del Guinardó, Playa de la Nova Icària, Revolver Records, Sagrada Família, Turó de la Rovira, Xiringuito Aigua I’m up early, before the sun, hoping that the coffee grinder doesn’t wake the kids as I prepare a Bialetti full of fragrant Ethiopian Sidamo. The smell of the beans, recently roasted at Cafès Ros, fills the kitchen. I’ve had my caffeine fix and I park my motorbike near Nova Icària beach. The sun is over the horizon now and it glitters off the sea, throwing a long shadow behind me and making me squint. I put my headphones on and start to run. Along to the Forum, turn around, down to Barceloneta and the W hotel, then back to where I started. The beach is coming to life as the temperature rises, and I people-watch for a while before heading home. Platja... --- ### Discover Catalan Wine with CatalunyaWine.com > Catalunya... - Published: 2015-07-08 - Modified: 2015-12-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/catalunya-wine/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Catalunya Wine, videos Type ‘catalunya wine’ into Google and the chances are that after the obligatory Wikipedia entry (which is certainly a decent primer) you will find CatalunyaWine.com. If you want to discover the wonders of the Catalan wine region that the rest of the world is even now only just discovering then this is the place to begin your journey. Catalunya Wine exists to promote Catalan wines to the English-speaking world. Run by Canadian expat Tim Brown and aided by his Cuban-born (but with Catalan roots) wife Lis, the website chronicles Tim's journey through this unique wine region as he exposes the great wines of Catalunya to promote them to hotels and restaurants both here and abroad. A... --- ### José's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Artist... - Published: 2015-06-18 - Modified: 2015-11-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/joses-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Ferlandina, Cafe De L'Opera, Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, Casa Lleó-Morera, Casa Mulleras, Castell de Montjuïc, Club Cronopios, contributors, El Raval, Els Quatre Gats, Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic Lluís Companys, Filmoteca de Catalunya, Instagram, La Mansana de la Discòrdia, Las Ramblas, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de Sant Jaume Barcelona is a city of perfect days. Among all the cities I’ve visited, I consider it to be among the most liveable and lovable metropolises on Earth. Blessed with warm weather more than six months a year, flanked by the ocean and mountains, great nightlife and culture, dozens of parks, loads of good museums, bike lanes, citywide free wi-fi, and a broad variety of people from all over the world, each day in Barcelona is better than the last... Barcelona... --- ### Ben's Perfect Day in Barcelona > New... - Published: 2015-06-13 - Modified: 2016-01-20 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/bens-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: c/ Pujades, calçotada, calçots, Carretera de les Aigües, contributors, Estació de Peu del Funicular, Gràcia, Metro Llacuna, Montjuïc, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaça d'Espanya, Poble Sec, Poblenou, Rambla del Poblenou, Tibidabo I’m not an urban planner or an architect or even a philosopher. I can’t claim to know exactly why one city feels like an overwhelming mess and the next is as well-balanced as BARCELONA. But after 10 years here (living in 7 of her neighborhoods) I recognise that there are a few elements which I believe make her as close to perfection as a city could hope to be. Here they are in a 24 hour experience on any given Summer’s day in BARCELONA... “Fantasy... --- ### Barcelona Tourists: Don’t go away, just behave better > Timmer... - Published: 2015-06-10 - Modified: 2020-11-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tourism/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: contributors, Park Güell, Sagrada Família If you read the latest news written in Bloomberg and picked up by many publications in the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia, you would think the new mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, is against foreigners. She’s ready to build a moat and castle walls to protect the city from the ravaging hordes threatening to overrun this thriving civic centre. However, this is not the case, nor is the picture painted about what is happening in Barcelona really a true representation of what goes on during tourist season every year... I'm... --- ### Eliana Guerrero: The Pickpocket Huntress of Barcelona's Subways > Video:... - Published: 2015-06-03 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/eliana-guerrero-pickpocket-huntress/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Barcelona Metro, videos Thankfully I've never been pick-pocketed in Barcelona. Though who knows what's going to happen now I've said that. But I know it's a real problem and one that has tarnished many a friend's trip to this fine city. Local police say that there are about 150 pickpockets on the metro system each day with an average of 250 robberies reported each week. At least, that was back in 2012. I really wouldn't know if it was more or less in 2015... Eliana... --- ### Mark's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Tour... - Published: 2015-05-30 - Modified: 2015-06-02 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/marks-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Ambar, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Bar Cañete, Barceló Raval, c/ Blai, c/ Comte Borrell, c/ Parlament de Catalunya, c/ Sant Pau, c/ Unió, Can Vilaro, Carretera de les Aigües, Castell de Montjuïc, contributors, El Raval, La Caseta del Migdia, Mirador del Migdia, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Poble Sec, Rambla del Raval, Sant Antoni, Serra de Collserola My perfect day would be a sunny Saturday in early May, when the weather is fine and you notice for the first time the smell of summer in the air. I get up early and drive my motorbike to the Carretera de les Aigües for a morning jog. This is a beautiful path in the Parc de Collserola where you have an amazing view over the city and at the same time can enjoy the greenery and fresh air. Jogging while watching the sun rise and with the awakening city at your feet is priceless... Carretera... --- ### Interview for Barcelona Metropolitan > I... - Published: 2015-05-27 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-metropolitan-interview/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona Metropolitan, interviews I was recently interviewed by Barcelona Metropolitan (the May issue) about this blog and Barcelona blogging in general. I was one of a number of Barcelona bloggers so they only used a small, edited piece. As my answers were so brilliant and enlightening I thought I'd publish the whole thing here for you to read. I hope it piques your interest about blogging. They say writing is good for the soul... I... --- ### Cataluña, A Region Apart (A 1979 BBC Documentary) > Cataluña,... - Published: 2015-05-23 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/bbc-cataluna-a-region-apart-1979/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, videos This forgotten BBC documentary from 1979 was the final part of a 5-part series entitled 'Realidades de España' - Spanish Realities. It was uncovered by writer and chemical engineer Josep Grau-Bové who obtained it on VHS video from a friend in Glasgow. He digitised and uploaded it to YouTube in the hope that more people would see it. In the last two years 41,548 people have (at the time of writing)... This... --- ### Roisin's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Hailing... - Published: 2015-05-21 - Modified: 2017-01-16 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/roisins-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Alsur Café, Avinguda de Francesc Cambó, Barceloneta, c/ Giralt el Pellisser, Café Catalina, contributors, Cuines Santa Caterina, El Born, Grand Hotel Central, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Plaça de Sant Cugat, Via Laietana My perfect day in Barcelona is perfectly simple. It consists solely of wandering around, stopping only to eat and drink. I’ve lived in Barcelona for 8 months now after moving here in September 2014 and my favourite thing to do at the weekend is to wander around my local neighbourhood (barrio) whilst stopping off at bars, cafes and restaurants along the way... My... --- ### Barcelona - 10 Locals Tell You Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Fit In > I... - Published: 2015-05-19 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gigi-griffis-barcelona-guide/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: guides, interviews Last summer I was asked to contribute to a guide called 'Barcelona - 10 Locals Tell You Where to Go, What to Eat, and How to Fit In'. Well I did. And Gigi Griffis who produced the guide sent me a copy, and then I promptly forgot about it. I came across it on my iPad recently. So I read it. And it's actually pretty good... Last... --- ### Into the Night: A Timelapse Video of Barcelona at Night > Jordi... - Published: 2015-05-16 - Modified: 2015-05-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-into-the-night/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: filmmakers, timelapse, videos There's something very evocative about watching the city at night from up high. Wondering what all the people below are up to. And I'm a big fan of the timelapse technique when used well. So Jordi de Temple's video, Into the Night, is right up my street... Jordi... --- ### Annebeth's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Annebeth,... - Published: 2015-05-14 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/annebeths-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bar del Pla, Bar Mundial, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Ginebra, c/ l'Argenteria, c/ Montcada, c/ Princesa, c/ Rec Comtal, Can Cisa, Can Recasens, Carretera de les Aigües, Cementerio de Montjuïc, Ciutat Vella, contributors, El Born, El Born Centre Cultural, El Magnífico, Elsa y Fred, Federal Café, Ikibana, Jai-Ca, Montjuïc, Museu d'Història de Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso, Plaça Sant Agustí Vell, Port Vell, Rambla del Poblenou, Sant Antoni, Spanish vermouth, Tarannà, Turó de la Rovira, vermut It’s been more than 13 years since I landed at the airport of El Prat Barcelona and first started to enjoy Barcelona’s perfect days. Originally from Holland, I was living in Amsterdam at that time, when I decided to do an Erasmus in the Catalan capital. Barcelona was becoming more and more popular, but it had not reached the popularity it knows nowadays... The... --- ### Barcelona Neighbourhoods: El Born > El... - Published: 2015-05-12 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/el-born-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Barcelona Zoo, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Big Fish, c/ Comerç, Ciutat Vella, Comerç 24, El Born, El Born Centre Cultural, Kiosko Burger, La Ribera, Lonja de Tapas, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mosquito, Nakashita, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parlament de Catalunya, Passeig del Born, Saboc, Tantarantana I think El Born would have to be my favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona. It's absolutely stunning. It can be a bit touristy at times but there are quiet streets to escape from the hustle and bustle. It is one of the smaller neighbourhoods, part of La Ribera which itself is part of the old town, Ciutat Vella. If you see a beautiful photo of a narrow Barcelona street in the sunlight, then chances are it will be from somewhere in El Born... Mercat... --- ### Claire's Perfect Day In Barcelona > Claire... - Published: 2015-05-09 - Modified: 2016-04-26 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/claires-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Banys Vells, c/ Sant Domènec del Call, Can Paixano, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, cava, contributors, El Born, El Quim de la Boqueria, Escullera de Poblenou, Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic Lluís Companys, Gràcia, La Viñatería del Call, Las Ramblas, Mercat de la Boqueria, Moll de Gregal, Montjuïc, Parc de la Ciutadella, Park Güell, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Plaça Reial, Rubi Bar, Sagrada Família, Torre Agbar My perfect day in Barcelona would be sunny, of course. Not too hot, but most definitely warm, and with a light breeze freshening the air. It’s a Saturday, and I wake up early to take the opportunity to wander around the Gothic Quarter when most of the residents are still sleeping off their hangovers. Even walking up La Rambla at that time is pleasant, as before the stalls open and the restaurants are still closed you can really appreciate what it was like to take a stroll among the wealthy families of yesteryear. Early morning is also the best time to take photos of the streets around the cathedral; the faux Gothic arch, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, and Plaça Reial are all peaceful and quiet... My... --- ### Barcelona’s Main City Park: Parc de la Ciutadella > Barcelona... - Published: 2015-05-07 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/parc-de-la-ciutadella-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barcelona Zoo, Castell dels Tres Dragons, contributors, Gaudí, Geology Museum, Josep Fontsére, Josep Llimona, La Cascada, Museum of Natural Science, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parlament de Catalunya, Passeig de Pujades, Zoology Museum Barcelona has quite a few parks scattered around the city, some less known waiting to be discovered, and some more popular where some days it seems that all people of the city gather. One of these such parks is Barcelona’s main green oasis: Parc de la Ciutadella. Monica,... --- ### Gabriela's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Gabriela... - Published: 2015-05-05 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gabrielas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Aquarium, contributors, El Born, El Born Centre Cultural, Las Ramblas, Lonja de Tapas, Parc de la Ciutadella, Pla del Palau My description of a perfect day in Barcelona will probably be totally different to the others here. I don't live in the city, so I don't know all the little corners (the best places to have a good coffee, brunch or to take photos). However, I'm always very excited when I can finally get to Barcelona. Knowing this, my boyfriend surprised me with a day trip in February last year. This day is very special to me because during it we decided to move in together. It was perfect from beginning to end, so I will tell you about the places we visited... The... --- ### Eat Guides: Barcelona > 'Eat... - Published: 2015-05-02 - Modified: 2015-05-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/eat-guides-barcelona/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: guides I'm not normally one for travel guides. Especially city guides that have to accommodate a persons every whim. They are really things that should be consumed beforehand and reduced to a few notes or page photos on your phone. To take the whole thing is far too unwieldy. And who wants to look like a tourist and attract the wrong attention anyway. Especially in Barcelona! So it was with equal trepidation and interest when I was sent a copy of a new eating guide for Barcelona, simply called Eat Guides: Barcelona. I'm... --- ### Inside Barcelona with… Homage to BCN > I... - Published: 2015-04-30 - Modified: 2015-05-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/inside-barcelona-with-homage-to-bcn/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Generator Hostels Barcelona, interviews I was asked by the guys at Generator Hostels to answer some questions for a series of interviews they are doing called Inside Barcelona. Care to know my answers? Inside... --- ### Turó de la Rovira (Bunkers del Carmel) > This... - Published: 2015-04-22 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/turo-de-la-rovira/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Carmel, contributors, Metro Guinardó/Hospital de Sant Pau, Museu d'Història de Barcelona, Turó de la Rovira Barcelona has a secret. Behind the flurries of swarming crowds and must-see attractions lurks a hidden gem, a snippet of solitude steeped in beauty, charm and history. A place where time has stood still and only Mother Nature dares to impose on the peace and tranquillity. A place I love to go to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and where I’d always choose to start my day. Don’t get me wrong - I love the energy and vibrancy of the city - but if I’m honest there’s nothing I enjoy more than escaping into nature and disconnecting from the ‘matrix’ of modern life. A luxury which, thankfully, Barcelona can afford... This... --- ### Lapin: Crowdfunding and Filmmaking in Barcelona > Lapin... - Published: 2015-04-18 - Modified: 2015-05-03 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lapin-filmmaking-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: crowdfunding, filmmakers, interviews, videos Mention Barcelona and lots of things come to mind, but filmmaking is probably not the first. Yet you’d be surprised how fertile a filmmaking ground this city is, and it’s not just the sunshine. The locals are very film literate and have a long list of festivals to prove it, from D’A and L’Alternativa to In Edit and Mecal. There’s even a festival dedicated entirely to film and football! The... --- ### Céline's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Céline,... - Published: 2015-04-16 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/celines-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar 33/45, Barceló Raval, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Banys Vells, c/ Barra de Ferro, c/ Brosolí, c/ Ferlandina, c/ Girona, c/ Joaquín Costa, c/ Ramelleres, c/ Rec, c/ Sant Quintí, contributors, Eixample, El Born, El Centric, El Raval, Gipsy Lou, Horta-Guinardó, Hospital de Sant Pau, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Mercat del Born, Metro Barceloneta, Montse Liarte Boutique, Morryssom, Museu Europeu d'Art Modern, Nunita, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Passeig dels Castanyers, Rambla del Raval, The Box I have been living in Barcelona for three years now and, while here, I’ve had a lot of days that have gone perfectly. For this article, I am going to combine a few of these perfect days to make one really unforgettable day in Barcelona... I... --- ### Multilingual Families in Barcelona [A Study] > Francesca... - Published: 2015-03-28 - Modified: 2019-08-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/multilingual-families-in-barcelona-study/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: kids, Multilingual Families in Barcelona You may already have seen one of Francesca’s posts, posters, emails or articles somewhere in virtual or real space over the past couple of months as she’s been campaigning hard to find as many English-speaking parents in and around the Barcelona area as possible to fill out her questionnaire. