Going to Catalonia? Learn to enjoy Barcelona as a local and discover the wonders of this cosmopolitan city!
A true Catalan pepit, Barcelona is a city located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Montjuïc hill attracting millions of tourists every year. Modern and pleasant, visiting Barcelona is easy and enjoyable to all types of travelers: solo, with two, with family or friends. Gastronomy, culture, art, history, sport and architecture: there are for all tastes. But this time we will give you 10 tips to enjoy Barcelona as a local and melt in the mass.
The one we surname the Ciudad de Gaudí (the city of Gaudí) has much to offer and bears its name. Indeed, Gaudí’s art occupies an important place. Notably with the presence of the famous Sagrada Família, signed Gaudí, whose construction began in 1882 and is not yet finished. When she's done, the highest tower of the Sagrada Família will be 172.5 meters , once again engaging the phenomenal dimensions of the cathedral to the three million annual visitors.
1. Take the time to lose yourself in the streets of Barcelona to discover its essence
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Barcelona is a city that will not end up surpriseing you. You lose in its streets without thinking too much about what you want to visit will allow you to discover magical and unexpected corners of the Catalan capital. It is often recommended to visit a city by the wind to discover incredible surprises away from the tourist tumult. By moving away from the busy corners, you can explore a new aspect of Barcelona, more secret, but equally essential.
2. Eat one paella or fideuà Thursday at lunch time
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Although these two dishes are from Valencia, the Catalans adopted them and revisited them. In Barcelona, many restaurants offer them on Thursdays at lunchtime. So don’t hesitate to eat at that time, it will be much more digestive than at night and more economical. If paella is well known in France, fideuà , on the other hand, is less. While in reality it is the equivalent of paella But instead of rice, the Spanish put some kind of vermicelle. A delight, certainly!
Why Thursday?
The origin of this well-established tradition is difficult to determine. Several echoes give the voice to the Monday fishing that only arrived on Thursday in the lands, as in Madrid. Others justify the tradition by the day of leave granted to domestic servants: on Thursday. These then prepared the meal on Wednesday evening so that the housekeepers only had to warm the dish. We will never know the truth, but it remains certain that one paella or fideuà On Thursday, you will find all the menu of the day!
3. Have a good hot chocolate in winter, accompanied by churros or melindros and eat turkey at Christmas
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To enjoy Barcelona as a local, you must taste the famous hot chocolate well thick. It is indeed a true Spanish tradition! So, of course, Barcelona does not escape. You can enjoy it everywhere in the city with some cinnamon churros. Be careful, don’t forget to drink water after because the chocolate is very dense and thirsty.
If you go to Barcelona near Christmas, don't miss tasting a turkey. It is a specialty based on almonds or hazelnuts, close to the nougat, which savours throughout Spain at Christmas parties.
4. Eat patatas bravas and pa amb tomàquet
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Tapas par excellence, patatas bravas are typical of Spain. These are potato cubes that have been fried in olive oil with some garlic. You will see many Barcelonais on the terrace, especially at the time of the aperitif. They are often accompanied by tomato bread ( pa amb tomàquet in Catalan). So after an intense day visiting, choose a bar and relax while enjoying these traditional tapas.
5. Participate in neighbourhood festivals
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Catalan culture does not lack traditions and each district organizes its own party. If your stay coincides with one of them, go ahead and mingle with the crowd! Correfocs , castellers (human pyramides) or sardane (traditional dances), you will not be disappointed. These cultural events are very popular and bring together a lot of people. The people present come looking for entertainment and just find another good reason to party!
The most Catalan of the parties is the correfoc . It is an impressive pyrotechnic show during which people dressed in devil and devil walk through the city by scrolling with fireworks.
6. Enjoy the many music festivals
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When we tell you that culture in Barcelona is a true lifestyle, we do not invent anything. The city is a real gold mine for those looking for animation, while what do you expect to enjoy Barcelona as a local? There are many music festivals, like Brunch in the Park , Brunch in the City , Primavera Sound , Sónar or Cruïlla .
Each year, these festivals bring together a lot of people and each of them has its own concept. So, Brunch in the City and Brunch in the Park are usually programmed Spring Sundays . They offer musical animations, workshops and games as well as an exceptional gourmet offer.
7. Take a vermouth at the aeroplane (especially Sunday noon)
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In Barcelona, people usually find themselves with family or friends to redo the world around some olives and a good glass of vermouth. And this, especially before Sunday's lunch.
Imported from Italy at the beginning of the 20th century, it is now very produced in the Barcelonian region and the Catalans love it! To such a point that an expression meaning “take the aperiod” has emerged: “ anar a fer el vermut “. So, if you are seen on the terrace of a troquet with a vermouth and patatas bravas, impossible not to confuse you with a Barcelonais!
8. Enjoy the sun (even in winter)
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Barcelona is a city where sundays do not miss. In winter, temperatures are never very low and you can relax on a sunny terrace all year round, with hot chocolate or vermouth. After all, this is how you can easily enjoy Barcelona as a local.
Don't miss visiting Barcelona and its surroundings, or even walking on the beaches, even the coolest days. You will never be alone because, like Bretons, the Barcelonais love the beach in winter.
9. Avoid too tourist areas
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Les Barcelonais go less and less to walk on the Ramblas, this pretty walk that has yet become the tourist catch shelter. Of course, they are worth visiting, but there is no need to stop. We also recommend that you not stay in too touristic areas. So come visit Barcelona and especially its lesser known neighborhoods as Gràcia or Poblenou full of surprises.
For example, the neighbourhood Gràcia is a kind of small village in the city. Its picturesque character will delight the most curious of you. As for Poblenou , it is a riding area between the sea, design and innovation. It’s almost the new technology centre in Barcelona and at night, the streets are getting better thanks to the many bars and clubs.
10. Discover one of the many markets in the city
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Markets mostly open Monday to Saturday all year round. It is therefore an opportunity to discover the gastronomic habits of the country. In Barcelona, markets are a pleasure for the eyes. The atmosphere is authentic, fresh and photogenic products. It is ideal to create the basket of its desires and to indulge in Catalan cuisine, curious, original and generous. Why not make your version patatas bravas ?
Of course, all markets are not just food, some offer vintage, fashion or collection objects while others will instead have the look of embracing. Barcelona is the ideal city if you like to shit, negotiate or exchange. It's up to you to find the one that suits you!
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