Family Friendly Barcelona Neighborhoods: Your Guide to Family Living

Family friendly Barcelona living may have seemed unachievable what with the hustle and bustle of the Barcelona streets. Thankfully, I’m here to tell you family friendly neighborhoods not only exist but are some of the best neighbourhoods in Barcelona. Whatever your needs may be, there is surely a neighborhood for you. Check out our favorite family neighbourhoods below!

In Barcelona City

Sarrià- Sant Gervasi (Luxe Lifestyles)

Known as the “zona alta” of Barcelona, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is one of the most prestigious areas of Barcelona (and one of my personal favorites). In the North-West corner of the city, this area is the most expensive and exclusive on our list today. It is known for its quaint, village feel. Nowadays it is a quiet residential area but it was a medieval village in its former life. Its peaceful streets and many parks make it ideal for children playing outside. Since it is situated just outside the busier parts of Barcelona, the pace is slowed down while still remaining in Barcelona city.

This area contains lots of restaurants and shops and is also home to many of Barcelona’s best clinical and medical centers. An Italian international school, Instituto Italiano Statale Compresivo di Barcelona, offers pre school through secondary school in Sarrià in additional to local public schools. In short, when looking for a luxurious getaway within the city, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the perfect option. You can’t go wrong with this area! For more information check out our detailed guide to this neighborhood.  

Les Corts (Sarrià’s Little Sister)

Les Corts is a slightly more affordable alternative to Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. This neighborhood is very close to Sarrià-Sant Gervasi but slightly more central. In addition to its great location, this family friendly Barcelona neighborhood is also more affordable than the previous area. Multiple international schools are located in Les Corts: St. Peters, St. Pauls and The Benjamin Franklin school just to name a few. With many shops, restaurants and parks within its limits, Les Corts is a great family option. And parents, don’t think I forgot about you! This area is close to the Barcelona financial district, making for an easy morning commute for those who work there. No more early morning alarms.

Also, Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, calls Les Corts home along with multiple restaurants and L’illa shopping center. If you want an area like Sarrià- Sant Gervasi but with a smaller price tag Les Corts may be the place for you!

Gràcia (Indie in the City)

Of all the neighborhoods in Barcelona City, this is the most central. Gràcia is much more in the heart of the city than previous areas. It is very well connected with public transportation and has easy access to the highway. This area is still very family friendly but boasts more of an eclectic, boho mood. Hipsters, rejoice! This is the neighborhood for you.

Gràcia is still fairly tranquil and quiet for being in the city center. The quieter atmosphere makes it a great family neighborhood. Gracia boasts numerous plazas with restaurants and shops as well as the iconic Park Guell. Gràcia is family friendly but still in the middle of the action! For the most central family friendly neighborhood, Gràcia is the best bet. Our Gràcia guide can provide you with a more detailed overview of the neighborhood.

Outside the City

Sant Cugat (Central to Schools)

At 20 kilometers from Barcelona City, this suburb creates just enough distance to get out of town while still remaining close by. And for those who work in the city, don’t worry! There is a direct metro connection to the city center, making morning commutes simpler. Sant Cugat is also home to multiple international schools: The Japanese School of Barcelona, Europa International School and Agora Sant Cugat International School. These schools make Sant Cugat an excellent area for foreigners or those wishing to raise kids in an international school system. Additionally, this neighborhood holds many restaurants, two cinemas and a shopping center. All these features make Sant Cugat an excellent option for families in Barcelona who want a little distance from the city.

Sant Just Desvern (Active Lifestyles)

Sant Just Desvern is an excellent neighborhood for families looking for space to grow. Only a 10 minute drive from the city, this area has lots of active and outdoor activities. Next to the Collserolas Natural Park, residents have tons of options for hiking, biking and spending time outdoors. There are also various gyms and swimming pools in the area. If you crave an active, outdoor lifestyle, Sant Just Desvern is your perfect spot!

Bellsoleig and La Miranda have larger homes, often with yards and pools. The amount of outdoor space available in Sant Just Desvern makes it desirable for families with kids. Not to mention it has TONS of both private and public schools. With many FC Barcelona players, politicians and expats calling this neighborhood home, you know it is an area not to miss.

Esplugues de Llobregat (Celebrity Suburbs)

The final neighborhood on our list holds over 20 beautiful parks and gardens. International schools like The German School of Barcelona and the American School of Barcelona are located in Esplugues. This suburb just outside the city also is home to many expat families, athletes and political figures. Shakira and Piqué call Esplugues their home. If it’s good enough for Shakira, it’s good enough for me!

Also, it is easily accessible to the city via the highway, bus and the Metro. Local shopping centers like Llobretacentre and Splau make shopping a breeze. Splau even has an excellent cinema. Being in the suburbs doesn’t have to mean less excitement. In Esplugues, suburban life never means going without!

I hope this article can guide you in your  search and help your family find the perfect family friendly Barcelona neighborhood for you. If you’re searching for a long-term rental or purchase in any of these areas, please check out our website and contact us with any questions. Happy hunting!

- Natalie

There are quite a few Property Developers in Barcelona.  We as a Real Estate Agency love them since they create beautiful new flats and buildings. This blog will be about the top architectural firms and developers that have had the greatest impact in Barcelona with their current projects!
Properties are always in demand in Barcelona; people are especially attracted to new developments for the easy, functional living spaces they provide. It is a beautiful feeling to step into a brand new flat knowing that you will be the first owner. But let's start with the introduction of those organisations who create these beautiful places!

Norvet Property DVLP.

This is a developer we already collaborate with... Norvet took its first steps in renovating and developing buildings in 2013. Although they are such a young company they are amongst the most established in Barcelona. They have their own in-house design studio from which their architects and interior designers work. Norvet focuses on luxury design paired with sustainable and modern elements. Minimizing energy consumption by using energy-efficient systems and new smart-home technology take the properties into the 21st century. Norvet is always working on new projects but currently they have some really interesting "new build" projects. We will present to you three of them now:

Escudellers °44

As you can see in the picture above the transformation is incredible! The building will be demolished and built up again. Here are some pictures of the interior.
The style of the interior is mid-century modern and it is very spacious and luminous. It is in a prime location since it is located close to the Ramblas in the Gothic quarter. It is a gateway to the nightlife, streetlife, cultural life and it is only short walk away from the sea.

Poeta Cabanyes 33-35

This before and after picture is also really impressive. It is based in in Poble Sec which is known as the "dry land of Barcelona"; named after its well known fertile ground decades ago. It is a great residential neighborhood with no big historical sights which means that there will be no tourists exploring the area. The street is quiet and next to one of Barcelona's biggest green spaces AND you can also explore the best cultural and culinary hubs.
The building offers modern flats with smart home technology. Depending on the flat it has a big garden or terrace which increases the living quality.

Rabassa 63-65

This property is located in Gràcia which is one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in. It used to be the space of a former factory but now it is located on a residential street. This rare combination creates an opportunity for a unique development: high-ceilings, spacious lofts with a lot of extravagance. With these characteristics the Rabassa 63-65 definitely stands out in its neighborhood.

You can find more information on their website: norvetbcn.com

ELIX

Another big property developer in Barcelona is ELIX. They also promote properties in Madrid. The company was founded in 2003 by Jorge Benjumeda and Jaime Lacasa. With nearly 15 years of experience in business they are one of the biggest and most established developing companies in Barcelona. They started over 15 new projects in 2016 and are always searching for new sites to renovate or develop. Since they have so much experience in the real estate market, their mission is to satisfy the needs of every individual customer and make modern homes affordable. The style of the company is really innovative and every project is unique. A lot of developers focus on renovating OR new constructions but ELIX does both! We will present you two of their current projects. ELIX Developments focuses on renovating properties while ELIX NEXT Developments stands for new constructions.