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, read on! I put a few questions to Francesca to find out why she wants to know so much about us... You... --- ### Rachel's Perfect Day on Montjuïc > Montjuïc... - Published: 2015-03-25 - Modified: 2015-03-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/rachels-perfect-day-on-montjuic/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, c/ Sepúlveda, Castell de Montjuïc, contributors, Estadi Olímpic de Montjuic Lluís Companys, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, Jardins de Joan Maragall, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Palau Sant Jordi, Pastissería Calderón Mar del Plata, Plaça d'Espanya, Torre Calatrava Montjuïc is my favourite place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. There are enough secluded spots there to read a book, gape at the stunning views or simply soak up some sun. The beauty of this little mountain is that it's so close to the city centre that getting here doesn't seem like an epic mission. Peace and tranquillity are on your doorstep! On my perfect day, I don't intend to spend much money. I just want to escape the crowds, stroll in the sunshine and admire my surroundings. After all, it's not every day you get to climb a mountain in the middle of a city! View... --- ### Señor Archer - Barcelona Tintype Photography > Alberto... - Published: 2015-03-21 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-tintype-photography/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: photography, Señor Archer, videos I'm always happy to promote unique Barcelona business endeavours on this website. And none comes more unique than Alberto's tintype photography studio in the Raval, called Señor Archer. "What photography? Tintype?" Well yes, as you asked, let me explain what tintype photography actually is. Or rather, so I get it right, let me just copy and paste a snippet from good ol' Wikipedia... Alberto... --- ### What Constitutes Freedom? > Whether... - Published: 2015-03-15 - Modified: 2015-03-15 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/what-constitutes-freedom/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan Independence, contributors Whether you live in Catalonia or Scotland, the USA or Russia, most people are interested in “freedom”. The question is “What constitutes freedom?” Freedom for a Russian could mean actions to prevent invasion and perhaps the people are easily misled to think that invasion is likely. An American considers freedom as lack of government interference. The French are an enigma! A significant majority are happy with a country with more government control and involvement than most other European countries... A dear... --- ### The New Miniguide is Here! > Miniguide,... - Published: 2015-03-12 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/new-barcelona-miniguide/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona Miniguide, interviews In case you hadn't noticed Miniguide, in my opinion the best whats's on guide in Barcelona, has a new website. And this time a new app too! I know a website redesign with such a lot of content can be a nightmare project so I caught up with Michael of Miniguide to ask him how it's all gone. In... --- ### Sammy's Perfect Day in Poblenou > Samantha... - Published: 2015-02-28 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sammys-perfect-day-in-poblenou/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: c/ Llull, c/ Pamplona, c/ Roc Boronat, Can Framis, contributors, Horchatería El Tío Ché, La Biennal, Pizzeria Tío Mario, Platja de la Mar Bella, Playa del Bogatell, Poblenou, Rambla del Poblenou, Skye Coffee Co. "After having studied abroad in both Bilbao and Barcelona, Spain during university, I fell in love with the Iberian Peninsula. Hence, I graduated from the University of Nebraska in May 2013 and have been living here in Barcelona since June 2013. There are a lot of aspects of Spanish / Catalan / European culture that I adore – outdoor terraces, being out and about in the streets, and fresh seafood – just to name a few examples. I have developed a love-hate relationship with the Spanish siesta (daily nap), leisurely lunches, and public transportation. The point of this article, though, is to tell you about one of my favorite areas of Barcelona proper, the neighborhood of Poblenou (or Pueblo Nuevo)... Poblenou... --- ### Dawn's Perfect Sunday in Barcelona > Dawn,... - Published: 2015-02-08 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/dawns-perfect-sunday-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel, Barri Gòtic, Brunch & Cake, c/ Enric Granados, Casa Batlló, contributors, La Fira, Life Drawing Barcelona, Museum Retro, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya, Rambla de Catalunya "My perfect day in Barcelona was always a Sunday. Sundays are fantastic wherever you live; a day that belongs to you and only you, a day comprising of a morning, an afternoon and an evening, with which you can do whatever you bloody well want to do... Brunch... --- ### La Finestra Associació Cultural > La... - Published: 2015-02-03 - Modified: 2015-02-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/la-finestra-associacio-cultural/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Baixada de Viladecols, events, La Finestra Associació Cultural, photography In a city with a history as culturally rich as Barcelona the importance of small grass roots cultural associations should never be underestimated, now more than ever in the face of what can on occasion appear to be the conversion of the city into nothing more than a giant theme park its sole raison d’etre being the attraction of ever increasing numbers of tourists. A vibrant art scene is one of the principal reasons that made Barcelona such an interesting and vibrant city and this art scene has strong roots going back to the 19th century. It’s vital that this remains undiminished and requires from those of us who live in or love the city committed support. With this in mind we can celebrate one small corner of the city, a place buried deep inside the old quarter, literally a stone’s throw from the old Roman walls where this cultural tradition is being kept alive: La Finestra. La... --- ### Las Estaciones Fantasma en Barcelona > Las... - Published: 2015-01-31 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/estaciones-fantasma-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barcelona Metro This fascinating article, Las Estaciones Fantasma (The Ghost Stations), tells the story of the abandoned metro stations in Barcelona. Courtesy of Ling Magazine. This... --- ### The Catalan Question: Europe and the Right to Choose > The... - Published: 2015-01-29 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/the-catalan-question/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, videos I came across this video from the Euranet Plus news agency. Presented by Brian Maguire it discusses Europe's failure to address the right to self-determination of separatist regions. httpvh://youtu.... --- ### Cristina's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Cristina,... - Published: 2014-12-17 - Modified: 2014-12-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/cristinas-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Anonymous Fotografía, Antique Boutique, Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi, Blaise, c/ Banys Nous, c/ Còrsega, c/ Rosselló, c/ Sèneca, Casablanca Arts & Antiques, contributors, Copia Lab, Cucharada, Diagonal, Dole Café, Estudio Restauración, Eva Guillamón, Exit Design, Fira de Santa Llúcia, Galería Miquel Alzueta, Gràcia, Igueldo, La Granja, La Pepita, Lydia Delgado, Manuel de Falla, Mercat de la Boqueria, Nobodinoz, Ox Mobiliari, Passeig de Gràcia, Paulina Barcelona, Roig Robí, The Shopping Night Barcelona, Vinçon, Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel "Three years ago I left Barcelona, my hometown, to start a new adventure with my family in Stockholm - a welcoming, beautiful and amazing city! However, my genes are Mediterranean, I can't help that. And as time goes by, I have begun to look at Barcelona with different eyes: with those of a local but with a slight nostalgia and admiration which makes it magic. Every time I'm there I try to get the most out of it, so I think I could write a perfect week instead of just a perfect day... Three... --- ### Cooking paella (and getting a little tipsy) with Barcelona Slow Travel > My... - Published: 2014-12-07 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-slow-travel/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Barcelona Slow Travel, El Ninot, experiences, markets, tours The slow movement, ironically, continues apace since its roots in the mid-80s and the founding of the Slow Food organisation whose ideals advocate slowing down life's pace and fighting against the notion that faster is always better. In writing A Manifesto for Slow Travel in 2009, Nicky Gardner describes it thus: “Slow travel is about making conscious choices, and not letting the anticipation of arrival undermine the pleasure of the journey. By choosing to travel slowly, we reshape our relationship with place and with the communities through which we pass on our journeys.” The... --- ### The New Foodie in Barcelona! > Suzy's... - Published: 2014-12-05 - Modified: 2014-12-05 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/foodie-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Foodie in Barcelona If you haven't checked out the Foodie in Barcelona website then you've definitely been missing out. Suzy's own personal take on the food establishments of Barcelona is one of a very select few blogs I read religiously... If... --- ### Foto Ruta Barcelona Photography Tour > Update:... - Published: 2014-11-22 - Modified: 2018-06-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-photography-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Foto Ruta, photography, tours Foto Ruta was born in Buenos Aires. It grew up in Santiago and now, fully grown it has ventured across the pond to both London and finally Barcelona. I was kindly invited to go on their Streetscape tour around El Born (which if you see below is one of 4 tours they offer), a beautiful neighbourhood of Barcelona ripe for some stunning photography. UPDATE:... --- ### Justine's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Justine... - Published: 2014-11-15 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/justines-perfect-day-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bateau Lune, Be My Bagel, c/ Astúries, c/ Goya, c/ Planeta, c/ Ramon y Cajal, contributors, EatWith, Gràcia, Horchatería El Tío Ché, La Llavor dels Orígens, Montjuïc, Nostàlgic, Olokuti, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol, Poblenou, Rambla del Poblenou, Verdejade "I’m from Orange County, California, and I've lived in Barcelona for six years. My husband, who’s from Seville, and his job are what bring me to this magnetic Catalan capital. My two children were born here, and together as a family, we’ve already had many perfect days enjoying kid-friendly Barcelona. In this “perfect day", I’d try it without my little darlings! Justine... --- ### Jahn's Perfect Barcelona from Dawn until Dusk until Dawn > Jahn... - Published: 2014-10-25 - Modified: 2016-03-07 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/jahns-perfect-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Carretera de les Aigües, contributors, Estació de Peu del Funicular, Gràcia, Horchatería El Tío Ché, Ildefons Cerdà, La Bodegueta, La Pubilla, Plaça de la Llibertat, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, Plaça del Sol, Platja de la Mar Bella, Poblenou, Rambla de Catalunya, Rambla del Poblenou "Today I will wake up with a plan, today I am setting out to discover my beloved city. Barcelona is indeed my perfect place to wake up. In order to make it right this time, I am placing myself at the Platja de Mar Bella. It is an amazing feeling to be here with the fisherman in the morning and to have the rising sun in my back. The sunshine lets the sea gleam and fresh air fills my lungs. I love to be close to the ocean... Platja... --- ### 48h Open House Barcelona > On... - Published: 2014-10-22 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/open-house-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Antiga Fàbrica Damm, Arc de Triomf, Casa Marsans, Ciutat Vella, Eixample, events, Festival D'Arquitectura de Barcelona, Gràcia, Open House Barcelona, Palau Savassona, Sant Gervasi, Torre d'Aigües de la Catalana de Gas, videos This coming weekend Barcelona's great buildings open their doors to the public. The Festival D'Arquitectura de Barcelona, or Open House Barcelona, is part of the wonderful Open House Worldwide organisation. From their website... 'Open House' is a simple but powerful concept: showcasing outstanding architecture for all to experience, completely for free. Open House initiatives invite everyone to explore and understand the value of a well-designed built environment... This... --- ### Expat Day - I’m Barcelonian > Expat... - Published: 2014-10-20 - Modified: 2014-10-20 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/expat-day-im-barcelonian/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: events, Expat Day Expat Day - I’m Barcelonian, is an event organised by Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Activa. The aim of Expat Day is to help foreigners in Barcelona to settle in, by providing information on all the public and private services that are available to them. Expat... --- ### Maya's Perfect Day in El Raval > Bulgarian... - Published: 2014-10-18 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/mayas-perfect-day-in-el-raval/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bacaro, Betty Ford’s Bar, c/ Carretas, c/ Joaquín Costa, c/ l'Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, c/ Montalegre, c/ Peu de la Creu, c/ Pintor Fortuny, Caravelle, CCCB, contributors, Domingos, El Raval, Grey Street Barcelona, IDEP, La Central, La Virreina, Las Ramblas, Lo de Flor, MACBA, Mother, Plaça dels Àngels, Rambla del Raval, Satan’s Coffee Corner "I found my way to Barcelona about 8 years ago, with not much of a definite plan or a clear idea of how long I was planning on staying. I was in my early twenties at the time and the only thing I had a complete certainty for was photography. I found my way to IDEP where I ended up getting my bachelor degree and staying in this wonderful city for as long as I have... Satan's... --- ### A Spanish Summer > A... - Published: 2014-10-15 - Modified: 2015-04-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/a-spanish-summer/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: filmmakers, videos Missing the Spanish summer already? Well check out this video and relive a little of your holidays. This is a beautiful composition of photography and moving images set to a reworked version of Spanish Caravan by The Doors performed here by Nigel Kennedy and the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Quite lovely. Missing... --- ### Jenny's (Semi-Hypothetical) Perfect Day in Barcelona > Jenny... - Published: 2014-10-10 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/jennys-perfect-barcelona-day/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Bo de B, Bicing, c/ Diputació, c/ Mercè, c/ Parlament de Catalunya, c/ Peu de la Creu, contributors, Copasetic, El Born, El Jardí, El Raval, Federal Café, Gràcia, L'Anxoveta, Montjuïc, Mosquito, Novedades, Ocaña, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaça Reial, Playa de la Nova Icària I’m no newbie to Spain, but I’m a fresh arrival to Barcelona. After a year enjoying free tapas in Granada and another spent crouched over a space heater in rainy Bilbao, I’m excited to see what this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city has to offer. I’ve been here for a month, and plan on staying till the end of June, when my English teaching contract ends and the country kicks me out for being a visa-less American. But I’m beginning to realize I’ll need more than a year to really get to know this unbeatable city. I wish I knew the best place for pan tomaca; the cheapest (drinkable) glass of wine in the city; what time to arrive at my nearest Bicing station before all the bikes are taken. But there are only so many ways blogs and Lonely Planet can enlighten you; the best teacher is time. So here’s how I envision my perfect day in Barcelona come June, when I’ve gotten more familiar with my surroundings and it’s time to leave it all behind. Pa... --- ### Can you imagine Barcelona without any people? > Can... - Published: 2014-10-08 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/nopeople-barcelona-video/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: filmmakers, timelapse, videos Can you imagine Barcelona without any people? No, me neither. So I suggest you watch this clever timelapse video from NNtonio Rodríguez. NOPEOPLE*BARCELONA: The City Of Barcelona Like You Never See: Without People And Without Traffic. No,... --- ### Homage to BCN is on Facebook! > Homage... - Published: 2014-10-06 - Modified: 2014-10-06 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/homage-to-bcn-on-facebook/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Facebook After many years your dreams have come true and Homage to BCN now has its own Facebook page. You'll get the same Barcelona loveliness as if you follow Homage to BCN on Twitter but in a much more pretty pictures kinda way. Please do show your support by going and liking the page. I would be very grateful. After... --- ### The Completed Sagrada Família > Ever... - Published: 2014-10-02 - Modified: 2014-09-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sagrada-familia-completion-video/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Gaudí, Sagrada Família, videos Have you ever wondered what Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, will look