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!

Martin Ebner, Personal Trainer in Barcelona

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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 5 favourite ones.

Skybar at Grand Hotel Central

Skybar at Grand Hotel Central, Via Laietana, 30

The Skybar can boast one of Barcelona’s best rooftop swimming pools. An amazing infinity pool with views over the entire city and the ocean. Unfortunately, it’s only available for the hotel guests. However, the rooftop bar is open to the public. Make sure to be here in good time. The terrace gets full quite fast, especially during the weekends. For a rooftop bar, the prices here are relatively affordable. Choose between various cocktails, cava and beers. The menu also has some bar bites for those that are hungry. Read the rest of this article…

Coffee in 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!

T (my beau) and I hopped on the metro in the morning at around 9am since we knew Hofmann wouldn’t be open before then. Why does the city sleep until 9?! The bakery is so inviting, and filled with tempting delights. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked sweet treats in the morning? Read the rest of this article…

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!

After my weekly conversation with my mother, I look at all the stuff I had in my purse. Those are just fantastic memories of my great day rediscovering Barcelona. Why rediscovering? Because this is my hometown where I work as a tour guide showing this exciting city to visitors. What do I do when I’m not working? I search for new charming spots, new delicious restaurants as well as new original shops. As a matter of fact, that’s what I have done today.

I’ve woken up at 7:30am, after a quick shower (quick in my standards, I am a very slow person in the morning) and a coffee I was on my way towards the Poblenou neighbourhood.

District 22@, Poblenou

Nowadays this is a constantly changing area, which houses the technological district: the 22@. Modern buildings coexist with façades of old factories and the neighbourhood life that tries to keep a traditional and family spirit. As a result, this is the trendiest area in Barcelona where you can still appreciate the different periods just by looking at its buildings. Read the rest of this article…

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! :) Read the rest of this article…

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.

Catalan National Flags in Barcelona

In 2011 a storm of protest swept Spain. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona squares were occupied by the 15M movement in protest against the austerity mandated by the EU in response to the grinding economic crisis. This movement inspired Occupy Wall Street, and gave birth to Podemos, the radical left party that controls city councils across Spain and Catalonia.

Before coming to Barcelona to document the remains of this revolution, and to visit the network of squats and occupations that form the principal sites of resistance here, I got in touch with a squat just outside the city. I’m sitting in their library as I write. Read the rest of this article…

Día de Brasil Barcelona

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.

The event is in it’s 8th year and returns to Parc del Fòrum for the second time. Día de Brasil seems to be getting bigger and bigger and they have some top performers this year!

Latin Grammy award winning, singer-songwriter Lenine seems to be the main man. Music is also provided by the likes of Roberto Mendes, Chambinho do Acordeon, Veronica Ferriani, Caniball Football Club, and MdC Suingue Dj.

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