Tirso de Molina, 9

"Tirso de Molina, 9" is a charming rehabilitation project. It provides 9 beautiful homes in the heart of the Sants district. ELIX keep the best of the original construction like the Catalan ceilings and the brick walls and then they combine them with modern elements. As you can see in the picture below the result looks awesome. The place has a lot of natural light and welcoming spaces.
The "Project Encarnacio, 103" is the second new construction of ELIX! It consists of only 4 homes and is located in Gràcia. A duplex with a terrace, 2 standard flats and a penthouse with an integrated solarium. The design of the development is very minimalistic with white walls and bricks in sight. The layout of the flats is spacious, functional and invites the natural light to come in.
They also established a new brand in Barcelona. FHAUS has awesome projects in Barcelona! They focus on the industry's 4 basic activities: Property Acquisition, Design & Construction, Property Management and Commercialization.

You can find more information on their website: elix.es

Bonavista Developments

Bonavista Developments was founded in 2014 by Alex Miquel Molleví, Marcus Donaldson and Jacinto Roqueta and is one of the rising promoters in Barcelona. They have awesome projects like the Casa Burés. This house was designed by the Catalan architect Francesc Berenguer i Mestres who was one of Gaudi's closest collaborators. The house was constructed between 1900 and 1905 and  Bonavista keeps the historical spirit of the building allowing it to be restored beautifully.

"Barcelona is our city and we want the buildings we rehabilitate to bring value to the neighborhood and the city, so when we rehabilitate we demand from our builders the highest level of quality,"                       - Alex Miquel Molleví, Co-Founder of Bonavista

Besides the rehabilitation of historical buildings Bonavista is also working on "new build" projects. Saüc 12 is one of them. 6 completely new houses will be built there. The architect Damián Ribas is known for his really unique and modern style. The project is defined by clear spaces, light and the national environment. The houses are located in the highest part of the city and provide beautiful views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. They're close to the old quarter of the Sarrià district which means that it is surrounded by the best schools, sports facilities and basic local services. The area is quiet and far from the hustle and bustle of the city which can be reached by car within a few minutes.
As you can see, the apartments of Bonavista are designed in a very modern way. They bring together luxury and efficiency. Glass, concrete, wood and stone represent strength and warmth.

You can find more information on their website: bonavistadev.com

Since they create such beautiful homes, they definitely belong to the best Property Developers in Barcelona. How do you like these developments? Would you like to live in one of them? Let us know in the comments! - Daniel

One of the first things you may notice when visiting Barcelona is the pervasive presence of balconies lining the streets of every single neighborhood. Bedrooms, living rooms, and sometimes even kitchens open up to large spacious terraces and tiny balconies just wide enough to pop outside for a cigarette. As balconies are very much a huge part of the Barcelona lifestyle, with a combination of the best climate and spectacular views of any European city, it's no brainer that you might want to find clever ways to make the most of your outdoor spaces. Here are a few ways that you can decorate your balcony and get more use out of it by using simple, budget-friendly hacks that can wow your guests.

Ideas to decorate your balcony:

1. From rainforest to refined

With the close proximity of many balconies in Barcelona, you may often find your neighbor peering over into your morning newspaper and coffee routine. Solve this by lining your balcony with bamboo mats to cover unwelcome views, with the added bonus of giving a charming rustic look to the space. Bamboo mats can also be repurposed to give a shady refuge from the blazing Spanish sun and heat.

2. Throw some shade

Similarly, breezy curtains can provide an alternative shady solution for a more polished look that extends your living room outdoors and provides extra privacy.

3. For the lazy gardener

Though many balconies in Barcelona are on the smaller side with limited space, your dream to be a cultivated gardener doesn't have to be dashed.  Use hanging shoe organizers or bookcases to nestle your plants to create a lush vertical garden which takes up no space at all.

4. Hanging around

Turn your balcony into the ultimate chill spot by putting up a hammock and spend your days maxin' and relaxin' away in the sun.

5. Getting sun light reading done ☀

Store all your novels and keepsakes on a bookshelf on your balcony for extra storage and easy access for when you crave some light summer reading in the sun.

6. May the forest be with you

Bring mother nature to your flat by growing some climbers for an immediate forest getaway right in the comfort of your own home. Vines can also double as a natural way to cover an unsightly wall and to shroud unpleasant views. You can decorate your balcony to your heart's content, with the benefit of helping the environment.

7. Make everyday patio season

Transform your balcony into an extension of your flat and turn it into a mini dining room to enjoy both the food and the views-- What could be better than that combo?

8. Getting lit

Who says string lights should only be used for Christmas? To make use of your balcony at night, string lights and mini lanterns can turn your balcony into a glowy and romantic setting perfect for any day of the year.

9. From trash to treasure

Got old crate boxes? Don't throw them away just yet! Crate boxes add a farmhouse aesthetic that immediately transports your balcony to the Provence countryside. Use them for storage, as a seating area or coffee table.... the possibilities are endless!

10. Walking on sunshine

Turn cold concrete slab into a welcoming walkway by laying down tile flooring wood for a small balcony makeover. And voila! Hardwood floors for a fraction of the price.

11. Air your dirty laundry over here!

If you find that your washing machine an awkward eyesore that takes up too much space in your flat, your balcony can also double as a laundry room. This can free up extra room in your flat so you can focus on what's really important... like, you know, that dream walk- in closet you' ve always wanted.

12. Sleep under the stars

But if your space is seriously mini, consider just turning the whole thing into a cozy outdoor chair...
Need some inspiration for where to find some of these cool items? Check out our other posts about the best furniture stores in Barcelona here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 . Also let me know if you have any cool DIYs or apartment hacks that you use for your own outdoor space! Post your comments and pictures of how you decorate your balcony below! Jodi

June 15, 2017. This is a milestone in the history of mobile communication, as roaming fees in the EU will finally come to an end. Everybody knows that annoying task when traveling of asking for the Wifi password at every cafe and restaurant just to stay connected. Yes, it seems too good to be true that European customers don't need to pay these extra fees anymore, but is there a catch?  Here are all the questions you may have and answers you need to know about the 'Roam Like at Home' legislation.

1. What does the end of roaming agreement of the European Union mean?

Thanks to the agreement realized by the European Commission, consumers will be able to call, send SMS, and surf on the internet within the 28 countries of the EU without paying more than at home. Starting Thursday, June 15, the roaming charges will disappear and when you travel throughout Europe you won't have to worry about extra costs for calls and data anymore.

2. Which countries does this rule apply to?

The agreement includes every country of the Europan Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

3. Will the "Brexit" affect the end of roaming for the UK?

The UK will leave the EU in a few years, but until then there will no roaming fees. Depending on the negotiations of the United Kingdom and the authorities of the EU, there will also probably no extra costs after.

4. How much will I pay in other countries?

This agreement only affects the 28 countries of the European Union. However, some operators that provide service in other countries have expanded their lists to better compete with the roaming offers in the EU. Examples include providers in countries such as the United States, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Albania, and Turkey. You can find detailed information on the website of your provider for your own country.

5. Couldn't I just look for the cheapest rate in Europe and use it in my home country?

No. The no-charge roaming rule is intended for occasional travel, not for long term roaming. The requirement for the customer is to reside (or maintain some kind of link) in the country where the mobile line is contracted. If you use your mobile abroad permanently, your operator will end up apply charges for roaming within the limits of the European Commission after a certain period of time. You will eventually receive an SMS when traveling to another country to remind you of the limits of this reasonable use policy. For example, if you are moving to Barcelona long term, you must use a Spanish provider.