like when it's completed? And even when it will be completed. Well I'm afraid the current completion date is 2026. So just in case you're not around then or you're already fed-up of waiting, the architects of the Sagrada Família have created this video of what the basilica will look like once finished. Have... --- ### A Morning Spent Devouring Barcelona > Devour... - Published: 2014-09-30 - Modified: 2023-03-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/devour-barcelona-food-tour/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: aperitivo, Bodega C'al Pep, c/ Gran de Gràcia, c/ Guilleries, c/ Puigmartí, c/ Sant Àgata, c/ Sant Domènec, c/ Torrent de l'Olla, c/ Verdi, Can Tosca, Devour Barcelona, Gràcia, Granel, L'Anxoveta, La Botigueta del Bon Menjar, markets, Mercat de l'Abaceria Central, Oli Sal, Pastisseria Ideal, Patisseria Principe, Spanish vermouth, tours, Travessera de Gràcia, vermut, videos I kindly received an invite from Devour Barcelona food tours to join them one morning. A food tour in Gràcia, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Barcelona, sounded like great fun. So one Friday morning I found myself at the top of Passeig de Gràcia with our guide, the lovely Renée, giving us a brief history of the street and its connection to the neighbourhood of Gràcia. Selecció... --- ### A Few Things You Need To Know Before Moving To Barcelona > In... - Published: 2014-09-10 - Modified: 2014-09-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/moving-to-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: contributors If you are considering relocating to Barcelona there are some things you need to consider first. Sometimes the motivation to start a new life and the attractiveness of the place where we want to move, makes us launch into the adventure without the right information about aspects which can give us problems. Here we offer some tips that we hope you find useful before taking that big step. In... --- ### "Catalonia Is Not Spain" Crowdfunding Project > "Catalonia... - Published: 2014-09-07 - Modified: 2017-10-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-is-not-spain-crowdfunding-project/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalonia Is Not Spain, crowdfunding, Going Native In Catalonia, Simon Harris Crowdfunding is where a project raises money from a number of contributors via an enabling platform such as Kickstarter. It has been a source of capital for many products and ventures where other funding opportunities weren't available, or as straightforward. The contributor is supporting someone's idea before it has actually come to market. In return they may get the product at a discount, or some other reward. Incredibly this industry has grown to be worth over $5 billion globally. Crowdfunding... --- ### 5 Years On - My Homage to Catalonia > Claire... - Published: 2014-09-04 - Modified: 2014-08-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/my-homage-to-catalonia/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: contributors Within the next couple of weeks it will be 5 years to the day since I was hit by a wall of heat as I stepped off a sleeper train in Estació de França, with probably more luggage than is really permitted in their carriages. It’s difficult now to remember exactly how I felt at the time, what I was expecting, how long it would take, if ever, to feel like home. Moving away from a comfortable, happy life in Manchester to try one I’d dreamed of in a Mediterranean city has thrown more experiences and challenges my way than I ever expected and this anniversary has provided a good opportunity to reflect on what as a British expat are my personal highs and lows of Barcelona life. Claire... --- ### The 5 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Barcelona > Marina... - Published: 2014-08-30 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gluten-free-restaurants-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Anauco Gourmet, c/ Alfons XII, c/ Montcada, c/ Palau, c/ Santa Anna, c/ València, contributors, Did Platets, La Lluna, Rasoterra, Tapeo Whether you’re among the increasing number of people with celiac disease or food allergies or simply prefer to avoid gluten or other allergens for health reasons, finding good restaurants in Barcelona is quite challenging. Marina... --- ### Renée's Perfect Day in El Born > Renée... - Published: 2014-08-27 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/renees-perfect-day-in-el-born/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Bormuth, c/ Basses de Sant Pere, c/ Comerç, c/ Gombau, c/ Rec, c/ Verdaguer i Callís, Cafè del Born Nou, contributors, Convent de Sant Agustí, El Bar de l'Antic Teatre, El Born, El Born Centre Cultural, Iguapop Gallery, Lupara, Magic Club, Mercat de Santa Caterina, NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizza, Paspartu, Passeig de Picasso, Plaça Comercial, Plaça de Sant Pere, Plaça de Santa Caterina, Spanish vermouth, vermut Choosing a neighborhood in Barcelona wasn’t easy at first. I was moving on after years of living in Madrid, what many call the most genuine Spanish city out there, and I had been warned that my experience in Barcelona might not be the same in that aspect. People told me that its authenticity wouldn’t be as palpable, and that I might have a hard time truly immersing myself into the culture. And this was something important for me. The... --- ### Spain: A Parent's Paradise? > Spain:... - Published: 2014-08-20 - Modified: 2019-08-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/spain-a-parents-paradise/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: books, Brett Hetherington, contributors, kids, The ReMade Parent Australian-born, Barcelona resident, Brett Hetherington has kindly shared a chapter from his new book, "The ReMade Parent: Why We Are Losing Our Children & How We Can Get Them Back". Chapter 5 asks the question, 'Is Spain a parent's paradise?'. Australian-born,... --- ### What to Visit in Barcelona (or not) > The... - Published: 2014-08-06 - Modified: 2016-04-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/what-to-visit-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Gaudí, infographics, statistics So, the guys at OK Apartment have spent what looks like a great deal of time and effort in surveying 1,454 people from 15 different nations to find out what attracts people to Barcelona. So,... --- ### A Miniature Look at the Catalan Province of Girona > Pau... - Published: 2014-07-09 - Modified: 2015-04-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/a-miniature-look-at-the-catalan-province-of-girona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: filmmakers, Pau García Laita, videos There are some fantastic young film-makers out there. But Pau García Laita is one of my favourites. I can watch his tilt-shift short films again and again and I always see something new. This time the subject is the province of Girona. Go full screen, watch and enjoy. There... --- ### Michelle's Perfect Day in Barcelona (with oil) > Michelle... - Published: 2014-06-10 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/michelles-perfect-barcelona-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bread & Circuses, c/ Blasco de Garay, c/ Doctor Trueta, Carretera de Miramar, Dribble Dots, El Porrón, Martinez, Montjuïc, Poble Sec, Poblenou "As my dogs, Hipopótamo and Pingüina, scratch and nuzzle to awaken me from my deep slumber, I start to feel the warm, Spanish sun on my face. I should have closed the persianas last night, I think to myself. Closing the blackout blinds would have definitely helped me sleep in after a long night on the town in Barcelona. I finally resign to my canine children and take them out for a walk around the barrio, suddenly refreshed and energized! When... --- ### BCN Type > From... - Published: 2014-04-10 - Modified: 2014-04-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/bcn-type/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: fonts, videos From the hand of German born, but Spanish influenced, Simón Prades, comes BCN Type. Grungy, futuristic lettering inspired by Barcelona's famous grid system. BCN... --- ### A Barcelona Font > Download... - Published: 2014-04-05 - Modified: 2014-04-05 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-font/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: fonts This is a bit of a geeky post but what the hell. I love Barcelona. And I love typography. So what better than a Barcelona font! It's not really a font as such but one that's certainly in the same vein as the classic dingbat font, Microsoft's Wingdings. A collection of little images related to Barcelona that you can download for free and use in any project you wish. There's even a little caga tió! I hope you find a use for them. This... --- ### 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Barcelona [Infographic] > 10... - Published: 2014-04-02 - Modified: 2016-04-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-barcelona-infographic/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Batlló, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, El Born, Gaudí, infographics, La Pedrera, Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família, statistics I came across this great infographic the other day from the guys at Apartment Barcelona. Unlike most of these kind of things there was actually some things I didn't know! So I thought I'd share it. Did you know about all these things? I... --- ### Barcelona with Kids > If... - Published: 2014-03-27 - Modified: 2019-08-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-with-kids/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barcelona Aquarium, Barcelona Zoo, contributors, CosmoCaixa, kids, Museu Blau, Museu de la Xocolata The city of Barcelona is a wonderful choice for fun-packed things to do with kids. There are so many fabulous child-friendly activities, from interactive museums to theme parks and nature reserves, that you are spoilt for choice. With this in mind, here are my top five attractions in Barcelona that you and your kids will love. Article... --- ### Natura Barcelona - Pau's done it again! > From... - Published: 2014-03-19 - Modified: 2015-05-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/natura-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: filmmakers, Pau García Laita, timelapse, videos From Barcelona born, freelance film-maker Pau García Laita creator of Summer Barcelona and Midnight Barcelona comes his new film Natura Barcelona. You... --- ### What currency would an independent Catalonia use? > Peter... - Published: 2013-11-11 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-currency/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan Independence, contributors Catalonia continues to press for its independence. This past September 11th (the 299th anniversary of the fall of Barcelona, which led to Catalonia's accession as part of Spain), 1.6 million Catalans linked hands around the region, to draw attention to their cause. Moreover, next year, Catalan president Artur Mas plans a referendum, to see just how much of the Catalan populous favours ceding from Spain. A... --- ### Marta's Perfect Autumn Day in Barcelona > Despite... - Published: 2013-10-30 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/martas-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar del Pla, Bubó, c/ Banys Nous, c/ Diputació, c/ Llibreteria, c/ Mare de Déu del Coll, c/ Montcada, c/ Orellana, c/ Petritxol, c/ Sant Sever, c/ Veguer, Cacao Sampaka, Caelum, churros, Conesa, contributors, Eixample, El Born, FastVínic, Gaudí, Granja La Pallaresa, Hotel Neri, La Basílica Galería, l’Antiquari, Maigot, Metro Liceu, mikvah, Museu d'Història de Catalunya, Oliver, Parc de la Ciutadella, Park Güell, Pla del Palau, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Plaça del Rei, Sagàs, Sagrada Família, Turó de les Tres Creus Despite being born and raised in Barcelona, it was not until I started travelling after college that my city had a wonderful combination of elements (sea and hills, old and new, good food and fun shopping, museums and sport...) that was difficult to beat. To me, any season of the year is a perfect time to be in Barcelona, but since now we are leaving the summer behind, let me share with you how to take the most out of the fall. Cake... --- ### In the Streets of Barcelona with Pedro Collares > A... - Published: 2013-10-20 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/pedro-collares/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Pedro Collares, videos I came across this video yesterday about Pedro Collares who plays an instrument called the 'hang' behind Barcelona Cathedral. I've passed Pedro many times but never knew anything about him or the instrument he was playing. I... --- ### Vintage Shops in Barcelona > Vintage... - Published: 2013-08-30 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/vintage-shops-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: c/ Banys Nous, c/ Ferlandina, c/ Rosselló, contributors, Eixample, El Raval, Heritage, La Lentejuela, Metro Diagonal, Metro Jaume I, Metro Liceu, Metro Universitat, Parc de la Ciutadella, Paris Vintage, Plaça de la Llana, Ravalintage, vintage Barcelona is one of those cities that once you travel there; you will never want to leave. For fashion lovers, the City of Gaudí is the perfect destination to get the latest European vintage clothing while walking through beautiful boulevards whose architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere you will instantly fall in love with. If you are thinking about travelling to Barna, as the Spaniards call it, make sure you bring a big case with you, as a variety of vintage shops will be waiting for you. Beautiful... --- ### Emma's Perfect Day in Gràcia > Gràcia... - Published: 2013-07-31 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/gracia-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Canigó, c/ Astúries, c/ Verdi, Cal Boter, Cines Verdi, contributors, Festa Major de Gràcia, Gràcia, Heliogàbal, La Cervesera Artesana, La Nena, Olokuti, Park Güell, Plaça de la Virreina, Teatreneu Gràcia in Barcelona is the neighbourhood where I've lived my entire and still short (hey, I'm still young, ok?) life. To me, it is the best neighbourhood in Barcelona (you could argue I'm a little biased), as it still has that sense of antiquity, that village atmosphere as though it wasn't part of the busy, modern city that lies just a few minutes away... Carrer... --- ### El Raval, Barcelona > El... - Published: 2013-07-27 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/el-raval-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Barceló Raval, Caravelle, contributors, El Raval, Grey Street Barcelona, Home Away, Mercat de la Boqueria, Satan’s Coffee Corner El Raval, also known as Barrio Chino, has long been regarded as an area to be revered with a mixture of fear and caution as is evident from this gloriously damning statement from the 1920s. While opinion is shifting, this negative attitude has persevered; it is as ingrained in some as the morning ritual of taking coffee, a habit that is hard to break... One... --- ### Top 5 Nightclubs in Barcelona > Duncan... - Published: 2013-06-08 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-nightclubs/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barri Gòtic, contributors, Festa Major de Gràcia, La Mercè, Mac Arena Mar, Marula Café, Montjuïc, Opium Mar, Piknic Electronik, Poblenou, Port Olímpic, Primavera Sound Festival, ROW14, Sala Apolo, Sala BeCool, Sala Razzmatazz, Sónar Festival Contributor Duncan Rhodes shares five of his favourite Barcelona nightclubs... Barcelona's nightlife contributes much to its allure as one of Europe's top destinations... this is the city where girls and boys come to combine hedonism and beach life, with just a small side helping of culture, and there are certainly no shortage of venues promising nocturnal adventures to young thrillseekers. Despite my advancing years I've spent much of the last four years 'researching' the city's nightspots, either as a freelance journalist or for my own website (see my author profile below) or - more frequently - as just an ordinary alcoholic. It's high time the info that I've amassed during these ill-spent hours hit the blogosphere, so without further ado allow me to present to you my current Top 5 Nightclubs in Barcelona. Contributor... --- ### Barcelona in the 60's > An... - Published: 2013-06-05 - Modified: 2014-08-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/60s-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: books, contributors, Robert Hughes An article from Anthony Turner about his time in Barcelona in the 60's: "As a young man back in the 60's, I was inspired to visit Barcelona by Hemingway on reading two of his books; "Death in the Afternoon" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls". I drove with my then fiancée (now my wife) down thro' France, over the Pyrenees and on to Barcelona... An... --- ### Win a Barcelona Trip for You and 3 Friends! > Generator... - Published: 2013-05-14 - Modified: 2013-05-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/generator-hostels-barcelona-competition/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: competitions, Facebook, Generator Hostels Barcelona Now let me be clear, I don't promote just any old thing. It takes time to write even the simplest blog post. But any chance to get some friends over for a fun-filled weekend in my adopted city is fine by me. So let me introduce the Generator Hostels Barcelona competition to win a trip to Barcelona for you and 3 friends. Flights included! Generator... --- ### Harriet's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Harriet's... - Published: 2013-05-13 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/harriets-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: c/ Comte d'Urgell, c/ Gran de Gràcia, c/ Verdi, Casa Batlló, contributors, El Born, Gràcia, La Pedrera, Metro Fontana, Metro Urgell, Metro Vallcarca, Mtero Mundet, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Park Güell, Passeig de Gràcia "It was around 7-8 years ago when I first stepped into the world that is Barcelona. I didn't exactly choose a great time of year to visit (it was December) and I wasn't staying in a particularly touristy area (Gràcia), but nevertheless I ended up falling in love with the city, making it my eventual home... Eixample,... --- ### Barcelona Street Art Documentary > This... - Published: 2013-05-08 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-street-art-documentary/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: