http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31552 Across the square from the Cathedral is the entrance to the Museu Marès. Inside this wonderful Gothic courtyard, tucked into a far corner among Roman columns and behind the orange trees and fountain is the Summer Café: a delightful spot to sit and restore depleted energies, write that postcard and get outside something long and cool.
Open from ten till ten, April to September.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31552 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31551 As a curiosity, there’s a bronze statue of Rovira i Trias, one of Cerdà’s competitors in the tender for designing Barcelona’s Eixample; his plans, based on concentric developments around the old town, lie discarded at his feet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31551 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31541 Part of the gardens is given over to the hotel restaurant and bar terrace. You can enjoy a meal or drink here in peace and quiet surrounded by greenery and the curious interior architecture of L’Eixample.
If the gates to the jardins happen to be closed –after about eight in the evening– just walk through the hotel and out the back doors onto the terrace.
However, avoid this place at all costs around five in the afternoon in term time. It quickly becomes a hell-hole of screaming brats who, freed from the tyranny of their teachers, burn off their accumulated frustrations and blast your tranquility to jagged bits.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31541 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30720 As the name suggests, several varieties of cupcakes figure largely on the menu, alongside traditionally popular breakfast favourites such as toast, ham and other freshly made sandwiches.
All products are freshly handmade using the finest natural ingredients and there’s a strict no additives policy.
Coffee is 100% organic and the baristas are all qualified by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe, guaranteeing you a first class café con leche.
Cup and Cake has no terrace but there are cushions on a bench just by the window where you can enjoy your coffee and the bright Barcelona mornings.
Inside, the décor is a quaint mixture of odds and ends with a welcoming, informal feel.
Cup and Cake is open for breakfast and tea but closes at lunchtime.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30720 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26544 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26544 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24086 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24086 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24085 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24085 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23536 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19162 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18673 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14410
It contains two glorious, pristine, elevated outdoor pools with amazing views down the beach all the way to Forum. Take one of the loungers and watch the locals frolic. Retreat to Barrio Gothica at night for more fun.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14410 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5239 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5238
Despite its wonderfulness, the track is often almost totally deserted, though is busier on Saturday and Sunday mornings as Barcelona exercises itself. This track is a runner’s paradise and if you are there just after sunrise (the best time to go) you may see me plodding along.
www.virtourist.com/europe/barcelona/999.htm]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5184 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5184