Travel like a local to Barcelona

SMALL CORONA-BREAK AT THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

A few days ago, Marei, one of our team members went to Barcelona and wrote this lovely blogentry about Barcelona. Read through if you need some travel tips and suggestions what to do there!

I think we all need a vacation. Always anyway, but currently even more. That’s why I took a little break in Barcelona and visited a friend on the east coast of Spain. Already a little spoiler: Recommendation incoming!

Corona regulations. Currently you still need a negative PCR test to enter Spain, but it is planned to abolish this obligation for vaccinated people soon. For the return journey to Germany I needed again a negative test, PCR or antigen. For fully vaccinated people this is already not obligatory.
Meanwhile there are already more relaxations and no curfew. When I was there in April/May, there was a curfew between 10pm and 5am. Restaurants were allowed to open until 5pm and stores were also allowed to open. This attracts everyone to the streets, not only in nice tourist areas like “Barrio Gótic” or on the “Passeig de Gracia”. Everywhere outside, masks are worn everywhere and even in stores there is disinfection before entering.

TURO DE LA ROVIRA

Place one of my personal highlights is shared by two things. One is the “Bunkers del Carmel”, also known as “Turó de la Rovira”. From here you have probably the most beautiful view of Barcelona. You can watch the sunset, take a small picnic or just enjoy the view with your friends. The viewpoint, located in the mountains, can be reached by foot for the very sporty, or for me mostly by bus. Once at the top, on one side you have an incredible view over the city center and the sea; on the other side you can see the “hinterland”, reminiscent of Colombian panoramas.

RESTAURANTS

Highlight number 2 was to be able to go to restaurants and bars after more than a year of pandemic. For example, the “Vellisima” has incredibly good food accompanied by a live show and a beautiful view of the marina. You can get a good breakfast at “Flax & Kale” or “Green & Berry” for example. Both also offer many vegan dishes.
The walk to these cafes and restaurants sometimes takes a while, but is definitely worth it.
This is because you often have somewhat longer distances to the stations and the connections are not so good. Nevertheless, you can get everywhere by bus and train. And when the weather is good, it’s much more fun to cruise through the city on an electric scooter (YEGO app) or explore new corners on foot anyway.

BEACH

The beach with the harbor is not an insider’s tip, but still recommendable. On the promenade there are countless possibilities to take the Argentinean speciality or a beer in one of the many “Empanaderías”. With that one can then perfectly go to the water or who likes it active, can join the beach volleyball players.

WHERE CAN I STAY?

While I stayed at a friend’s house, there are of course hotels/hostels or private accommodations. E.g. the community based organization “EnriquezArte” offers cheap rooms. With the accommodation you finance their projects, which include art, personal development, diversity promotion and help in the labor market. Check out the accomodation on our website and book your next gorgeaus trip to the “City of Marvels”!

FURTHER OPTIONS

For those who are still looking for a destination on their walk: Near the port, for example, there is the “Mercat de la Boqueria”. Here you can find everything: fish, fruit, spices and everything else your heart desires.

Also the “Arc de Triomf” and the adjacent “Parc de la Ciutadella” are popular places where Spaniards and tourists like to walk. In the park there is the “Cascada Monumental”, where many people meet to dance when the weather is nice. From Kizomba to tap dancing, to Salsa, there is something for everyone, and this also attracts many spectators.

By Marei Schiffmann