one of the side effects of having lived somewhere as glitzy as barcelona is that people frequently ask for recommendations of things to see, do, eat, drink and ... well, enjoy. so i decided to come up with a list of some of my favorite places in Barcelona, most fairly untouristy that i have grown to love during my stay. the obvious disclaimer is ( Read more... )

Square park Plaza del Rius y Taulet / La Vila de Gracia

Plaza with its own clock tower and local town governance (Gracia). Otherwise, a lovely place to have an ice-cream and watch real Barcelona life unravel on a weekday or weekend. Children at play, old Catalan ladies on their royal thrones (aka benches along the perimeter), couples cuddling .. ( Read more... )

Park del Laberint d'Horta

http://www.barcelonaconnect.com/showlisting.asp?cfgId=1-127-688. this is a hidden gem of a park in Barcelona, tucked away beyond the city center at the mountains' edge. It was built in the 18th Century by the architect Domenico ( Read more... )