AccommodationBarcelona

The district Santalo/San Gervasi is a friendly, upper class area made up of quiet, relaxed streets and squares. Where the streets of Santaló and María Cubí intersect, you will find the highest concentration of fashionable spots in all of Barcelona. The people visiting this district are young and stylish and there are many bars and discotheques where you will find good music, good drinks, and lots of fun. At plaça Francesc Maciá you will meet the cream of the crop of Barcelona´s nightlife. San Gervasi is also one of the nicest and safest districts to live in Barcelona.

The Collserola mountain range, 17km long and 6km wide, marks the western limit of Barcelona, and incorporates the neighborhoods of Tibidabo and Vallvidrera. Public Transportation: the Tibibus runs from Pl. de Catalunya to Pl. Tibidabo (the very top of the mountain) stopping only once en route (every 30-40min., only when the Parc d’Attracions is open). The first bus from Pl. de Catalunya leaves 1hr. before park opening and the last usually leaves Pl. Tibidabo at 10pm, but schedules change frequently; for current details, call 010. Wheelchair accessible. An FGC train (U7 line) runs from Pl. de Catalunya to the Tibidabo stop; it stops at the foot of the peak in Pl. JFK, where C. Balmes turns into the Av. Tibidabo. Bus #58 also runs from Pl. de Catalunya to Pl. JFK. The 100 year-old Tram Via Blau ascend the steep Av. Tibidabo from Pl. JFK and takes about 5min. to get to tiny Pl. Dr. Andreu, where the funicular continues to Pl. Tibidabo (not wheelchair accessible). A Metro pass covers the FGC train and funicular on a single ticket; this combination is the cheapest way up the mountain and the only way to reach the church when the amusement park is closed.

The Collserola mountains hovered between wilderness and civilization for centuries. Remains from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages found in the park suggest it was home to many long before the Romans set up shop in the area. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Barcelona became vulnerable to the attack of many German tribes, forcing peasants north to defend their territory. For most of the last 1000 years, the area has been home to agricultural people who built the area’s historic chapels and masias (traditional Catalan farmhouses). In 1860, with the Industrial Revolution, the people of Barcelona began to notice the area’s potential for leisure and summer housing; in the last century, the installation of railtracks, trams, and funiculars has made the mountains easily accessible to urban residents wanting to take advantage of the mountains’ offerings. The Parc de Collserola encompasses essentially the entire chain of mountains; the landscape ranges from almost entirely wild to well-populated.

Tibidabo, the highest peak (512m), hosts a century-old amusement park and the popular Sagrat Cor church, while the hilltop town of Vallvidrera and the communications tower Torre de Collserola occupy a slightly lower peak nearby. The man most responsible for the development of Tibidabo and surrounding slopes was Dr. Salvador Andreu, who in 1899 founded the Tibidabo Society and invested heavily in the land, installing transportation and building hotels, the amusement park, and an extravagant casino, now in ruins. Soon after, the Barcelona bourgeoisie rushed to outdo one another in country-home construction, and the hillsides are now dotted with outstanding examples of early 20th-century Modernist and Noucentist (a return to classical forms) architecture. Many of these former homes now house offices and schools.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Barcelona has given Montjuïc a new identity, transforming it from a historic military stronghold into a vast park by day and playground by night. It is a veritable hub of activity which positively brims with energy and life, boasting a very healthy amount of world famous art museums, theatres, restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs. As Montjuic was also the central site of the 1992 Olympics, it is therefore home to many large sporting facilities that cater to numerous activities such as swimming, running, walking and bike trails, climbing and tennis.

It’s very safe to walk at night; have a drink in a bar, eat some tapas and marvel at the illuminated fountains leading up the face of Montjuic toward the MNAC – Museu National d’ Art Catalunya (National Modern Art Museum of Catalunya). Here, on weekend nights takes place a fabulous show of water, lights, and music is where the grand Magic Fountain of Montjuic takes centre stage. Montjuïc is the large hill that lies in the southwest corner of the city, bordering the Poble Sec neighbourhood, and is one of the oldest sections of Barcelona.

