Sasha Asensio is an anthropological photographer based in Barcelona who photographs the unseen and overlooked: the homeless, the scarred and disfigured, fascinating people who live…
Leave a CommentCategory: Barcelona
Your inside guide to the best things to do in Barcelona, as well as the best places to eat, drink and sleep. By city expert Ben Holbrook.
Barcelona. A Day. A Life. (Short Film & Photo Series)
I found an old hard drive recently from 2017/18 and it was like finding a wormhole back to my life in Barcelona, Spain. If you love Barcelona too, this is for you!
2 CommentsBarcelona Love Story ~ A Photo Journal w/ the Fuji XT20 & 27mm Pancake Lens
“I tried to give them their space, but I couldn’t help photographing their Barcelona love story as it unfolded before me.”
6 Comments‘Nona’s Room’ Book Review ~ 6 Short Stories Set in Barcelona
Written by Barcelona native Cristina Fernández Cubas, this collection of six thrilling short stories transport you to scenes of delight, delusion and despair in the sun-kissed Catalan capital.
Leave a Comment5 Best/Warmest Places in Mainland Spain in Winter ~ A Hot December Guide
From the Mediterranean metropolises of Barcelona and Valencia to the southern seducers of Seville and Marbella, here are the best and hottest places to visit in Spain during winter – even in the depths of December!
Leave a CommentInterview: Margaux from Mosaic Flowers (Barcelona) Will Make Your Heart Smile
I interviewed Margaux from Mosaic Flowers in Barcelona to find out how she uses her creativity “to make people’s hearts smile”.
Leave a CommentTips on Moving to Barcelona and Creating Your Dream Life
Joni from ExpatsinBarcelona.com shares his top tips on moving to Barcelona and creating the life of your dreams!
Leave a CommentJournal: Barcelona Balcony Blues, or Procrastinating in Paradise
It was 10.45am when I woke up to Barcelona’s brilliant winter sun glaring through the huge doors and windows that opened onto my terrace. Normally…
Leave a CommentHome in Barcelona’s Collserola Mountains
I was always at my happiest up in Barcelona’s Collserola mountains. I felt at peace, like I belonged, that I was free to be me.…
Leave a CommentLook Deluxe, Barcelona: Un Día en la Vida
“It often felt like only cool beer could relieve me from the heat.”
Leave a CommentDay in the Life of a Travel Writer/Blogger in Barcelona
Ever imagined what it would be like to live in Barcelona and hustle a living as a travel blogger? This is an entry taken from my actual diary. Written in 2016, about a year or two after starting my career as a travel blogger in Barcelona, it sets the tone and, I think, hints at the challenges I faced while living off my wits.
Leave a Comment5 Secret Spots in Barcelona with Spotted by Locals
I asked the Spotted by Locals Barcelona team to share 5 of favourite secret spots in Barcelona.
Leave a CommentDiscover La Pedrera/Casa Milà (Barcelona) ~ Gaudi’s Most Controversial Masterpiece
Located on Barcelona’s ritzy Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà) is one of the most famous Modernista buildings in Barcelona, if not the world. Here’s everything you need to know.
Leave a CommentDevour Tours’ “Tapas Challenge” in Barcelona ~ Photography & Film Project
A few months back, before COVID-19 forced us all into lockdown, I was hired to photograph and film the team from Devour Tours during their…
2 CommentsBest Barcelona Neighbourhoods for Families ~ A Kid-Friendly Guide
Discover the best family-friendly “barrios” in Barcelona, based on things like convenience, location, public transport, general safety and access to family-friendly facilities.
Leave a CommentHotel Alma Barcelona 5* GL ~ Soul is the New Luxury
Tucked away in the heart of Barcelona’s glitzy Eixample barrio, Hotel Alma Barcelona is a grand deluxe 5-star design hotel and a soulful home from home.
Leave a CommentBest Flamenco & Catalan Rumba Shows in Barcelona
My personal recommendations on the best flamenco and Catalan rumba shows in Barcelona!
Leave a CommentRestaurant Disfrutar (Barcelona) ~ More than Michelin Stars
Disfrutar is easily my favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant in Barcelona.
Leave a CommentDiscover Barcelona’s Festa Major de Sants ~ Like the Gràcia Festival but Smaller & More Local
Every August, the street parties of Barcelona’s Festa Major de Sants offer an authentic insight into modern-day life in the Catalan capital.