6. And what are those limits of use?

According to the new regulations, there are no volume restrictions for voice calls or SMS abroad, but for the use of data. In order to prevent the permanent use of data abroad, phone companies will charge extra fees for customers who have used their mobile more abroad than at home for a period of four months. If it is your case, your operator will contact you and ask you to clarify the situation, and you will have 14 days to do so. If you continue to spend more time abroad than in your home country, and roaming continues to exceed your national consumption, then your operator could start applying a surcharge according to the limits of the agreement.

7. How much will I pay if I exceed the limits of the agreement?

The new regulations state that the additional charges when roaming will not exceed the wholesale prices charged by operators:

• 3.2 cents per minute for voice calls • 1 cent per SMS • EUR 7.7 per GB until June 15, 2017 • EUR 6 per GB as from January 1, 2018 • EUR 4,5 per GB as from January 1, 2019 • EUR 3,5 per GB from January 1, 2020 • EUR 3 per GB from January 1, 2021 • EUR 2.5 per GB from January 1, 2022 (These prices do not include VAT)

8. What if I live in one country and work in another?

If you are a cross-border worker, you will only need to connect once a day to the national network. This will count as a day of home country presence even if you go to the other country that same day. Therefore, you can choose a mobile plan in either of the two countries and benefit from roaming without surcharge as if you were an occasional traveler.

9. Is this for contract plans only or does it also apply to prepaid plans?

Customers who use prepaid plans also benefit from the new regulations: now the prepaid roaming rates are the same as the national ones. However, operators may apply a data limit. That limit will be, at minimum, the equivalent of dividing 7.70 € by the remaining credit amount of your prepaid card. That is, if you have a remaining credit of € 12 at the time you arrive abroad, you can spend 12 / 7.70 = 1.5 GB of roaming data.

10. Why have they taken so long to approve this? 

For the European Commission, this agreement lays the foundation for an ambitious Single Market for Telecommunications. As for consumers, the end of roaming provides endless benefits. However, this new regulation can be a huge headache for operators, especially for those operating in touristic countries such as Spain, as the new regulations will cause an increase in traffic by foreign users. This has forced several companies to improve their technologic infrastructures to avoid saturation of the networks.

11. Are national prices going to rise?

European operators have warned this could increase domestic prices to compensate for their reduced income from the eradication of roaming charges. In the past year, large Spanish operators increased their tariffs between 2 and 6 EUR on average.
What do you think about this new legislation? Do you think it's a good change for Europe? Let us know in the comments below! Moving to Spain? We can help you set up your new phone plan and more in Barcelona for your move to be entirely stress-free. Check out our relocation services for more info.

Running in Barcelona... All you need to know

Running in Barcelona is one of my favourite pastimes and within this blog, you will read all about the different running groups and applications that we recommend you don't miss. There are some absolutely incredible running routes in Barcelona that include all types of elevation, duration and scenery.

Running groups

Barcelona 360 tours - this company offers some pretty strong guidance, and awesome routes to go in and about the city.  It is quite pricey, however, if you are paying as a one off experience to gain some knowledge about running in Barcelona, it is PERFECT. Have you ever heard of the Meet up app? Within this app, there are different running groups that are ideal to meet with others, and run in a bigger crowd. There are different ranges of levels; from beginner, intermediate to advanced, you will not feel uncomfortable or “behind” (as long as you don’t sign up to an advanced class, when you are a beginner).Here are a few of the most popular ones: - Barcelona Casual Runners - Moon Runners - Morning Runners Barcelona - madrugar y correr. - Nike+Run Club - Running Intervals (for this event, it is a paid class) - running/trailrunning/hiking principantes Whilst we are still on the subject of mobile applications, Strava is also another great way to find running clubs. It works the same way as the Meet Up App, the only difference is, Strava is specifically for running/cycling. You can search for different running clubs within your location, and you can choose to meet up with other runners. However in some cases, people don't actually meet, some people use it as a community to publish their training and achievements.  This is perfect if you enjoy solitary running, and still want to enjoy the sense of community a running club gives you.

Planned routes

Personally, I found that most of the evening groups are either too advanced or at an awkward time (if you work late), and so not all of us have the time to run on a schedule.  But then again, some of us simply prefer to run solo…  therefore, this section will give you some ideas on where to run and when to run in Barcelona. Let’s begin nice and easy… 1. The Ciutadella Park Run. The Ciutadella Park makes for a perfect 2km run, in which you can make the run as easy or as difficult as you like. You can make laps around the park, making the most of the flat ground, or you could run up and down the stairs to get some more intense cardio training. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the park. On a sunny day, every body is sunbathing, or having a picnic.
2. Les Ramblas If you want to kick up the mileage, then les Ramblas is the perfect running strip.  It is only 3km running down from Plaça Catalunya to Passeig de Colom and back.  It is the perfect run for beginners, or even for a nice high-speed, faster run. Take note: NEVER (I mean don’t even bother trying) run on les Ramblas during the day in high-season. I say from experience, it is way too stressful. There I was on a lovely summer’s day, when the spontaneous (not-so brilliant) idea arose in my mind to skip all the city traffic lights and go down les Ramblas. It was around 12 o’clock, and let me tell you, it was a bad bad idea. After almost getting run over by a bike and a taxi, then almost knocking over several people on the path… I decided to never repeat. And well, here I am telling you, so you don’t make the same foolish mistake. Although, you might be better at dodging crowds than me.  Either way, all runs on les Ramblas should take place before 9 o’clock in the morning.  Oh, and be careful not to slip! The Barcelona clean up crew have it against us runners. 3. The Waterfront If you are not an early riser, then the waterfront is perfect for you. It will be busy (in high season),  of course, but it is still possible to run.  You will master the art of weaving in and out of people (perfect for race training). The Waterfront is ideal for a versatile run, you can do from 3 km to 10km. What’s more, in the summer, you can leap into the sea to cool down. You could even combine Las Ramblas and the Waterfront into one big run. This is only for the brave or the master dodgers.
4. Parc de Montjuic Another awesome run (with a hell of a lot of incline) is the Parc de Montjuic -Barcelona’s Mirador. Again,  you can choose whether you want to do a nice 5km or an even nicer 10km.  There are some useful websites such as mapmyrun and strava, that you can use to create your own routes. They even have routes that have already been planned from other runners. Nevertheless, if you have a phone or a watch that can log your km whilst running, you should definitely bring it on your run. When you are running in Barcelona, you have to be flexible in order to avoid red traffic lights and oncoming tourists. 5. Nature Park of Collserola There are some really good routes that begin in the Nature Park of Collserola, and they are all KILLER runs. They all have high elevation, with some added incline, and to top it off an extra bit of hill. But, you can make the run as easy or as hard as you like. If you are as crazy as me, then you will most likely decide to do the full monty. I decided to walk/run the whole route from Plaza Catalunya to Carretera de les Aigües, so you can imagine just how many hills and incline I tackled.  Nevertheless, when you reach the top, the trail flattens out and you get to appreciate the absolutely breathtaking views! If you want to save your legs for the actual run, then you can take the Metro: from Plaza Catalunya you can get the S1 or S2, then you would get off at Peu del Funicular. From here, you can get the Funicular de Vallvidrera until Carretera de les Aigües (the journey is included within your original ticket that you would have used from the metro).
If you have a GPS watch, you can just go to the park and run freely until you reach your desired kilometres.  You could then follow the same route for your next run. Personally, I think this way is more satisfying as you can choose your own elevation, and difficulty. You decide whether or not to take a break. If you don't have a GPS watch, you can use the mobile application Strava. You can even use it without data, as long as you begin to log the run when you have internet initially.  If you are running on a weekend, you will pass by plenty of other runners. When you see your fellow runners,  it can boost your motivation by trying to keep up their pace (or maybe, that is just my competitive self). In reality, you can run any where and any time that you want, but this is just some of the routes that I personally enjoy running in Barcelona. However, if you have the time, don’t limit your imagination! Don’t seclude yourself to Barcelona …there are some really beautiful places surrounding Barcelona. If you love your trail running, you should really visit these following places that are on the outskirts of Barcelona... 6. Nature Park Montseny
This picture is absolutely gorgeous, and highlights why Montseny is such a beautiful place to run. You could run up to 30km (or, like in my case, you could stumble across 10km) and never get bored of the scenery. If you drive a car, it will be a lot easier for you to find the Nature Park. Nevertheless, you can still find trains and buses to arrive at the location. If you search on Google, you can find different routes that will suit you. 7. Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac This is a fairly straightforward journey, you can get the S1 from Plaza Catalunya (Direction: Terassa) to Terassa Rambla. Then, from the FGC Terrasa station you would take the M11 (Direction: Matadepera - Mura) to L'Alzina del Salari. It will set you back 2 hours of travelling, but the trail is worth it! You can chose your path freely, and enjoy the iconic monastery and the natural landscape...
8. Cingles de Bertí It is an hour drive from Barcelona, however, if you don't have a car... You can alternatively take the metro and a bus from Plaza Espanya. It will take you approximately 2 1/2 hours. You can get the L1 to La Sagrera, of which you would then have to take the 323 bus from Avenida Meridiana to Ctra de la Parròquia (Direction: Torregassa. Parc de Joan Plumé).

