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OnlyBefrom Barcelona: The Horta Labyrinth Park
The Horta Labyrinth Park is home to the oldest gardens in Barcelona, it displays the neoclassical style of the 18th century and it is built on several levels
Poetry Week in Barcelona. Discover Barcelona’s Most Poetic Side
On the week of May 12th through 18th, Barcelona swells up with poetry and thousands of activities, promoting and spreading the magic of the written and recited verse. But Barcelona is poetry all year long. The truth is that, throughout history, the Catalan capital has been home to many poets who made it their muse, giving it a bohemian and evocative air thick with rhymes that resonate in our memory to this day. The relationship between Barcelona and poetry is such a well-established one that it’s no surprise that the last few years have borne witness to the birth of myriad initiatives around this art form. Today we want to show you Barcelona’s most poetic side. A stroll through rhyme, rhythm and rhetoric that will surely win you over. Expendeduría Poética. Take Away Poetry What would it be like to take part in a poet’s creative process, being able to walk out with your very own poem? At Expendeduría Poética, typewriter wielding Poetógrafas Performáticas (something along the lines of Perfomantic Poetographesses), enact a happening and performance of sorts, in which the visitor becomes the main protagonist in the birthing of an art work that he can later take home in exchange for a small donation. Instant poetry, they call it. The idea here is as follows: one walks in and finds a number of English words to choose from. After picking 3, he stamps then on an official document which he then hands to Poetographess number 1. She, in turn, starts creating a poem around the chosen words. Next, the document is passed on to Poetographess number 2, who...
Barcelona Beyond the Tourists
Barcelona Beyond the Tourists
Colored Asphalt and Others Ways to Beat the Heat
There are people who love the sun in summer while others avoid it like the plague. And one certainly cannot compare a hot, sunny day on the beach somewhere in the Mediterranean with the experience of waiting in line for over an hour in the full sun to get into the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This is why many people choose to avoid southern European countries during the summer months, and it’s not a bad idea. Nevertheless, there are ways to avoid getting sunburned or heat stroke while waiting in long lines or walking on the beach of Barceloneta. If you are planning on spending a few days in one of our apartments in Barcelona this summer, we will show you some ideas on how to beat the heat as well as an original idea that comes from the United States. Schedules You don’t need to be a genius to realize that the sun is more intense between 12 noon and 5pm. That is why when planning your trip, it’s a good idea to schedule more indoor activities during this time to avoid spending too much time in the sun, arrive either before or after the long lines at monuments or museums, or simply go for a walk along the sea. In Barcelona, the breeze at the beach or on a terrace can make the heat more tolerable. Light-colored clothing It´s crazy to see people walking around with black or dark-colored shirts or other clothing in the middle of summer in Barcelona. Okay, so you might not see the sweat as easily, but the truth is that dark colors...
Barcelona – A City for Everyone
Choosing your next holiday destination is not easy. But let´s be honest, it’s a rather pleasurable ‘problem’ to have, and looking into all the different possibilities is not exactly an ordeal. We would like to recommend the city of Barcelona, a city for everyone. Whether traveling with your partner, friends or family and whether you’re into culture or partying, Barcelona has it all. Couples / Romance Barcelona is the perfect city for couples who want to spend a few days somewhere romantic but without the expenses of other romantic destinations like Paris or Venice. The Catalan capital has many places to take a romantic stroll along the beach, on the mountain of Montjuïc or in the old town. There are also many restaurants near the harbor where you can dine with views of the sea and the beach, enjoying exquisite dishes in an intimate atmosphere. Friends Barcelona is most certainly one of Europe’s best party cities. Groups of friends from around the world travel to Barcelona to enjoy the nightlife, the many bars and clubs. And there’s something for everyone, from the sophisticated Shôko y Opium to classics like Sala Apollo or City Hall. And in the Eixample district there are many gay bars that would interest tourists searching for a city with LGBT scene. Drinking in Barcelona is cheap, and the good thing is you can sleep it off on the beach the next day. Fantastic! Family Taking your children when traveling is not a problem in Barcelona. For starters, many of the city streets are pedestrian-only so you don’t have to worry about cars as much....
Barcelona from A to Z: Part II
Here you have the second part of “Barcelona from A to Z”, a tour of the entire city by way of the alphabet. Nightlife: Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to nightlife. There are lots of clubs, bars and after-hours spots that will keep you dancing until sunrise. Olives: Olives are a crucial ingredient in Catalan cuisine, not only olive oil but olives are also eaten with meals or as snacks. Playa: The beach of Barcelona is beautiful. Divided into eight different beaches, each one has its own style. Enjoying the beach along the Mediterranean in Barcelona is a luxury available to everyone. Quiosco: Kiosks are all along the Ramblas offering flowers, animals, newspapers and souvenirs. On the most famous street in Barcelona one can buy absolutely anything. Ramblas: Without a doubt, this is the most famous street in Barcelona. Flanked by trees, it runs from the Plaça Catalunya to the sea. Nearby buildings include the Teatro del Liceu, the Boquería market and the Plaça Reial. And a walk here is not to be missed. Photo: Ralf Roletschek Sagrada Familia: If Barcelona has an iconic memorial, this is it. This cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí is still under construction but is unique in the world because of its modernist style. Like the Ramblas , it’s a must-see. Tibidabo: Above Barcelona stands this mountain offering truly impressive views of the city. It also has a castle and an amusement park, which round out your visit. Un tallat!: Expect to hear this at any bar or terrace. In...