events, Las Calles Hablan, Mapping Barcelona Public Art, videos Finally, the much talked about Las Calles Hablan Barcelona street art documentary is available to watch online. This feature-length documentary about street art in Barcelona is... "a story about discovering a hidden world, an extraordinary subculture and the struggle between an artistic community painting for freedom of expression and an increasingly restrictive dogmatic government"... Street... --- ### Catalonia Exports Infographic > This... - Published: 2013-05-02 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/catalonia-exports-infographic/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, Generalitat de Catalunya, infographics, statistics I found this infographic through Facebook. The Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the United States of America Facebook page to be exact. It visualises the export statistics of Catalonia during 2012 in a way that's easier to digest than reams of data... I... --- ### Midnight Barcelona by Pau García Laita > Midnight... - Published: 2013-04-24 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/midnight-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: filmmakers, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, Passeig de Colom, Pau García Laita, timelapse, videos He's done it again. This time at night. Midnight Barcelona is the new time-lapse film from Pau García Laita. More fast-paced. With another fitting track, this time called Starscapes from American Dollar. This is Barcelona at night, looking and sounding great! He's... --- ### The History of the Catalans from Catalonia > This... - Published: 2013-04-12 - Modified: 2013-04-12 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/the-history-of-the-catalans-from-catalonia/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan Independence, videos This video was uploaded to YouTube in March of this year (2013), so is a very recent attempt at increasing awareness of the Catalan plight around the world. Even at a half hour long it's very fast-paced and I had no trouble sticking with it. And though the text is sometimes difficult to read it plays like a film trailer with evocative music that keeps you gripped. I thought it a great potted history of the Catalan state from the year 988 to the present day. If you're outside of Catalonia and you don't know what all the fuss is about I suggest you give it a watch. This... --- ### La Diada de Sant Jordi (St. George’s Day) > Many... - Published: 2013-04-04 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/la-diada-de-sant-jordi/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, El Dia de la Rosa, El Dia del Llibre, festivals, Font de Sant Jordi, Joseph Pla, La Diada de Sant Jordi, Miguel Cervantes, Saint George, St. George's Day, St. Valentine's Day, videos, World Book Day I have written about La Diada de Sant Jordi before when I wrote about Valentine's Day in Spain. But I thought I could expand on it a little this time around and mention a few other things that might interest you. Many countries around the world have Saint George as their patron saint and most celebrate it on April 23rd (the accepted date of Saint George’s death in 303 AD). Here in Catalonia (and a few other regions and cities in Spain) St. George is the patron saint too. And the Catalans certainly need little reason for a celebration. 'Saint... --- ### Is the “English Gentleman” dead? > A... - Published: 2013-02-28 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/is-the-english-gentleman-dead/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: contributors, Philip Mason, The English Gentleman A friend was visiting Barcelona a while back. We met for breakfast and put the world to rights as we always do. He suggested he might like to write something for my blog. I had no idea what to expect. This is what he wrote... A... --- ### We Pop! American Barbecue in Barcelona > We... - Published: 2013-02-16 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/we-pop-barcelona/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Casa Mariol, CreOlé, Crusto, events, Passeig de Gràcia, pop-up restaurant, Spanish vermouth, The Secret Room We Pop is a new pop-up restaurant in Barcelona. During March 2013, We Pop is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 9pm-midnight as well as Sundays from noon-5pm. For 20 euros per diner, you can have the meat dish of your choice along with an accompanying beverage (beer from Moritz, wine from Casa Mariol, and on Sundays they supply the vermouth too) and a dessert from the pastry-bakery Crusto... UPDATE... --- ### Leona's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Leona's... - Published: 2012-11-26 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/leonas-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Alaire Terrace Bar, Barceloneta, c/ Arcs, c/ Comerç, c/ Regomir, Casa Batlló, contributors, Dalí Barcelona, El Born, Gaudí, Hotel Condes de Barcelona, La Pedrera, Matsuri, Passeig de Gràcia, Picnic, Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona, Sagrada Família, Ungravity "My brother and I sometimes play a travel game where you get points for the number of countries you have visited – I’m at 40 whereas he is at 60+ so it’s going to be a while till I catch up, however I do believe that extra points should be awarded if you manage to live in a foreign country; especially one with a different language! Therefore, as a sun loving Australian and after spending 6 years in grey London, how could I pass up the opportunity to move to and immerse myself in the fabulous city of Barcelona (and try to add to my travel points!)... The... --- ### Barcelona Cooking Classes with Papa Serra > Barcelona... - Published: 2012-11-22 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-cooking-classes/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Barcelona Culinary Adventures, experiences, Joel Serra Bevin, markets, Mercat de la Boqueria, Papa Serra Jr, tours He doesn't sound Spanish, he doesn't even look Spanish, but second-generation Catalan, Joel Serra Bevin certainly knows Spanish food. Papa Serra was his grandfather and after living in New Zealand, Australia, London and New York, Joel has come back to his roots and started his Barcelona Culinary Adventures. His Spanish cooking classes and food market tours in Barcelona are a fantastic introduction to this fascinating cuisine in the city that Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations fame described as “the most exciting place to eat in the Western world”... Mercat... --- ### Spain's Secret Conflict: A Documentary > Gary... - Published: 2012-11-19 - Modified: 2013-04-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/spains-secret-conflict/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Alfons López Tena, Alfonso Guerra, Arenys de Munt, Catalan Independence, Cataloniawatch, Encarnación Valenzuela, Falange, Federico Jiménez Losantos, Fernando Sánchez Dragó, Gary Gibson, Jaime Pastor, Joan Rosell, Jordi Pujol, José María Alfredo Aznar, Josep Maria Solé i Sabaté, Josep-Lluís Carod-Rovira, Matthew Tree, Oriol Junqueras, Paul Preston, videos This documentary was made back in 2009 yet recently was the first time I'd seen it. It's one of the most concise explanations of the conflict between Catalonia and Spain that I've seen. Even if it's not so secret a conflict any longer. Gary Gibson's 40 minute documentary starts during the Independence Poll in Arenys de Munt in September 2009. The first poll of it's kind in Catalonia, this symbolic poll went ahead despite being banned by Madrid and picketed by the far right-wing Falange... Spain’s... --- ### Cava, a great part of Barcelona > An... - Published: 2012-11-15 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/cava-tasting-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Botafumeiro, c/ Gran de Gràcia, c/ Sant Domènec del Call, cava, contributors, El Quim de la Boqueria, Gràcia, La Alcoba Azul, Las Ramblas, Mercat de la Boqueria The first time I visited Barcelona, I had already fallen in love with cava during my sommelier studies. It was in the beginning of April and it was still very cold in Sweden, but when we stepped out of BCN Airport the sun was on my face and the warmth was in the air (at least if you compare it to Sweden). Since that first visit I have come back as often as I can, usually 2-4 times a year. But even so I miss Barcelona when I'm at home in Sweden and especially now during winter when the snow builds high outside my door and the darkness is so thick it feels like you can cut it with a knife. But a glass of really nice cava on a Friday when I come home from work, really lights up even the darkest November day... An... --- ### Laurie's Barcelona Love Story > Laurie's... - Published: 2012-11-11 - Modified: 2016-04-26 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lauries-bcn-love-story/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Bar Diamant, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Magdalenes, c/ Mirallers, c/ Sant Lluís, c/ Sicilia, c/ Torrijos, Cala del Vermut, Casa Batlló, contributors, El Born, El Nus, Gaudí, Gràcia, Laurie Nouchka, Montjuïc, Passeig de Gràcia, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Passeig de Sant Joan, Plaça de George Orwell, Restaurante Shhh... no se lo digas a nadie, Sagrada Família, Taverna El Glop, Tibidabo, Untitled BCN "I first visited Barcelona just under four years ago. It was an unplanned visit but one that would set me up to fall helplessly in love with the place. I was on a four month sabbatical from my job in London to focus on my 'other' life as an artist. I had started off in a small village in France but it was there I realised it wasn't the peace and quiet or nature that was inspiring me but the vibrancy and energy of a city. So I headed to Barcelona... The... --- ### Would an independent Catalonia be economically feasible? > Three... - Published: 2012-11-09 - Modified: 2017-06-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/an-economically-feasible-independent-catalonia/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan Independence, Fundació CatDem, Heribert Padrol, Marta Espasa, Núria Bosch, statistics, Xavier Cuadras i Morató Three reports have been commissioned by the CatDem Foundation to answer the question, "Would an independent Catalonia be economically feasible?". Now of course, considering who the reports were commissioned by you don't need me to tell you the conclusion. But all 3 make for interesting reading. They're not particularly long, 11, 7 and 14 pages respectively. But they give some insight into the fiscal implications of an independent Catalan state... Three... --- ### LDN-BCN Exhibition at Untitled BCN in Gràcia > LDN-BCN... - Published: 2012-11-07 - Modified: 2015-08-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/ldn-bcn-exhibition/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: c/ Topazi, events, Gràcia, Laurie Nouchka, Untitled BCN The exhibition LDN-BCN opens at the Untitled BCN gallery space in Gràcia this Saturday the 10th of November. There will be 18 artists taking part, all of whom make up a collective formed following participation in a residency in East London in June of this year. The show will comprise painting, photography, sculpture, video, installation and performance. LDN-BCN will be the first of their international biannual group shows. My home town of London is obviously very close to my heart. And any collaboration between my old and my new love is a good thing. The... --- ### EatWith Barcelona > EatWith... - Published: 2012-10-28 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/eatwith-barcelona/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Barcelona Culinary Adventures, EatWith, Joel Serra Bevin, Papa Serra Jr I had an interesting email the other day from Joel who runs Papa Serra Jr. He is involved with the new Barcelona branch of EatWith whose mission it is “to bring the world together one meal at a time”. Their goal is to make it easier for people to organise dinners at home for tourists and locals while earning an income from doing it. It started in Israel and has now expanded to Spain although for now all the hosts are in and around Barcelona. This sounds like a pretty cool idea to me. There are lots of budding chefs out there that are more than capable of putting together an amazing dinner party. I can think of a few myself! And whether it be for a group of tourists or a special occasion for someone who lives locally I think EatWith Barcelona could be onto something here, providing guests with an innovative dining experience and cooks with an alternative income... Visit... --- ### Ferenz’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Ferenz’s... - Published: 2012-10-25 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/ferenzs-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda de Francesc Ferrer Guàrdia, Avinguda del Paral·lel, c/ Comte d'Urgell, c/ Sant Pau, c/ Viladomat, CaixaForum, contributors, La Confitería, Montjuïc, Passeig de l’Exposició, Rekons, Sala Apolo, Sant Antoni, Tarannà, Xemei She is lovely. She is flirtatious. She is passionate. Others call her Barna. Or, mistakenly, Barça, which only refers to the football club. Or, shortened, BCN. But I don’t call her by her nicknames. After several years of being together I began taking her beaches for granted, I got bored with her modernist buildings and I was not quite sure where things were heading. To beat the seven-year itch I moved to another part of town. There I discovered new eating-places. Barcelona knows the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. My perfect date in the city is on a sunny day in June. When I wake up in the morning some raindrops fall. Then the sun starts to shine like it is already summer and I have a late breakfast at Tarannà (c/ Viladomat, 23). Tarannà is the Catalan word for mood. And this place with a brick wall on one end, Parisian metro tiles on the other and vintage furniture certainly brings me in a good mood. I usually choose sweet muffins to accompany my glass of breakfast orange juice, but their savoury sandwiches are also really appetising... Tarannà,... --- ### Summer Barcelona: A day in the life of Barcelona, in miniature > Barcelona... - Published: 2012-10-10 - Modified: 2015-05-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-in-miniature/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: filmmakers, Pau García Laita, timelapse, videos Above is the beautiful video by Pau García Laita. Summer Barcelona is produced using a tilt-shift photography effect. It took me a few scenes to realise I was watching the real thing and not just a model. It looks like Barcelona in miniature! Filmed during the summer of 2012 this video has just been released on Vimeo. It uses a great track by Croquet Club called If You Really Care... Above... --- ### Maria's Barcelona Love Affair > Maria's... - Published: 2012-10-09 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/marias-barcelona-love-affair/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barroque, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Concòrdia, c/ Correu Vell, c/ Escudellers, c/ Gran de Gràcia, c/ Joaquín Costa, c/ Nou de la Rambla, c/ Nou de Zurbano, c/ Parlament de Catalunya, c/ València, Café Royale, Can Margarit, Can Xurrades, contributors, El Raval, Federal Café, La Paradeta, Lletraferit, Marula Café, Minusa Bar, Palau de la Música, Pipa Club, Plaça Reial, Port Olímpic, Primavera Sound Festival, Sala Apolo, Sidecar, Sónar Festival, Tres Flores “Me and Barcelona have a passionate relationship. It was love at first sight. Barcelona seduced me on its birthday, on the Mercè in September when everyone was invited to celebrate. We met on a dark street in Raval, where I was wined with sangría and dined with the cheapest and most heavenly tapas I had ever eaten. We looked at pictures of bullfighters on the wall and I was star struck. We went down to the port, bought a bottle of cava, laid down to watch the fireworks. “I never want to leave your side” I said quietly, so I didn’t. 5 years later we are still in love, a love equally as passionate as the first day we met... Plaça... --- ### Drap-Art 2012 > Drap-Art... - Published: 2012-10-05 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/drap-art-2012/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: CCCB, Drap-Art, events Drap-Art is a showcase of the trends in art that make use of objets trouvés and waste materials as a resource. It is a platform for emerging artists and designers around the world, who use trash as raw material, it is a forum for discussion of theories and urban utopias. Drap-Art is a meeting place for specialists with a public in search of alternatives, in a world that seems to be doomed to destruction. This... --- ### Tom Chant: Wild & Wonderful in BCN Episode 2 > The... - Published: 2012-10-01 - Modified: 2015-04-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/wild-and-wonderful-in-bcn-2/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: filmmakers, videos, Wild and Wonderful in BCN The fascinating Wild & Wonderful in Barcelona series continues with a documentary on long-term Barcelona resident Tom Chant. From the website... Wild and Wonderful Episode 2: English experimental and free jazz musician Tom Chant. A long term resident in Barcelona Tom is currently active groups including the Cinematic Orchestra, the Eddie Prévost Trio, Sucette - a computer music duo with Ben Drew, Marseille Figs - a country, pop, free-jazz racket and the London Improvisers Orchestra and Barcelona based IED8 and Banda de Improvisadores de Barcelona (BIB). Tom bought his first soprano saxophone in 1995. His first recordings from this period were with the Sycophants, on the Ninja Tune and Lo Recordings record labels. In 1997 Tom began recording with Jason Swinscoe, founder of The Cinematic Orchestra. The... --- ### Joel's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Joel's... - Published: 2012-09-28 - Modified: 2016-04-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/joels-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barcelona Culinary Adventures, Barri Gòtic, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Bodega El Tano, c/ Astúries, c/ Bruniquer, c/ Montsió, c/ Torrent de l'Olla, c/ Verdi, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, contributors, Els Quatre Gats, Ferran Adrià, Gasterea, Gaudí, Gelateria Astúries, Gràcia, Joel Serra Bevin, Palau de la Música, Papa Serra Jr, Park Güell, Picasso Museum, Plaça de la Revolució, Plaça del Sol, Platja de la Mar Bella, Roca Gallery "Barcelona… the