Running events

You can quite easily find running calendars online for any upcoming events in Barcelona.  But,  these are some of the most popular running events in Barcelona that occur every year: The Barcelona Half-marathon "La Mitja" - Around 15,000 runners. Barcelona Marathon - Around 17,000 runners, such a great vibe. Cursa Bombers 10km - Very popular route around the city, usually takes place in May. Cursa Merce 10km - Around 17,000 runners can take part. And, it usually happens around September time. New Years 10km - I think you can guess when this run takes place... Hopefully, you can use all of the different running routes that we have shown you to train for one of these running events ?.

We would love to hear about your running experiences in Barcelona.

And let us know if you try any of the running routes ? !

HAPPY RUNNING!

Phoebe (Runner, Barcelona Enthusiast and SuiteLifer).

Unusual museums in Barcelona? They're all over the place! As you might know culture and history play a big role in Barcelona. There are actually over 60 museums in this city! Some of them are tourist traps and you have to pay tons of money to check out some unimportant relic or sculpture. In this blog we will show you the Top 7 unusual museums in Barcelona. These are not big fan favourites like the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya but more off the beaten path or just plain off beat.

7. Fire Station Museum (Espai Bombers-Parc De La Prevenció)

This museum is super small and not very well known, which is such a shame because the exhibition is modern and really interesting. It is all about the history of firefighters in Barcelona. Various vehicles and equipment from different eras are displayed. This museum is educational, fun for the whole family, and great for school trips.

Espai Bombers-Parc de Prevenció Mon-Fri: 10-14h Sat: 10-14h, 15-20h Sun: 10-15h Website

6. Perfume Museum (Museu del Perfum)

This one is an oddball and different from most museums here in Barcelona. It doesn't display paintings and mosaics but instead the total evolution of perfume bottles and flasks over the years and decades. There are about 5.000 containers from the past and also the most modern creations of today's perfumes. The exhibition also shows stuff like old catalogs, labels and advertising material. The museum is divided into two well-defined parts. One part shows the glasses and containers of ancient cultures in a chronological order and the other part shows the flasks of the industrialised perfumery. If you can't visit the museum you can check out the website. There is a lot of information and you can do a "mini visit".

Museu del Perfum Mon-Fri: 9:30-20:30h Sat: 10-20:30h Sun: - Website

5. Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata)

This museum is definitely something for people with a sweet tooth. It is located very centrally in the Borne inside the former Sant Agustí monastery. It shows the history of chocolate in Europe and how it found its way to us. The Chocolate Museum is one of the smaller museums in Barcelona but also has one of the most fascinating exhibitions. The smell of chocolate is always with you and you also get a piece of chocolate at the entrance. If you want to have more chocolate you can buy it in the shop at the entrance of the museum. The "museu de la xocolata" offers a wide range of activities and workshops for children and adults. It is all about tasting and learning about chocolate!

Museu de la Xocolata Mon-Sat: 10-19h Sun: 10-15h Website

4. Erotic Museum (Museu Eròtic de Barcelona)

The Erotic Museum of Barcelona is really famous. It was opened in 1997 and is now one of the best known museums in Barcelona. It is situated at La Rambla, opposite La Boqueria, which is known as one of the best markets in Europe. The exhibition contains about 800 pieces and offers a fascinating tour through the history of eroticism. You can learn something about sexual records, sexuality in different cultures or discover the private erotic video collection of King Alfonso XIII. You may think that this museum is kind of dirty and filthy but in fact it is really informative and impressive. The museum is privately owned and run which means that the tickets aren't that cheap. As an adult you have to pay 9€. If you want to have an audio guide or book a guided tour through the museum you have to pay more. But it is definitely worth it! You can check out the website for more information.

Museu Eròtic de Barcelona Mon-Sun: 10-23:30h Website

3. Magic Museum (El Rei de la Magia)

If you like the power of magic you have to visit the "Magician King - El Rei de la Magia". You can find him in the Borne district. You can't miss the remarkable red door on Carrer Princesa. The original shop was established in 1881 and with a history of over 135 years it is one of the world's oldest shops and museums specialising in magic. The shop and the museum are divided. The museum is situated in Carrer Jonqueres just a few steps away from the original shop. The exhibition is small but it shows the history of magicians with old books, outfits and tools of magicians from earlier eras. There is also a original costume of Joaquim Partagas who is the founder of the museum. If you visit the museum you can also buy tickets for magic shows. The Magician King also offers workshops for both kids and adults.

El Rei de la Magia Wed-Fri: 16-20h Sat-Sun: 11-14h, 16-20h Website

2. Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum

This museum is quite a... let's say, relaxed one. Yes you heard it right. It is about hash, marihuana, hemp, weed, dope, green, maryjane or whatever you want to call it. The exhibition is displayed in the Palau Mornau which is a wonderful building in the heart of the Gothic quarter. The director of the museum, Ben Dronkers, found the building in really bad shape. Accompanied by the local architect Jordi Romeu he restored the Palau Mornau. In 2012 the restoration was finished and the muesum opened on the 11th of may. There is another location of the museum in Amsterdam and and together they count over 2 million visitors. The exhibition is about cannabis, how it was used in different cultures and the inspiring effect of consuming. It is really one of the most Unusual Museums in Barcelona.

Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum Mon-Sun: 10-22h Website

1. Museum of Funeral Carriages (Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres)

This museum is a really special one which you should definitively visit. It is located at the Montjuic Cemetery. The exhibition is the only public one in Europe which contains a large collection of funeral carriages. It was set up in 1970 and to be honest it seems like a creepy idea for a museum but as soon as you enter you will like it. You can admire 13 carriages and 6 coaches which were used to transfer the relatives to the church and cemetery. All of these vehicles are beautifully decorated and look very historic. There are also 3 motor hearses which complete the collection. There are boards next to every hearse which give you information about the era and the function. The whole exhibition is really interactive and augmented reality is used to make the experience more lifelike. You can combine your stay at the museum with a visit at the funeral library. This is one of the most important ones in Europe and it contains over 3600 publications over funeral customs.

