Off the beaten track in Barcelona
Dec 20th, 2011, 12:27 PM
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Off the beaten track in Barcelona
Being a foreigner in a city means that you often get to play host or tour guide to visiting family and friends. Barcelona is one of those great city that offers plenty for a first, second, or third... time visitor. But what exactly is there to see and do after you have checked off La Pedrera and Sagrada Familia? After living here for more than 3 years, and having many repeat visitors, I have been able to explore quite a bit.
Besides all its major sites, the city has a different personality and varied events in each season. Always ask at your hotel about local festivals, or try the various seasonal dishes.
Nowadays I send my friends off to see the major sites on their own, and select a few alternatives that I can enjoy with them. These are some of my favourite activities that I try to do with my guests. If you visit Barcelona, see if you can add them to your sight-seeing list.
1: Montjuic Cactus Garden
I had been waiting for this garden ( http://g.co/maps/wd4xc ) to open again to the public, since the first moment I laid eyes on it when I first arrived in Barcelona. It was a long wait, almost 3 years! Apparently it had been closed for 5 years due to rehabilitation, I'm happy to report that it is now open!
The garden is situated on Montjuic, near the Miramar hotel. It overlooks the harbour, and you can wander around in what seems to be a Mexican desert filled with huge cacti but when you look up, find yourself in the Mediterranean, with a vista of blue waters and gigantic cruise ships. It makes for an interesting tableau, as well a fun (and educational) place for a photo.
You can end off your wander around the gardens with a coffee or beer at the Miramar restaurant & cafe ( http://www.club-miramar.es/eng/espacios_panoramica.php ) next to the cablecar ( Teleferico: http://www.telefericodebarcelona.com )stop, or if you are there in the evening, you can dine at the Miramar hotel.
2: La Caixa Science Museum Amazon Forest
The Cosmo Caixa ( http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestro...celona_es.html ) or the Science museum of Barcelona offers up a fantastic array of interesting exhibition halls and permanent installations. The architecture of the building combines the old and the new, and as you wind down through the glass and brick construction you learn about how the earth evolved.
The best thing, in my opinion, about this museum is the stunning Amazon forest display. The museum contains an entire ecosystem showing a cross section of forest and river. Sit and watch piranhas and crocodiles frolic below massive trees festooned with creepers, while jungle fowl flap from branch to branch. I mean what could be better about an museum that has a planetarium and a piece of living Amazon?
If you have the energy after the museum, walk up the hill for the view. Pass some of the "castles" of Tibidabo as you wind up the road to the funicular that goes up to peak. Enjoy a drink overlooking the city at the Mirablau ( http://www.mirablaubcn.com/es/restaurante.php ). A different vista of Barcelona awaits, and the restaurants widows frame the view to the sea beautifully. If it's not too late you could also catch the tram up the hill or flag a taxi from the museum.
3: La Boqueria & a wander around in exotic Raval
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a stop at the famous Boqueria Market. It's not really an Alternative as it's in every guide book, but I can honestly say I never tire of the place. Each trip is fun in it's explosion of colour, tastes and smells, even for me! I always buy a weird juice combination and it's interesting to go from displays of bright sweets to creepy, slimy tentacles in the fish section.
You can enjoy tapas ( http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_d.../tapas/el_quim ) in the Mercat or if you like there are plenty of cafes in the surrounding area. If you walk out the bottom or the back of the Market into the streets, you find yourself in Raval.
La Rambla forms the border between the area known as the "Gotico" and "Raval". Home to many foreigners, Raval has a somewhat exotic flavour to it. You can find little cafes filled with delicacies from around the world. Somewhat notorious in the guide books as an unsafe area, this really only applies if you are not keeping an eye on your bag or are stumbling around the dark alleys, after too many mojitos at 3am. During the day it is well worth a walk-about.
Find hidden gardens, great book stores, vintage shops, fabulous outdoor cafes, Raval is also host to the marvellous CCCB ( http://www.cccb.org/en/ ), a great stop for museum junkies. A peek at the plaza in front of the Modern Art museum unfolds in the clacking and scraping of a thousand skateboards as enthusiasts gather to polish or show off skills.
4: A conversation at a cafe in the Gothic
The Gotic quarter is stuffed full of fascinating cafes, shops, and plazas. You can walk through alleyways of graffiti or find yourself in a cloister garden in an ancient Gothic cathedral. It's one of the perfect places for people watching, and trust me, after walking around discovering secret corners of Barcelona, you will want to sit down and relax.
