Ilse de Ridder

Barcelona

Spotter since 2013

About me

About me
After getting a degree in communication and working in television for a few years in Holland, I was up for a little adventure. I decided to move to one of my favourite cities; Barcelona. I arrived with no plan and no expectations, but got stuck on the sunny city life here.

I love design, photography, going out for dinner or drinks with friends and of course traveling! My favourite travel destinations are big cities! Give me a map and a few days and I’ll wander off into the vibrant city culture. I like to go and explore the local places and inhale culture on the streets or in museums. I love to just walk around and discover an original small boutique, a bar with stunning interior design or a good restaurant with delicious local food. And to share those discoveries with you on the blog!

Why Barcelona?
Barcelona gets under your skin. You arrive for a holiday, a short stay, a few months maybe… and you might end up staying for years! That also happened to me.

As a Dutch girl, I am smitten with the climate. Almost daily blue skies; summer or winter. A welcome change to the grey skies in Holland. But Barcelona has so much more to offer than sun. It has beaches, hills, lovely food, colourful people and music is always in the air.

I just love the combination of a cosmopolitan and laid back vibe; hipster design bars go hand in hand with simply hanging out on a square with skaters all around you. It is vibrant, modern, drenched with culture and always changing. And it so happens that every day when I walk through the city, I will find something that puts a smile on my face…

Where can you find me online?
Found a Favorite

My spots (45)

Fantastik

Colourful kitsch

"Fantastik" Barcelona really honours its name. It's fantastic! You will not find any other shop in Barcelona with such a colourful collection as this one.

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Shopping

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

El Sortidor

Modernism gem in Poble Sec

"El Sortidor" in Barcelona is a tapas bar/restaurant that is located in a very traditional place with quite some history. I recommend the daily lunch menu!

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

Flax & Kale

Healthy shot of hipster

"Flax & Kale" Barcelona is a beautifully designed 'flexitarian' restaurant; mainly vegetarian but they also serve fish. And yes, they do serve kale...

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Restaurants

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

SUP

Have an active beach day!

"SUP" or stand-up paddling is very popular in Barcelona, and you will find many surf schools in Barceloneta offering boards and material for a fair price.

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Relaxing

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

Henna Morena

Heavenly hair cosmetics

"Henna Morena" Barcelona is one of the best shops to spoil yourself with some luxurious hair products. The vision of the brand is 'slow cosmetics'.

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Relaxing
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Shopping

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

Can Cisa

Bar brutal

"Can Cisa" Barcelona is an excellent Italian restaurant on touristy Calle Princesa in Born. All their wine is organic and served with a broad Italian smile!

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Bars
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Restaurants

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

Veggie Garden

Vegan, veggie, fruity!

"Veggie Garden" Barcelona is my favorite place for fruit juices. They have a jaw dropping list of juices & smoothies. Their (vegan) food is very good too!

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Restaurants

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025

Rubi

Genuine gin!

"Rubi" Barcelona is the place to to for gin tonic. They brew their own gin! I love this cosy and small off the beaten path cocktail bar in Born.

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Bars

By

Ilse

de Ridder

Feb 28, 2025
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