Episodios

  • Racers, Magicians, and Exploding Croissants - Your Barcelona Weekend Itinerary

    Racers, Magicians, and Exploding Croissants - Your Barcelona Weekend Itinerary
    Oct 10 2025
    Hola listeners and welcome to Things to Do in Barcelona with your globe-trotting sports fanatic, Ollie Bennet! It’s Friday, October 10th, 2025, and the city is absolutely buzzing. The Mediterranean breeze is mild, the skies are mostly clear, and Barceloneta Beach is already filling up with locals sneaking in some pre-weekend sunshine. But trust me, the real action today is all over the city—on the streets, on the stages, and even zooming around a racetrack!

    If you’re craving arts, magic, or, like me, some offbeat adventure, you’ve landed in the right city. Kicking things off, La Magia Existe—the show everyone’s raving about—is at La Off Barcelona tonight at 8:30. It’s a wild mix of improvised comedy, mind-bending illusions, and audience involvement. Last time I saw magic like this, a magician made my umbrella vanish—and I needed it back by the end of the show! According to Eventbrite, it’s nominated for best show in Barcelona, so you know you’re in for a treat.

    For music lovers itching to unleash their inner groove monster, get ready to time-travel tonight at La Terrrazza with the Throwback Closing Party, taking you straight back to the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. Don’t blame me if you end up dancing past midnight under the stars—Barcelona doesn’t do boring when it comes to nightlife.

    Family in tow? The Mixtur Festival is on, running kids’ workshops and music explorations across the city, and at the IDEAL Digital Arts Center, the Jules Verne: 200 exhibition has just dropped—a steampunk dream for fans of adventure, sci-fi, and really big submarines. Bonus: it’s wildly interactive, and you’ll probably leave ready to raft down the Llobregat in a homemade balloon.

    Sports fans, it’s time to rev your engines! The GT4 European Series is in full throttle at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya today. The world’s best endurance racers are tearing up the track, and qualifying sessions start right at 10:10 this morning, with the high-drama Bronze Test at 16:00. Earlier, Luca Stolz and Team GetSpeed topped the pre-event test, so expectations are high. Even if you’re just going for the food trucks and the sonic boom of engines, it’s worth the trek!

    Today Barcelona is also hosting the tail end of BIOSPAIN 2025, so don’t be surprised if you spot clusters of lab-coat-clad innovators on Las Ramblas, probably planning the next great paella-flavored vitamin.

    If you’re hungry for new eats, keep an eye out for a sprinkle of grand openings in Eixample, including a new bakery rumored to serve “exploding crema catalana” croissants—now that’s a breakfast adventure worthy of any sports enthusiast. Public transport is fully operational, but expect more metro traffic around Plaça Espanya with all these big events—best to buy your T-10 card in advance, so you can hop on and off like a local.

    Don’t skip the classics! Stroll the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter, snap a selfie with a dragon at Casa Batlló, or get surreal at Ikono Barcelona and make your Instagram as quirky as a tomato-smashing festival. And listen up, insiders: legend has it that every fountain in the city grants wishes—if you toss a coin with your left hand while making a wish about football. I’m testing it tonight—report to follow!

    Looking ahead to tomorrow, get your capes ready as Afrobrunch III Anniversary brings afrobeats to SEASEACLUB, and the adrenaline will keep surging at the racetrack with more GT action. I’ll be back with all the freshest updates, the wildest stories, and tips to unlock Barcelona’s best-kept secrets.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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    4 m
  • Festivals, Football, and Flair: A Barcelona Adventure

    Festivals, Football, and Flair: A Barcelona Adventure
    Oct 9 2025
    Welcome, adventurous listeners, to Things to Do in Barcelona—it’s Thursday, October 9th, 2025, and Oly Bennet here, your globetrotting connoisseur of quirky sporting feats and wild city vibes! Today, Barcelona is waking up to a classic Mediterranean morning: crisp air, blue skies, and temperatures begging for sunglasses, shorts, and a bit of aimless wandering before being swept into the city’s uncontainable energy.

    Barcelona this week? Absolutely buzzing. According to Barcelona Secreta, the city is in peak cultural overdrive, offering up a festival feast for every tribe. If you’re anywhere near Plaça Urquinaona, don’t miss Castaween at the Paradox Museum—a madcap combo of Halloween and Castanyada, complete with optical illusions, a gymkhana, and prizes. If your idea of “immersive” is less duck-apple, more pop-culture-iconic, Sitges is rolling out the 58th International Fantastic Film Festival, just a quick train ride away, with zombies on the beach and midnight horror marathons. For music lovers, Palau de la Música and Luz de Gas are about to explode with tunes, as the Barcelona Jazz Festival kicks off—think Grammy winners and jam sessions until March.