There are plenty of places for tea, coffee or snacks, and all you have to do is find a spot, enjoy your surroundings, and take some time to chat to your friends, your travel buddy or absorb the atmosphere. One of my favourite places to unwind is Caj Chai ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/caj-ch...e/194257037041 ). It's my go to place for Chai, but they also offer all sorts of Chinese, British and refreshing fruity teas. The snacks are yummy too, and you can relax on couches and read a selection of their books. It's tucked away in the Jewish quarter and is close by two interesting shops: La Basilica ( http://www.labasilica.es/ ) which sells fascinating jewellery and Sabater Hermanos ( http://shnos.com.ar ) a soap shop next to the historical Sant Felip Neri Plaza.
5: A day trip into the surrounds.
There are plenty of places of interest on the outskirts of Barcelona. I love to pick a direction and go exploring in the car. This may be a bit difficult for everyone, but if you happen to have a car available or are renting one, the Collserola ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_de_Collserola ) has a number of scenic drives (and walks). The villages of La Floresta, Vallvidrera, and Sant Cugat (all reachable by train) are well worth an exploration where you can get a taste of Catalan village life, and if in season, you have to try eating the messy Calçots. Sant Cugat is host to the famous (and large) Mercantic Market for all things vintage where you could find some unique souvenirs here!
The coast to the south offers up the tiny beach village of Garraf, which I always try and visit with friends. And up in the mountains behind Sitges you find farm lands dedicated to the cultivation of grapes and the Cava ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cava_%28Spanish_wine%29 ) industry that goes along with it. You can sample various cavas and olives while enjoying them in the typical scrub landscape of the Spanish Med.
Finally just next to the Airport lies the Delta de Llobregat. (http://www.deltallobregat.cat/ ) There are various protected parks, where you can walk along paths spotting birds or aeroplanes.
*Please note that these comments are my personal views, everyone has their own special places or hidden secret spots in Barcelona. I was not paid to promote any of the shops or museums and I am by no means an expert. These observations are all based on my own experiences and if you like you can see images HERE: ( http://katcameronillustration.wordpr...p-5-barcelona/)
I hope that some of the places I mention make it into your list of places to see in Barcelona and you enjoy them as much as I do!
Besides all its major sites, the city has a different personality and varied events in each season. Always ask at your hotel about local festivals, or try the various seasonal dishes.
Nowadays I send my friends off to see the major sites on their own, and select a few alternatives that I can enjoy with them. These are some of my favourite activities that I try to do with my guests. If you visit Barcelona, see if you can add them to your sight-seeing list.
1: Montjuic Cactus Garden
I had been waiting for this garden ( http://g.co/maps/wd4xc ) to open again to the public, since the first moment I laid eyes on it when I first arrived in Barcelona. It was a long wait, almost 3 years! Apparently it had been closed for 5 years due to rehabilitation, I'm happy to report that it is now open!
The garden is situated on Montjuic, near the Miramar hotel. It overlooks the harbour, and you can wander around in what seems to be a Mexican desert filled with huge cacti but when you look up, find yourself in the Mediterranean, with a vista of blue waters and gigantic cruise ships. It makes for an interesting tableau, as well a fun (and educational) place for a photo.
You can end off your wander around the gardens with a coffee or beer at the Miramar restaurant & cafe ( http://www.club-miramar.es/eng/espacios_panoramica.php ) next to the cablecar ( Teleferico: http://www.telefericodebarcelona.com )stop, or if you are there in the evening, you can dine at the Miramar hotel.
2: La Caixa Science Museum Amazon Forest
The Cosmo Caixa ( http://obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestro...celona_es.html ) or the Science museum of Barcelona offers up a fantastic array of interesting exhibition halls and permanent installations. The architecture of the building combines the old and the new, and as you wind down through the glass and brick construction you learn about how the earth evolved.
The best thing, in my opinion, about this museum is the stunning Amazon forest display. The museum contains an entire ecosystem showing a cross section of forest and river. Sit and watch piranhas and crocodiles frolic below massive trees festooned with creepers, while jungle fowl flap from branch to branch. I mean what could be better about an museum that has a planetarium and a piece of living Amazon?
If you have the energy after the museum, walk up the hill for the view. Pass some of the "castles" of Tibidabo as you wind up the road to the funicular that goes up to peak. Enjoy a drink overlooking the city at the Mirablau ( http://www.mirablaubcn.com/es/restaurante.php ). A different vista of Barcelona awaits, and the restaurants widows frame the view to the sea beautifully. If it's not too late you could also catch the tram up the hill or flag a taxi from the museum.
