Welcome to BCN Awards, your go-to guide for trusted recommendations in Barcelona. Whether you’re an expat yearning for a taste of home or a local eager to discover hidden gems, we’re here to connect you with the best this incredible city has to offer.

Having lived in Barcelona for five years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of cultures, flavors, and experiences this city holds. As a self-proclaimed foodie with a passion for high-quality service, I’ve spent countless hours exploring Barcelona’s vibrant neighborhoods, uncovering exceptional restaurants, cozy cafés, specialized services (say hello to thin, fine, color treated blond hair that I didn’t want to give away to a Spanish hair salon which had only dealt with the typical thick black hair – spoiler, I got my hair burnt anyway – comment and I’ll tell you the name of this failure of a business), and hidden treasures that not only meet but exceed expectations.

The idea for this platform came from my friends—both locals and expats—who regularly ask for my recommendations. Whether it’s a special dinner spot, a trusted salon, a state-of-the-art gym with Turkish saunas, or a family-friendly activity, they’ve been amazed by the curated list of beautiful places and reliable world-class professionals I’ve discovered. I realized that what started as friendly advice could evolve into a valuable resource for others navigating Barcelona’s rich but sometimes overwhelming landscape.

Through the challenges of the past few years, particularly during the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seen how important it is to support trustworthy local businesses and services. I’ve also witnessed how much comfort a high standard of service can bring, especially to fellow expats seeking something familiar yet uniquely Barcelona.

Here, you’ll find recommendations that are personally vetted, either by me or by trusted expats and locals who share the same appreciation for quality and authenticity. Each business or service listed has earned its spot for its ability to deliver excellence, build trust, and create experiences that feel like home—even if you’re far from it.

Whether you’re new to Barcelona or have been here for years, BCN Awards is designed to save you time, avoid disappointments, and help you make the most of your life in this incredible city. Because when it comes to navigating a new place, a trusted recommendation can make all the difference.

Thank you for trusting us to guide you. If you have a favorite place or service you’d like to recommend, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s continue to discover the best of Barcelona, together.

Welcome to the community!

Saludos,
Anna
Founder of BCN Awards