    Ready for something offbeat? Barcelona Design Week is in full swing at Disseny Hub, with public art, workshops, and pop-ups transforming the city into a playground for imagination—all under the banner “Design for Human Future.” Prefer spontaneous street culture? The local neighborhood “festes majors” light up Les Corts, Sarrià, and Las Ramblas this month with live music, outdoor meals, and folkloric revelry, and entry is free.

    Let’s talk news. The football world is buzzing as LaLiga announced, via India Today, that Barcelona FC will play Villarreal in Miami this December—controversial, but a true sign that Catalan fútbol’s spirit is global. In style news, the Barcelona Fashion Summit has arrived, turning the city into a catwalk of wild ideas, as reported by TheMDS.

    Hungry for something new? Rumor on the Ramblas is that El Mercat, a stylish twist on tapas, opened its doors this week just off Plaça Catalunya, serving up fusion bites until midnight. If you’re on the metro, heads up: the L3 is running slower due to upgrades, so factor in an extra ten minutes and, if you’re feeling sporty, grab a city bike—Barcelona’s Bicing network is on fire and offers the best seat for spontaneous sightseeing.

    Not leaving town? Must-do magic today: stroll through the leafy chaos of Parc de la Ciutadella and snag a churro, catch an art duel between Leonardo and Michelangelo at IDEAL Barcelona, or lose yourself among vintage treasures at one of the many weekend flea markets. Got little adventurers with you? Family-friendly workshops can be found citywide, from MACBA’s ArtsLibris fair for book lovers to crafty pop-ups in Gràcia.

    Here’s a fun fact to keep you moving: Barcelona is home to more than 1,000 completed works by the city’s resident architectural wild child, Antoni Gaudí—but did you know the magic tiles lining Passeig de Gràcia aren’t random? They’re inspired by sea life, making every stroll its own hidden ocean expedition.

    Before I sign off, keep your dancing shoes ready—tomorrow night the legendary Latin Party takes over La Fira Villarroel for a fiesta powered by unstoppable beats, and Comedy Con hits the stage for a night of sharp local humor.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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    For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

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    4 m
  • Autumn in Barcelona: Festivals, Music, and Slow Living [Things to Do in Barcelona, Oct 5 2025]

    Autumn in Barcelona: Festivals, Music, and Slow Living [Things to Do in Barcelona, Oct 5 2025]
    Oct 5 2025
    Welcome to Things to Do in Barcelona, served up fresh and funny by yours truly, Oly Bennet! Today’s date is Sunday, October 5th, 2025—and amigos, Barcelona is absolutely buzzing. Early October here means autumn’s gentle embrace—think crisp breezes, a few scattered clouds, and just enough sun to warm your bones after a stroll along the beach. The streets are brimming with anticipation, fueled by festival energy and the tantalizing aromas of Catalan cuisine wafting through every alley.

    The weekend has unleashed a tidal wave of activity across Barcelona. For music lovers, today you can catch Cloonee spinning beats at Pacha Barcelona and the 2HOT2PLAY party at La Terrrazza—expect lights, rhythm, and some seriously questionable dance moves. For those who fancy shredding with Mainline, Parc del Fòrum is where the guitars and headbangers are out in force. Not your scene? The Palo Market Fest is in full swing, turning the Paloalto area into a riot of flavors, indie shopping, live bands, and the sort of design you wish you could hug. Tickets are a mere 6.50 euros, granting access to Barcelona’s hipster heaven and a feverish parade of food trucks, pop-up shops, and insta-worthy moments.

    Feeling more cerebral? Tomorrow’s the last day to register for Building Bridges 2025, the prestigious annual meeting of Academia Europaea at Parc de Recerca Biomèdica. It’s designed for anyone who thinks cross-disciplinary dialogue is as thrilling as penalty shootouts—plus, you get a discount on some swish hotels if you book tonight. And for the lovebirds or the curious, speed dating at Alice's Secret Garden tonight at 8:00 PM promises two-and-a-half hours of flirty glances, awkward small talk, and possibly the love of your life. Beer mandatory, awkwardness essential.

