Naturally, we are asked about the curious Catalan Christmas traditions. Especially as our Gothic Quarter Free tour passes through the Santa Llúcia Christmas market where there is much to see. The biggest curiosity is brought about by a figurine defecating near the nativity scene, children beating a huge piece of wood with a stick and… Read More
Best Indian restaurants in Barcelona: a personal selection
Barcelona might not have the street food of New Delhi or London’s East End Indian restaurants but there are still a few surprises for Indian food lovers. For a city that boasts a big Asian population, some of them have to get it right… and they do. I am a big Indian cuisine fan, cooking… Read More
Introducing our new video!
Finally! We have a video for our company… and we love it! A great way to show what we do to the world in a quick less-than-a-minute short film. Here it is, enjoy! Runner Bean Tours on Vimeo.
Family friendly restaurants in Barcelona
Coming to Barcelona with a young family? Scratching your head about what family friendly restaurants in Barcelona you should go to? Well, put your worries aside, relax and let me give you the same tips I give to parents on my Kids and Family tours. It should make for a fun and stress-free meal with… Read More
Where to see human towers in Barcelona: calendar of events
Ever since we wrote the post about The Catalan Festival that occurs each year in the summer, our readers keep asking us where to see human towers in Barcelona. The main “castells” season is from April to October but you can find them all year around depending on festival dates. We have decided to create… Read More
Casa LLeó i Morera: modernisme architecture in Barcelona
Unfortunately, the visits to Casa Lleó i Morera have been discontinued. We recommend you visiting Casa Amatller instead. Another beautiful Catalan Art Nouveau masterpiece in the same block. Want to visit an architectural gem without the crowds? The Art Nouveau Casa Lleó i Morera, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, opened its doors to the… Read More
‘El Raval’ and the story behind the City of Contrast Tour
A visit to Barcelona for many people is a chance to marvel at the past while living in the present. The idea for the City of Contrast tour came to me from doing just that! For many years my walk to work has taken me through the streets of ‘El Raval’ and I found myself… Read More
Gaudí for kids: a family guide for Barcelona
Gaudí for kids? Yes, why not. Everyone knows Gaudí and his buildings are a not-to-miss attraction in Barcelona but will my children enjoy his work too? The answer is quite simply YES. Firstly, your kids will love the shapes and colours on the Gaudí buildings, and a great bonus is that some of the sites… Read More
The Catalan Festival of Barcelona: Human towers and other traditions
Probably one of the most common enquiries on our Gothic Quarter Free Tour is “where can I see a human tower being built?”. Well, as luck has it, the City Council of Barcelona is proud to show off the unique Catalan culture to visitors. Every Saturday evening during the Summer months and in front of… Read More
How to skip the lines at the main Barcelona attractions
One of the things I take for granted about living in Barcelona is that the most amazing architecture and monuments are right on my doorstep. I can go and visit them whenever I want, tactically choosing the quietest times of the year and avoiding all the long lines. When you are on your holidays, this… Read More