Throughout the city’s history, whoever controlled Montjuïc’s peak controlled the city. The Laietani made Montjuïc their base for collecting oysters, before they were subdued by the Romans, who erected a temple to Jupiter on its slopes. Since then, dozens of despotic rulers have constructed and modified the Castell de Montjuïc, built atop the ancient Jewish cemetery (hence the name “Montjuïc,” which means “Jew Hill”). In the 20th century, Franco made the Castell de Montjuïc one of his “interrogation” headquarters; somewhere deep in the recesses of the structure, his beneméritos (“honorable ones,” a.k.a. the militia) are believed to have shot Catalunya’s former president, Lluís Companys, in 1941. The fort was not available for recreational use until Franco rededicated it to the city in 1960.

To navigate the massive park you may need a map the first few times…Barcelona Tourist Office supplies one that will suffice.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

The Sant Martí district is situated in the eastern part of the city. It´s the second biggest neighbourhood of the city size- and population wise and is where most beaches of Barcelona are situated, since a part of the neighbourhood is the coast line. It is known as middle class neighbourhood with many commercial areas, parks and entertainment places. Looking at its history this wide territory developed towards the north during the 10th. century, thanks to the Condal Channel that transported water from Montcada to Barcelona.

However, the southern territories were unhealthy to live in and quite dry, but from the 17th century this change given to the Industrialization process and this area became one of the most important zones of Spain regarding industry. Nowadays, it’s one of the most lively neighbourhoods of Barcelona with lots of commercial areas, a fact that helps the economic growth of the city.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Sant Andreu is a peaceful neighbourhood situated in the North-East of Barcelona. It is an area less well known to tourists, however there is much to like about this quaint neighbourhood. The streets and plazas are filled with history and there are many restaurants in the area housing some of the best tapas in Barcelona at more than reasonable prices.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

In the north east of Barcelona you will find the neighbourhood of Nou Barris. It is situated 15 minutes away from Barcelona’s center and you will find metro stations such as Viliapicina, Llucmajor, Via Julia and Trinitat Nova in this area.

The zone is populated primarily by Spanish, therefore making it a neighbourhood that is a little more typical than other areas around the city. Many universities are situated in and around this area, as well as many parks, for those who like nature. Such parks include Parc Turó de la Peira, Parc Esportiu de Can Dragó and the amazing Parc Central de Nou Barris with its characteristic central pond.

It is safe to say that Nou Barris is definitely one of Barcelona’s greenest areas.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum

The neighbourhood of Les Corts is where most universities are situated; giving the area a young and vibrant feel. It also boasts a large amount of parks and gardens. A significant sporting attractions here, has to be FC Barcelona’s football stadium, the Nou Camp.

Les Corts is also known for its bakeries and small cafés with terraces where one can soak up the sunlight during the warmer months of the year. Les Corts is a fusion of comtemporary (international corporations, universities, hotels, etc) and the classic 19th century style that is prevalent in other parts of the city. All in all Les Corts is well worth a visit.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Horta and Vall d’Hebron lie past l’Eixample Dreta, in the upper north-eastern corner of the city. Horta did not lose its status as an independent village until 1904, and its abundance of narrow pedestrian streets and old apartment buildings attest to that small town history.

It boasts a few farmhouses and fortresses from the Middle Ages, as well as aristocratic estates dating back to the 19th century, when the base of the Collserola mountains were a popular place for wealthy country homes. In contrast, the neighbouring Vall d’Hebron was built specifically as one of four main Olympic venues in 1992, serving as the centre for the cycling, tennis, and archery competitions.

In general, however, this is an area scarce of tourists and home to dozens of apartment buildings, leaving it with a nondescript atmosphere perfect for suburbanites but possibly lacking the adventure sought by travellers.

Public Transportation: M: Horta, Vall d’Hebron, Mundet, and Montbau.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Originally an independent and largely working-class village, Gràcia was incorporated into Barcelona in 1897, much to the protest of its residents. Calls for Gràcian independence continue even today, although less frequently. The area has always had a political streak – a theme that appears in the names of Mercat de Llibertat, Pl. de la Revolució, and others. After incorporation, the area continued to be a center of left-wing activism and resistance, even throughout the oppressive Franco regime. Gràcia still retains plenty of its independent and activist spirit, which can be seen through its political graffiti.

Gràcia packs into its relatively small area a surprising number of Modernist buildings and parks, chic shops, and international cuisine (especially a number of great Lebanese restaurants!). Everything is proximate, making it very walkable.

