Barcelona Guides
Local tips, hidden places, and itinerary ideas from someone who lives here.
Why Do Catalans Love Poop? The Curious World of Caganers, Tió and Scatological Humour
Why do Catalans put poop in Christmas traditions? Discover the caganer, Tió de Nadal and the history of Catalan scatological humour.
7 Oct 2026
Why Do Catalans Say “Merci”? The Story Behind Gràcies, Mercès and Merci
Why do some Catalans say “merci”? Discover the history of gràcies, mercès and the French influence behind this familiar expression.
6 Oct 2026
Oktoberfest Barcelona: Bavaria Meets Barcelona at La Wiesn
Oktoberfest Barcelona brings Bavarian beer, food, music and traditions to La Wiesn, with a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
4 Oct 2026
Why Is Red Wine Called Tinto in Spain and Vi Negre in Catalonia?
Why is red wine called vino tinto in Spain and vi negre in Catalonia? Discover the linguistic history behind these unusual wine terms.
3 Oct 2026
Catedral de Barcelona: History, Construction and Interesting Facts
Discover Barcelona Cathedral’s history, from its ancient foundations and Gothic construction to its Neo-Gothic façade, famous figures and fascinating facts.
2 Oct 2026
Hospital de Sant Pau Barcelona: History, Architecture and Legacy
Discover Hospital Sant Pau Barcelona, from its medieval origins and Modernista architecture to its medical history, UNESCO status and present-day role.
1 Oct 2026
Ratafia: The Traditional Catalan Herbal Liqueur
Discover ratafia, Catalonia’s traditional herbal liqueur made with green walnuts, herbs and spices, including its history and recipe.
30 Sept 2026
Joan Miró: Life, Work, Recognition and Legacy
Discover Joan Miró’s life, artistic journey, international recognition and lasting legacy in Barcelona, Catalonia and the world.
29 Sept 2026
La Barceloneta: History of Barcelona’s Seaside Neighbourhood
Discover La Barceloneta’s history, from its 18th-century origins and fishing community to industry, the Franco period and modern Barcelona.
28 Sept 2026
Antoni Gaudí: Life, Inspiration, Famous Works and Legacy
Discover Antoni Gaudí’s life, inspirations, famous Barcelona buildings, tragic death and lasting legacy in Catalan architecture.
27 Sept 2026
Correfoc: Catalonia’s Festival of Fire and Devils
Discover the Catalan correfoc, a spectacular festival of devils, dragons, fireworks and fire with medieval roots and modern traditions.
26 Sept 2026
Castellers: The Human Towers of Catalonia
Discover the castellers, Catalonia’s famous human towers. Learn their history, how they train, how castells are built and why this tradition matters.
25 Sept 2026
El Born Barcelona: History, Culture and the Story Behind the District
Discover El Born Barcelona, a historic district of medieval streets, markets, palaces and cultural attractions shaped by centuries of Catalan history.
24 Sept 2026
Arc de Triomf Barcelona: History, Architecture and Modern Life
Discover Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Universal Exposition and known for its brickwork, sculptures and unique architecture.
23 Sept 2026
Gegants: The Giant Figures of Catalan Festivals
Discover Catalonia’s gegants: giant figures with medieval origins that remain a central part of festas majors, processions and local celebrations.
22 Sept 2026
Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon: The City at the Heart of a Medieval Mediterranean Power
Discover Barcelona’s role in the Crown of Aragon, from medieval politics and trade to the historic buildings and institutions still visible today.
21 Sept 2026
Catalan Language: History, Dialects and Modern Use
Discover the history of the Catalan language, from its medieval origins to its modern status. Learn how Catalan differs from Spanish, where it is spoken, its main dialects and how many people use it today.
19 Sept 2026
Pickpockets in Barcelona: How Theft Happens and How to Stay Safe
Learn about pickpocketing and petty theft in Barcelona, where travellers are most vulnerable, common distraction techniques, and practical ways to protect your phone, wallet, passport and other valuables.
18 Sept 2026
La Mercè: Barcelona’s Great Annual Festival
Discover the history of La Mercè, Barcelona’s biggest annual festival. Learn why the city celebrates Our Lady of Mercy, how the tradition began, how old the festival is and the Catalan traditions you can experience during La Mercè.
17 Sept 2026
Poblenou Barcelona: From Industrial District to Modern Neighbourhood
Discover Poblenou in Barcelona, from its industrial past as the “Catalan Manchester” to its transformation into a modern neighbourhood of old factories, creative spaces, beaches and the 22@ technology district.
16 Sept 2026
Cava: History, Production and the Difference Between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne
Discover the history of Cava, Catalonia’s famous sparkling wine, and learn why it is called Cava. Find out where most Cava is produced and the differences between Cava, Prosecco and Champagne.