3: La Boqueria & a wander around in exotic Raval
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a stop at the famous Boqueria Market. It's not really an Alternative as it's in every guide book, but I can honestly say I never tire of the place. Each trip is fun in it's explosion of colour, tastes and smells, even for me! I always buy a weird juice combination and it's interesting to go from displays of bright sweets to creepy, slimy tentacles in the fish section.
You can enjoy tapas ( http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_d.../tapas/el_quim ) in the Mercat or if you like there are plenty of cafes in the surrounding area. If you walk out the bottom or the back of the Market into the streets, you find yourself in Raval.
La Rambla forms the border between the area known as the "Gotico" and "Raval". Home to many foreigners, Raval has a somewhat exotic flavour to it. You can find little cafes filled with delicacies from around the world. Somewhat notorious in the guide books as an unsafe area, this really only applies if you are not keeping an eye on your bag or are stumbling around the dark alleys, after too many mojitos at 3am. During the day it is well worth a walk-about.
Find hidden gardens, great book stores, vintage shops, fabulous outdoor cafes, Raval is also host to the marvellous CCCB ( http://www.cccb.org/en/ ), a great stop for museum junkies. A peek at the plaza in front of the Modern Art museum unfolds in the clacking and scraping of a thousand skateboards as enthusiasts gather to polish or show off skills.
4: A conversation at a cafe in the Gothic
The Gotic quarter is stuffed full of fascinating cafes, shops, and plazas. You can walk through alleyways of graffiti or find yourself in a cloister garden in an ancient Gothic cathedral. It's one of the perfect places for people watching, and trust me, after walking around discovering secret corners of Barcelona, you will want to sit down and relax.
There are plenty of places for tea, coffee or snacks, and all you have to do is find a spot, enjoy your surroundings, and take some time to chat to your friends, your travel buddy or absorb the atmosphere. One of my favourite places to unwind is Caj Chai ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/caj-ch...e/194257037041 ). It's my go to place for Chai, but they also offer all sorts of Chinese, British and refreshing fruity teas. The snacks are yummy too, and you can relax on couches and read a selection of their books. It's tucked away in the Jewish quarter and is close by two interesting shops: La Basilica ( http://www.labasilica.es/ ) which sells fascinating jewellery and Sabater Hermanos ( http://shnos.com.ar ) a soap shop next to the historical Sant Felip Neri Plaza.
5: A day trip into the surrounds.
There are plenty of places of interest on the outskirts of Barcelona. I love to pick a direction and go exploring in the car. This may be a bit difficult for everyone, but if you happen to have a car available or are renting one, the Collserola ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serra_de_Collserola ) has a number of scenic drives (and walks). The villages of La Floresta, Vallvidrera, and Sant Cugat (all reachable by train) are well worth an exploration where you can get a taste of Catalan village life, and if in season, you have to try eating the messy Calçots. Sant Cugat is host to the famous (and large) Mercantic Market for all things vintage where you could find some unique souvenirs here!
The coast to the south offers up the tiny beach village of Garraf, which I always try and visit with friends. And up in the mountains behind Sitges you find farm lands dedicated to the cultivation of grapes and the Cava ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cava_%28Spanish_wine%29 ) industry that goes along with it. You can sample various cavas and olives while enjoying them in the typical scrub landscape of the Spanish Med.
Finally just next to the Airport lies the Delta de Llobregat. (http://www.deltallobregat.cat/ ) There are various protected parks, where you can walk along paths spotting birds or aeroplanes.
*Please note that these comments are my personal views, everyone has their own special places or hidden secret spots in Barcelona. I was not paid to promote any of the shops or museums and I am by no means an expert. These observations are all based on my own experiences and if you like you can see images HERE: ( http://katcameronillustration.wordpr...p-5-barcelona/)
I hope that some of the places I mention make it into your list of places to see in Barcelona and you enjoy them as much as I do!
Dec 20th, 2011, 02:23 PM
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My favorite experience of non-touristy Barcelona is walking through the Poble Nou and discovering your own restaurants, and getting a grip on how Barcelona is at heart a planned "modern" city of the early 20th c.
I find the Bouqueria and Las Ramblas super-touristy, and tired of it quickly.
For day trips out of town, the capital of Catalonia, Vic, is an amazing place which few tourists ever discover. If you are at all interested in Catalonian culture, Vic is a true eye-opener with one of the most beautiful of all plazas in Spain and a museum that is a treasure trove of art and history. I cannot recommend it too highly.