city that Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations described as “the most exciting place to eat in the Western world”. The perfect day in Barcelona would fall in late September, when the stinging heat gives way to long barmy nights. Barcelona is the only global city with access to incredible beaches via public transport (Sydney and Rio de Janeiro also come to mind), so a morning swim at Playa de la Mar Bella is obligatory. Breakfast in Spain does not hold the same status as it does in the UK (Full English) or Latin America (Calentado), but a slice of melon draped with jamon, some fresh mato cheese with honey and the caffeine kick of a cortado is a nice way to start the day. Shops and galleries begin opening at 10am in Barcelona so a visit to the Picasso Museum, the Ferran Adrià & El Bulli exhibition and Roca Gallery will easily fill a few hours and have you thinking about lunch. My favourite restaurant in Spain does not serve the best food but the atmosphere is second to none. Les Quatre Gats (c/ Montsió, 3) has a history dating back to 1800s and was a favourite of Gaudí, Picasso and Hemingway and when sitting in this beautiful space, adorned by vintage photos and some of Picasso’s paintings, you can easily find yourself helping these three initiate the global Modernism movement. Try their affordable daily menu including dishes such as Esqueixada, creamed Catalan spinach with raisins and pine nuts, chicken poached in sherry vinegar and olive oil with grapes and the best crema Catalana in Barcelona... Playa... --- ### Festa al Cel 2012 > The... - Published: 2012-09-26 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/festa-al-cel-2012/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: events, Festa al Cel, La Mercè, Lapin, Platja de la Mar Bella, Platja de la Nova Mar Bella, videos Did you think La Mercè was over? Think again. There are events running right up until the end of September. And the annual Barcelona air show, the Festa al Cel, is one of the final events of this year's festival. Between 10am and 2pm on September 30th the beaches of Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella are the place to be. The skies above the sea host a spectacular display of all types of flying machines. The Spanish Air Force, the Spanish Navy, the Spanish Army, aerobatics champions, and international performers both civilian and military take to the skies in light aircraft, helicopters, sea planes, state-of-the-art jets and even a passenger plane for a colourful and sometimes ear splitting show of flying technology both old and new... Festa... --- ### Barcelona Comedy Festival 2012 > Comedy... - Published: 2012-09-24 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-comedy-festival-2012/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Barcelona comedy, Barcelona Improv Group, BCN's Funniest Ficer, Centre Artesà Tradicionàrius, Comedy in Spain, events, Festival Internacional de Comedia de Barcelona, Giggling Guiri, Las Cuevas del Sorte, Stand Up Comedy Kills Comedy in Spain, organisers of the popular Giggling Guiri comedy nights in Barcelona, are yet again attempting to defy the 'crisis' with this year's Barcelona International Comedy Festival (Festival Internacional de Comedia de Barcelona). The comedy festival runs between the 27th September and 21st October. That's 4 weeks of comedic entertainment right here in Barcelona. The two headline acts have to be Ireland's Sean Hughes and Rich Hall from the US. Sean has the first Saturday of the festival, September 29th. Rich Hall closes proceedings in Barcelona on October 20th. These are two huge acts and I know that Comedy in Spain have been trying to pin down Rich Hall for years. You can see these two great acts for only 15€ each! Or even better value is 25€ for both nights. You wouldn't be able to see these guys in London for twice the price... Barcelona... --- ### Helen's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Helen's... - Published: 2012-09-19 - Modified: 2016-07-11 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/helens-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Avinguda del Segle XXI, c/ Consell de Cent, c/ Judici, c/ Pau Claris, c/ Provença, c/ San Joan, Cacao Sampaka, contributors, Delta de Llobregat, Eixample, El Born, El Refugio del Puerto, Espai Clos Mont Blanc, Parc de la Ciutadella, Pastisseria Mauri, Rambla de Catalunya, Suc Restaurant, Taberna Foxos, Viladecans "What is a perfect day? Is anything perfect? Well even if there is no such thing as perfection, it’s possible to get near perfection! Having lived in Barcelona for 5 years, I can safely say that there are many things to see and do which makes up a perfect day for me. However my perfect day involves food and drink with lots of relaxing, one of life’s pleasures! Food and drink are a passion of mine so it’s important to start the day off on the right track with a good breakfast. Barcelona has an abundance of bakeries and breakfast emporiums where one can enjoy a variety of food. However, one of my favourite places to have breakfast is at the Pastisseria Mauri (c/ Provença, 241). This is a traditional pastisseria which has been open since 1929. There are plenty of things to choose from, ranging from sandwiches to pastries. After breakfast, I would go for a walk down Rambla de Catalunya and soak up the ambience, rummaging through the shops and small boutiques of L’Eixample. If one works up a thirst, then the chocolate shop, Cacao Sampaka (c/ Consell de Cent, 292), is the ideal place. With chocolate from all over the world, the smell is overwhelming. There is a little café at the back of the shop which serves up the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. Try the dark hot chocolate. It’s delightful... "What... --- ### La Mercè Barcelona 2012 - Published: 2012-09-17 - Modified: 2015-04-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/la-merce-barcelona-2012/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Android apps, BAM Festival, castellers, Catalan Wine & Cava Show, Correfoc, iPhone apps, Jaume Plensa, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè, La Mercè, Mostra de Vins i Caves de Catalunya, Piromusical de la Mercè, Sardana, videos The... --- ### El Quim de la Boqueria > El... - Published: 2012-09-14 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/el-quim-de-la-boqueria/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: El Quim de la Boqueria, markets, Mercat de la Boqueria, restaurants El Quim de la Boqueria is a tapas bar in the famous Boqueria market in Barcelona. Most places in the Boqueria are good to eat. But El Quim de la Boqueria and Bar Pinotxo I'd heard were the stand outs. I was reminded of Quim's place by Rachel. She did a stint there as a chef and it sounded like hard work. And you see why. All of the eateries in the Boqueria are small cramped affairs for the staff. They comprise a central area where all the staff work and serve the customers sitting at the bar around the outside. You're separated by the counter which houses all the good things to eat in cabinets... Quim... --- ### Rachel’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Rachel's... - Published: 2012-09-12 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/rachels-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Alkimia, Barri Gòtic, Bubó, c/ Dagueria, c/ Diputació, c/ Indústria, c/ Montcada, c/ Sant Antoni Abat, c/ València, Casa Batlló, contributors, Cornelia & Co, Eixample, El Born, El Quim de la Boqueria, El Xampanyet, Formatgeria La Seu, Forn de Sant Jaume, Fundació Joan Miró, Gràcia, Montjuïc, Monvínic, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Palau de la Música, Rambla de Catalunya, Restaurante Sésamo "My perfect day in Barcelona is a walking and eating day. It starts on a sunny summer day at about 7:30 am with a run down the center of Rambla Catalunya, through La Rambla, down to the pier and over to the W Hotel. This is a great time to be out, as there are not a lot of cars and almost no pedestrians on La Rambla, and it’s a great running route if you’re staying in Rambla Catalunya. As I head back, I stop a ½ block from my apartment at Forn de Sant Jaume (Rambla de Catalunya, 50) bakery and pick up a post workout snack – the best chocolate croissant I’ve found in Barcelona. It has to be the one with the powered sugar on top, not the chocolate covering the outside. It is perfectly buttery, yet like and flakey. If you get them early enough after they come out of the oven, the chocolate is still oozy. Yummmm. After a shower, I head back down La Rambla to El Quim de la Boqueria for breakfast at around 9:30-10 am. Quim makes the best potato tortilla (Spanish omelette) in town, but I’m torn as my favorite is actually the huevos con setas (eggs with wild mushrooms). He uses olive oil for everything, so it’s 2 fried eggs in olive oil, topped with a mix of mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, all topped with a balsamic reduction. A glass of fresh squeezed o.j. and perhaps a plate of either razor clams or gambas con cava to round out breakfast and I’m set for at least 2 more hours... Forn... --- ### The National Day of Catalonia (La Diada Nacional de Catalunya) > National... - Published: 2012-09-07 - Modified: 2017-09-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/diada-de-catalunya/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Alí Bei, c/ Casanova, Catalan Independence, Consell de Cent, Diada Nacional de Catalunya, Els Segadors, festivals, Fossar de les Moreres, Francisco Franco, Josep Moragues, National Day of Catalonia, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Lluís Companys, Philip V of Spain, Rafael Casanova, Ronda de Sant Pere, Senyera, Siege of Barcelona, War of the Spanish Succession The National Day of Catalonia or La Diada Nacional de Catalunya on 11th September each year was first celebrated in 1886. The 11th September is a historic date in the Catalan calendar. The day, simple known as La Diada, commemorates the 14 month Siege of Barcelona, and when on the 11th September 1714, Catalan troops were forced to surrender to the Castilian forces of France and Philip V of Spain towards the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. It was unfortunately all pretty much downhill from there for the next 250 years. All institutions of Catalonia were destroyed and they became part of the Spanish kingdom. La... --- ### Midnight in Barcelona > A... - Published: 2012-09-03 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/midnight-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: contributors, Gràcia, Las Calles Hablan, Mapping Barcelona Public Art, Urban Artcade Katrine shares her love of Barcelona at midnight. "When I first moved to Barcelona, I was living in a flat in the center of the city. After a year, I moved to Gràcia. I am not the biggest fan of the night bus, always preferring to walk home, to let my mind wander and gaze at the city in the cool night air. I became fascinated with the nighttime colors and shadows, tumbling over cobblestone, through doorways and windows. Many things catch the eye when meandering through a city, depending on the angle and the time of day, the light and the shadows do many dances, draping over various shapes and leaning towards opposite directions in increasing and decreasing lengths. What is it about line and shadow when it hits that late time at night? I am caught gazing at beautiful balconies, wires that play between windows, shadows tumbling over cobblestone streets, in and out of doorways with a perfect glow of warmth. The light turns to a warm hue and shadows draw your attention to cracked walls leaning long across the street. There is a quiet and a beauty that I absolutely treasure meandering through the streets at midnight in Barcelona."... Midnight... --- ### Wild and Wonderful in BCN > Wild... - Published: 2012-08-31 - Modified: 2015-04-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/wild-and-wonderful-in-bcn/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: filmmakers, videos, Wild and Wonderful in BCN Wild and Wonderful in BCN: Wonderful people doing wild things, (or wild people doing wonderful things) in Barcelona. I've been keeping an eye on this video documentary project for a few weeks now. The first episode launches online on Saturday September 1st 2012. From the website... "Wild and Wonderful is a series of short films celebrating the eccentricity of an eclectic mix of residents in Barcelona and all the wonderful things they do. The series will produce a monthly 5 minute short film about artistic and eccentric activities from an eclectic bunch of people all around Barcelona." Sounds interesting right? Wonderful... --- ### Sally's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Sally's... - Published: 2012-08-29 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sallys-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: 41 Degrees, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Barceló Raval, c/ Peu de la Creu, c/ Poeta Cabanyes, c/ Sant Sever, contributors, La Basilica Galleria, Mercat dels Encants, Metro Glòries, Montjuïc, Quimet y Quimet, Satan’s Coffee Corner, Vinito "One of these days, the city of Barcelona will be but an entry in my memoirs. A mere peppercorn in the mill of my life as a whole, but what a glorious little peppercorn it is! Packed with punch, bite and heat. I shall sit in my rocking chair, cast my gaze over the misty English hills and remember a time when I was all over Barcelona like a flannel. I shan’t remember things exactly as they were, rather, I will compose a golden day drawn from all my favourite elements so very perfect that I will almost believe that it was true and tell anyone who will listen that once, I lived like a queen... Sally... --- ### Barcelona Street Art Exhibition: Las Calles Hablan > Katrine... - Published: 2012-08-21 - Modified: 2017-10-17 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-street-art-exhibition/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: events, Las Calles Hablan, Mapping Barcelona Public Art, videos I like the street art in Barcelona. It adds vibrancy to the city and some of the building pieces are truly amazing. And when the shutters are down I much prefer seeing an amusing piece than a boring metal shutter. I take photos whenever I can and post them to my Barcelona street art Pinterest board. Katrine Knauer likes the street art in Barcelona too. She runs a group on Facebook and a website called Mapping Barcelona Public Art, 'an ongoing project to promote the understanding and protect the freedom of expression on the streets of Barcelona'. But now she has launched a project on the fundraising website, Kickstarter, to hold the first exhibition, Las Calles Hablan at the Mutuo Centro de Arte, involving local artists Debens, Kenor, Kafre, Tom14, Btoy, OGOCH and SM172. The exhibition is scheduled for October 2012... Barcelona... --- ### Festa Major de Gràcia 2012 > Festa... - Published: 2012-08-19 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/festa-major-de-gracia-2012/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Festa Major de Gràcia, festivals, Gràcia, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia The Festa Major de Gràcia started last Wednesday (Aug 15th) and is on until this Tuesday 21st August. It is one of my favourite events in Barcelona. So beautiful, so incredibly imaginative. 18 streets were decorated this year and they all looked fabulous. The winner for 2012 was Carrer de Verdi, always one of the better ones. Take a look at the pictures below for a taste of the festival and the street decorations. And if you haven't been already I encourage you to take a stroll before it closes on Tuesday. You can check out the festival website at www.festamajordegracia.cat for a list of the streets taking part and a map highlighting them. Festa... --- ### Pilar's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Pilar's... - Published: 2012-08-18 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/pilars-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Pinotxo, Barceloneta, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Batlló, Cathedral Of The Sea, CDLC Barcelona, contributors, El Born, El Quim de la Boqueria, Gaudí, Ildefonso Falcones, Las Ramblas, Mercat de la Boqueria, Passeig de Colom, Passeig de Gràcia, Picasso Museum, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Reial, Port Vell, W Barcelona "I have to thank Rob for letting me share on his blog one of the routes I've done on more than one occasion when I go to Barcelona. We usually go alone my Nikon camera and I, from now on I will have the feeling that you're all accompanying me, it will be a pleasure. I have the great fortune to live 30 km from this fantastic city, which allows me to get there any day of the week. I don’t know why, but I usually choose Wednesdays. I suppose that even though the city is always crowded with tourists and local people, you can still breathe the calm of the beginning of the week. First of all a good breakfast and if it can be Pa amb tomaquet i pernil (Bread with tomato and ham) all the better. I know! It is very typical, but... the roots are the roots. Once I have the batteries fully charged I start the route. I advise that if you want to follow me you'd better wear comfortable shoes, because the whole journey is by foot... Casa... --- ### Lapin's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Lapin... - Published: 2012-08-11 - Modified: 2013-10-25 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lapin-barcelona-illustrator/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Bicing, c/ Jovellanos, c/ Pere IV, c/ Princesa, Casa Batlló, contributors, Edificio Colon, El Corte Inglés, La Ginesta, Las Ramblas, Mercat dels Encants, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça del Rei, Poblenou, Rincón de la Ciudadela, Sagrada Família I'm very proud to have the French illustrator, Lapin, take the time to write something. His wonderfully reprinted old accounting books full of illustrations are beautiful objects: "I woke up around 7:30am, that’s the price of being a father ;). I still felt a little bit sleepy. I made myself a cortado and stepped out onto my terrace. There I had all of Poblenou lying beneath and fulfilling me with its energy. The weather was usual for Barcelona. That's one of the crucial reasons I fell for this city. I had to go to Mercat dels Encants to look for some second-hand accounting books to use for drawing and it's a perfect day to wander and do some doodling of course! I took Bicing. Strangely I found one right away! Sometimes it really drives me nuts finding