Leave a CommentMr Porter Chophouse, Barcelona ~ Quality Steaks & Pucker Plonk
Taking over the space that once housed the fabled Roca MOO, Mr Porter is an atypical chop house and an equally indulgent space to meet…
Leave a CommentGiGi Von Tapas, Barcelona ~ Where Every Day Feels Like Sunday
Whether you’re in need of a post-fiesta brunch, an evening feast with friends or a place to meet for drinks, GiGi Von Tapas is the sort of place you’ll want filed away in your mental Roladex of Barcelona restaurants.
Leave a CommentExploring the Best of Barcelona with Buena Vista Bike Tours
With small groups, friendly guides and an admirable approach to responsible tourism, Buena Vista Bike Tours in Barcelona is a prime example of how all tour companies should be run.
Leave a CommentCelebrate El Dia de Sant Jordi in Barcelona (April 23rd)
April 23rd in Barcelona is all about celebrating love, literature and Catalonia’s dragon-slaying patron saint. Here’s how and where to do it!
Leave a CommentH10 Casa Mimosa Hotel ~ Leafy Luxury in Barcelona’s Elegant Eixample Barrio (City Centre)
A hotel I can confidently recommend to anyone looking for a little romance and luxury within walking distance of Barcelona’s best bits.
Leave a CommentBest Souvenirs & Gift Shops in Barcelona ~ What & Where to Buy Your Catalan Keepsakes
Fallen in love with Barcelona? Want to invest in something special to take home and remind you of your time in the Catalan capita? I’m…
Leave a CommentEdition Barcelona (5*) ~ The New Standard for Hip Hotels
If you’re looking at hip boutiques in the centre of Barcelona and want something a little bit more progressive, you’ll struggle to find anywhere that competes with this new trailblazer.
Leave a CommentDiscover Barcelona’s Modernista Hospital de Sant Pau ~ A Salubrious Guide
Just a short stroll away from Gaudí’s emblematic Sagrada Familia, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau is one of the most spectacular examples of Catalan modernism in Barcelona. A must for all architecture lovers.
1 CommentDiscover Casa Vicens (Barcelona) ~ Gaudí’s First Ever House Design
Commissioned by business magnate Manuel Vicens, Casa Vicens was the first house Antoni Gaudí ever designed and is credited for inspiring the Catalan Modernisme architectural movement.
Leave a CommentIn Deep at La Mercè’s Surreal Correfoc (Fire Run) ~ A Photo Journal (Barcelona)
Held over four days every September, as summer turns to autumn, La Mercè celebrates Barcelona’s patron saint and is unquestionably the city’s largest and most…
1 CommentAll Those Food Market ~ Discover Barcelona’s Creative Gastro Community
Celebrate Barcelona’s creative culinary community at All Those – one of Barcelona’s original pop-up foodie markets.
Leave a CommentDay & Night at Barcelona’s Gràcia Festival ~ A Papier-Mâché Playground (Photo Journal)
Barcelona’s street parties are legendary but the Festa Major de Gràcia (held every August) is the biggest and the best. A photo journal.
1 CommentCorrefocs: The Devils & Fire Runs of Catalonia ~ Fiestas del Poble Sec (Barcelona)
Photo Journal: The anarchic ’diables’ (devils) of Catalunya and their explosive ‘correfocs’ (fire runs) are immensely important features of Catalan culture.
4 CommentsMuse & Master: The Titillating Tale of Gala Dalí
There’s a reason why Dalí signed his work as ‘Gala Salvador Dalí’. Many reasons, in fact…
Leave a CommentFLC’s Barcelona Architecture Tour: Exploring Barcelona’s Lesser-Known Architectural Marvels
There are so many fascinating architectural designs and stories to uncover in Barcelona – Rafael Gómez-Moriana shares some of the very best on FLC’s Barcelona Architecture Tour.
Leave a CommentPhoto Journal: Escaping Barcelona ~ A Day at Vilassar de Mar
An escape from the sticky July heat and maddening crowds of Barcelona.
2 CommentsBarcelona: Live Jazz on the Rooftop of Gaudi’s La Pedrera (Casa Milà)
Enjoy live jazz, Catalan cava and romantic city views from the rooftop of one of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous buildings.
Leave a CommentBest Wine Bars, Bodegas & Tastings in Barcelona ~ ¡Salud!
From dusty old bodegas where you can pour your plonk straight from the barrel to trendy wine bars specialising in natural and organic wines from the local vineyards of Catalonia – this is where to tip a few vinos back in Barcelona!
Leave a CommentMy Favourite Tapas Bars in Barcelona ~ A Completely Unobjective Guide
A small selection of my personal favourite tapas bars in Barcelona – perfect at any time of day or night, and on any budget.