I find the Bouqueria and Las Ramblas super-touristy, and tired of it quickly.
For day trips out of town, the capital of Catalonia, Vic, is an amazing place which few tourists ever discover. If you are at all interested in Catalonian culture, Vic is a true eye-opener with one of the most beautiful of all plazas in Spain and a museum that is a treasure trove of art and history. I cannot recommend it too highly.
Dec 20th, 2011, 02:39 PM
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Agree about Las Ramblas and the Bouqueria. I enjoyed the displays at the Bouqueria but I felt like it was overly touristy.
I spent 2 nights in Vic and loved it. No tourists, wonderful people and great food!
I spent 2 nights in Vic and loved it. No tourists, wonderful people and great food!
Dec 20th, 2011, 03:10 PM
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las ramblas is stuffed with tourists isnt it .... but i still like the boqueria, and many of barcelonas best restaurants buy their produce there. The crowds are a hassle though, but each neighborhood has its own market, so if you " have been there done that" at the boqueria, you could try the santa caterina, sant antoni, or the markets in gracia 
Dec 20th, 2011, 03:17 PM
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The Santa Caterina market was my breakfast place 3 days in a row! I almost mentioned the Gracia neighborhood too. I loved roaming around this neighborhood - not crowded and lots of local character.
Dec 20th, 2011, 03:45 PM
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My favorite spots (though no major "secrets") would be
- the small patio cafe within the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu
- walking the Carretera de les Aigües from Vallvidrera to the lower station of the Tibidabo cable car (and the Mirablau!)
- Pl. Sol in Gracia at night
- the beach xiringuitos (definetely no secret)
- probably the new design center/ museum near Glories once it's finished/open
- Sarria and the Pedralbes monastery
- the small patio cafe within the Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu
- walking the Carretera de les Aigües from Vallvidrera to the lower station of the Tibidabo cable car (and the Mirablau!)
- Pl. Sol in Gracia at night
- the beach xiringuitos (definetely no secret)
- probably the new design center/ museum near Glories once it's finished/open
- Sarria and the Pedralbes monastery
Dec 20th, 2011, 10:53 PM
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the antic hospital is lovely, such amazing architecture!!!(but is it still closed for renovations? I have not passed that way in a while?) Gracia is beautiful, it's my neighbourhood, so it has a soft spot in my heart. plaza Virreina & Villa de gracia are good to see too 
lots of good places to eat and drink!
lots of good places to eat and drink!
Dec 21st, 2011, 03:29 AM
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My favorite "off the beaten track" place in Barcelona is the medieval Monasterio de Pedralbes, an old Monastery and cloisters that goes back to 1326. besides the incredibly well preserved architecture, it houses a great collection of art, furniture, and liturgical objects from past centuries. My favorite part was the inner courtyard garden with spices and fruits cultivated during medieval times and still been beautifully maintained. My desktop background is a picture I took of one of its courtyard water wells. This place was so peaceful. I paid 4 Euros and the ticket was good for entrance to other museums in Barcelona, quite a great deal.
http://www.inspain.org/en/sites/pedralbesmonastery.asp
http://www.inspain.org/en/sites/pedralbesmonastery.asp
Dec 21st, 2011, 04:08 AM
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The old/antic hospital in Raval had been open in September. Maybe you mean the "new" modernisme one near Sagrada Familia which is still under reconstruction?
For eating out "Catalan-style" without breaking the bank, I like "La Llavor dels Origins".
They also have a nice range of Catalan wines. Especially the ones from the Priorat or Montsant are worth trying (at a very modest mark-up compared to supermarket prices). Actually, the restaurant price of a bottle of wine comes close to what you will pay for it in a supermarket outside of Spain.
http://www.lallavordelsorigens.com/R...tes.php?len=en
The menus are somewhat hidden on the website as they are published in magazine-style, with thorough explanations of each dish.
http://www.lallavordelsorigens.com/pdf/n14_en.pdf
(warning: huge file appr. 15MB)
Especially the location in Eixample is less overrun than the two in the Born. And has outdoor seating in a pedestrianized section of the street, located behind the university. Few tourists, mostly local clientele.
For eating out "Catalan-style" without breaking the bank, I like "La Llavor dels Origins".
