It’s been a long cold winter and a weird moody spring, but the strong sun and humidity are starting to emerge in Barcelona. Terrace tables are already unstacked, and people are already stepping out without a jacket. The city’s beaches really come into their own: it’s hot, almost too hot to sunbathe, noisy and crowded; so getting a table for a cold beer and a plate of fried prawns can be a real ‘mission impossible’ in the beach bars (chiringuitos). I admit I am not selling the...

Para conocer un barrio hay que empezar por su mercado. Los mercados de Barcelona revelan la manera de ser de los barceloneses. ¡Nada mejor para conocer sus costumbres que ir al mercado! Ten en cuenta que hay cuarenta mercados para escoger, así que lo más adecuado sería empezar por el mercado que te quede más cerca del lugar donde te alojes. En cada barrio, el mercado tiene su propia personalidad; darte una vuelta y descubre los detalles escondidos de las costumbres gastronómicas y las...

Are you looking to take a Spanish course abroad and wondering which beautiful city to learn Spanish in? Well… look no further! Here are 10 reasons why Barcelona should be your top choice when it comes to learning Spanish. Festivals! There always seems to be something to celebrate in Barcelona. No matter what your tastes and hobbies are there will be something for you to enjoy during your time here, whether it will be one of the many music festivals, film festivals or ‘barrio’ parties. Be...

It’s no wonder Barcelona is such a popular summer destination, you have the culture of a city with the enjoyment of the beach! There are many different types of beaches in Barcelona and the surrounding areas, so there is definitely something for everyone and sometimes it’s worth taking a train or a drive to find your perfect summer paradise. Here are our top recommendations…   Relax – If you just want somewhere quiet… A chiringuito on Ocata beach Montgat: Just a...

Ya he visitado Barcelona unas diez veces. Muchas veces me pasaba que personas me decían que la comida y las bebidas son carísimas allí. Sí es verdad y no es verdad. En realidad eso depende mucho del lugar. Es obvio que beber una cerveza o una sangría en Las Ramblas cuesta un ojo de la cara. Por suerte Barcelona es más grande que esta famosa calle. Pero, ¿adónde hay que ir? El mejor consejo es muy fácil. Vaya a bares y restaurantes que estén llenos de españoles. Eso es un valor...

It’s the end of June, summer’s almost here and you haven’t made any plans yet? If you want to learn Spanish this summer but also not miss out on sun, sea, culture and fun, a language course in Spain is the best option. You will not only learn Spanish, but also see beautiful places, make new friends, try local food and enjoy the great weather! The good news is that Spain is full of amazing places and you’re sure not to be disappointed wherever you choose. Still, making a decision is...

La diada de Sant Jordi (as it is known in Catalan) is celebrated on the 23rd of April. As I am from England, I too celebrate Saint George’s Day. Usually on the 23rd of April I go the ‘pub’, which is aptly decorated with union jacks and other England paraphanalia and then with family and friends I have a drink or two. In Catalonia, La diada de Sant Jordi is celebrated a little differently. Often likened to Valentine’s Day, La diada de Sant Jordi is the most amourous day...

August isn’t over yet and the best in entertainment that Spain has to offer is still to come. Here is a breakdown of the biggest events in August for each of our five cities in Spain. I hope you enjoy the festivities BARCELONA: Festa Major de Grácia (15th – 21st August) The week long festival is a firm favourite in Barcelona. Famous for the elaborate colourful decorations that can be found throughout the streets of Gracia, Festa major Gracia also offers all types of music from classical...

The Sonar Festival takes place annually every June in Barcelona. This year it´s the 18th time that this festival gets Barcelona crazy for a weekend. The festival officially runs three days, June 16th to June 18th, but parties take place for a few days before and after the festival, as well. The festival attracts some of the biggest international artists leaning towards groundbreaking and underground artists. The festival attracts approximately 80,000 people each year. Don´t miss it! The...

Is there a better way of enjoying the last summer nights of Barcelona than doing this at the fabulous city festival? We´re sure there isn´t!! Next week´s starting the Fiesta de la Mercé, the patron saint of Barcelona.   Traditionally this festival started 1902 as a religious one and over the years it has become a popular celebration all over Cataluña. During the Civil War and the Franco era celebrations of traditions were forbidden, it is for this reason that it has become the most...