3 CommentsExploring Barcelona’s La Modelo Prison ~ Political Oppression & 1,000 Executions
A visit to Barcelona’s 113-year-old Modelo prison, the site of some 1,000 executions, the most recent of which was in 1974.
1 CommentThe Pie Shoppe, Barcelona ~ Handmade Pies, Craft Beer & Moonshine
Soulfully gratifying British and American pies (savoury and sweet) lovingly handmade on the premises and expertly paired with local craft brews.
Leave a CommentFree and Cheap Car Parks in Barcelona City Centre
Looking for cheap, secure and convenient car parking in Barcelona city centre? This is your essential money-saving guide.
Leave a CommentBarcelona Precincts Available Now ~ A New Travel Book by Yours Truly
My new travel book, ‘Barcelona Precincts’, is now available worldwide – online and at all good bookshops! “A curated guide to Barcelona’s best shops, eateries, bars and other hangouts.”
1 CommentBarcelona: Mano Rota’s New Tasting Menu Will Turn You Vegetarian
I’ve written about Mano Rota before. So have a lot of people. It’s one of my favourite restaurants in Barcelona and their new vegetarian…
Leave a CommentWhat to See & Do in Barcelona on Your First Visit ~ And What Not to Do
My essential tips on what to see, do and eat on your first trip to Barcelona, as well as essential advice on what NOT to do.
8 CommentsAvenida Palace Hotel (4*) Barcelona ~ Historic Elegance in the City Centre
One of Barcelona’s oldest and most important hotels located in the city centre. Its sumptuous Art Deco style, refined dining options and impressive rooftop terrace (with pool) make this one of the most romantic 4-star hotels in Barcelona.
Leave a CommentBarcelona: Wanderbeak’s Delectable ‘Born to Eat’ Food Tour
El Born is my absolute favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona’s historic old town and Wanderbeak’s ‘Born to Eat’ food tour is the ultimate way to explore it – one mouthful at a time.
Leave a CommentLa Bombilla Cocktail Bar (Sant Antoni, Barcelona) ~ Live. Connect. Enjoy.
I feel like I say this all the time, but I’ll say it again anyway – Sant Antoni is my favourite barrio in Barcelona.…
Leave a CommentMy Life in Barcelona
Thoughts, reflections and photographs from my life in Barcelona.
10 CommentsVisit the Torre Glòries Building ~ Barcelona’s Psychedelic Disco Gherkin
The Torre Glòries skyscraper is one of Barcelona’s tallest and most iconic buildings – every bit as recognisable as the peaks of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. When…
Leave a CommentBarcelona by Bicycle: My Favourite Routes & Rides ~ A Cyclist’s Guide
From sandy beach boardwalks and urban cycle lanes to pine-scented mountain bike trails and family-friendly parks, there truly is something for every type of rider in Barcelona. Here are my favourite routes.
5 CommentsAlmanac Barcelona Hotel ~ Personalised Grand Luxury in the City Centre
An obvious choice for travellers in search of the good life in Barcelona.
Leave a CommentOne Winter’s Day in Barcelona ~ A Photo Journal
My favourite time to be in the Catalan capital…
Leave a CommentH10 Cubik Hotel, Barcelona ~ Superior 4-Star Luxury in the City Centre
A funky 4-star design hotel right in the heart of Barcelona, near Las Ramblas and the best of the old town. A spectacular rooftop terrace seals the deal.
Leave a CommentBon Nadal! Visiting Barcelona Over Christmas & New Year’s Eve
Because Barcelona is one of the jolliest places to be during the holiday season!
2 CommentsBest French Restaurants in Barcelona ~ A Francophile’s Guide
A few of my personal favourite French restaurants in Barcelona – here’s where to go when you’ve had your fill of Spanish tapas.
Leave a CommentSunday at Sants Estacio, Barcelona ~ A Photo Journal
I don’t usually spend my Sundays hanging around train stations, but Barcelona’s Sants Estacio is not your average train station. It’s located just at the…
Leave a CommentBest Restaurants & Tapas Bars in Sants, Barcelona ~ A Local’s Guide
I’ve been living in Sants for a couple of years now and these are what I personally consider to be the best local restaurants and tapas bars.
Leave a CommentZoom, Flash, Click! Shooting Barcelona on a Smartphone Photography Tour
Explore the best photography spots in Barcelona and learn how to capture better images.
2 CommentsA Day Trip to Tarragona from Barcelona ~ Roman Ruins & Seaside Living
Just an hour away from Barcelona, Tarragona is a Medieval metropolis boasting 2,000 years of history, traditional tapas bars and beautiful beaches.