They also have a nice range of Catalan wines. Especially the ones from the Priorat or Montsant are worth trying (at a very modest mark-up compared to supermarket prices). Actually, the restaurant price of a bottle of wine comes close to what you will pay for it in a supermarket outside of Spain.
http://www.lallavordelsorigens.com/R...tes.php?len=en
The menus are somewhat hidden on the website as they are published in magazine-style, with thorough explanations of each dish.
http://www.lallavordelsorigens.com/pdf/n14_en.pdf
(warning: huge file appr. 15MB)
Especially the location in Eixample is less overrun than the two in the Born. And has outdoor seating in a pedestrianized section of the street, located behind the university. Few tourists, mostly local clientele.
Dec 21st, 2011, 06:36 AM
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Even though flamenco comes from the South, many of the greatest flamenco artists on the current scene - especially singers - come from Barcelona and surroundings. Not least because of heavy migration and a substantial Gitano community, flamenco is an important part of Barcelona culture.
The greatest artsist perform in the major theaters on a regular basis, and there are two high quality tablaos in town that also hold a high standing among the artists themselves, Tablao El Cordobés and Tablao de Carmen.
Some Catalan flamenco geniouses:
Carmen Amaya (1913-1963) from the Somorrostro district close to the Barceloneta beach was the greatest flamenco dancer ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQlk5...eature=related
Miguel Poveda, from Badalona, is the most succesfull flamenco singer today. Here the copla "A ciegas" from Pedro Almodóvar's movie Los abrazos rotos/Broken embraces:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3CJiJX-qLE
Mayte Martín is to die for. In concert a couple of months ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1sA_SgsjA0
Living legend Duquende: http://www.flamencotv.es/es/componen...ciamadrid.html
Young Alba Carmona can be huge. She comes in after 1 min: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4fBzTHtofE
Tablao de Carmen in Poble Espanyol, Barcelona: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sENoCuTQYPs
Tablao Cordóbes on Las Ramblas dates back to 1970:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTTxQGQK6zo
http://www.catalunyaarteflamenco.com/
The greatest artsist perform in the major theaters on a regular basis, and there are two high quality tablaos in town that also hold a high standing among the artists themselves, Tablao El Cordobés and Tablao de Carmen.
Some Catalan flamenco geniouses:
Carmen Amaya (1913-1963) from the Somorrostro district close to the Barceloneta beach was the greatest flamenco dancer ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQlk5...eature=related
Miguel Poveda, from Badalona, is the most succesfull flamenco singer today. Here the copla "A ciegas" from Pedro Almodóvar's movie Los abrazos rotos/Broken embraces:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3CJiJX-qLE
Mayte Martín is to die for. In concert a couple of months ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1sA_SgsjA0
Living legend Duquende: http://www.flamencotv.es/es/componen...ciamadrid.html
Young Alba Carmona can be huge. She comes in after 1 min: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4fBzTHtofE
Tablao de Carmen in Poble Espanyol, Barcelona: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sENoCuTQYPs
Tablao Cordóbes on Las Ramblas dates back to 1970:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTTxQGQK6zo
http://www.catalunyaarteflamenco.com/
Dec 21st, 2011, 07:02 AM
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I followed Cowboy's suggestion and had a meal at Origins
in Oct.. Very good and reasonable.
I like that part of Eixample... a walk on Enric Granados, all the way to Diagonal, is always a pleasure.
in Oct.. Very good and reasonable.
I like that part of Eixample... a walk on Enric Granados, all the way to Diagonal, is always a pleasure.
Dec 22nd, 2011, 08:00 AM
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My favorite off the beaten track spots are Gracia, Sarria & La Pedrables. Especially the square in Gracia (can't remember the name, there's a church there & cute cafes); an awesome restaurant just across the street from the Monastery in Pedrables.
Also, the park where the La Cascada Fountain is located (including the magnificent fountain)!
Also, the park where the La Cascada Fountain is located (including the magnificent fountain)!
Jan 5th, 2012, 05:07 AM
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Cowboy, youre right, i thought you meant the modernisme hospital near sagrada familia, I havent been to the one in raval, will certainly check it out. i have been to the Origins restaurant in Gracia a number of times, and i find it kind of hit and miss, sometimes good, sometimes not so much, I wonder if the other ones are better?
Kwoo, the plaza is called plaça Villa de Gracia (or the old name plaça Ruis y taulet) its very pretty. many of Gracias plazaa are great. Each one has a unique flavour.
I'm enjoying everyone's secret spots!
Kwoo, the plaza is called plaça Villa de Gracia (or the old name plaça Ruis y taulet) its very pretty. many of Gracias plazaa are great. Each one has a unique flavour.
I'm enjoying everyone's secret spots!
