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…
Mercat de Santa Caterina roof tiles
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.
The food market for this neighbourhood is Santa Caterina with its beautiful mosaic tiled roof by the architects famous for the Scottish Parliament building. El Born also has my favourite church in Barcelona, Santa Maria del Mar, with its high vaulted ceilings and fascinating history. This church was the subject of the book Cathedral of the Sea. Set in 14th century Barcelona the construction of the church provides the backdrop to a story set at the height of the Spanish Inquisition. Read the rest of this article…
Monica, who first shared her perfect day with us 3 years ago, writes about all that Parc de la Ciutadella has to offer.
Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
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.
Parque de la Ciudadela (or Parc de la Ciutadella in Catalan) is a 70-acre green space built on the vestiges of the old city fortress from the 18th Century. In preparation for the 1888 Universal Exposition of Barcelona, the city council transformed the whole area, from an old military fortress to the main park of the city, including various buildings and displaying diverse landscape. Read the rest of this article…
Article by Emily Davies, Barcelona Travel Expert.
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.
1. Barcelona Zoo
Barcelona Zoo is home to an impressive array of beautiful and exotic animal species. Zoo highlights include the elephants, giraffes and zebras alongside more unusual animals such as komodo dragons, pygmy marmosets and giant anteaters. This top attraction also boasts a number of child-friendly restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds and a petting zoo. On arrival, be sure to get in line for the zoo’s exciting and exhilarating live dolphin spectacle!
Barcelona Zoo
A fab article from illustrator, Kat Cameron, on the delights of sketching in Barcelona (including some of her even fabber illustrations).
Barcelona Landscape – © Kat Cameron
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, Gaudí, Dalí 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 sketch pad and pencils, find a spot and record your surroundings. Read the rest of this article…