4 CommentsBarcelona: Fiery Flamenco & Spanish Guitar at the Baroque Palau Dalmases
Experience authentic flamenco (dance and music) in a 17th century Baroque palace.
Leave a CommentExploring the Evolution of Catalan Gastronomy with Food Tours Barcelona
From market nibbles and bodega bites to avant-garde tapas and ‘surf & turf’ delights, the Barcelona Food Experiences tour is a delectable way to taste and understand Catalonia’s world-class cuisine.
Leave a CommentDay Trip to Sitges: The “St.Tropez of Spain” is Just 30 Minutes from Barcelona
Half an hour away from Barcelona lies one of the most romantic beach resorts in Europe. Day trip, anyone?
1 CommentFashionistas Marwa and Adela from Wandermoda Shopping Tours Want to Introduce You to Barcelona’s Local Boutiques and Artisans
Interview: Discover the best of Barcelona’s independent fashion scene with Marwa and Adela from Wandermoda shopping experiences.
Leave a CommentWhy Barcelona is Perfect for Freelancers and Digital Nomads
And it’s not just because of the eternal sunshine and blissful city beaches…
Leave a CommentBest Cocktail Bars in Barcelona ~ Ben’s Boozy Guide
After more blackouts and fuzzy mornings than I dare admit, this is my boozy guide to the very best cocktail bars in Barcelona.
2 CommentsJournal: I Remember My First Day in Barcelona
I found some old photos the other day. They were the photos I took on my very first day in Barcelona…
Leave a CommentCamp Nou Experience Tour & Museum (Barcelona): Més Que Un Club
A must for avid footie fanatics coming to Barcelona.
Leave a CommentThis is Still Our Barcelona
I’m still in shock, mortified by what’s happened. But this is still our Barcelona. This is still our city of peace, love and joy. A city…
Leave a CommentAlexandra Hotel (Eixample, Barcelona) ~ 4* Contemporary Design, Urban Sophistication
Four-star contemporary design within strolling distance of Barcelona city centre and Antoni Gaudí’s Modernist masterpieces.
El Molino Theatre Barcelona: Welcome to the Raunchiest Cabaret Show in Town
Sizzling cabaret shows, electrifying live music performances and fascinating history, Barcelona’s El Molino theatre provides an unforgettable night out.
1 CommentJournal: Boys and Their Toys ~ Carretera de les Aigües, Barcelona
I got more than I bargained for yesterday on my weekly ride along Carretera de les Aigües.
Leave a CommentBritish Actor Larry Lamb Steps Ashore in Barcelona on His Cruise Mates Adventure
Actor and all-round legend Larry Lamb meets the locals in Barcelona on his Mediterranean Cruise Mates adventure.
Leave a CommentHow to Find Student Accommodation in Barcelona ~ A Fuss-Free Guide
Find quality student accommodation in Barcelona with as little fuss as possible.
Leave a CommentLa Filomena Gastrobar (Barcelona) ~ Hearty Home-Cooking à la Sant Antoni.
Hearty home-cooking, great cocktails and lazy neighbourhood vibes, à la Sant Antoni.
Leave a CommentB-Hotel Barcelona: Superior 3-Star Hotel with Rooftop Pool & Bar
Luxury living for less. Modern rooms and a glitzy rooftop bar and pool. Outstanding value for money, one of the best budget hotels in Barcelona.
2 CommentsCometa Pla Barcelona: Creative Tapas & Biodynamic Wines in the Gothic Quarter
Innovative Mediterranean cooking, biodynamic wines and cool-but-casual vibes in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
Leave a CommentSant Joan Festival, Barcelona ~ Explosions in the Sky (Photo Essay)
It’s deep summer and the atmosphere is electric as Barcelona celebrates its annual Sant Joan festival.
Leave a Comment10 Reasons to Explore Barcelona with a Scooter from Rent-Scooter.com
Fast, fun and beautifully cheap, you can see way more of Barcelona’s best sights and attractions when you’ve got Zivile and Jurgis from Rent-Scooter.com on your side.
Leave a CommentVisit the Montjuïc Communications Tower ~ Olympic Barcelona
A line in the sand that marks the shift from relatively unknown Barcelona to megastar A-lister Barcelona.
Leave a CommentLive Barcelona’s High Life with Wanderbeak’s Gourmet Gaudí Food & Architecture Tour
Modernist architecture, Michelin-starred dining and fascinating conversation – this is a double deluxe taste of Barcelona’s high life.
