Barcelona Listings: Where to read about what’s going on
Newspapers in Barcelona. Photo: Mary
We know how it is, Cheapos. You get into a new city, and you want to know what is going on while you’re in town. Maybe there is some info at your hostel or hotel, but most of the time the fliers will be a bit on the touristy side.
Luckily, plenty of other local sources can fill you in on what’s happening. When in Barcelona, check out these magazines, mini-guides, and Web sites for what is going down while you’re in the Catalan capital.
This magazine and website used to annoy me because it is so last minute (it comes out once a week), making it a difficult source to use to plan ahead. However, I now see its virtues. If you are looking for something to do NOW, then this is the place to check. LeCool features music, theater, art, fashion, clubs, parties, and many other quirky underground events. (No flamenco here.)
Barcelona Metropolitan Magazine
The Barcelona Metropolitan Magazine maintains a good online presence, with daily updates on what is happening in the city. There is also a wide array of very useful articles pertaining to Barcelona. Finding the print magazine is harder and harder these days, but is still found at some English-speaking pubs and restaurants in the center of the city.
Available online, Mini-guide is also found at bars and restaurants around the city. This small guide comes out monthly and highlights the best of the city’s cinema, theater, dance, club, party, concert, museum, and fashion scene. It also lists restaurants and bars (as does the Metropolitan).
Well, this one may be a stretch because it is in either Catalan or Spanish. But if you are up to the challenge, then buy a Time Out at any newsstand around town. Time Out gives the heads-up on new restaurants and bars in town, along with a very complete listing of entertainment options. It comes out every week.
This paper covers all of Catalonia. Take a look if you are curious about politics, economy, news, and culture in this region of Spain. The paper comes out once a month and can be purchased at any newsstand. Catalonia Today often has cultural listings and reviews. The paper will give you a more local perspective, as it is meant for people living in Catalonia who have not bothered to learn Catalan (or don’t care to read the news in a language other than English).
Other sources
Other than these options, you can also always consult the daily paper (El Periodico, La Vanguardia, El Pais). Thursday’s papers are generally the best for listing what is happening over the weekend. Ask at the tourist information office for what’s on at Barcelona’s many theaters and concert halls and see if there are any discounts to be had (there usually are).
You can also ask at the tourist information office for information on festivals and holidays that might be going on while you are in town—in Spain, there’s a good chance something will be celebrated, and checking out a traditional festival is a unique experience.
About the author
I forgot the link: http://www.bcnmes.com 🙂 Enjoy!
Don’t forget about BCN MES, Barcelona’s trilingual cultural newspaper. Most of their restaurant reviews and event listings are in English. And some of the other content as well. And if you can read either Spanish or Catalan you’re in for a wealth of local Barcelona knowledge.
You can also check out new cultural website http://www.la-boca.com for all an up to date guide to Barcelona.