The area has a diverse mix of people from the solidly middle-class to the more bohemiam youth, all fitting nicely into a neighbourhood that charms and confuses with its narrow alleys and numerous plaças. Because it is relatively untouched by tourism, Gràcia retains a local charm that has been sapped from some of Barcelona’s more popular sections. If you’re in town in August, be sure to check out the Fiesta Major de Gràcia, a week-long party that draws in Barcelonenses from all corners of the city.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Barcelona’s Eixample (the Enlargement) is comprised of streets that create a perfect city grid and are filled with every kind of storefront –from designer shops, corporate buildings, markets, and eateries from around the world. There is a great ion of chic bars and restaurants where you’ll be able to relax with some fine food and glass of Rioja. Most tourists only see the Pg. de Gràcia and Sagrada Família, but if you have the energy to explore the whole neighbourhood, you’ll get a great lesson in Modernism and a better feel for the Barcelona beyond the tourist areas.

Eixample is bisected vertically by the Pg. de Gràcia, Barcelona’s avenue of high-end designer boutiques, into Eixample Esquerra (Left Enlargement) to the west and Eixample Dreta (Right Enlargement) to the east. Public Transportation: Metro lines 3, 4, 5, and the FCG trains run through Eixample; about half the city buses pass through this neighbourhood, and all nightbuses originate from Pl. de Catalunya.

The Eixample is remarkable for the unusual circumstances leading to its development. When the oppressive Bourbon walls around the old city were finally demolished in 1854, the Catalan cultural Renaixença was picking up. As the number of wealthy benefactors of industrialization grew, utopian socialist theories circulated like wildfire through philosophical circles, including that of Eixample designer Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer. Cerdà’s plan for Barcelona’s enlargement was to impose an equal social community through uniformity of space and building design; however, once Eixample was built, rich industrialists harassed rising young architects to turn the new houses into overt displays of privilege in an early move of gentrification. Cerdà’s interior garden designs that were once the interior of every city block, were later built over by land-developers in the interests of greater profits.

Despite the fact that today’s Eixample is not an accurate incarnation of Cerdà’s original plan, the neighbourhood boasts hundreds of interesting building facades and is a fabulous place to wander; particularly for those who are claustrophobic and who feel cramped in the tight spaces of the older neighbourhoods.

RECOMMENDED NIGHTLIFE
Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros.

AREAS IN THE DISTRICTS
Sants, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, Poble Sec, Font de la Guatlla, Magòria, La Marina, Zona Franca y Montjuic.

RECOMMENDED MUSEUMS
El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte.

RECOMMENDED SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages.

SHOPPING CENTERS
Eroski, Caprabo, Consum.

Es el barrio más antiguo y típico de la ciudad, su nombre se lo debe a la cantidad de edificios Góticos con los que cuenta. Cuando paseas por sus calles puedes tener la sensación de encontrarte en un laberinto de calles llenas de tiendas, bares, cafés y restaurantes. Mirando la arquitectura de este barrio podrías pasar un día entero, especialmente delante de su Catedral, majestuosa y a su vez mágica. Para llegar a ella tienes que ir hacia el este de la Ramblas y el Sureste de Plaza Cataluña; la playa y el puerto están muy cerca, sólo un pequeño paseo te separa de ellas, con que podrás disfrutar un poco más de la ciudad. OCIO NOCTURNO RECOMENDADO Razzmatazz, OttoZutz, Black Sheep, City Hall, LeKasBah, Sutton,  Mondo, Danzatoria, Shoko, Opium Mar, Rivelinos, Opium Cinema, CDLC, Catwalk, La Terraza, Discothèque, Chupito Bar, Princesa 23,  Nasty Mondays, Liquid, Pepino, Kharma, Roxy, entre otros. BARRIOS DEL DISTRITO Barceloneta, Santa Caterina-Born, el Raval, Gòtic. MUSEOS RECOMENDADOS El MACBA, Picasso, Joan Miró, Gaudí, MNAC, Museo de Cera de Barcelona, Museo Marítimo, FC Barcelona, Olímpico y del Deporte. ESCUELAS Y UNIVERSIDADES RECOMENDADAS EADA, EAE, Uniersidad de Barcelona, IED, Universidad Autónoma, La Salle, ABC, Don Quijote, ESERP,  Speak Easy, European University, IS, Olé Languages. CENTROS COMERCIALES El Corte Inglés, FNAC, El Triangle, Carrefour.