empty Bicing stations or not finding any proper working bicycles. Arrghh! Anyway I still like it and it was my lucky day! I passed all the graffiti of Poblenou and one of my favourite buildings on Carrer de Pere IV, 63-67... I... --- ### Doodling & Sketching in Barcelona > A... - Published: 2012-08-04 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sketching-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Barcelona Zoo, Barri Gòtic, c/ Astúries, c/ Ramon y Cajal, c/ Sant Domènec del Call, cactus park, Caj Chai, contributors, CosmoCaixa, Gràcia, Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, La Nena, MACBA, Montjuïc, Olokuti, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaça de la Revolució, Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Sagrada Família, Serra de Collserola, sketch crawls, Terra Bar, Tibidabo A fab article from illustrator, Kat Cameron, on the delights of sketching in Barcelona: A mosaic of green, blue, and red emerges in my mind when I visualise Barcelona. A city of flat terracotta roofs, encircled with the olive green forests of the Collserola rolling down to the aqua Mediterranean. From first touching down in the glass airport to a wander through the textured gothic alleyways or a glance at the modernista architecture, you know you have landed in a city of art. Miro, Gaudi, Dali and Picasso all spent time here, and as you meet the locals you discover that Barcelona is filled with architects, designers, graphic artists and illustrators, so really it is the perfect city to go for a stroll with your sketchpad and pencils, find a spot and record your surroundings. The weather is usually on your side, and there are plenty of outdoor cafes or gardens where you can draw on the go. If your preference for drawing is to cosy up on a couch, where you can seclude yourself while your sketchpad comes to life as your pencil traces out your imagination, Barcelona is full of secret spots indoors too!... A... --- ### Jessica's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Jessica's... - Published: 2012-07-28 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/jessicas-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barri Gòtic, Bicing, c/ Consell de Cent, Café Marti, contributors, Eixample, El Raval, menú del día, Sala Apolo "Of all the most beautiful, perfect days I've ever had in my life, I think it's safe to say that a fair number of them have happened in the incredible city of Barcelona. On its best days, Barcelona is like a dream and you keep thinking "I can't believe this is actually happening to me." So what are the ingredients for having such a perfect day? Well, I don't know what they are for you, but here's my idea of a perfect day in my favorite city. The perfect Barcelona day is beautifully warm, and somewhere between April and September, as long as it's hot enough to gently warm your skin up as soon as you step into the sun. After having a relaxed lie-in, I'd stroll down to the corner and visit my favorite café, the gorgeous Café Marti, (c/ Consell de Cent, 369) to indulge in a café con leche and perhaps one of their delicious whole-wheat croissants over a newspaper. Mmm…a gentle start to the day... Café... --- ### Barcelona Facebook Pages > A... - Published: 2012-07-18 - Modified: 2016-08-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-facebook-pages/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona INK, Barcelona Metropolitan, Barcelona Miniguide, Barcelona Rocks, BcnIn, BeachFit Barcelona, Boadas Cocktelería, Buticlub, Carders Public House, Cat Bar, Cava Cabaret, Cervecería Jazz, Cheesecake 4 the Soul, Delicious Barcelona, DJ Roger C, Doctor Music Concerts, Dostrece, El Chiringuito Relevant, El Petit Burger, El Tumbao de Juana, Facebook, FC Barcelona, Fidos Playground, Flea Market Barcelona, Florentine Cupcakes & Cookies, Heart Burger, Hidden Treasures BCN, Incognito Cocktail Bar, La Molina, Lamono Magazine, Lapin, Le Cool, Lost & Found Market, Maitea Taberna, Mapping Barcelona Public Art, Me Encanta Barcelona, Meatpacking Bistro, Mecal Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes de Barcelona, Mimos Frozen Yoghurt, MOB Makers of Barcelona, Music Hall Barcelona, Mutuo, NAP Neapolitan Authentic Pizza, Non Solo Pizza, OK Sarria, On Cafe, Picnic Restaurant, Piknic Electronik, Pim Pam Burger, Port del Comte, Primavera Sound Festival, Red Deluxe, Relevant BCN, Roller Disco BCN, Solo Pizza, Sónar Festival, Street Art Barcelona, Studio Australia, Taller de Tapas, Tea Time Barcelona, Terra: Apocalyptic Bass Refuge, The Dog Is Hot, The Joint Sessions, The Loch Inn, Vall de Núria, Vallter 2000, Videos from Barcelona, Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona, Yoga with Daniel Facebook Pages are a great way to keep up to date with what's happening at your favourite places without going to their website all the time. Events, offers, photos. Just 'like' the page and their latest news appears in your news feed. If they keep their pages up to date that is! Below is a list of Facebook Pages (and a few Groups) relating to Barcelona. I realise there are hundreds out there. But these are the ones I've come across during my time here (or are friends pages). I hope you find something of interest... Facebook... --- ### Monica's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Monica's... - Published: 2012-07-06 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/monicas-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barri Gòtic, CaixaForum, contributors, El Born, Mercat de Santa Caterina, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Palau Nacional, Pintors del Pi, Plaça d'Espanya, Plaça del Pi "A warm, late September day would be the perfect time for me to enjoy this Ciudad Condal to its fullest. The heavy crowds of noisy tourists have vanished, and I can have my Barcelona back. I would start the day with a cortado sweetened with honey, and a freshly baked croissant, or cruasán, as the Spanish call them. I like my breakfast extra-long, when I can sit in the rays of the sun, enjoying that morning energy you can almost touch... View... --- ### Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, the Cactus Park in Barcelona > Jardins... - Published: 2012-07-04 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/cactus-park-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: cactus park, Carretera de Montjuïc, Funicular de Montjuïc, Hotel Miramar, Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Metro Paral.lel, Miguel Costa i Llobera, Montjuïc, Plaça de l'Armada, Poble Espanyol You could spend a whole weekend walking around Montjuïc and not see everything there is to see. Of course there are the museums, the Olympic stadium and swimming pool, Montjuïc castle and the frankly underwhelming Poble Espanyol. But there are also a number of individual parks within Montjuïc itself that are all worth a visit. One that is tucked away on the eastern side facing the sea is the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, named after the 19th century Catalan poet, Miguel Costa i Llobera, it is also known as the Cactus Park. This garden of succulents and semi-tropical plants perched on the steep side of Montjuïc below the Hotel Miramar, is a perfect place to escape the city, although you do get a certain degree of noise from the port and Ronda del Litoral below... Jardins... --- ### Rosie's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Rosie's... - Published: 2012-06-29 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/rosies-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Mendizábal, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Avinyó, c/ Ginebra, c/ Junta de Comerç, c/ l'Arc del Teatre, contributors, El Born, El Raval, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, Gràcia, Jai-Ca, Le Fortune, L’Entresòl, Moog, Plaça de Rius i Taulet "My perfect day is inspired by a First World problem, if ever there was one. I apologise in advance if I sound ungrateful, (and I’m really not) but Barcelona sometimes just has a little bit too much going on. For instance, I’d love to try more of the tapas bars, drinking dens and restaurants, old and new, that I hear about, but I don’t want to end up looking like Jabba the Hut on the beach every weekend. When I’m on the beach, nibbling on some watermelon, I still feel guilty - because I’m lying in the sun and not, say, checking out an exhibition that I know is about to finish. I’m not really tugging on any heart-strings, I know, but if we’re talking about a perfect day, and since those rarely happen, then I’d fill mine with low-key indulgence and guilty pleasures... Bar... --- ### Barcelona Videos from CityBlink > Barcelona... - Published: 2012-06-26 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-videos-cityblink/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: c/ Consell de Cent, c/ Montcada, CityBlink, La Cuina d'en Garriga, Montjuïc, Museu Barbier-Mueller d'Art Precolombí, videos Whether you're visiting the city for the first time, you've lived here for years but need inspiration, or you have guests coming and you'd rather them tell you what they'd like to see. The Barcelona videos on CityBlink provide a snapshot of the city. From their website... CityBlink is the very first online city portal based on bespoke HD video content. We give you the perfect glimpse of what the city has to offer. Barcelona is our starting point, with all of the world’s great cities to be blinked soon! I... --- ### Sarah's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Sarah's... - Published: 2012-06-22 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sarahs-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Barceloneta, Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, Bridge of Sighs, c/ Bisbe, c/ Jaume I, c/ Mallorca, c/ Reina Cristina, c/ Sant Sever, Can Paixano, Cervecería Catalana, Claris Hotel, cocktails, contributors, El Born, El Peix, Grand Hotel Central, Hotel Duquesa de Cardona, Hotel Neri, La Basílica Galería, Majestic Hotel, Parc de la Ciutadella, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Playa del Bogatell, Via Laietana, Xampaneria "I have had many perfect days in Barcelona and inevitably they involve three things... sunshine, beach and friends. For me, there are actually two types of perfect Barcelona days, one involves the discovery of another hidden treasure in the city that I didn’t know. The other is to introduce my friends to this magical city that I love... Arc... --- ### There's a large cat. In the Raval. > Fernando... - Published: 2012-06-21 - Modified: 2015-06-14 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/raval-cat/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: El Raval, Fernando Botero, Rambla del Raval, Raval cat It is simply called El gato del Raval, The Raval cat. A large statue that is a landmark of this often frowned upon barrio. At one end of Rambla del Raval it stands to attention. It is climbed upon, hidden under and circled by children. It is asked to pose for incessant photos, it's whiskers never out of place. I admire this cat. It's body looks like that of a bears. It has a tree trunk of a neck. A tail like an elongated party balloon. And a face... I can never quite work out the face. It's serene I think. Quizzical. Maybe just a little pissed off... El... --- ### Lauren's Perfect Sobremesa in Barcelona > Lauren's... - Published: 2012-05-31 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/laurens-bcn-day/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Baluard, Bar Pinotxo, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Bisbe, c/ Poeta Cabanyes, c/ Xuclà, Cacaolat, Catalan Cuisine, CCCB, contributors, El Cocinero de Damasco, Granja M. Viader, Las Ramblas, Mas Gourmets, Mercat de la Boqueria, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Quimet y Quimet "I write about food, take pictures of food, think about food, turn every conversation into some topic of food, so it comes as no surprise when I’m in Barcelona, one of the food capitals of the world, I chow down. What I love about Catalan cuisine and the food culture of Barcelona is its determination to provide fresh, flavorful combinations to the masses at reasonable prices and with a slice of humility. Sure some have received Michelin stars, or can show off hundreds of press accolades adorned on the wall, but besides this, many continue to do what they set out to do decades ago. Setting an example for new chefs and young talent to follow in role-model fashion. Catalans have a very concrete culinary identity and I think this confidence shines through in their creations, meanwhile the patron walks away with a smile and without having this experience leave a whole in their wallet... Bar... --- ### Kitchen Shops in Barcelona > These... - Published: 2012-04-27 - Modified: 2019-02-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-kitchen-shops/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Avinguda Diagonal, c/ Aragó, c/ Príncep Jordi, c/ Provença, c/ Tamarit, El Corte Inglés, ferreteria, French macarons, Gadgets & Cuina, Gràcia, L'illa, Plaça de Catalunya, Sole Graells, Taula i Cuina, The Kitchen Company, Zwilling J.A. Henckels I realise this is not the most riveting of subjects for some but personally I do love a kitchen gadget. I like most gadgets, but as I've got older the kitchen gadget is my want. If I had a garden then I am positive I'd like garden gadgets, but I have a 2m square terrace so the kitchen is my gadget domain... Last... --- ### Chris' Perfect Rainy Day in Barcelona > A... - Published: 2012-04-11 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/chris-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: churros, contributors, El Corte Inglés, Gaudí, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Park Güell, Plaça de Catalunya, Sagrada Família, Torre Agbar, W Hotel "Blessed with a generally bright and sunny disposition, Barcelona is cursed with an excess of fair-weather friends with no appreciation for precipitation. Read: the doom and gloom of backlit cumulonimbus are not welcome here. While no one enjoys a drought (heaven forbid someone can’t fill their swimming pool), grousing about even mildly inclement weather is par for the course, said inclement weather including an overcast sky, and even the lightest of rains. Guiris and Catalans alike seem to prefer ultraviolet heat and sand in uncomfortable places to a spot of rain. But after seven years here, I can claim my perfect day in Barcelona as “pasado por lluvias”... Rainy... --- ### Julie's Take on a Perfect Day in Barcelona > Julie's... - Published: 2012-03-29 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/julies-bcn-day/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: contributors, Sagrada Família, Tibidabo "I tend to see the best of Barcelona, I’ve noticed, when I’m with other people. When I look back over the last year, highlights always involve some kind of shared experience. It could be workmates down the pub on a Friday night, a party on the beach till 5am or just those fleeting instants that end up shifting all sorts of dubious paradigms. Then, I imagine myself standing up on Tibidabo looking down over the city, viewing the cityscape through a kaleidoscope... Or,... --- ### The Wild Side of Barcelona Literature > Barcelona... - Published: 2012-03-05 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-literature-writers/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: An Olympic Death, Arturo San Agustín, Astrolabi, Avinguda Diagonal, Bar Marsella, Bar Pinotxo, BCNegra, books, c/ Ramalleres, c/ Sant Pau, c/ Sant Rafael, Cafetería Central, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Casa Leopoldo, Cathedral Of The Sea, CCCB, contributors, Desde la ciudad nerviosa, Día de Sant Jordi, Don Quixote, Eixample, El Glaciar, El Raval, Enrique Vila-Matas, festivals, George Orwell, Gràcia, Heliogàbal, Homage to Catalonia, ICONO Serveis Culturals, Ildefonso Falcones, International Book Day, Kosmopolis, La nena del Leopoldo, La Plaça del Diamant, Las Ramblas, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Mercat de la Boqueria, Mercè Rodoreda, Miguel Cervantes, Pepe Carvalho, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça Reial, Querido Chet, Roberto Bolaño, The Savage Detectives, The Shadow Of The Wind Most discussions about Barcelona as a literary city inevitably end up with people mentioning two books: Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind and Ildefonso Falcones' Cathedral of the Sea. Not to knock these books – they're good reads – but there's so much more to the city's literary universe than these bestsellers and their Barcelona literary brand of Gothic mystique and historical weightiness. The Catalan capital's literary life goes back much, much further. Beyond the post-war struggles of Mercè Rodoreda's La Plaça del Diamant, beyond the Civil War battlefields of George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. All the way back to Cervantes, whose Don Quixote and Sancho Panza rode into Barcelona in the 16th century. For eons, Barcelona has served as the scene of romance, love, betrayal, adventure, friendship, familial conflict, mystery, crime and war... Don... --- ### Yvonne's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Yvonne's... - Published: 2012-02-26 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/yvonnes-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Absenta, Aire de Barcelona, Andú, Avinguda del Marquès de Comillas, Baluard, Barceloneta, Barri Gòtic, c/ Balboa, c/ Baluard, c/ Correu Vell, c/ Milans, c/ Nou de Sant Francesc, c/ Riera Baixa, c/ Sant Carles, Cafè Milans, CaixaForum, contributors, El Raval, Lailo, Macarena Club, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso, Plaça d'Espanya, Resolís, Segons Mercat "My perfect day in Barcelona would begin with a sunrise walk on the beach. It’s so lovely and peaceful before the crowds arrive. Then I’d take a walk through Barceloneta Park and to the Baluard bakery (c/ Baluard, 38-40) for some fresh bread and breakfast pastries. There’s always a tempting range on offer here and the big challenge is trying to choose between all the different cakes and bread. Baluard bread is the best in the city, with people coming from all over to buy it, so I’m thrilled to have the bakery so close to where I live... Baluard,... --- ### The Festival of the Calçotada in Valls > The... - Published: 2012-02-15 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/calcotada-festival/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: c/ Valladolid, calçotada, calçots, contributors, festivals, Restaurante Carmen, Valls The calçotada is a feast which