Elena Villaescusa

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Good vibes

Explain why you chose those words.

Barcelona is a fun, friendly, positive and inspiring city. There’s always something going on that makes you vibe: live music, cultural events, festivals, passion for sports, meetings with old-new friends..Barcelona has an amazing energy that makes me feel proud to live in there!

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

One of my favourite places is La Paradeta, is a self-service fun restaurant with really fresh seafood!

What is you favorite place in Catalunya? Why?

Costa Brava (“Wild Coastline”), the closest coast from my hometown, Girona, is filled with so many treasures! Plenty of beautiful beaches, charming small towns, amazing food..summer place since my childhood to now a days!

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

Go to the Food Market next to your house and sit down in a terrace in La Plaza del Mercado (Market square) of your Barrio. i.e In my Barrio, La Barceloneta: Have a coffee Saturday or Sunday morning in la Plaça del Mercat de la Barceloneta, full of kids, families, old people, kids in the playground. You won’t feel being in a big city. Many students go to la Barceloneta and go straight to the beach, but don’t realise is a Barrio full of history and tradition.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

My perfect day in Barcelona is a “sobre la marcha (go with the flow)” day”, no plans, enjoying with family and friends and what the city offers that day! Every day is different in Barcelona, that’s what I like from the city. If I would describe a day: Do some sports by the beach (go running, roller skate, volleyball, panel surf..), meet my friends for a vermouth in bar Electicitat, have lunch with my family in a seafood restaurant, have a coffee in one of the charming streets in el Born and walk around the city exploring new places, stop at a terrace for a social drink with friends, go for some improvised tapas and go with the flow.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

Be healthy, try new food, try to walk everywhere, do sports, get good amount of sleep and be positive. Do like locals do. Don’t be shy and talk to local people anytime you have the chance, specially old people they are the experienced ones in the city and they always have incredible stories and tips for you!

What do you think makes Barcelona unique?

Its dynamism, diversity and energy