2 Comments7 Sides of Barcelona Through the Eyes of 7 Lucky Travellers
7 lucky travellers, 7 totally different Barcelona experiences. Which one would you like to relive, and who would you take with you? I’m always fascinated…
Leave a CommentWhere to Play Football in Barcelona ~ An Inside Guide
The footie fanatics from CeleBreak share their inside advice on where to play football in Barcelona and how to get involved in local games.
Leave a CommentGran Hotel La Florida (Barcelona) ~ A 5-Star Urban Resort
Highlights include unrivalled views of Barcelona, first-class dining and a spectacular indoor/outdoor pool. This is the epitome of luxury Mediterranean living.
Leave a CommentBarcelona Watersports: SUP, Surf, Sail and More ~ A Wet & Wild Guide
Paddle board, surf, kitesurf or sail… you can do the lot in Barcelona! Here’s how and where!
Leave a CommentTripUniq: Plan Less, Travel More with Personalised Itineraries from Local Experts
Experience the world like a local with personalised travel itineraries created by TripUniq’s global destination experts.
Leave a Comment10 Brunch Cafes in Barcelona – Recommended by Coffee and Brunch
Barcelona brunch expert Claudia from Coffee & Brunch reveals her top 10 brunch cafes in the Catalan capital.
Leave a CommentBarcelona’s Best Beaches ~ From Serene Sands to Party Playas
Whether you want watersports and volleyball or would prefer to kick back with a cocktail in your hand, here are the very best beaches in Barcelona!
2 CommentsWine Tasting & Vineyard Touring in Barcelona’s Penedès Wine Region
Sip your way through 3 of the best wineries in Barcelona’s famous Penedès wine region.
2 CommentsBamboo Bike Tour Barcelona ~ An Eco-Friendly & Fun Way to See Barcelona’s Best Bits
Discover the very best of Barcelona’s old town, palm-filled parks and city beaches with Bamboo Bike Tours. If like me you’re passionate about cycling and want to…
Leave a CommentBarna-Brew Brewpub (Sant Antoni, Barcelona) ~ A Brussels-Barcelona Love Affair
Devour Belgian-inspired Catalan craft beers and gourmet tapas in Barcelona’s ultra trendy Sant Antoni barrio!
Leave a CommentWhy You’ll Love the Barcelona Food Sherpa Market Tour & Home Dining Experience
The Barcelona Food Sherpa market tour and home dining experience is a dream for anyone who wants to learn about Barcelona’s cuisine and eat really,…
Leave a CommentSyra Coffee: Get Your Caffeine Fix at One of Barcelona’s Best Coffee Shops
Barcelona is positively brimming with trendy speciality coffee shops where passionate roasters and baristas are brewing the perfect cup. Syra Coffee is one of my favourites.
Leave a CommentBar Cañete (Barcelona): Classic Catalan Tapas, Great Vibes and Excellent Wines
One of my all-time favourite tapas bars in Barcelona, Bar Cañete offers everything you could wish for: energy, exciting tapas dishes made with quality local produce and excellent wines.
Leave a CommentHolala! Plaza ~ Barcelona’s Biggest and Best Vintage Store!
Shop for A-grade vintage fashion and homewares at Barcelona’s biggest and best vintage store!
Leave a CommentLa Monroe (Barcelona) ~ Quality Tapas & Buzzy Vibes in the Artsy Raval Barrio
This bright and colourful tapas bar in Raval is not only a great place to meet friends for tapas and drinks, but is also an important hub of the local community.
Leave a CommentPillow Talk: Romantic Hotels in Barcelona for Couples ~ Sultry Siestas Await
From boutique hotels in the city centre to hilltop retreats, these are the most romantic hotels in Barcelona for couples in need of a little quality time.
Leave a CommentMano Rota Barcelona ~ Creative Catalan Restaurant in Poblesec
Catalan market cuisine with international ingredients and their own creative style of non-conformist cooking. Highly recommended restaurant in Barcelona’s trendy Poblesec gastro neighbourhood.
Leave a CommentBite into Catalonia’s Roasted Calçots + Best Places to Eat Calçots in Barcelona
Everything you need to know about this ancient Catalan food tradition and where to eat the best calçots in and around Barcelona!
Leave a CommentCheap & Cheerful Student Bars in Barcelona ~ La Fiesta Awaits
Meet travellers and fellow international students and party till sunrise at Barcelona’s best bars!
Leave a CommentCoco Vail Beer Hall Barcelona: Californian Beach Bar Vibes, American Soul Food and Craft Beer in the City Centre
Sip Catalan craft beers, feast on hearty American food and connect with Barcelona’s international community.
Leave a CommentVIDEO: Barcelona & Beyond ~ A Year of Life & Travel in Spain
Highlights from my last year of life and travel around Spain…
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