Museu de Carrosses Fúnebres Sat-Sun: 10-14h Website

What do you think? Have you seen other Unusual Museums in Barcelona? Let us know in the comments! - Daniel

Spanish Real Estate terms everyone needs to know!

We all know that feeling of being lost when moving to another country where you don't understand the language, (been there, done that). If you are moving to Barcelona or Spain soon, and you don't speak Spanish then this blog comes right on time for you, because you are probably going to deal with real estate agencies, this TOP agency is the best in town, or websites like idealista. As we know how complex it can be, we thought of helping you by explain all the relevant Spanish real estate terms that you'll have to deal with when moving to Barcelona or Spain in general. With this blog, you won't run into unexpected surprises!

La Cocina

Let's start with, for some of us, one of the most important parts of the house La cocina: the kitchen. However, there are different types of kitchens. A Cocina Americana is an American style kitchen, meaning it's an open kitchen. A cocina independiente is an independent kitchen, meaning that the kitchen is a separate room. Even though most places have their dining area close to the kitchen, some apartments have a separate comedor: dining room.

Los Electrodomésticos

Los electrodomésticos are the home appliances. After spending a night full of food and fun with your friends or family, you might not be really in the mood to do the dishes. Solution? the lavavajillas: dishwasher. But to make that delicious dinner you obviously need a horno: oven. Don't want to throw away the left overs? then a congelador: freezer or nevera/frigorífico might come in handy, so you can warm it up next day in your microondas: microwave. If you'd like to wash your clothes at home, than you might also look for a lavadora: washing machine or lavadero: laundry room, and a secadora: dryer.

("Passion Fruit")

Una vivienda

A vivienda is what they call a home in Spanish. In a vivienda you will find habitaciones: rooms, dormitorios: bedrooms, salón: living room, baño: bathroom, ducha: shower. If you have any special wishes you might want to know words like balcón: balcony, to enjoy the summer nights on. As we are settled down in Barcelona for quite a while now, we know how hot the summers can be, so an aire condicionado: air conditioning comes in very handy. However, Barcelona is also known for its' pretty cold winters, so a calefaccion: heating on the other hand is also good to have. Then there are habitaciones dobles which are double bedrooms, and un habitacion individual is an individual bedroom. Want to jump in the shower right after you jump out of your bed every morning? then go for a suite con baño: en suite bathroom, saves time and effort! After a hard day of working you might also want to relax in a bañera: a bathtub. Some apartments might have aseos: a separate toilet, and un despacho: an office. Do you like some extra space to store your mess? then a trastero: storage place is perfect. Since Barcelona has some really amazing views you might even ask for an apartment with vistas al mar: sea views, vistas a la montaña: views on the mountain or vistas a la ciudad: visits on the city. If you wanna have nice visits on the city, then you might wanna look for a nice barrio: neighborhood that provides you these nice views. Wanna live in the heart of the city, but also be close to the beach, your work or anything else? Then ask if the apartment is cerca de transporte público: close to public transport.

("New York Duplex")

Amueblado

This means furnished. If the apartment is amueblado, you will find a sofa: couch, mesa: table, cama: bed, and maybe some armarios empotrados: built-in closets. If an apartment is semi-amueblado it is only partially furnished, if they say sin meubles or no amueblado it is not furnished (there are two types of "unfurnished", with or without kitchen appliances. Unfurnished apartments with the appliances tend to be more common). It might also be useful to know whether there are ventanas: windows, in a room to enjoy the Barcelona sun and luz natural: natural light.

Un edificio

Un edificio is a building. Some edificios have a portero/conserje: doorman, and some edificios are also con ascensor: with elevator, and some are sin ascensor: without elevator. Most of the times, obras nuevas: newly built buildings have an elevator. This might be good to know if you do or don't want to walk the stairs to your planta: floor. The highest piso: flat, of the building often comes with a terrace, this flat is called an ático: an attic. The flat on the ground floor is called a bajo. Bajos often have direct access to the street. It might also happen that you find an estudio: a studio apartment in which there are no rooms, it is simply open space. Normally, the superfície: surface size of  an estudio is smaller than a normal flat. By the way, a 'studio' in Spain means a flat without an independent bedroom. You could technically have a 100m2 studio. If you're looking to compartir: share, a flat with friends or family than you might need a bigger flat with maybe a piscina: swimming pool, a zona comuntaria: communal zone or a jardín comuntaria: communal garden. What also might be useful to know is whether a flat is in buen estado: good condition, or reformado: renovated.

Alquiler

This means rental, maybe you're even looking for an apartment to rent with opcion de venta, this means there is an option to buy. But if you just want to rent a place, then an agency might ask if you're looking for corta estancia: short-term, media estancia: mid-term or larga estancia: long-term rental. When you found the flat of your dreams (which you might find here) you'll have to pay a reserva: reserve fund to the agency, this is the guarantee that your flat is actually yours and the agent will take it down on the portals, and no one else will have it but you. If you're lucky the flat is disponible ya: available now and you can move in right a way. You will also have to pay fianza: security deposit to the propietario: owner, which they pay you back at the end of the contract. In addition to that, you also pay the comisión de agencia: agency fee to the agencia inmobiliaria: real estate agency. They also might talk about the IVA, this means the value-added tax (VAT). In the end you will have to sign the contrato de arrendamiento: rental contract, you get los llaves: keys, and then you are officially the inquilino: tenant and we say congrats with your place!

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Are some things still not clear to you? don't hesitate to contact us, we'll be to happy explain everything to you!

What is Sustainable Urbanism?

Sustainable Urbanism is nothing more than a fancy word to describe an eco-friendly city. Sustainable Urbanism in Barcelona is a topic that people are finally taking seriously. Ever since the announcement of greenhouse gases and damaging CO2 emissions, Sustainability has become a never-ending craze. We are consistently trying to save and prolong the planet for the future generation (and so we should!).

The world is going to end!!

We are constantly being drilled with this idea that the world is going to crumble to its’ core. Perhaps, the media over-exaggerates (hence, the picture below), but it shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, the people that believe Global Warming is a lie also believe that the world is flat.
Climate change, waste patches, toxic plastics, and the overuse of water is becoming an increasing concern to the environment. The ice caps are melting, animals are becoming extinct, garbage circles are found everywhere in our oceans and plastic is STILL being manufactured. When will we learn to change our ways? We need to embrace the latest innovations, and adapt them into society.

