First and foremost, let me warn you these vegan dips are addictive. They go well with anything – your vegan burger, your morning toast, your plain old salad, your baked potatoes, your crunchy nachos. You name it! These dips are a great thing to keep in your fridge. They are so versatile that you can use them any time you want to spice up your meal.

*One of my Italian friends used to work at a vegan restaurant, curious to learn more about this cuisine and lifestyle. The chef explained to him that none of the dishes on the menu are prepared with onion or garlic:

– We’re working with very delicate flavours – he said. – If we were to cook differently, the real taste of the food would be disguised.

I hope this short story stays at the back of your mind as you are preparing these vegan dips. You can use garlic and even add more than what I have suggested. Try to keep the flavour of the main ingredients. In this way the food would be more enjoyable as it will also be more diverse.

Canarian coriander mojo

“Wrinkled” potatoes and green mojo are at the heart of the cuisine on the Canary islands. I used to call mojo “Canarian vegan pesto”, until I saw its ingredients and I realised they don’t have much in common, apart from the lovely colour. This green mixture is usually served as a sauce, but you can easily adjust its density to your taste. It works perfectly as a spread on bread or crackers. Add in more liquid and you will have a delicious grilled vegetables sauce, or even a nice salad dressing.

Ingredients:
1 bunch of coriander
3* cloves of garlic, minced
1 ts cumin seeds
1 Ts ground cumin
100 ml olive oil
20 ml white wine vinegar
Salt

Method
Start with just a pinch of salt and a clove of garlic: you can always add more later. Remove the coriander stems. Blend in all of the ingredients. The key is to find balance between the olive oil and the vinegar. You don’t want any of them to overpower the other.
Some prefer to add parsley or green pepper to the original recipe. Follow your personal preferences to create the ideal green mix.

Beetroot hummus (Eat Smart adapted recipe)

“Hummus”, meaning simply “chickpeas” in Arabic, is a famous Middle Eastern dip. The recipe, as we know it today, has probably been introduced a couple of centuries ago. However, chickpeas have been around for thousands of years. The first written evidence of combining garbanzo beans and tahini (sesame-seed paste) or chickpeas and lemons comes from 13th century cookbooks. Nonetheless, historians have enough evidence that suggest similar dips have been popular long before that.
I want to suggest you try beetroot hummus. It is fresh, flavourful and gorgeous to look at. It goes well on bread or cucumber slices.

Ingredients:
200g boiled chickpeas (don’t throw out the water if canned)
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 beetroot, chopped
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 Ts tahini (sesame-seed paste)
2 Ts olive oil
Mixed pepper
Salt

Method
Blend the chickpeas and garlic first. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and pulse together until smooth. You can use the chickpea water to make the mix less dense, in case you prefer. Top it off with pumpkin seeds and enjoy!

Cheesy bean dip

To be honest, I am not sure you will find this dip “cheesy” if you aren’t vegan. Still, I am convinced you can find ways to enjoy it regardless. I love it as a toast spread, topped with leafy greens, cucumber and fresh tomatoes.

Ingredients:
3 Ts sunflower seeds
200g white beans
5-6 sun dried tomatoes, soaked in warm water (don’t throw out the water)
juice of 1/2 lemon
1* clove of garlic, minced
2 Ts nutritional yeast
Salt

Method:
Start by finely crushing the sunflower seeds into your blender. Add the rest of the ingredients and whizz again. Thin out the mix by adding some of the water you used to soak the sun dried tomatoes. Finish off with some mixed pepper and lemon finely grated lemon zest.

I love these vegan dips because they are so versatile. To prove my point, I challenge you to try any of them as a sauce for your einkorn flour pizza. Load it up with your favourite vegetables and Voilà!

Follow me on instagram where I will be sharing how I eat these vegan dips with a variety of meals. Also, don’t forget to tag me there, in case you are making any of the recipes!

Once upon a time, there was a great nation famous for its superb manners and politeness all over the world. However, a fateful referendum uncovers that behind the kind words and the wide smiles there is hidden hostility towards everything non-British. While everyone is busy criticising the not so United Kingdom, my recent return to London brought back a few wonderful things we can borrow from the Brits.

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Being polite

It is strangely hard to find impolite staff in Great Britain. Their attention to clients is so immense that you cannot help but feel somewhat special.

They will take you to your restaurant table with a warm smile and they will spend all night making sure you will be going home content.

Complain about something and they will swiftly make sure your wishes are met. Return a piece of clothing at the store and no one would even ask you why. Push someone in the metro and count how many times they’re going to say: “sorry”.

Smiles, even when they’re fake, are healthy and they save you a ton of unnecessary problems.

Expect the unexpected

The Brits are incredibly cautious. They like to put up street signs, to write “look left” & “look right” on pedestrian crossings, to use heavy fire doors, and to place security cameras on every corner.

There is some charm in the fact that everything has been thought of.

In life, you can translate this caution as the principle of handling issues before they have even arisen. Buy a new toothpaste before you’ve started desperately trying to squeeze something out of the old one, put some petrol in the tank before the light goes red and above all: don’t leave anything, nor your tasks or your dessert for the last minute.

Mind your own business

Going to the store in your pyjamas without getting any strange looks is priceless. Imagine how liberating it feels that nobody cares about your looks!

You’re having a bad day and you can’t be bothered to brush your hair – it doesn’t matter. You’re having a great day and you just feel like singing in the middle of the supermarket – congratulations!

If you’re not disturbing anyone else, then you have the complete freedom of being your weirdest, quirkiest and truest self.

Photo by Martin Hesketh on  Flickr

Follow the rules

It might sound surprising that rules were made to be followed. You, as cruel as it sounds, are most likely not going to have the privilege to be exempt from them. Do not be scared, rules are not that bad at all. In fact, following them is the primary reason why you look up to the “well-organised countries”.

Give your seat to the elderly lady and save yourself the nasty argument in public transport. Do not rush to get on the plane – it’s not going to take off without you. It is also pointless to try to get off it first – we are all equal before the baggage carousel. That Facebook message is probably not as vital as your safety while you’re driving. And I’m not sure if you’re going to believe me or not, but the speed limits are not the minimum required speed on the road.

Work hard

Some time ago I had one of those jobs where you have absolutely nothing to do. I was always trying to make up new tasks for myself but by lunchtime, I was running out of ideas. It felt like I had some sort of time freezing superpower while I was in that office. If only I knew how to control it!

I shared with most of my friends how frustrated I was with the job and everyone was saying: “Oh, I wish I could get paid for doing nothing!”.

Truth be told, laziness and minimum-wage working ethic won’t get you far. Work hard, like the Brits, so you can party harder. Invest yourself fully in every single thing you do.

More things you can learn from the Brits

There is a ton of other stuff you can learn from the Brits – how to joke finely, how to make unmatched cupcakes, how to queue like a pro, and how to discuss the weather better than the weatherman. If you’re ready for a ride, check out this packing list that has you covered with all of the essentials for travelling to the UK.

And if the tea with milk is not to your taste, why don’t you try some sangria. Here are 5 more life tips from the Spaniards that will take you to a completely different, fully relaxed, and entertaining life philosophy.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.