Hola
In this month´s edition of Barcelona travel we´ll be looking at a wonderful celebration for romantics in Barcelona – Sant Jordi´s day, we also have a review of one French Restaurant popular with the locals I visited recently but first let´s take a walking tour around the city centre of Barcelona to see it from a local´s perspective.

Spring has well and truly sprung here in Barcelona. The beach is packed, the bands are playing along the port and the tables and chairs are out in front of the cafes. I have really enjoyed the cosy winter period, making the most of the city’s cavernous spaces and twinkling narrow streets. But now it´s time to root out the flip flops and the shades and enjoy some sunshine activities.

My parents came to visit last weekend. As return visitors to the city I felt slightly worried that we would be short of things to do. It didn’t take me long to realise that I had no cause for concern. What I learnt, instead, is that a second or third visit to Barcelona can be even more fulfilling than the first. Having seen all of the major sights, my parents were happy to take it easy and spend time doing the things that I normally do. We enjoyed morning coffees, got lost in the old town and took in the various food markets.

Earlier this month I wrote a guide on how to spend a day in Barcelona’s city centre the local’s way. Barcelona’s City Centre Guide – One Day in the City

Needless to say, a large majority of my parents’ visit centred around us eating and drinking! Having reviewed the Au Port de la Lune French restaurant for the site I was looking forward them to share in my experiences. As I had hoped, the food, friendliness and standard of service were as high as on my previous visit. My parents were really charmed by the whole experience and enjoyed everything from the high quality of the meat to the small plate of chocolates with the bill.

Click here to read my review of this local French restaurant

I also enjoyed introducing my parents about the concept of the ‘Menu del Dia’ – an important part of Spanish culture and the Barcelona lifestyle. For many locals a long lunch is an integral part of a relaxing weekend. A ‘Menu del Dia’ is a set lunch menu offered by most Spanish restaurants. It usually consists of three courses with a drink and bread. In general, you will always be impressed by the cost of the meal. During your trip to Barcelona it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for restaurant chalkboards displaying their ‘Menu del Dia’.

Whilst my Mum was in town, I couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy an award winning chocolate cake with the one person in the world who loves chocolate as much as I do. I took her to Bubo (Calle Caputxes, 10) in the area of El Born. This cake and chocolate shop offers some of Barcelona’s finest chocolate creations and is a must-see if you have a sweet tooth. Its owner has won various international awards for his chocolate and pastry creations.

Whilst at Bubo I was also reminded of one of my favourite aspects of Easter time in Barcelona. The area of Catalunya is not as religious as other areas of Spain, particularly those in the Southern regions. For this reason, religious processions and ceremonies are not as common or impressive in Barcelona. However, if there is one thing that Barcelona could be said to worship with a great passion, it is chocolate! In the lead up to Easter the windows of the city’s many chocolate shops display chocolate sculptures of all shapes and sizes – you can find everything from the Sagrada Familia to a bunny taking a bubble bath made out of chocolate.

If you are considering a trip to Barcelona during the Spring period, I would definitely recommend aiming to be in the city on 23rd April. This date is the Feast of Saint George, or Sant Jordi here in Catalunya. This date is often considered to be Barcelona’s answer to Valentines Day. On St Jordi, traditionally, men give women roses and women give men books. For this reason, the streets and plazas are filled with stalls selling books and flowers. Happy couples can be seen strolling around in the sunshine, holding their gifts. And remember, it’s the 21st century – if you want to buy a girl a book or a boy a rose, go right ahead, there’s no strict rules on this day.

If you would like some general information on what happens in Barcelona during the Easter period follow this link: Timetable for the Easter Period in Barcelona