Barcelona as an "eco-city"

Sustainable Urbanism in Barcelona has been improving. Recently, they announced that they may try to cap tourism in order to minimise some of its’  negative impacts on the city. Quite a few companies have started to introduce policies and ideas to comply with the newly created notion “Green Tourism”. Within the Urban Mobility Plan of Barcelona 2013-2018, they have also created some restrictive measures on private vehicles, such as increased prices of parking meters. However, there are more effective innovations that could help eliminate the issues that exist within the environment. For example, Barcelona has adopted the recent idea which is to create a "Vertical Garden" as a way to optimise the carbon footprint offset of the city. As well as this, vertical gardens provide a way to reduce the amount of fruits and vegetables that we outsource  from other countries (through planting local produce). This piece of architecture in Barcelona  is called the "Green Side Wall" and it was designed by Capella Garcia Arquitectura. 
But, given Barcelona's excessive use in motorbikes to get from A to B, there needs to be many more vertical gardens to offset those carbon emissions!  In fact, in China they have just recently invented a bicycle that filters dirty air as you ride to and fro. This would be perfect to offset the carbon footprint that an urban city creates on its’ day to day basis. On the subject of bicycles, Bicing was introduced in 2007, and now has over 450 stations in the city.  People can collect bicycles from these stations to ride to and from work/studies/shops. It has been very successful in terms of getting more people to use bicycles as their first mode of transport. The only issue is that Barcelona needs to become more pedestrian friendly in order to fully embrace the notion of an "emission free" city. A new pedestrian friendly project "Superblock" has been approved by the government, but we are still waiting on the official starting date. It was supposed to start in 2017, but it is becoming more probable that it will begin during the beginnings of 2018. The idea is to increase the green space in Barcelona, and minimise the traffic congestion. This would mean that no vehicles would be permitted into the area unless it is for deliveries for local businesses.
Barcelona should continue to implement different urban mobility policies, in order to increase its' chances of being the next up and coming eco-city. However, Barcelona also needs the help of its' citizens, our homes need to be more sustainable in order to become a more eco-friendly city. Some people are already embracing the need for eco-friendly houses in Barcelona. For example, this gorgeous Catalan Hotel, which pride themselves in Sustainable Living.

Ideas to improve Sustainable Urbanism in Barcelona

Videos of innovative designs are always being shared across social networking portals such as Facebook and Twitter. This section will show you a few of the MOST incredible ideas to build a more sustainable urban city. 1. Have you ever heard of Solar Panel Roadways? This is a new concept which could potentially change the “Urban City” forever. Imagine if we could change all of Barcelona’s road surfaces to solar panels? With the quantity of road space available, we could power the whole city. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlTA3rnpgzU&t=331s 2. Plastic has been an issue ever since its' creation. However,  there have been different ideas to re-use/recycle it; using the plastic for insulation in buildings, plastic currency (the coins have just been made official in the North of Amsterdam), and plastic road surfaces.  Did you know? There is even a type of caterpillar that eats plastic... This means we finally have some kind of solution to eliminate the world's waste.
3. "Smart Street Lighting System" -  A smart networking system of lamp posts that have sensors that can analyse the quality of the air in order to control the amount of traffic in the city. The sensors also allow them to save more energy, dimming lights where necessary in quiet areas. 4. There are loads of different bicycle innovations, however, this next one is making cycling more appealing to the working man. Renewable-battery powered bicycles that charge when you break or as you go down hills. This means that you would be able to cycle to work without breaking a sweat. HALLELUJAH.
5. The research behind BioFuels are improving day by day. They have even found a way to power a car with WATER. Within the next 20 years, it is possible that we could all switch to a more sustainable fuel other than Petroleum and Diesel. These concepts have been based on the “big picture”, but what kind of eco-friendly innovations can we include in our home design. There are a number of cool interior designs that take into account the need to be more eco-friendly.

We would love to hear about any other cool inventions that you have seen, or whether you know of any other projects in Barcelona related to Sustainable Urbanism,

The SuiteLife Team.

The Okupa movement has been gaining momentum ever since the realisation that people could occupy properties freely (and "legally"). It became even more popular after gaining headlines in 1984, when officers rallied into an empty building (in Barcelona) to evict the first ever known squatters in the history of spanish democracy. There is no doubt that the Okupa movement has been rising in numbers due to the impressive amount of vacant buildings in Barcelona. Within this blog, you will find some of the possible opportunities (isn't it obvious? -Higher Profits!!) and complications for investors when buying houses “Okupados” as well as some insight on the possible prevention methods for property owners.

What is the “Okupa Movement"?

Quite simply, an Okupa is a person who seeks empty buildings, taking the opportunity to break in and occupy it. If the incident is reported to the police (which they usually report themselves), they have over 24 hours within the property until it becomes their “own”. The “movement” is more related to the young anti-capitalist figures who occupy the houses in an act to protest their rights. They have created a network in which they have built schools, libraries, accommodation, etc. for young travellers and house seekers. However, there are different types of squatters…

The Different Types of Okupas

The reason behind mentioning the different types of Okupas, is solely to introduce the topic. At the end of the day, if you invest in a property with a squatter, you are investing in an issue that has to be resolved. And so, you would need to have an understanding of the people that could be within the property. Okupa Movement They are usually a young alternative group of people aged 25 to 35 that fight for certain opinions and beliefs. In the eyes of an investor, this type of “Okupa” would be undesirable as it would be very hard to convince them to leave the property through a sum of money. They are strong-minded and stubborn, and tend to group loads of people in one property.
Within the "okupa movement", they have justified various reasons for occupying empty buildings... 1. As mentioned previously, they are strongly against capitalism. They dislike the fact that citizens have to dedicate most of their earnings to a roof over their head. 2.  It is a place to reunite as a collective and survive without all of the capitalist institutions that have been put in place by society. 3. To fight back the banks; they hate how the banks force people into a 40 year mortgage, giving them constant fear that if they lose their job at any point, they could also lose their home. Homeless Bankrupt Families After the crisis, many families found themselves without the sufficient funds to finance their loans; resulting in the banks acquiring their properties. Without any other alternative, families moved in with their parents or they occupied empty buildings to rebuild their home. Some never moved from their property that was acquired by the banks; resulting in another form of occupation. The picture below was taken from one of many of the protests against the "desahucios" (the evictions). "Rescatan Bancos, Desahucian Familias" - They save the Banks, They evict the Families.
In some part,  this type of Okupa would be the hardest to handle, given that there are huge ethical issues that could arise when evicting these people from their newly found homes. They are not afraid to fight for their home. Nevertheless, with the economy improving, the squatters that you will find in Barcelona will most likely be those from the "okupa movement" or money and con-artists. Money/Con-artists This group of people, purposely occupy empty buildings in a strategy to earn money from the rightful owner. After they successfully occupy the property, the owner would have to pay the squatter in order to convince them to leave... This is preferable to the owner; the legal process to remove a squatter from the property is so tedious, long and expensive that the owner would rather hand the "Okupa" the money outright. And so, these con-artists have been taking advantage of the weaknesses in Spain's judicial system in order to make money. In Spain and in particular, Barcelona, it has become a lucrative sector.

Okupa Timeline in Barcelona

The first ever known "urban occupation" took place in December 1984 in Barcelona. However, the occupation merely lasted a couple of hours as they were thrown out almost immediately by the police. When the attempt came to light,  it inspired many other young Spanish individuals to occupy houses in Pamplona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia.  Within this era, the "okupa movement" was largely associated with the "punk" culture that was so popular in the 80's.
After the first occupation, many other young individuals followed suit. In Barcelona, 1997, they evicted a dozen young individuals from a house that they had named "Casa de los Gatos". The result of which, a few of the police officers were attacked and a total of 40 cars were damaged in an act of rebellion. In 2016, cars were tipped over as the police evicted individuals from the occupied building in Travessera de Gràcia. Most recently, a massive occupation of flats on the street of Sant Francesc de la Llagosta (February 2017) has left many of the property buyers without a home. As you can imagine, this doesn't even surface the amount of occupations and protests that have occurred in the light of the "okupa movement". However, it does give you a taste of how the problem (or opportunity, whichever view you take...)  has risen over time.

An Investment Opportunity?

