Verònica Fuerte has a wonderful eye and wonderful taste. The creative designer and founder of Hey – her design studio renowned for its relaxed attitude, bright colours and geo forms – lives and breathes beautiful imagery in the city of Barcelona. We wholeheartedly trust her to show us around the coolest parts of town like a local. Come and join us for her tour...
WHAT IS BARCELONA TO YOU?
The city I live and work, but it's not my city of origin. I lived in a village 30 minutes from Barcelona, and I moved here when I was 23.
THE BEST TIME TO GO
Personally my favourite month is May. The weather is perfect and you can also enjoy activities outdoors without getting so hot. Also, it’s my birthday and my daughter’s birthday so it’s a special month for me.
PACKING LIST
Suncream, a cap and a fan are a must if you come in summer. For music festivals like Primavera Sound or Sonar – proper shoes to stay all-day or night dancing.
TRANSPORT TIPS
The best way to move in Barcelona is by bus or metro. Just be careful that the T10 ticket card is for just one person – you can’t buy it and use it for a group. Bicing (bikes in the city) is an option but you must pay an all-year fee.
WHERE TO STAY
Casa Bonay, a hotel in Eixample. The big hall is designed by Barcelona product designers. You can find lamps from Toni Arola, typical street floors from the city and original Mediterranean chairs. Hotel Brummell in Poble Sec is also a very nice boutique hotel.
The Hoxton opened a month ago in Poblenou and is just amazing. For me the rooftop where you have almost 360º view of Barcelona is so nice.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE
Fundació Joan Miró, is my favourite. Not just because I love his art, but also because of the architecture from the 70s and the location up in Montjuïc hill.
If you like contemporary art, Moco museum is quite small but has prestigious art pieces. Also check exhibitions in Caixa Forum.
Visit Barcelona is a must but it is always quite crowded in summer. Go to Club Nàutic Barcelona too – you can pay for one day at the swimming pool just in front of the sea.
VIEWS TO NOTE
La Caseta del Migdia in Montjuïc. Go in the evening and enjoy some drinks there.
I recommend going to Tibidabo which is a hill in Barcelona where there’s an amusement park. The views are amazing from there, and you can go on a small excursion from Barcelona.
FOOD AND DRINK
Berbena is my favourite restaurant in Barcelona. Everything is delicious. You can’t leave without eating the dessert “nata con aceite.”
Bar La Plata in the Gothic area, they only have four tapas. It’s very small so you must stand up but it is a very traditional place.
I like Caravelle, Bar Cañete and Entrepanes Díaz too. You can check out my food guide on Instagram.
THE LOCAL LINGO
Hello: Hola
Goodbye: Adiós, or Adéu in Catalán
Please: Porfavor, or Siusplau in Catalan
Thank you: Gracias. I say Merci in Catalan
I’m a paper person: Soy una persona que le gusta el papel
I LOVE BARCELONA BECAUSE...
It’s a small city so everything is about 20 minutes away. You can go by bike and don’t need to spend lots of time travelling to get around.
And the weather, of course. We have the beach and there’s nature quite nearby. Amazing food :) So yes I think for me it is the best city to live.
In the mood to book for Barcelona? Plan your visit with Veronica's tips in mind in one of our travel journals.