This Lombard Romanesque style monastery (the official name is Antic Monestir de Sant Pau del Camp…read moreif you're looking it up locally) was one of the high points of my visit to Barcelona. Guifre II Borrell's burial slab reads 911, so this is one of this city's oldest surviving churches. Attending mass was interesting, the grounds and buildings a millennium and a century old but before starting the priest and his assistant had to make sure they had the right visuals up on the big flat screen computer monitor like a couple of 21st century professors about to start lecture. Just mind boggling to think masses have been conducted here for over a thousand one hundred years, though probably only recently in Catalan. No, I did not understand what they were saying, but I know when to stand up, sit down, and look serious. Take a little time to study the bas reliefs, geometrical, plant inspired and some are fantasy. My favorite was the Adam and Eve standing next to the tree of knowledge with the serpent. The women being tormented by breast eating toads made me realize that 10th century Europe was more foreign and alien than the most distant 21st century society. These are polyobulate arches (I learned the term in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), the church sits on a cross shaped ground plan, cloistered with three apses. A simple, beautiful, peaceful, ancient place. Don't be like the obnoxious tourists who walked in during the mass (there are signs in three languages announcing the church is having mass please don't interrupt). There's a pleasant Argentinian cafe across from the monastery where you can contemplate the passage of centuries over a good espresso and empanada (Caleuche). https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/499/sant-pau-del-camp.html

I'm giving this one 3.5…read more It's a decent gym, but if you're serious about training, falls short on few things here and there. First of all, it has a squat rack. It's not the best squat rack and there's only one, but considering that barely anyone ever uses it -- you should be good. The free weight section is ok: dumbbells go up to 46kg, but kettlebells unfortunately only up to 24kg (and there's only one 24kg bell, so forget double snatches or thrusters). There's a standard mix of machines and treadmills, but surprisingly no regular (straight) pull-up bar -- only some kind of hybrid-handles on one of the machines; you can do neutral or wide pull-ups but not regular ones. Also prepare to bump with your head into the ceiling which is too low for this machine. Finally, if you'd like to do weighted pull-ups, you'll need to come with your own weight belt -- gym doesn't have any, although you can improvise with regular belt and neck harness :) There's a stretching area but if you need a foam roller, you'll need to ask for it to be unlocked from the cage with equipment. There's a heavy bag but it's inconveniently placed right by the entrance, and you can't kick it. From the other good things -- they have paralletes, couple rowing machines, some bands, and even battle ropes (although they're bizarrely light). All in all -- lots of good stuff but also lots of small things that spoil experience a bit.

The only thing more difficult that signing up for this gym is actually cancelling your membership…read more The staff at the door just seem unable to handle anything but the most routine of transactions. If you have any sort of issue or problem be prepared for multiple visits to try to get it resolved.

Stayed in an airbnb rental on this square - as in all of Barcelona the streets and squares are…read morewhere people live, work, eat and socialize and it's no exception here. A beautiful historic square with a famous bell tower, ringed with good restaurants, seating sprawling out into it, and all sorts of shops, bars , cafes etc. there and all around the neighborhood, with another excellent mercadona, Mercat de l"Albaceria, a 4 minute walk away.

I swam here on June 22nd 2014. Cost was €11 for a day pass. They provided me with a small lock to…read moreuse for a locker, but would recommend your own in case they run out. I did my swim workout in the indoor pool 25m length, but finished in the outside 50m pool for the experience. There is a locker room upstairs for the indoor pool. You need a swim cap and shower before getting in. Just pick an open lane or ask to join a lane. They have pull buoys & kick boards you can use. Pools were great, locker rooms are a little old but not bad at all. If you are training on vacation like me or just want some exercise it's a great place to go. They open at 7:30am (outdoor pool @ 10am), I rode the bus there. The day pass also gives you access to the gym, bikes, etc... Check with front desk for details.

The Olympic swimming pool from 1992, with those spectacular views over the city and the outdoor…read morediving boards is slightly difficult but definitely fun to get to. After a trip up the outdoor escalators and a walk up the mountain or a ride on a funicular to Montjuic you would be forgiven for thinking that was quite enough exercise for one day . However, the dedicated swimmer will find 2 quality pools of 50m and 25m length, one indoor and one outdoor, which are great for serious training if you can keep away from starring at the views. Unlike the pools, the changing facilities are not top class and there is little in the way of food or drinks but you can bring your own and there's various terraces for spectators and also sun loungers to sit on. The place definitely has a professional feel and there are no shallow pools but as with everywhere in Barca children are definately welcome (under 6s free) and even nudists are catered for with their own swimming sessions. Great in the summer morning sun. Open all year except Dec 25.