5 things to do in January

HIT THE SALES

Get out there and grab some bargains! The winter sales in Barcelona start on January 7th, the day after the Dia dels Reis public holiday, and last all the way till March 6th.

BE MINDFUL

Forget about New Year’s resolutions and unattainable goals and just enjoy the present! Mindfulness meditation has proven benefits for the body and mind, so what better way to start the year? For more on meditation and mindfulness in the city see www.aemind.es, www.esmindfulness.com and www.meditacioespaiobert.com.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Barcelona’s 51 civic centres offer a host of courses, from ballroom dancing, African drumming, gardening and just about everything in between. The courses are usually weekly and last for three months. They are also excellent value for money and fill up quickly. Go to centrescivics.bcn.cat to find your nearest centre and browse what’s on offer.

FILL UP ON FONDUE

If you can’t make it up to the mountains this month, enjoy a little hearty Alpine cuisine right here in the city. Wrap up warm and head to La Carassa in the Born, a walk-in cabinet of curiosities, and enjoy a filling fondue cooked at your table. See www.lacarassa.com.

SIP A WINTER COCKTAIL

There’s nothing quite like a warm rum cocktail for cheering up a chilly day, so treat yourself at one of the city’s most renowned bars: Boca Chica (Pg. Concepció 12), Apotheke (Pl. Reial 13-15), Slow Barcelona (París 186), Collage (Consellers 4) or Ohla Boutique Bar (Via Laietana 49). For more on winter cocktails, click here.