has as its starter specially grown spring onions - calçots - which are chargrilled and served in one of the curved earthenware roof tiles that are so common is Catalonia. They are eaten by stripping off the outer skin and dipping them in a special sauce. Pa amb tomàquet, which is toast smeared with overripe tomato, salt and olive oil, is served to accompany the calçots and mop up any left over sauce. After the calçots comes a selection of grilled meats, which vary. Most commonly you'll find lamb and botifara, a type of spiced pork sausage found all over Catalonia, but chicken, beef and rabbit are also common. While the dish is eaten all over Catalonia and in Barcelona (I recommend Restaurant Carmen, c/ Valladolid, 44, near Sants mainline railway station, which I've been going to for some 12 or 13 years), visiting Valls during the annual calçotada is a must do for anyone interested in food. During the weekend the whole town is given over to calçots and you can smell them being cooked from several kilometres. An... --- ### Susie's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Susie's... - Published: 2012-02-09 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/susies-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Bar Calders, c/ Calàbria, c/ Consell de Cent, c/ Enric Granados, c/ Montsió, c/ Parlament de Catalunya, c/ Poeta Cabanyes, Cafe De L'Opera, contributors, Els Quatre Gats, La Ruta de les Ermites, Las Ramblas, Morro Fi, O Bar, Quimet y Quimet, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Serra de Collserola "My ideal day in Barca would be to get up for sunrise and make my way down on bicycle, all groggy and sleepy eyed, to the beach, to watch the sunrise, and if it is summer to go for a swim. Then I would head to the Cafe De L'Opera (La Rambla, 74) and grab a coffee and some breakfast which would probably take the shape of one of their delicious cakes they have on offer. And their coffee is hot. I have never had a cold or luke warm coffee there yet. Lovely good hot coffee, a great way to set you up for the day... Pi... --- ### Learn Catalan in Barcelona > This... - Published: 2012-01-24 - Modified: 2017-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/learn-catalan-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: Catalan, Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística, contributors, learning Catalan For anyone landing in Barcelona ready to start a few months study, experience the city or look to making a new life here, learning Catalan is probably not high on their to-do list. In fact many visitors or new arrivals may be blissfully unaware that they have indeed set foot in one of Spain’s autonomous regions which has its own distinctly different language, cuisine and cultural heritage. An... --- ### Think you know all the Best Burgers in Barcelona? > Do... - Published: 2011-12-07 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/best-burgers-in-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Avinguda del Marques de L'Argentera, Bacoa, Betty Ford’s Bar, Big J's, Bonanova, Bradley Ainsworth, burgers, c/ Bigai, c/ Enric Granados, c/ Francisco Giner, c/ Fusina, c/ Granada del Penedès, c/ Guillem Tell, c/ Jaume Piquet, c/ Joaquín Costa, c/ Lleialtat, c/ Margarit, c/ Sabateret, Cervecería Catalana, Cervecería Jazz, Devil’s Kitchen, Eixample, El Born, El Filete Ruso, El Petit Burger, El Putxet, El Raval, Flash Flash Tortilleria, Gràcia, Hard Rock Café, Kiosko Burger, La Burg, La Royale, L’Aperitiu de Gràcia, McDonalds, Meatpacking Bistro, OK Sarria, Passeig Sant Joan Bosco, Peggy Sue’s, Pim Pam Burger, Pla del Palau, Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça del Camp, Poble Sec, Sagàs, Sant Gervasi, Sarrià, Taller de Tapas, Travessera de Gràcia, Twins Burgers - often derided especially in relation to McDonalds. And not the most traditional of Catalan foods. But the list of burger places in Barcelona just keeps growing and growing. A phenomenon of relatively recent years that has no sign of dying out... The... --- ### Books About Barcelona & Catalonia > A... - Published: 2011-11-29 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/books-about-barcelona-catalonia/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: A Woman Unknown, Barcelona Catalonia: A View From The Inside, Barcelona Journal Murders, books, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Catalan Cuisine, Catalonia: A Cultural History, Cathedral Of The Sea, Colm Tóibín, Colman Andrews, Ferran Adrià, From Barcelona: Stories Behind The City, George Orwell, Ghosts of Spain, Giles Tremlett, Going Native In Catalonia, Homage To Barcelona, Homage to Catalonia, Ildefonso Falcones, Jeremy Holland, Lucia Graves, Matthew Tree, Michael Eaude, Reinventing Food, Simon Harris, The Shadow Of The Wind, Toni Strubell, What Catalans Want When I arrived in Barcelona I wanted to learn as much as I could about the city, the region of Catalonia, and its history. I had read George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia. The title of that book had inspired this blog. But I soon found there were many other fantastic books out there about Catalonia and the city of Barcelona. Why not add one of these fascinating books to your reading list. When... --- ### Enllaç Barcelona Transportation iPhone App > Review... - Published: 2011-11-22 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/enllac-barcelona-transportation-iphone-app/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Aer Studio, Barcelona Metro, Bicing, Enllaç, iPhone apps, TMB Enllaç is an iPhone application that helps you find the best route using Barcelona public transportation. All the principal modes of public transportation offered in Barcelona are covered: TMB, Bicing, Taxi, By Foot. This app is beautifully designed and has a slick interface. App... --- ### La Mercè 2011 > La... - Published: 2011-09-22 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/la-merce-2011/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Antònia Font, Aziz Sahmaoui, BAM Festival, Barcelona Jazz Orchestra, Barceloneta, castellers, Catalan Wine & Cava Show, Correfoc, Cuchillo, festivals, Font Màgica de Montjuïc, gegants i capgrossos, Gracia Power, Guillamino, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè, La Mercè, Montjuïc, Mostra de Vins i Caves de Catalunya, Our Lady of Mercy, Plaça de Sant Jaume, Port Vell, Portico Quartet, Sardana, Zomby La Mercè starts today! Barcelona's very own annual festival that celebrates the Roman Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè in Catalan. The feast day is on Saturday but in true Catalan style the festivities kick off a couple of days beforehand with fireworks, street theatre, circus, dance and music... La... --- ### InTransit Issue 5 - Creative Communities > InTransit... - Published: 2011-09-13 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter-issue5/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona Metropolitan, Catalan Independence, Isabel Coixet, IT InTransit, Jaume Cabré, Jaume Plensa, Narcís Monturiol, Rafael Bonachela The new issue of InTransit is out. InTransit is an English language publication containing articles that have appeared in the Catalan-speaking press. This issue is very much the interview issue. There's interviews with the artist, Jaume Plensa, the writer and philologist, Jaume Cabré and the artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela... The... --- ### Ruth's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Ruth's... - Published: 2011-08-30 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/ruths-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: A Taste Of Home, Barceloneta, Blanes, c/ Floridablanca, c/ Magdalenes, c/ Palma de Sant Just, cocktails, contributors, Ginger, Mapu, Ocata, Plaça de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Veritas "When the temperatures start to rise, many in Barcelona head out of the city for the traditional August break. But for me, it’s the perfect time to enjoy balmy days and sultry nights, seduced by the weather and the sound of the cicadas. Barceloneta beach is undoubtedly the most famous, but being a tall foreigner there are one or two hazards I prefer to avoid. It can be hard to sink into the sound of the waves if the local beer-sellers decide I’m their perfect lady for the day. They are always incredibly polite, but it can get wearing being asked twenty times in thirty minutes if I’d like a nice cold beer... "When... --- ### Festa Major de Gràcia 2011 > The... - Published: 2011-08-15 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/festa-major-de-gracia/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: c/ Joan Blanques, c/ Puigmartí, c/ Verdi, Correfoc, Festa Major de Gràcia, festivals, Gràcia, Poble Sec The 195th running of the Festa Major de Gràcia starts today (Mon 15th Aug 2011) and runs all week until Sun 21st August. This Gràcia festival was my first experience of any of the barrio festivals when I arrived in Barcelona just over a year ago. I went to the Poble Sec festival just recently and I have to say, even with their Correfoc, it isn't a patch on the Gràcia experience. In terms of size, entertainment and all round effort, nothing beats Gràcia... The... --- ### Beach Fit Barcelona Boot Camp > Beach... - Published: 2011-07-27 - Modified: 2015-12-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/beach-fit-barcelona-boot-camp/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: BeachFit Barcelona, events, health & fitness My friends at Beach Fit Barcelona are organising their first boot camp. I love what they do. Even though I am yet to attend. I want to go. I really do. At least that's what I keep telling myself. But I might go along to this just for the evening activities. But somehow I don't think that's allowed. Anyway, read what the guys at Beach Fit have to say about it... My... --- ### The Best Barcelona Bodegas > A... - Published: 2011-07-14 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-bodegas/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: bodegas, Google Maps This is what Google Maps is great for. Creating your own map with points of interest relating to a specific topic and place. This map was created by a friend of mine who is partial to the odd glass of vino. It highlights what he considers to be the best Barcelona bodegas. Or the ones he has come across so far at any rate... This... --- ### Cala del Vermut - Vermouth in Barcelona > Cala... - Published: 2011-07-08 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/vermouth-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: aperitivo, c/ Copons, c/ Magdalenes, Cala del Vermut, Spanish vermouth, vermut Now my knowledge of vermouth is limited to say the least. I always associated it with the Italian red vermouth, Martini Rosso. A foul drink as I remember. A drink from a different era. A drink my parents drunk at dinner parties. I'd tasted it, but generally it was to be avoided. Maybe in the odd cocktail, but on its own, no thank you. And then I moved to Barcelona and was taken to my very first 'vermut' bar, Cala del Vermut, where they serve their own label, Catalan brewed, Spanish vermouth on tap... So... --- ### The Best Goddamn French Macarons I've Ever Eaten! > Macarons... - Published: 2011-06-30 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/macarons-barcelona/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Bubó, El Born, French macarons, La Colmena, Maria Selyanina, matcha, Metro Jaume I, Plaça de l'Àngel I'm quite partial to a cake, especially carrot cake. And I make a very good apple, date and walnut cake that may well be the death of me. That's if the walnut and sour cherry chocolate brownies don't get me first. So bribe me with anything cake-like and there's a good chance I'll do pretty much anything for you. Except ironing. I hate ironing. But a blog post? No problem. I have absolutely no blogging morals whatsoever when it comes to cake. So, here goes... Green... --- ### L'Ou com Balla (The Dancing Egg) > L'Ou... - Published: 2011-06-23 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/lou-com-balla-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Ateneu Barcelonès, Casa de l’Ardiaca, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, Church of Santa Anna, Dancing Egg, Feast of Corpus Christi, festivals, Frederic Marès Museum, L'Ou com Balla, Palau del Lloctinent, Real Academia de Bones Lletres The Dancing Egg (L'Ou com Balla in Catalan) seems to be a tradition that is unique to Barcelona (or certainly Catalonia). A hollowed out egg is placed on the jet of a fountain and left to dance in the spray. Watch the video! The... --- ### Barcelona Comedy: Tom Stade - Last Show of the Season > Tom... - Published: 2011-05-25 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-comedy/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: 131 Fahrenheit, A Taste Of Home, Barcelona comedy, c/ Aribau, c/ Montseny, Comedy in Spain, events, Giggling Guiri, guiri, Hibernian Books, Howard Marks, Metro Diagonal, Metro Fontana, Steve Hughes, Tom Stade I first wrote about the Giggling Guiri back in March. I'd just been to see Howard Marks and had seen Steve Hughes previous to that. Well shortly it's their last show of the season and if you haven't been to one of their events then I urge you to do so. Tom Stade is in town for their season-ending show and by all accounts he is worth seeing. And apparently the girls like him though I can't see it myself... Tom... --- ### Memoro Project: The Bank of Memories > The... - Published: 2011-05-21 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/memoro-project/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Banc de la Memòria, Banco de la Memoria, Bank of Memories, Memoro Project Sometimes old people are annoying. Sometimes young people are too. But generally old people are bloody interesting. They have lived through things that luckily for me I can only try and imagine. They have stories of experiences that I could sit and listen to for hours. And often a world view that is just plain enlightening. So much personal history to cherish and retell. Well luckily for us that's what Memoro Project is trying to do. The... --- ### After Tea Barcelona - The Happy Market > The... - Published: 2011-05-12 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/after-tea-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: After Tea, c/ Boquería, c/ Quitana, Carlos Sadness, events, Hotel Petit Palace Boquería Gaudí, markets, Rouge Francesca Zambito, Shinoflow I first heard about After Tea only yesterday from Colin the Chiropractor. He likes to share the love. He had some fliers in his practice, right next to my cards in fact. After Tea no. 6 is this very Saturday 14th May. I spoke to the organiser Rouge Francesca Zambito to get an idea of what to expect. What is ‘After Tea’? “With this project we want to reinvent street markets by creating an authentic party. We don’t only want to offer a place where you can sell goods, but a space where you can share your ideas and enjoy a pleasant afternoon surrounded by people with genuine ideas.”... This... --- ### Claire's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Claire's... - Published: 2011-04-07 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/claires-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Athletic Disco Club, Bernat Picornell, c/ Bailen, Cabaret Berlin, Carretera de Montjuïc, contributors, El Raval, Funicular de Montjuïc, Hotel Barceló, Jardins de Joan Brossa, Joint Sessions, La Bodega del Onze, La Caseta del Migdia, Lolita Taperia, Metro Paral.lel, Montjuïc, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Passeig del Migdia, Ronda de Sant Pau, Sirvent “A perfect day in Barcelona for me would, without doubt, be spent during one of the sweltering, balmy days in mid-summer when your pace slows right down as the slightest movement results in beads of sweat trickling down your neck and back. At these times of year one of those fold-up fans that slips into your bag is indispensable, if you’ve not spent a summer in Barcelona then buy one in advance and be prepared. Fellas, you’ll have to make do with rolling up one of the free newspapers given out at metro stops until someone comes up with a male styled version... "A... --- ### InTransit Issue 3 - Destination : Europe > Issue... - Published: 2011-03-14 - Modified: 2013-04-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter-issue3/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan Independence, IT InTransit Issue 3 of my favourite English language Eurocatalan newsletter is out today. Eight or so articles about Catalonia's place in Europe now and in the past. Issue... --- ### Mark’s Brill Day in Barna > A... - Published: 2011-03-11 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/brill-day-in-barna/ - Categories: Featured, Perfect Days - Tags: Anima, Baluard, Barceloneta, Betty Ford’s Bar, c/ Joaquín Costa, c/ Pintor Fortuny, c/ Reina Cristina, c/ Riera Baixa, Can Paixano, CD Drome, Columbus Monument, contributors, Cream, Discos Paradiso, El Raval, El Timbal, Las Ramblas, Metro Marina, Olivia, Poblenou, Sala Apolo, W Hotel, Xampaneria “Now then, I’m five years deep in Catalonia, so I have my regular hang-outs and haunts, but that’s not to say there aren’t some glaring omissions in my fun day, as I am uncovering hidden gems on a monthly basis. My day is fairly season-neutral. There are tons of special events around Barcelona throughout the year, but the route I’ll set out can be enjoyed on any old day. You’re going to need a bike though, which can be rented in various locations around the city. The most fashion-conscious will head straight to Cream and hook themselves up with a fixed-gear number, not cheap at 50€ a day, but let’s imagine your trip is being sponsored by a rich uncle bribing you to keep shtum after coming onto you at Christmas... C.... --- ### Julia's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Julia's... - Published: 2011-03-04 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/julias-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Baixada de la Llibretería, Buoni e Cattivi, c/ Amargós, Cereria Subirà, contributors, Mercat de la Boqueria, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Taller de Tapas, Vioko “Not knowing Barcelona too well, but loving the short time that I've spent here, my perfect day would start by waking up with the sun shining through the curtains, warming my face and encouraging me to get up - rather than the English weather that just wants to make you curl up under the duvet and go back to sleep. My brother, Rob, whose blog this is, lives in the centre of