Barcelona is a very easy city to navigate. Apart from the excellent and easy-to-use metro system, the city is also home to thousands of taxis. As you walk around, you will see a horde of yellow and black cabs driving around the streets stopping to pick people up on the go. Taxis can be easily… Read More
Traditional Catalan desserts and sweets: eat like a local in Barcelona
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about the most traditional Catalan dishes. But what meal is ever complete without dessert? Want the low down on what Catalan desserts and sweets to order when that sweet craving comes knocking? Read on. INDEXSome of the traditional Catalan desserts and sweets:Crema Catalana [1]Mel i Mató [2]Xuixo… Read More
Barcelona cinemas in English: original version movies
One thing that amazed me about Spain when I came here years ago was that all the foreign language programmes and films on TV didn’t have subtitles but were dubbed instead. Unfortunately, this tradition does extend to movie theatres. Don’t despair, Barcelona, being a cosmopolitan city, does have cinemas that offer films in original version.… Read More
How to avoid pickpockets in Barcelona’s metro: Safety tips
Barcelona is a very safe place and having lived here for many years I have never felt uneasy or threatened. However, like any big city, we do have pickpockets in Barcelona and the metro provides very nice opportunities for them. To help guard your belongings in the underground, let me give you some safety tips… Read More
Modernisme: an introduction to Catalan Art Nouveau
What is Modernisme? How does it relate to Gaudí and Barcelona? Let me give you some handy background information on this wonderful Art movement that revolutionised the face of the city. When I was a humble Art student many years ago, our final year trip was planned for Barcelona. Three things sprung to mind: sun… Read More
Museums to visit with children in Barcelona
An updated article on things to do in Barcelona with kids with a lot more helpful information is available here: Barcelona for Kids. One of the most common questions that I get asked as a family guide is what museums I would recommend for kids. Well, it depends on the interest of the parents and… Read More
Photography exhibition: Joan Colom and Barcelona
Large ladies asses, street-wise kids, hardened prostitutes… These are just some of the subjects that appear in the retrospective exhibition of Joan Colom at the MNAC (Catalonia’s National Art Museum). I recently had the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic trip into Barcelona’s most uncomfortable side. Watch out for the masterpiece series called El Carrer (the… Read More
Masterpieces of the MNAC: the Romanesque, Gothic and Modern collections
Hello! I’m Catherine, one of the guides at Runner Bean Tours in Barcelona. With a background in History of Art and Museum Studies, I often get asked for museum recommendations when leading tours. With over 50 to suggest, from chocolate to archaeology to shoes, Barcelona has a museum to suit any interest! But when asked… Read More
A walking tour down La Rambla (part 3)
This is the last part of a walking tour that brought us from Plaça Catalunya through Pla de la Boqueria. Today we will end up at the Columbus Monument, that old sailor who has some stories to share about Barcelona. Join me on the last stretch of our adventure down La Rambla. Continuing on from… Read More
Vegetarian restaurants and tapas in Barcelona: a survival guide
As an on and off vegetarian myself with a meat-loving hubby, I know how much research goes into finding good vegetarian restaurants while on holidays. During my walking tours, I always get asked for recommendations for places to eat so let me, as a local, guide you through the veggie scene in the city. This… Read More