    The local news is a treasure trove of excitement. Barcelona just waved off the Star Princess cruise ship on its maiden Mediterranean voyage—which means an influx of sunburned cruisers, good luck finding a quiet tapas bar! Public transit remains its glorious, reliable self, apart from minor service tweaks on Line 5—so check timetables if you’re heading out late. And rumor has it, a brand-new waterfront gastropub opened near Barceloneta, proudly promising “the best patatas bravas this side of Neptune.” Challenge accepted.

    So, what should you absolutely do today? Get lost in the Gothic Quarter, where every stone has a story and every corner hides a café that could change your life. Snap a photo with the colorful mosaics at Park Güell—seriously, Gaudí’s masterpiece makes for social media gold. If rain clouds gather, take shelter in a flamenco show on La Rambla, where the tapas are just as fiery as the dancing. Adventure-seekers should ascend Montjuïc for panoramic city views and maybe catch a cable car—the wind in your hair, the city at your feet, that’s Barcelona at its boldest.

    Quick local tip: Don’t order your coffee to-go. Embrace the slow life—sip an espresso at the bar, swap stories with locals, and let Barcelona teach you that sometimes, the best sport is simply lingering.

    Tomorrow brings even more action—Anna and Vulkan at Sala Apolo, fresh classes in Catalan cooking, and a surprise announcement rumored from the city council. Tune in then for more tips, tales, and wild stories, courtesy of your globetrotting, sports-loving guide.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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    For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

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    4 m
  • Barcelona's Bustling October Bonanza: Bravas, Beats, and Bookworm Bliss

    Barcelona's Bustling October Bonanza: Bravas, Beats, and Bookworm Bliss
    Oct 4 2025
    Welcome, sensational listeners, to Things to do in Barcelona with your globe-trotting, bravas-munching sports nut, Oly Bennet! It’s October 4th, 2025, and Barcelona is buzzing—think Mediterranean skies, a teasing autumn breeze, maybe a hat-tip of drizzle just to spice things up, but nothing’s stopping the fun on these bustling boulevards. The city’s energy is dialed up to max: streets hum with locals and visitors alike, thanks partly to rallies for Palestine taking over city arteries, so keep your eyes peeled for traffic shifts and public transport detours. According to RussSpain and Midland News, expect lively crowds and road closures most of the afternoon.

    Barcelona’s got a buffet of delights today that would make even the most seasoned adventurer’s head spin. First off, Parc del Fòrum brings the sonic fireworks with FSTVL B—think head-thumping electronic, avant-garde sounds, and breaking musical boundaries, featuring stars like Amaia and Alizz. If your taste buds need their own adventure, Poble Espanyol’s Mahou Bravas Fest dishes up the fiercest bravas (that’s spicy potatoes, not wrestling moves—I double-checked!) crafted by top-notch chefs. Vote for your favorite, jam out to live music, and—bonus—Catalan residents stroll in free if you book online, so get on that pronto!

    Artsy listeners, B-town’s got your number with the Wimen Festival: eclectic concerts, talks, pop, rock, folk, all spotlighting women and non-binary creators citywide. Over at Montjuïc, Viu Montjuïc transforms the mountain into a cultural circus—guided tours, open-air performances, hands-on workshops, and more, much of it totally gratis. And let’s not skip the colossal Barcelona Record Fair at Estació del Nord: 160+ stands of vinyl and CD treasures, DJ sessions, and treasure hunts for music geeks and casual crate-diggers alike.

    For the families and bookworms, the 74th Fira del Llibre d’Ocasió is pure literary candy. Wander the Passeig de Gràcia between Gran Via and Consell de Cent until 9 PM, lose yourself in rare tomes, vintage illustrations, and that delicious scent of old paper stacks. If you’re itching for a more active quest, Montjuïc Park’s outdoor spaces hum with local workshops and performances—bring your sneakers or your open mind, both are required.

    In today’s city news: Major protests mean the metro and buses are shifting routes—check TMB’s app or public screens before you dash out, as per recent travel advisories. And if your stomach’s rumbling after all those bravas, several new street food pop-ups have sprung open near Plaça Catalunya and the Gothic Quarter, according to Barcelona Secreta, so bring both an appetite and your sense of culinary adventure.

    Oly’s tips of the day: Brave the Poblenou Vintage Circuit for offbeat Saturday treasure hunting on three pop-up markets all within 300 meters—fashion finds so unique, you’ll look like you invented style. And here’s a Barcelona gem most locals swear by—order your café amb gel (coffee with ice) with a sly grin and see if the barista gives you “the nod.” It means you’ve leveled up from tourist to honorary Barcelona insider.

