There’s no better way to get to know a city than through the eyes of a local.

That’s why we started our series, My Barcelona, to take a glimpse into a local’s impression of this city, and all their secrets and recommendations that come along with it! This month we talk with Silvia, who works at the one and only extra virgin olive oil shop, Oli Sal, in the lovely Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona.

Who are you and how long have you lived in Barcelona?

My name is Silvia, I’m 28 years old and I work in Oli Sal as a shop assistant.

Soy Silvia, tengo 28 años y trabajo en Oli Sal como dependienta.

Tell us about your history with Barcelona.

I live in Vilanova i la Geltrú (about 50km from Barcelona). Since I was little, I have been coming to Barcelona, given that all my mother’s side of the family lives here, and we’d come every weekend to see them. Later on, I spent four years studying in Barcelona.

Vivo en Vilanove i la Geltrú (a 50km de Barcelona). Desde pequeña vengo a Barcelona dado que toda mi familia materna vive aquí, y veníamos cada fin de semana con mis padres a ver la familia. Posteriormente, por temas de estudios, pasé cuatro años en Barcelona.

What was your first impression of Barcelona?

For me it was always a very familiar city, but over the years I have realized that they are thousands of things and places that continue to surprise me.

Para mí era una ciudad familiar, pero con los años me he dado cuenta que hay miles de cosas y lugares que aún me siguen sorprendiendo.

What’s your favorite food in Barcelona?

A good “bread with tomato” accompanied with fuet or patatas bravas.

Un buen pan con tomate acompañado de fuet o unas patatas bravas.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Barcelona?

They are many restaurants I like to go to, but if I have to choose one I would say Blavis. It’s a small and cozy restaurant. The food is spectacular, made with a lot of love and with seasonal products, and even more, the owner is so nice.

Hay varios restaurantes a los que me gusta ir, pero si tengo que escoger uno diría el Blavis. Es un restaurant pequeñito y muy acogedor. La comida es espectacular, hecha con mucho cariño y con productos de temporada, además el chico es amabilísimo.

What would be your ideal night out in Barcelona?

Go out around Gracia or the Sant Antonio neighborhood for some tapas and wine with friends, then head down to the Gothic Quarter for drinks and going out.

Ir por Gracia o el barrio de Sant Antoni a hacer unas tapas con un vino con los amigos, luego bajar al barrio Gótic a tomar unas copas y si nos apetece salir de fiesta.

What’s your favorite excursion in or around Barcelona?

I really like to go to the Born, walk around its streets and go inside Santa Maria del Mar, but one place I’d like to visit around there is the Picasso Museum.

Me gusta mucho ir al Born, pasear por las calles y entrar en Santa Maria del Mar, pero un lugar que me gustaría visit es el Museo Picasso que esta por la zona.

What do you like most about living or working in Barcelona?

The diversity of people you can meet and the variety of places or activities you can do, whatever you feel like that day!

Por la diversidad de gente que puedes conocer y la variedad de lugares o activitidades que puedes realizar, según lo que te apetezca ese día.