This type of selling has increased drastically as a result of the crisis. The banks entered into the real estate market aggressively with a plan to sell houses/properties with squatters or any other complicating issues. There is a clear investment opportunity in purchasing estate with "Okupas", as it would reduce the price of the property by half of its' actual value. This would allow for a greater profit than the usual added-value of a renovation project, for example.  It is true, however, that there is a greater task at hand to remove a squatter from the building than renovating it.  Nevertheless, there are many organisations such as "desokupa" who carry out plans to get rid of these Okupas. That being said, it is a highly risky venture, given that some Okupas may not be willing to move with a simple settlement of money. The Mayor of Barcelona - Ada Colau - is complicating the issue as she is protecting the rights of the squatters. She has made it increasingly harder for organisations such as "desokupa" to pursue the squatters. This means that it is harder to get rid of the squatters; and so,  the owner is left with the option to fight a legal battle or to take the matter in his own hands. There are also some other underlying issues with buying a "okupado" house... For example, you would not be able to visit the property before purchasing it. Also, in some cases, the official size and layout plan of the building could be unknown. This, of course, is what makes this type of venture so risky; but, imagine the sizeable REWARD. How do you approach the notion of buying a property that is occupied? To begin with, you have to distinguish the difference between a legal and illegal occupation... As mentioned earlier, as a result of the crisis, many houses were acquired by the banks, and yet the original owners would remain in the property. And so, they are still technically considered legal occupants of the property, and this would make the process of eviction increasingly harder. However, if a person was to seize an abandoned property, it would be considered illegal. The process of eliminating an illegal occupant will be much easier than a legal occupant. In terms of  "getting rid" of an Okupa, there are some imaginative options: You could use the laws that protect the Okupas in your favour. If you know that the squatters have gone out for the day, you could break in and change the lock to reoccupy the property. Perhaps, you could use a friend to play the role of the "other Okupa". When the original squatters return, to their surprise you have chucked out their belongings and occupied "their" home. When the police arrive, you can present your documents and the squatters will have nothing to show for the possession of the property. If you are interested in investing,some banks have connecting real estate agencies that openly advertise occupied properties on their website. However, for most real estate agencies, it is best not to openly advertise these type of properties. But, Okupa properties are EVERYWHERE. Unavoidably, even some of our listings have been occupied by squatters. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested... Because of the nature of these properties, it is best to contact agencies directly to gain more information on purchasing a squatter house.

The Property Owner Perspective: How to Prevent it?

If you own a property in Spain which has been untouched for many years; you should maybe consider taking measures against the Okupa Movement. They have started producing an  "antiokupa" security door in order to prevent them breaking into buildings. With these security doors, you will be able to, at least, minimise the risk of a planned break-in to your empty property in their attempts to occupy it.
As a property owner, if you want to reassure yourself that your property is completely safe from being occupied, then you could pay for an "antiokupa" security watch service. They patrol around different neighbourhoods with their listings of empty buildings, every 18 to 20 hours, in order to ensure that nobody remains in a vacant property more than 24 hours. If there are any other methods to prevent "okupas", let us know below in the comment section... We hope you have found this blog insightful, The SuiteLife Team. P.S. if you want to know more about Okupa Properties, Contact Us!

If you're looking for the best Barcelona Instagram accounts then this is the perfect blog for you!
Instagram has gained more and more popularity over the years. Somehow we all fell in love with the concept of a platform with only pictures, but we mostly fell in love with editing pictures to make them look as perfect as possible. There are many successful Instagrammers who make use of this platform to share their photography skills and in Barcelona there are some super cool accounts!

#Barcelonagram Top 70 Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts

Barcelona Instagrammers love to capture the beauty of the city, because let's face it.. Barcelona is very photogenic! As there are countless Instagrammers posting pictures about Barcelona, it's hard to find the real gems, however, that didn't hold us back. We found for you 70 Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts that post the most amazing and unique pictures of the Catalan capital city, we've categorized them by different types of Instagram accounts: Architecture, Landscapes, Interior Design, Food, Bloggers/Influencers, Urban and Art & Culture. Enjoy looking at our lovely city from different perspectives, it'll make you fall in love with Barcelona & its surroundings all over again!

Architecture

The Instagram profile of Barcelonafacades is quite satisfying for the eyes, all pictures are taken from the same angle and they're all showing the facades of buildings located in Barcelona. If you're a fan of architecture and of tight lines, then check out @Barcelonafacades.
@Stoptheroc is linked to Barcelonafacades, but this profile shows more than just Barcelona's beautiful facades. They capture everything that is interesting to look at for every architect lover, from modern buildings to the more typical characteristic Barcelona buildings.
@nicanorgarcia posts pictures of modern and traditional architecture. He travels around the world and captures everything he loves, all related to architecture. 
@barrut is an Instagram profile of a photographer and dad (as his description says). His pictures vary in style, and they are not only architecture, but also landscapes. If you're an architecture lover you'll definitely love his profile, since he captures many great looking constructions.
@Joelopez 's profile is very fresh and quite clean. His posts are artificial. He captures beautiful spots in Barcelona including many architectural gems.
@oriolvm this Instagram profile mainly consists of modern architecture in Barcelona and some other places. He even converts ugly buildings into photogenic buildings. 
@Catalunya_arquitecta this Instagram profile captures all architectural beauties of the Catalonian region, including the gorgeous gems in Barcelona.

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Landscapes

@msubirats mainly posts pictures of places in Catalunya. He captures the most beautiful landscapes of the Catalonian region.
@Jmvidalvia 's Instagram profile is a mixture of different kind of posts like landscapes and urban photos. It's impressive how he captures a kind of tranquil vibe in every picture, even in his urban posts.
@Sanfigjo captures all the beauty of Barcelona in mostly black and white pictures. They're beyond impressive!
@thehangingplants 's Instagram profile is very fresh and light with all the floral pics and pastel colors. When you're on @thehangingplants 's profile it always feels like it's spring!
If you didn't know already about the many gorgeous places Catalonia has, then you'll definitely know after looking at @Barcelonacatalonia 's Instagram profile. 
@jblancafort actually is a Catalan architect, but he also posts pictures of landscapes, and art & culture. He is very good at capturing the moment and discovering photogenic places that many don't see.

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Interior Design

When we talk about the Best Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts we of course cannot forget about our own awesome Instagram account @suitelifebcn. As we're a real estate agency we love to post photos of interior designs in the city and of our listings that inspire us. So if you want to enjoy the prettiest interiors,  the most luxurious Barcelona apartments and other amazing pictures then check out @suitelifebcn!
@nobohome posts the most gorgeous luxurious apartments based in Barcelona and surroundings, each of them are beauties!
@Yaninamazzei posts very unique self made pictures on her profile. You'll find many gorgeous interiors with typical Catalan features in many of her posts.
We are a big fan of @Jaimeberiestain 's work as interior designer. If you want to see an example of his impressive work you can check out The Onsider Apartment, which he designed. Without doubt we had to add this world famous interior designer in this list of Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts, since he is based in Barcelona.
@Sohohousebarcelona posts pictures of stunning interiors. They also have really nice lifestyle pictures and now and then you'll see some delicious food pictures.
@Nasualua is run by Lorena Fernández, her Instagram profile has a bohemian style. When you look at her profile you automatically feel the relaxing vibe.