15 Sept 2026
Crema Catalana: History, Tradition and Recipe
Discover the history of crema catalana, one of Catalonia’s most famous desserts. Learn how it developed from medieval Catalan cooking, how it differs from crème brûlée, and how to make the traditional recipe at home.
13 Sept 2026
Sangria: History, Tradition and How to Make It
Discover the history of sangria, Spain’s famous wine-based drink. Learn how sangria became an everyday social drink, the difference between handmade and industrial versions, popular variations and an easy traditional sangria recipe.
12 Sept 2026
La Diada Nacional de Catalunya: History and Meaning
Discover the history of La Diada Nacional de Catalunya, celebrated every 11 September. Learn what happened in 1714, how the tradition began, why it was banned under Franco and what the Catalan National Day means today.
10 Sept 2026
Festa Major: Catalonia’s Great Local Festival Tradition
Discover what Festa Major means in Catalonia, its centuries-old history, why it is so important to local communities, how towns and neighbourhoods choose their dates, and how it compares with traditional festivals elsewhere in Spain.
5 Sept 2026
Montjuïc Mountain: History, Castle and the Transformation of Barcelona
Discover the history of Montjuïc Mountain in Barcelona, from its ancient settlements and strategic role in defending the city to Montjuïc Castle, the 1929 World’s Fair and the 1992 Olympic Games.
4 Sept 2026
El Raval Barcelona: History, Reputation and the Neighbourhood Today
Discover the history of El Raval in Barcelona, from its medieval origins and industrial past to its reputation as the “Barrio Chino” and its modern transformation into one of the city’s most diverse and cultural neighbourhoods.
3 Sept 2026
The Caganer: The Unusual Christmas Tradition of Catalonia
Discover the history of the caganer, Catalonia’s famous Christmas figurine, and learn why this unusual character is an important part of Catalan culture and a popular souvenir for visitors.
2 Sept 2026
La Rambla Barcelona: History of the City’s Most Famous Street
Discover the history of La Rambla in Barcelona, from its medieval origins to the lively boulevard of today. Learn about La Boqueria, the Liceu, Canaletes, Joan Miró and the historic events that shaped Barcelona’s most famous street.
1 Sept 2026
Sagrada Família Barcelona: History, Architecture and Famous Facts
Discover the history of Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary unfinished basilica. Learn about its construction, architecture, symbolism, famous towers and why it has become the symbol of Barcelona.
31 Aug 2026
Picasso and Barcelona: The City Where a Young Artist Became Picasso
Discover Picasso’s connection with Barcelona, where he lived from 1895 to 1904, studied art, made his first exhibitions and became part of the city’s vibrant artistic community. Learn how Barcelona shaped the young artist and his lasting legacy in Catalonia.
30 Aug 2026
Salvador Dalí and Barcelona: The Surrealist Who Never Left Catalonia
Discover Salvador Dalí’s connection with Barcelona and Catalonia, from his early artistic career and exhibitions to his lasting influence on modern Catalan culture, art and tourism.
28 Aug 2026
Allioli: The Garlic Sauce at the Heart of Catalan Cuisine
Discover the history of allioli, the famous Catalan garlic and olive oil sauce. Learn how this simple Mediterranean recipe became an essential part of Catalan and Spanish cuisine and gained worldwide popularity.
27 Aug 2026
Diada Nacional de Catalunya: The National Day of Catalonia
Discover the history and meaning of Diada Nacional de Catalunya, celebrated every 11 September. Learn why Catalonia remembers 1714, how the day became a symbol of identity and freedom, and how the Diada is celebrated today.
26 Aug 2026
Penedès: The Wine Country That Defines Catalonia
Discover Penedès, one of Catalonia’s most important wine regions. Learn about its ancient vineyards, Xarel·lo wines, Cava heritage, Mediterranean landscape and growing reputation for organic wine.
25 Aug 2026
Festa Major de Sants: A Barcelona Tradition Built by the Community
Discover Festa Major de Sants in Barcelona, a traditional neighbourhood festival filled with decorated streets, music, food, Catalan culture and community spirit. Learn about its history and why it remains important today.
24 Aug 2026
Spanish Croquetas: A Small Bite with a Big Heritage
Discover the history of Spanish croquetas, from their French origins to their place in Spanish tapas culture. Learn why these crispy, creamy bites have become a symbol of Spanish home cooking and culinary creativity.
23 Aug 2026
Pan con Tomate: The Simple Dish at the Heart of Spanish and Catalan Life
Discover the story of pan con tomate, or pa amb tomàquet, a simple Catalan dish made with bread, tomato, olive oil and salt. Learn about its history and place in modern Spanish food culture.
22 Aug 2026
Festa Major de Gràcia
Discover Festa Major de Gràcia in Barcelona, a lively summer festival famous for its amazing street decorations, live music, local food and traditional Catalan celebrations.
20 Aug 2026
3 Hidden Cocktail Bars in Barcelona
Discover 3 unique bars for the perfect night
27 Apr 2026