Hay Fever Season in Barcelona

London Plane Trees

Since moving to Barcelona I have found that I suffer less from hay fever than when I lived in the UK. I believe that this is because Barcelona is a large coastal city and there is generally less airborne pollen than in smaller cities or towns surrounded by countryside. The only time of year that…

L’Ou Com Balla: Dancing Eggs !

Dancing Egg Number 5 - The Cloisters of Barcelona Cathedral

If you like quirky and unusual traditions then you’ll love L’Ou Com Balla aka The Dancing Egg which takes place every year as part of Barcelona’s Corpus Christi celebrations. Basically the idea is that an egg is placed in a fountain and dances suspended by a jet of water. There are a total of 12 eggs…

How To Use Google Maps Without Paying Roaming Charges

Using Google Maps on my Samsung Gallaxy. Note that the GPS is ON but Data is Turned OFF

Smartphones are great and one of the most useful Apps for travellers is Google Maps. If you haven’t used it yet I suggest you download it now from the Play Store and check it out. The only downside used to be that when you went abroad you got charged expensive roaming fees. Luckily last year…

What to Wear in Barcelona in March

Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona

As March draws to a close we take a look back at the month’s weather and more importantly, at what we’ve been wearing. March sees the transition from winter to spring and the changeable weather normally reflects this. This year has been no exception. The first of March was sunny with maximum temperatures of around…

The Roger de Llúria Monument

Statue of Roger de LLúria, Barcelona

This bronze statue of Roger de Llúria was constructed in 1885 by Catalan artist Josep Reynés. The statue is located on Passeig Lluis Companys, just opposite the main entrance to the Ciutadella Park and was originally part of a series of 8 statues of Catalan heroes. Who was Roger de Llúria? Roger de Llúria was…

The Arc de Triomf

Arc de Triomf, Barcelona

The Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 as the main entrance to the Exposición Universal de Barcelona. It was designed by the Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas and features sculptures by Josep Reynés, Josep Llimona and Manel Fuxa. The 30 metre high mudejar style brick arch is the focal point at the end…

Gambrinus – Barcelona’s Giant Lobster Statue

The Gambrinus lobster statue and Barcelona's Head

This funky giant prawn/lobster statue was originally part of the decor at the Gambrinus seafood restaurant. The 10m long fibreglass sculpture was designed and built by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal. When the Gambrinus restaurant closed the statue was bought by Barcelona city council, restored and now takes pride of place on Passeig Colom near the Port…

Live Music in Barcelona

Barcelona band "The Vacilons Project" playing in Sala Monasterio

If you enjoy live music then Barcelona has a lot to offer. Pretty much any band which tours Europe stops off in Barcelona. In addition to International acts, there is a thriving local music scene with bands from Barcelona and right across Spain. Venues range in size from small bars and clubs to the emblematic…