    Looking ahead—tomorrow’s closing day for both the Titanic exhibition at Espacio Inmersa and the Mahou Bravas Fest, so if you want a photorealistic VR iceberg or one last brava taste test, set those reminders! Plus, Festival B keeps pulsing, and Montjuïc’s festivities roll on.

    Join me again for more wild and wonderful Barcelona discoveries—trust me, you don’t want to miss what the city is cooking up next.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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    4 m
  • Barcelona Buzzing with Tattoo Expo, Flamenco Concerts, and Alternative Music Festivals

    Barcelona Buzzing with Tattoo Expo, Flamenco Concerts, and Alternative Music Festivals
    Oct 3 2025
    Welcome to Things to do in Barcelona Today is October 3rd, and this beautiful city is buzzing with excitement. The weather is mild, perfect for exploring the city's vibrant streets. Barcelona is known for its rich cultural scene, and today is no exception. If you're looking for something unique, head over to the Fira de Barcelona for the Barcelona Tattoo Expo, which runs until October 5th. This event showcases the best in tattoo art and culture.

    For music lovers, Tablao Flamenco El Paraigua is hosting a flamenco concert tonight at 9:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to experience the passion and energy of flamenco live. If you're interested in alternative music, Festival B at the Parc del Fòrum is where you want to be. The festival features over thirty artists and groups from the urban and alternative scene.

    In the news, the city is still buzzing from the recent UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, which concluded on October 1st. New restaurant openings and cultural events are always popping up, so keep an ear out for the latest updates.

    A local tip: Always take a stroll along La Rambla to soak up the city's lively atmosphere, and don't miss the opportunity to try some local tapas at one of the many hidden bars. For a family-friendly activity, consider visiting the Park of Culture in Montjuïc, which is hosting Experience Montjuïc this weekend with guided tours and performances.

    Tune in tomorrow for more exciting events, including the kickoff of the Wimen Festival, which promises a month of concerts and cultural activities.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

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    For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

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    2 m
  • Lucho Dragone, Wimen Fest, and more: Your Barcelona adventure awaits!

    Lucho Dragone, Wimen Fest, and more: Your Barcelona adventure awaits!
    Oct 2 2025
    Welcome, adventurers and curious listeners, to Things to do in Barcelona with Oly Bennet! It’s Thursday, October 2, 2025, and let me tell you—the city is more alive than a paella pan at lunchtime. The autumn sun is peeking through those Catalan clouds, with comfy temps and just enough breeze to chase a churro wrapper down La Rambla. Barcelona is that perfect mix of chill Mediterranean calm and electric festival buzz, so let’s dive right in.

    Right out of the gate, today’s a cauldron of happenings. If you’re craving live music, got two words for you: Lucho Dragone. He takes the stage at Velvet Room BCN tonight at 8:30 PM, promising a performance spicier than a plate of patatas bravas. And speaking of legendary acts, the iconic Joaquín Sabina is in town, sending waves through Palau Sant Jordi—though heads-up, ticket sales are tighter than Lionel Messi dribbling through a defense, as the show is sold out.

    For the culture vultures, the Wimen Festival is lighting up Barcelona all October, spotlighting mind-bending art from women and non-binary geniuses—think immersive exhibitions, crafty installations, and boundary-busting performances across the city. If books are your jam, the Fira del llibre d’ocasió stretches down Passeig de Gràcia with rare editions and vintage finds until October 5, transforming the avenue into paradise for story collectors and Instagram browsers alike.

    Families, I haven’t forgotten you—Titanic: The Official Exhibition is in its final days at Espacio Inmersa. You can walk the grand staircase just like Jack and Rose, gasp at real rescued objects, then cap it off with a deep-sea VR plunge. Seriously, if your kids don’t float out of there humming “My Heart Will Go On,” you missed something.

    And don’t even get me started on the Swab Barcelona Art Fair, revving up at Montjuïc and bringing wild contemporary art from all corners of the globe. If you fancy riding the modern art rollercoaster, this is your ticket.

    On the local news front, foodies, brace yourselves—Barcelona’s buzzed-about new vegan eatery, Brotes Verdes, just slid open its doors in El Born, and reservations are evaporating faster than cava at a Catalan wedding. Public transit is running smoothly, but heads-up: extra buses have been added tonight thanks to concert crowds, so getting around should be a breeze unless you’re on a pogo stick. And for the bookworms, there’s a private presentation tonight of the newly released “Gaudí i el Park Güell” at the Sagrada Familia’s cloister—not open to everyone, but you can always swing by to soak up the architectural magic.

