Today we will live like a local in Barcelona with an exceptional and different kind of guest. Roger is the first canine special guest to join this series, and as a lover of all dogs, I am ecstatic to have this little guy here to tell us a little about his current home. So sit back, relax, and live like a local in Barcelona with Roger Wellington.
Tell Us A Little About Yourself:
WOOF! I’m Roger Wellington, a senior rescue Yorkshire Terrier who has been traveling the world since 2016. I blog about my nomadic canine adventures and teach dog “pawrents” how to travel with their dogs on Wet Nose Escapades.
Where Are You From?
I’m originally from California, but am currently based in Barcelona, Spain.
What Is A Must See In Barcelona?
La Sagrada Familia! This is Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s most famous work. It’s an unfinished basilica that’s well over 130-years-old. As Gaudi worked on this UNESCO World Heritage Site until he died in 1926, La Sagrada Familia is still under construction today and expected to complete in 2026. Although I’m usually not a sucker for major tourist attractions, this is one breathtaking masterpiece. Even if you don’t buy tickets to enter the interior, you can still admire the grand facades from the outside.
Where Is A Place You Think People Can Skip While Visiting?
I’d definitely skip La Rambla, one of the main pedestrian streets in the city center. It’s super touristy and crowded with pickpockets and overpriced, average (at best) restaurants.
What Is Your Favorite Food And Restaurant?
My favorite tapas are Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes) and Calamares a la Romana (fried calamari) at Jai Ca in La Barceloneta, Barcelona’s spectacular seaside neighborhood.
What Is Some Advice To This Visiting For The First Time?
Take it slow! Don’t feel like you need to get tickets for every single museum to attain a good feel for the Catalan culture. Pick one or two attractions that truly capture your interest and spend the rest of your time exploring different neighborhoods and interacting with locals. Also, don’t eat at any restaurant within three blocks or so from a major attraction.
What Is An Unknown Spot That People Should Visit To Live Like A Local In Barcelona?
Gràcia is the best neighborhood to explore! Even with Parc Güell in the neighborhood (which is an awesome park with perfectly landscaped gardens and pathways on Carmel Hill, also designed by Gaudi), you’ll indisputably get a more local feel with authentic tapas restaurants and laid-back cafes. It’s not uncommon to see the elderly Catalans and 20-something-year-olds catch up over beers, coffee, or bocadillos with their dogs right next to them. The nightlife culture doesn’t necessarily stop at any age here!
What Is One Interesting Fact About Where You Are From?
The native residents speak their own language – Catalan, which is different from Spanish. Keep in mind that Catalan is not a dialect, but an actual language. Although Spanish is also spoken throughout the city, Catalans take immense pride in their heritage and culture. Many still want independence from Spain.
Any Last Words For Our Live Like A Local In Barcelona Readers?
Smile! The Catalans are friendly people. 🙂
Thank You To Roger For Helping Us Live Like A Local In Barcelona!
Please follow Roger and his adventures and travel tips at Wet Nose Escapades! There are a lot of great tips on traveling for both you and your furry friends. Also, don’t forget to follow Roger’s on social media below.
And don’t forget to check out last week’s “Live Like A Local” with Stephanie as she takes us on a short journey through Brooklyn. You can read all about that HERE!
Marissa Stagg
Loved this! I don’t even have a dog, but it makes we want to get one as a travel buddy. I also didn’t realize that Catalan was its own language. Super interesting.
Johnny
I want a travel buddy too. This whole series has been very interesting for me. Learning a lot about these amazing places you don’t read about in travel blogs. Looking forward to yours.