Barcelona from A to Z: Part I
Arc de Triomf: This arch was built in the nineteenth century as an entrance to Barcelona’s Ciutadella Park, which once housed the World Expo. Today it is an emblem of Barcelona. Bicing: It is impossible to be out around town and not see people traveling about on these red rental bicycles. Columbus: At the foot of the Ramblas you’ll find this statue commemorating America’s discoverer, who points out to sea. There’s also a gazebo, which is the first thing you’ll see in the city if you’re arriving by water. Diagonal: The largest avenue of Barcelona. The Diagonal lives up to its name, crossing the city diagonally until it ends at the sea. Estrella: Without a doubt, this is the city’s most popular beer and you can order it just about anywhere. This Catalan beer is perfect for an afternoon spent soaking up the sun watching the world go by. Futbol Club Barcelona: This club is the most important ambassador of the city and maybe even the best football club in the world. One can even go to Camp Nou and enjoy watching these world-class stars of the sport. Camp Nou via JoJan Gaudí: This modernist architect is one of the main reasons why people visit Barcelona. His modernist buildings are truly unique, and works by Gaudí such as the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Park Güell or Casa Batlló, Gaudi changed the face of the city and turned it into a work of art. Hospital de Sant Pau: This wonderful modernist building is surely the most beautiful hospital in the world. Designed by the architect Domènech i Montaner, its domes,...
Curious places on the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands have a very special charm. They’re full of colors, walls, gardens, lighthouses, harbors and bays … there time goes at a different pace and the activities to do are infinite. Let´s go on a tour through some of the most curious places on Mallorca and Menorca: we will visit caves and beaches. Photo: Alejandro Sánchez Marcos Cueva Sa Nacra, Ciutadella (Menorca) After a dip, what most folks on Menorca want to do is going for a drink. Well, what about doing both at once? At Cueva Sa Nacra, a curious pub-restaurant in Ciutadella, you have the chance to have this experience. The restaurant is built on the water with a kind of terrace overlooking the sea and its facilities are carved in the rock. The cave was excavated by a local entrepreneur, who decided to open his own business right there. The walls are decorated with fan mussel shells and a springboard to jump into the water and, for the less adventurous, a staircase leading down to the sea. The best of Cueva Sa Nacra are its views, because you will have the feeling of being part of the Mediterranean Sea, while enjoying delicious dishes that include paellas, grilled meats, fishes of all kinds, red prawns from Menorca, salads and yummy desserts. At night, you can have a drink in a magical environment full of candles and chill out music. It´s very nice. Es Barcarés Beach, Alcudia (Mallorca) This coved area contains several small beaches that are the ideal place to relax, to spend a nice time with family or just a few hours alone with a...
Poble Sec Is All the Rage in Barcelona
One of the must-see spots for all travelers who seek to get to know the real Barcelona is to visit the city’s Poble Sec neighborhood, an area full of charm and authenticity where the bohemian past is still present. Poble Sec is located halfway between Mount Montjuic and Las Ramblas. It is the ideal choice for those who want to be away from the crowds of tourists that flood other areas of Barcelona but near the city center and other landmarks such as the Gothic Quarter or the multicultural Raval. What can you do? As a neighborhood of contrasts, where a quiet residential environment coexists with some of the liveliest nightlife in Barcelona, there are entertainment options for all tastes and no shortage of possiblities Here are our suggestions: Walk around Montjuic The Monte de Montjuic offers spectacular views of the Catalan capital, splendid parks and gardens to spend a day outdoors, and some of the most interesting artistic institutions in the city: the Joan Miró Foundation, the Caixa Forum Museum and the National Museum of Catalan Art. A night at the theater The Poble Sec’s relationship with theater and culture is long-standing. Since the early 20th century it has been home to the best theaters, concert cafés and cabarets of the capital, whose decadent air and popularity attracted Barcelona artists. Today, the Avinguda del Parallel has the most cultural activity in the neighborhood. There, you’ll find the legendary Apollo, El Molino, Condal and Victoria theaters, which are perfect for spending a night out. La Ciudad del Teatro, which is home to the old Flower Market and the...
Barcelona’s 15 Best Hipster Bars
Barcelona’s 15 Best Hipster Bars