    So, what should you absolutely not miss today? Take a sun-dappled stroll along the beach promenade, hunt for literary gold at the book fair, and fuel up at Brotes Verdes if you can snag a table. Then, see if you can sneak into one of the pop-up events around the Wimen Festival for a slice of Barcelona creativity.

    Oly’s tip of the day: Don’t just look up at Barcelona’s famous buildings—peek inside courtyards and down narrow streets. That’s where you’ll stumble on impromptu jazz jams, world-class gelato, and the kind of vintage thrift shops where even the hangers feel like art.

    Swing back tomorrow for a preview of the Swab Fair’s most bonkers installations, tips for late-night tapas hopping, and word on the city’s underground ping-pong tournaments—because this is Barcelona, where even a game of table tennis can feel like an Olympic final.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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    For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/

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    4 m
  • La Mercè 2025: Fireworks, Fiestas, and a City Buzzing with Culture in Barcelona

    La Mercè 2025: Fireworks, Fiestas, and a City Buzzing with Culture in Barcelona
    Sep 28 2025
    Welcome, adventurous listeners, to “Things to do in Barcelona” with Oly Bennet, your jet-setting, pun-loving correspondent reporting live from the City of Gaudí—it’s Sunday, September 28th, 2025, and Barcelona is positively buzzing! The crisp morning air is draped in Mediterranean sunshine, with locals and visitors alike already pouring onto the streets for La Mercè, Barcelona’s epic annual city festival that’s lighting up our lives and our Instagram feeds.

    Today, the city is an open-air carnival—expect joyous crowds, fragrant street food, and bursts of fiesta color at every turn. Not only are we riding the high of La Mercè’s closing day, but the city is also rolling out a smorgasbord of culture, music, dance, fire, and—this is not a drill—giant bees, all part of the cross-cultural celebrations with Manchester, this year’s guest city. Grab your portable fans and novelty sunglasses, because it’s about to get wild in the best possible way.

    So, what’s hot today? First up, don’t miss the spectacular Piromusical: tonight at 10 p.m., head to Avenida Maria Cristina at the base of Montjuïc for a sky-bending fireworks and music show curated by local legends, Estopa. Thousands will flock here for an emotional finale mixing Catalan rumba vibes with jaw-dropping pyrotechnics—truly the kind of send-off that has even the pigeons dancing. For music lovers, BAM (Barcelona Acció Musical) is shaking venues like Rambla del Raval with emerging talent and alternative beats, while Música Mercè pops up citywide with everything from classical to cutting-edge performances—absolutely free.

    Feeling dramatic? Teatre Goya is where you’ll catch the final performance of the comedy ‘Plaer Culpable’ (Guilty Pleasure), guaranteed to give you ab cramps from laughing. Over at Teatre Tívoli, ‘El Fantasma de la Ópera’ (The Phantom of the Opera) is bringing all the tragic romance you can handle in pure Catalan style. If books are more your jam, stroll under the Arc de Triomf for the grand finale of the 43rd Catalan Book Week, where local and international authors are signing books and high-fiving fans.

    For family fun, wander into Parc de la Ciutadella where Terra i Gust, the Sustainable Food Festival, is plating up Barcelona’s tastiest eco-bites courtesy of 20+ local restaurants. There’s also the MAC Festival, where street performers turn city parks into rollercoasters of circus antics, with artists including Manchester’s finest and fresh experimental dance—bring your sense of wonder.

    Let’s talk city news—Barcelona City Council has amped up public transit tonight: with both the Piromusical and a big FC Barcelona match happening, expect special shuttle buses around Montjuïc, but heads up, traffic is restricted and Montjuïc’s stairs are a no-go after 3 p.m. Savvy locals know to take the metro and bring snacks, because this is the Superbowl of Catalan street parties.

    Craving something new? The Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is hosting LUMINISCENCE, an immersive experience marrying Catalan history, jaw-dropping 360° videomapping, and a live choir—think Hogwarts, but with sangria and Gothic arches. Comedy hounds can score tickets for Basemint Comedy’s English stand-up set at Mint Bar, ideal for a cheeky laugh before the night explodes.

    Before I dash off to attempt my first human tower (don’t worry, I’ve got a helmet and travel insurance), here’s your local tip: during La Mercè, many museums open their doors for free, including the MNAC and the Picasso Museum—perfect for skipping the regular lines and discovering a different side of the city on a budget.

