Let’s continue our summer tour with a trip to Spain ! After the (re)discoveries of Dame Area and Ghouljaboy’s music, after meeting with Ona Mafalda and listening to a playlist of Spanish novelties, let’s explore one of the most musical European cities: Barcelona! And who else than Barcelona born-and-raised journalist Borja Duño, editor in chief of Time Out Barcelona, to share his recommendations? Follow the guide!
“But are you actually from Barcelona? I mean, born in Barcelona?” Well, yes, while it sounds weird, you are often asked this question in a city that has become a massive magnet for visitors. Barcelona is great for music and to have fun, but since it receives so much tourism, you just have to keep in mind that there are real people living in it that might be waking up early in the morning for work! Also, we speak a little bit differently. It’s not an accent, it’s called catalan, but don’t worry, it’s easy to understand if you’re good at spanish and we will translate it for you when needed.
Having said that, Barcelona is a great place for music lovers: there’s a splendid local scene, most international artists stop by during their tours and we hold a big variety of festivals of all kinds (some of them among the biggest in Europe). I have some really cool places I’d like to share with you (some of them out of the beaten track, so keep the secret, please, and enjoy!)
Live and dance music
La Paloma
One of the oldest (and most beautiful) ballrooms in Europe just reopened to celebrate its 120th birthday. Check the Bongo Lounge sessions by the Dope Brothers on Saturdays. Great electronic, tropical and afro-latin beats with an actual latin orchestra opening for the DJs!
Razzmatazz
Five different dance floors, each with different electronic rhythms and moods. One of the best clubs in Barcelona and also a great venue for rock concerts.
Sala Apolo
Its name is part of the history of the clubbing scene in Barcelona, and still one of the best places to dance and attend concerts by international and local indie bands.
23 Robadors
A really tiny but magic (and almost secret) venue. A great spot to have beer with friends while enjoying some of the best avantgarde jazz acts in the city.
Heliogàbal
In the heart of the idiosyncratic Gràcia neighbourhood, Heliogàbal has been crucial for the local indie scene for more than 20 years. It’s small, but with an immense personality (you can easily find local artists bartending: it’s a real scene).
Food and drink
La Boqueria
Ok, this might seem touristy, but it’s also one of the best fresh food markets in Barcelona. Don’t get stuck in the Rambla entrance with the rest of the tourists. Inside there are some good places with take out that you can eat in the sunlight of Plaça de la Gardunya – such as Shani’s, the best falafel in town.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
The roof inspired by Gaudí made this market famous in the Born historic neighbourhood (a great place to explore). Also, great options to eat : don’t miss Llegums Cuites. It’s just outside the market, but also the best cooked legume in town. Go early because of the long queues.
Escribà
If you feel like eating something sweet, Christian Escribà is one of the best and most creative pastry chefs in the country. Let him surprise you.
Desoriente
This is a great vegan option if you find yourself in the Poblenou district (it’s worth visiting if you have the time, it’s far from the masses and has a nice beach too). Amazing plant-based, creative Asian food.
Centre Cívic Can Deu
A little secret from my neighbourhood (I haven’t seen a tourist there in my life). This public cultural center is located in a modernist style building with an amazing terrace for coffee, beers or aperitivos. It’s in a lovely square with very good places to eat, hidden in an apparently less interesting area of the city.
Other tips:
Don’t miss Palau de la Música if you’d like to listen to some classical music in an amazing building from the modernist period (there’s lots of stunning modernism in Barcelona other than Gaudí). And, of course, the Gran Teatre del Liceu if you are into opera.
For art, go to the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), it has some great Romanesque art; the MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) for modern art, and CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona) for amazing exhibitions of contemporary culture.