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Food

Big fan of the famous Patatas Bravas? Then you absolutely cannot miss out @Bravasbarcelona 's Instagram account. He hunts the best places in Barcelona for Patatas Braves. Such a fun account!
Want to experience the best food of Barcelona? @barcelonafoodexperience posts pictures of the most delicious food to be find in Barcelona. We'll warn you about the sneak peek, it'll make you hungry!
@barcelonamordiscos is one of these mouthwatering food Instagram accounts. Just looking at all the delicious food pictures makes you wanna eat immediately!
If you haven't heard yet about Eureka Street Food then you should absolutely check out @EurekaBarcelona. You'll love it, especially if you like food trucks. And boy do we love food trucks!
@soydemorrofino is an Instagrammer who just decided to try out as many restaurants in Barcelona as possible. All the nice meals are shared by @soydemorrofino, they look finger-licking delicious!
At @bcnfecstime you can expect a lot of really nice food pictures and the coolest urban pictures, all captured in Barcelona & its surroundings.

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Bloggers & Influencers

With 1.7 million followers, @dulceida is one of the most popular Instagrammers of Barcelona. She mainly posts about her life, very intriguing!
@instanaimabarcelona is a digital influencer. She is committed to fashion, beauty and lifestyle. She lives a very interesting life, check it out on her account.
@driftwood_journals_barcelona is run by Ben Holbrook, a travel blogger based in Barcelona. His Instagram profile is all about food, culture & good living as he mentions himself. Highly recommended and a SuiteLife favourite!

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Urban

@Davidarmengou is one of these Instagram accounts on which you can enjoy the beautiful face of Barcelona. His photography and edit skills are impressive.
@barcelona_barcelona is posting all about the good life of Barcelona, if you didn't love Barcelona yet, then you'll love it now!
@hiamoros 's Instagram profile is very urban, he captures the city from a whole different point of view, a more rough kind of view. You'll like it!
@postcardsfrombarcelona captures all hidden gems and moments that happen in the corners of Barcelona. This account is definitely unique and different from the touristic Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts.
@thebarcelonist is one of the most well known Instagram accounts about Barcelona. They take you on a trip through Barcelona via their Instagram pictures and let you explore the city with them.
Just like @thebarcelonist, @Barcelonacitizen is also a very well known Barcelona Based Instagram Account. They mainly capture the famous parts of the city and make them look even more beautiful than they are in real life.
As @Oscar_bcn being a photographer and Graphic designer, you can expect a lot of his posts. He mainly captures the city and the moments happening inside the city.
@Gobarsa is a more touristic Instagram account that organizes tours and events in Barcelona. They show you the daily life in the Catalan city.
@Zuckerandspice is run by Sam Zucker, definitely somewhat of a Rennesance man who currently works as a social media professional, culinary tour operator, wine educator, social media influencer, private chef, photographer, videographer, and freelance food and travel writer for several outlets. He’s busy! And his Instagram feed is awesome!
On @monicatorne 's profile you'll find a little bit of everything, mostly urban pictures, but also architecture, art, landscapes and culture.
@barcelona.street captures life in the streets of Barcelona. This profile is more focused on the people who live in Barcelona and their lives outside the door.
@ehovu is the Instagram profile of Jonathan Rodrigo. His pictures show all the beautiful sides of Barcelona. He also travels around a lot, so you can even enjoy stunning pics from other world cities. 
@bensroom is run by Ben Walker. Most of the times he stays in either Barcelona, London,  New York or Los Angeles. When you follow @bensroom , it's like your traveling with him around the world. He mainly posts pictures of his own busy life. Definitely worth a follow!
Ben walker a.k.a. @bensroom is the founder of @thezoomagency, a very interesting company based in Barcelona. They are, as they say themselves,: "A dynamic team of creatives who design digital journeys for your future consumers". Their Instagram shows everything happening in the company.
@jacbcn 's Instagram profile is full of insane urban pictures of the city. He shows Barcelona in a way you probably haven't seen before.
@ernest85bcn escapes the huzzle and the buzzle of Barcelona and mainly captures the city from the side or from above. If you're not yet in the city, then this account definitely makes you wanna go to Barcelona.
With @dani_hm_bcn you jump into the city life of Barcelona. His edit skills are very impressive, the posts make you feel like you arrived in a dream, the Barcelona dream!
@flordefum has some serious awesome photography skills. She captures everything that comes on her way and inspires her. The pictures are very urban, they'll blow your mind!
@gismethmehdiyev 's Instagram profile is full of artificial urban pictures, but also landscapes. He mainly captures the city from the side, giving unique perspectives on Barcelona.
If you want to know about everything that's going on in the biggest neighborhood of Barcelona, Eixample, then you should definitely follow @bcn_eixample. They capture the life and the gems of Eixample.
@galarino gives you a very romantic perspective of the city, with stunning posts of beautiful sunsets and gems of the city. It'll make you fall in love with the city right away.
@martallorbcn mainly captures profile portraits of people just outside Barcelona with really nice background views of the city.
@thecatalanist 's Instagram profile is a very nice welcome to Catalonia, showing the beauties of the region.
@topbarcelonaphoto is an Instagram profile that tries to give the best representation of the city by capturing the famous attractions and best parts of Barcelona.
@amobarcelona show's the good life of Barcelona. You can even send in your own photo with #amobarcelona and they might post it.
The elegance, the fun and the culture of Barcelona captured in pictures by @total_barcelona. From the little streets to the large modern buildings of the city.
If you use the hasthtage #unlimitedbarcelona your picture might end up on @unlimitedbarcelona 's Instagram account. However, they only select the most impressive pictures, as you can see on their feed.
All architectural secrets, the most beautiful and famous buildings and the nicest corners of the city is what to expect when you follow @pepgonella2. Check the little sneak peek below.
For all our wanderers among us it's a need to follow @wonderlust.barcelona. They capture the city from its most fun side! It makes you wanna travel to Barcelona right now!
@lamunicipalbcn posts all photogenic spots of Barcelona. If you need inspiration as a Barcelona based photographer or Instagrammer, you should definitely think about following @lamunicipalbcn.
All well known and gorgeous spots of the Catalan capital are captured by @cityofbarcelona. This account is a must-follow if you currently live in Barcelona.

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Art & Culture

@philmusical is one of the funkiest Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts. This Instagram profile is full of fun art & culture. You'll enjoy it!
A big fan of street art? Then @borinot_acuatic is the perfect Instagram account for you to follow, showing the most unique kinds of street art.
@barcelonastreetart is also committed to finding the most unique art pieces in the streets of Barcelona. You'll be surprised of all the talented artists this city has!
Everything related to culture in Barcelona is being posted by @bcncultura. They also keep you up to date on every cultural happening in the city.
@pezbarcelona a.k.a. the one and only El Pez has his own Instagram account where he shares all his art works. If you're a fan of El Pez, you can't miss out his account!
@Macbalife is a very original Instagram account that posts short videos of people skating in front of the famous MACBA museum in the neighborhood El Raval. Perfect account if you're a big fan of skating!
@fotosdebarcelona is not so well known yet among the Barcelona lovers, it's a real gem! On this Instagram account you will mostly find collages of old and new pictures of places in Barcelona.
If you really want to get to know the people of Barcelona, then follow @humans.of.barcelona. This Instagram account basically captures the soul of the humans of Barcelona with short inspiring stories.
@lidpop is a mixture of different kind of posts, most of them are very artificial and cultural. They are very fun and interesting to look at!
Following @articketbcn on Instagram is a perfect way to discover all the cultural events and art museums in Barcelona. 
@rescued_tile is one of these very unique Instagram accounts. They literally rescue tiles of old centenary buildings in Barcelona, the tiles were about to be thrown away, although they're very original and beautiful.

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We hope you enjoyed each 70 of these Barcelona Based Instagram Accounts, they are all very unique and a real lust for the eyes! Let us know if you know more unique Barcelona based Instagram accounts that are worth checking out.