    Roll out of bed early tomorrow—you’ll want to catch the last echoes of festival energy and maybe catch the afterglow brunches popping up around El Born and Gràcia. And trust me, Barcelona isn’t slowing down: tune in tomorrow for secrets on wine-tasting routes, hidden surf spots, and the low-down on that rumored rooftop ping-pong championship at Casa Batlló.

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

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    5 m
  • Barcelona's La Mercè Festival: Music, Culture, and the Sweet War - Your Guide to a Vibrant Weekend in the City

    Barcelona's La Mercè Festival: Music, Culture, and the Sweet War - Your Guide to a Vibrant Weekend in the City
    Sep 27 2025
    Hola listeners, it’s Saturday, September 27, 2025, and you’ve tuned into Things to Do in Barcelona—yours truly, Oly Bennet, reporting live from the fun factory! Barcelona is riding a wave of pure festivity, the air charged with the buzz of locals and visitors getting Merced-ified. Weather today: sunny skies with hints of golden autumn breezes, setting the mood for serious celebration. If you hear distant drums or catch a whiff of fireworks mid-morning, don’t panic—it’s just Barcelona showing off its party spirit!

    La Mercè Festival is back and barreling through the city till Sunday. This year, Manchester is the guest city, which means British beats mixing with Catalan rhythms in over a hundred free concerts from international legends like Pussy Riot, Queralt Lahoz, Children of Zeus, and more. You’ll find music venues popping up everywhere, from Plaça Catalunya to Bogatell Beach, which tonight features a line-up headlined by Mushka, Rigoberta Bandini, and Lia Kali—all free and fabulously energetic.

    Want some family-friendly adventure? Tibidabo amusement park is waiving the entry fee—for the first time ever—as part of the festival. That’s right, the only thing wilder than the roller coasters are the prices: totally zero euros. Museums from MNAC to Poble Espanyol join the action today with free entry specials, so you can sprinkle some culture between your churros and street dances.

    Book lovers, the grand Setmana del Llibre en Català is wrapping up along Passeig de Lluís Companys. With over 300 exhibitors, readings, workshops, and debates, it’s a haven for everyone from curious tots to hardcore bibliophiles. If you fancy mixing your fiction with festivities, this is your jam.

    Now, for you science and trivia fans, tonight brings the European Research Night—Barcelona’s own pop-up innovation carnival! Venues citywide host hands-on workshops, stargazing sessions, and mind-bending experiments for every age, turning researchers into rockstars for one night only.

    Ready to spice up your weekend nights? The flamenco scene is on fire, according to travelers raving on TripAdvisor—the Casa Sors and Palau de la Música shows have people dancing in their seats. Flamenco here isn’t just a show—it’s a full-contact, foot-stomping, soul-stirring cultural explosion.

    In foodie news, the gastronomic festival Terra i Gust is serving up exclusive eats inspired by La Mercè. Look out for special cakes, ice creams, and wild street food—all crafted to honor Barcelona’s patron saint. Oh, and rumor has it several new bistros have popped up in El Born and Gràcia, serving up pintxos with a twist.

    Citywide alerts: Metro lines are running extra late for festival night owls, with added trains so you won’t miss a beat (or a bus!) Also, some streets, especially around Plaça Sant Jaume and Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina, are cordoned off for parades, fireworks, and the epic drone show scheduled tonight. Yes, 500 drones are set to turn the sky into a kinetic light sculpture—Barcelona meets sci-fi meets fiesta!

    Feeling adventurous? Try the quirky festival tradition: hunt for the “sweet war” desserts as local bakeries battle it out for the official Mercè cake—a delicious duel you don’t want to miss. Pro-tip: take a detour through the Gothic Quarter’s alleyways for impromptu casteller displays, that’s human towers if you’re new—and it’s gravity-defying sport at its finest.

    Fun fact to impress your local mates: Legend has it that if it rains during La Mercè, it’s because Saint Eulàlia, displaced as the patron, is shedding tears of rivalry. Forecast for today? Sunny. Sorry, Eulàlia!

    Before I jet off for churros and drone-chasing, a tease for tomorrow: Expect the La Mercè closing Piromusical featuring Estopa, Catalan rock heroes, turning Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina into a symphonic flame spectacle. Plus, more pop-up stages and even a rumored “giant vegetable parade”—no, I’m not making that up!

    Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.

    For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

    and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt

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