Barcelona, and I'm sure his flat will become the destination of many a school holiday for my family. So whilst I'm not too familiar with the city just yet, the rest of my day would go something like this... “Not... --- ### Giggling Guiri Barcelona Comedy Club > Giggling... - Published: 2011-03-01 - Modified: 2014-10-08 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/giggling-guiri-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: 131 Fahrenheit, Barcelona comedy, Barri Gòtic, c/ Aribau, c/ Riereta, Cafè Teatre Llantiol, Comedy in Spain, Eixample, events, Giggling Guiri, guiri, Howard Marks, Lee Camp, Steve Hughes Guiri: a term used to describe a foreigner in Spain. Giggling Guiri: English language comedy nights in Barcelona. The first Giggling Guiri event I went to was back in October to see the Australian comic, Steve Hughes. He was hilarious. Fucking hilarious as Steve himself might have put it. I'd never heard so much swearing in one evening. Not even from myself on a particularly bad day for Jazztel's internet connection. Is it ok to swear so much? People will have different views. But I thought he was bloody funny... Guiri:... --- ### CosmoCaixa Barcelona: Out of this world! > The... - Published: 2011-02-27 - Modified: 2019-08-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/cosmocaixa-barcelona/ - Categories: Featured, Out & About - Tags: Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, c/ Cister, Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, CosmoCaixa, Gaudí, Happy Pills, kids, La Caixa, Metro Avinguda Tibidabo, Sagrada Família, Santa Anna, Tamvia Blau, Tibidabo Posts were a bit thin on the ground last week. In fact they were non-existent. I had my family here. Six of them. Three adults and three children. All in my flat. And I invited them. I know! So writing a blog post was pretty low down on the list whilst organising showering times was pretty high up. But all joking aside, it was great to have them here. But what to do with them? CosmoCaixa... --- ### Andy’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Andy’s... - Published: 2011-02-18 - Modified: 2017-05-09 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/andys-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Arc de Triomf, Bar Mut, BeachFit Barcelona, c/ Mallorca, c/ Montseny, c/ Muntaner, c/ Pau Claris, c/ València, c/ Verdi, contributors, Diobar, Eixample, Gaudí, Gràcia, Helio Gracie, Incognito, Las Ramblas, Les Gens Que J’aime, Parc de la Ciutadella, Philharmonic, Plaça de Catalunya, Sant Gervasi, Shine School of Guitar "Like most people who have written this, my day would be pretty crammed full but I start early so I should be able to fit it all in without stretching the imagination too far... First of all I would be up before dawn to run down to the beach to take the early morning Beach Fitness Barcelona training session. The run takes me through the Arc de Triomf and the Parc de la Ciutadella in the crisp of the early morning and is one of the only times when this vibrant city is quiet and empty. Beach Fitness Barcelona is all about having fun whilst getting fit outdoors - away from the stuffiness and routine of the gym. Every session is different which keeps it interesting and we mix up the circuits, strength work and running with team games and exercises. It is my absolute perfect way to start the day, and at this time of year we also get to see the most stunning sun-rises over the Mediterranean... "Like... --- ### Munich My Way - 3 million combinations > The... - Published: 2011-02-16 - Modified: 2015-05-29 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/munich-my-way/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: iPhone apps, Munich My Way, Munich Sports While I was doing my post a couple of weeks ago about Munich Sports I came across an iPhone app they have produced that lets you personalise your own trainers. There's also a website which does the same thing at Munich My Way... httpv://www.... --- ### Valentine's Day? Nah, let's stick with St. George's Day > Valentine's... - Published: 2011-02-14 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/valentines-day-in-spain/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: El Dia de la Rosa, El Dia del Llibre, festivals, Joseph Pla, La Diada de Sant Jordi, Miguel Cervantes, Saint George, Saint Valentine, St. George's Day, St. Valentine's Day Valentine's Day in Spain is not a traditional Spanish celebration. But the same applies in Spain as it does in many countries around the world. Gifts and cards are exchanged. Roses, cupids and hearts adorn everything. And chocolate sellers do very well. But where does it all come from? Valentine's... --- ### Bacardi, Cuban right? > Facund... - Published: 2011-02-11 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/famous-catalans-bacardi/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: cocktails, El Born, Facund Bacardí i Massó, famous Catalans, Nose, Passeig del Born, Sitges When you think of Bacardi you think of Cuba. But these days that has more to do with branding and marketing than anything else. Bacardi is no longer sold in Cuba. The main rum brand in Cuba is now Havana Club - in my mind a far superior rum, especially if you want to push the boat out and go for the Añejo 7 Años dark rum. But though Bacardi has become an international brand acquiring many other well known drinks brands along the way, it was originally from Cuba. It was founded in Santiago de Cuba way back in 1862. And although eventual opposition to the Castro led revolution forced the company to move its operations to the Bahamas, Bacardi still has a rich Cuban heritage. So, why should a blog about Barcelona be talking about Cuba and Bacardi? The... --- ### Nikki's Perfect Day in Barcelona > Nikki’s... - Published: 2011-02-09 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/nikkis-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Aire de Barcelona, Arc de Triomf, Bar Mut, c/ Enric Granados, c/ Pau Claris, c/ València, capoeiristas, Carles Ibanez, cocktails, contributors, Cup & Cake, Diobar, El Born, Escola Memory, La Casa Elizalde, Les Gens Que J’aime, menú del día, Montjuïc, Mutis, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Picasso, Passeig de Sant Joan, Paul, Salero, videos, Walk On Tap On "It would be much easier to write about ‘my perfect WEEKEND in Barcelona’ as I have so many favourite places and things to do and they all depend on whether it’s a day spent with my family, a day having some well earned ‘me time’ or whether we have visitors to entertain. However, the remit given was to write about a day so to fit it all into 24 hours I shall make it possible by hiring a special flying machine that has the ability to travel everywhere at close to the speed of light allowing time to stand still. This is of course in complete contrast to the reality of days and nights out in Barcelona. Nowhere else could the phrase ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ be more apt... "It... --- ### The Best Pincho Bar in Barcelona > Maitea... - Published: 2011-02-07 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/maitea-taberna/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: botifarra, c/ Casanova, chistorra, Maitea Taberna, pincho, pincho bar, restaurants, sobrassada For people from the UK the idea of tapas can sometimes be of slight concern. All the food laid out under or on top of bar-top cabinets. Especially in the summer. It's never been a problem for me. But I have heard it mentioned. The same can be said for pincho bars. Bread, especially, doesn't do well being out for very long. That's why you have to find a pincho bar that is busy. And serves lots of pinchos that are hardly on the plate long enough for you to spy them and grab one. This is the case in the Maitea Taberna... Maitea... --- ### Munich. In Barcelona? > Munich... - Published: 2011-02-04 - Modified: 2015-11-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/munich-sports-barcelona/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel, Avinguda Diagonal, c/ Antic de Sant Joan, c/ Rec, El Born, El Corte Inglés, L'illa, La Roca, Luís Berneda, Munich Sports, Sant Boi de Llobregat So I kept seeing this Munich brand everywhere. And then I saw a Munich concession in El Corte Inglés. And then I saw a Munich shop. And even a Munich shop for kids. Who is this German brand that's all pervasive all the way down here in Barcelona? Well, Munich Sports are born and bred in Catalunya. They were founded in 1939 by Luís Berneda, the initial company name being 'Berneda', in the city of Sant Boi de Llobregat. Munich Sports shoes started off as just that, footwear for sports, including rugby, handball and boxing... So... --- ### Ale’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Ale's... - Published: 2011-02-02 - Modified: 2013-10-30 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/ales-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: aperitivo, Bistro d’Arte, c/ Aribau, c/ Casanova, c/ Santaló, c/ València, Casa Paloma, cocktails, contributors, Crusto, Dry Martini, Gimlet, Guía del Ocio, Mercat de Galvany, Mirabe, Mirablau, Opera d’Arte, Tibidabo, Turó Park "Well! To think of a perfect day in Barcelona isn’t difficult at all. It would all start with one of its many sunny days in which from 7 in the morning, the sun, without asking permission, gets into your bed and invites you to start your day. I live in the 'high' part of Barcelona, and it’s so called because it’s where the peak of the mountain starts. If you continue going up you reach El Tibidabo from where you get the best views of Barcelona and you can also enjoy an aperitif at Mirablau or Mirabe... "Well!... --- ### InTransit - Seven communities, one language > The... - Published: 2011-01-31 - Modified: 2013-04-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/intransit-eurocatalan-newsletter/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Catalan Independence, IT InTransit I'm keen to understand as much as possible about the history and culture of the Catalan people and this Eurocatalan newsletter has some fantastic articles if you're interested in the Catalan perspective of Spanish current events. The articles are political, academic and of course you have to be interested in the topic, but I think understanding the views and desires of the people I have chosen to live amongst is very important... It's... --- ### It’s Barcelona’s turn at Show Us Your Type > I... - Published: 2011-01-28 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/show-us-your-type/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Bruno Albuquerque, fonts, Show Us Your Type I love fonts. What can I say, I'm a bit of a geek. I'm not a designer by any means, but I'm pretty anal. And I imagine you would have to be too if you designed fonts. There's some great fonts out there - see the beautiful Cocktail Shaker used for the Homage to BCN logo above - and some universally hated ones such as Comic Sans... Cocktail... --- ### Valerie’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Valerie's... - Published: 2011-01-26 - Modified: 2017-01-16 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/valeries-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Buenas Migas, c/ Aribau, c/ Mallorca, c/ Pau Claris, c/ València, Claris Hotel, Club Astoria, cocktails, contributors, Diobar, Eixample, El Born, Gelato Fratello, Gràcia, Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Josephine's, Kibuka, La Gavina, Majestic Hotel, Mirablau, Opium Mar, Osmosis, Paradoja, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, Tibidabo, W Hotel "Firstly my perfect day would have about 36 hours in it. At least! Having had a long and lovely night’s sleep, I would wake up early, and drive or cycle to the beach. Next to the W Hotel at the end of the Barceloneta beach, there is a great place to swim. I would meet up with my swimming buddies and have a long 2km swim... Buenas... --- ### Chupa Chups (or ‘sucky sucks’ maybe?) > Headquartered... - Published: 2011-01-24 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/chupa-chups/ - Categories: Featured, Food & Drink - Tags: Asturias, Chupa Chups, Enric Bernat, famous Catalans, Villamayor Headquartered right here in glorious Barcelona and with a logo designed by Dalí himself, Chupa Chups have been around since 1958. Chupa Chups now sell 4 billion lollipops a year to 150 countries worldwide and turn over 500 million euros!... The... --- ### Jordi Labanda – Illustrator & fashion designer (and candle designer?) > Jordi... - Published: 2011-01-21 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/jordi-labanda/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Baixada de la Llibretería, c/ Rosselló, Cereria Subirà, Jordi Labanda, Sandwich & Friends Not so much a famous Catalan (though raised in Barcelona he was born in Uruguay) but Jordi Labanda certainly seems to be rapidly becoming a Barcelona institution. His hip and retro looking yet contemporary illustrations adorn everything from clothes and bags to pens and notebooks... Jordi... --- ### El Born Chiro: Chiropractor, Barcelona > Barcelona... - Published: 2011-01-20 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/chiropractor-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: Barcelona chiropractor, c/ Sombrerers, El Born, El Born Chiro I've always thought 'El Born Chiro' sounded like a Mexican gunslinger from the days of the Wild West. But Dr. Colin Moore is as far removed from a cold blooded killer as one could get. His practice in El Born is the epitome of calm. A sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of this old 'wild west' Barcelona district... I've... --- ### Sophie’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Sophie's... - Published: 2011-01-19 - Modified: 2016-06-04 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/sophies-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Ajuntament de Barcelona, Baixador de Vallvidrera, c/ Escudellers, contributors, El Born, El Tumbao de Juana, London Language Centre, L’Arros, Marula Café, Metro Joanic, Montjuïc, open-air cinema, Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc del Carmel, Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Turó de la Rovira "Well, my perfect day would start by waking up slowly – I’m normally woken up by my cat, JC, (stands for Jean-Claude. Not Jesus Christ) treading on my head (which I don’t really mind). From my bed all I can see is blue sky and lovely verdant tree tops which is very relaxing... JC... --- ### Le Cool Barcelona > A... - Published: 2011-01-17 - Modified: 2014-08-18 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/le-cool-barcelona/ - Categories: Day to Day, Featured - Tags: books, Le Cool So as I mentioned in a previous post, BCN Days was slightly inspired by the interviews each week in the Le Cool London email newsletters. I found out about Le Cool whilst looking for city guides. They produce guide books for Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, London and Madrid. But their weekly email newsletters are available for many more cities - Barcelona, Dublin, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Istanbul, Moscow, Budapest, Paris and Vienna... A... --- ### Famous Catalans (and their streets): Enric Granados > Carrer... - Published: 2011-01-07 - Modified: 2017-07-28 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/famous-catalans/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: c/ Enric Granados, Enric Granados, famous Catalans, Non Solo Pizza Ok, so the other day I was walking up Carrer d'Enric Granados on my way to Non Solo Pizza (more on them in a future post) and I got to wondering who is this Granados dude. I've always been interested in street names and where they come from especially when it's so obviously someone's name... Ok,... --- ### Joe’s Perfect Day in Barcelona > Joe's... - Published: 2011-01-04 - Modified: 2015-05-27 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/joes-bcn-day/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Barceloneta, Buenas Migas, c/ Tordera, Cal Boter, Cines Verdi, contributors, Gràcia, Javier Mariscal, La Pedrera, Metro Joanic, Parc del Fòrum, Roller Disco BCN "The perfect day begins with waking early. I’m lucky enough to live a stone’s throw from the beach (Barceloneta). I leave the house and wander down to the beach, seagulls whirling raucously around above my head. This is a magical time of the day when the city seems to have been reclaimed by wild creatures... "The... --- ### What’s this ‘BCN Days’ section? > What... - Published: 2011-01-04 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/bcn-days/ - Categories: Perfect Days - Tags: Le Cool This blog is all about discovering Barcelona. And the best way to discover a city is to ask the people who live in it what they like to do and where they like to go. BCN Days came from this. I wanted people I met to get involved and share their favourite things about this city... This... --- ### Non Solo Pizza – not even pizza! > A... - Published: 2011-01-02 - Modified: 2015-09-11 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/non-solo-pizza/ - Categories: Food & Drink - Tags: Barcelona Metropolitan, Bottega, c/ Enric Granados, limoncino, Non Solo Pizza, olive oil, restaurants, Solo Pizza I was taken to Non Solo Pizza not long ago. Now as far as I'm aware this means 'Not Only Pizza' which would be fine if they did pizza and other stuff. But they don't. They just do the other stuff. For pizza you need to go next door to Solo Pizza which does make sense... Non... --- ### Barcelona Metro iPhone App > The... - Published: 2011-01-01 - Modified: 2012-08-10 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/barcelona-metro-iphone-app/ - Categories: Out & About - Tags: Barcelona Metro, iPhone apps, Presselite Apart from the Google Maps app on the iPhone which I use daily to find my way around (but isn't specific to Barcelona obviously) the app I use the most is Metro de Barcelona from Presselite. As you can probably guess, this Barcelona Metro iPhone app helps you plan your route when travelling on the Barcelona Metro. I could explain to you how it works but the Presselite website says it just fine. Barcelona... --- ### Welcome to Homage to BCN > Welcome... - Published: 2011-01-01 - Modified: 2012-08-01 - URL: https://homagetobcn.com/welcome/ - Categories: Day to Day - Tags: George Orwell, Homage to Catalonia It feels great to finally get this site up and running. This project has been in the back of my mind ever since I decided to move to Barcelona. And having been here for 5 months now I have finally 'cut the ribbon', so to speak... George... ---