Best Contemporary Art Museum

All Espai Joliu-lovers rejoice! Very recently a second location called Orval has opened, and it’s only 10 minutes away from its big sister. Just above Ciutadella park, just like its predecessor does. It has plenty of natural light that comes in through the large windows. Another added benefit with the new location is that it consists of two floors instead of just one as in Espai Joliu. Both cafes have their unique charm: Espai Joliu has that rugged, Berlin-inspired atmosphere, and Orval an added modern touch. The concept of plants and coffee remains consistent here, with a similar drink menu (with many options, and great specialty coffee) and beautiful plants for sale. You will also find an array of magazines and guidebooks. The staff deserves an added mention, such a friendly bunch!

Once a month I go to Jose's Hairdresser salon to cut my hair. Is an small place, simple and nice placed very near from my home, Jose cuts my hair exactly as I like it to do and the treatment is excellent: he is kind, but he doesn't speak too much, something rare in the field of hairdressers. With no doubt is one of my indispensable places of Barcelona.

In 1938 during the Spanish Civil war, Francisco Franco laid siege to the city of Barcelona. On the 30 September 1938, one of Franco's bombs fell on the church killing 30 people most of whom were children from the School of Sant Philip Neri and some were refugee children from Madrid where the church had been turned into a make-shift orphanage. As people pulled survivors from the rubble, a second bomb hit the square, killing 12 more bringing the death toll to 42. It was the second worst bombing hit in Barcelona during the war. Evidence of the bombings can be seen in the pockmarked walls of the church.

La Parada is an outdoor art gallery, art accessible to all. It is located in the market of Gracia, there are photographs and books next to the typical market products as tomatoes, bread, artichokes..It’s a really nice place.