Ratings
- A Guiri’s Take on Barça
(5.00 out of 5) - Barcelona Through the Years (5.00 out of 5)
- US Thanksgiving 2009 (5.00 out of 5)
Archive for the ‘Hot spots’ Category
The majority of inhabitants in Barcelona live in apartments. Although there are houses in some parts of Barcelona, close to the city center most people live in apartment buildings. As a result, when living in Barcelona (or visiting for an extended period) there are many options in regards to apartment living in Barcelona.
In Barcelona there is a huge variety of old (sometimes very old) and new standard apartments, studio apartments and duplex apartments. Apartments range from having one or no rooms to apartments with 6 or more rooms. There are student apartments, apartments for females or males only and apartments with certain age preferences. In regards to apartment living, Barcelona has it all. 
Particularly for young people and those not living with family, the most popular type of accommodation in Barcelona is either in a standard share apartment or a studio/loft type apartment. The majority of young people that I know live in apartments that they share with usually 2, 3 or 4 other flatmates (of course there are apartments with less flatmates and more flatmates, however, a total of 3-5 flatmates is most common). This is generally the cheapest way to live and also the most enjoyable if you like living with others and meeting new people.
Due to its popularity as an international destination there are many expatriates and foreigners living in Barcelona. Consequently, share arpartments are often shared amongst people of different nationalities and are usually very fun places to live. If you are looking to live in a share apartment and wish to improve your Spanish while living in Barcelona you should always ask what languages are mostly spoken in the apartment. Although its not very common, in some share apartments little or no Spanish is spoken. Living in a Spanish speaking environment is one of the best ways to learn and improve your Spanish.
In Barcelona there are many share apartments shared only by students or people between certain ages. This helps ensure a good atmosphere in the apartment and good relationships between the housemates. Barcelona-Home is one company that I know that specialises in this type of accommodation and has a wide variety of rooms available in share apartments (it also has a number of standard, studio and duplex apartments on offer).
If you prefer living on your own and having your own space then a studio apartment would be best suited to you, however, these can be expensive for just one person. If you don´t mind spending a little more you can also find some very nice duplex apartments (with more than one level) as well as nice standard apartments with 1-3 bedrooms.
Either way you will be able to find the right living environment for you in Barcelona.
Staying near Las Ramblas offers many exciting activities, and is in the center of all the action.. Las Ramblas is a long, pedestrian friendly road that stretches from Plaza Catalunya to the Christoper Columbus statue near the Port. Las Ramblas is in the city center and there are many metros, which makes getting around the city very convenient. While cruising down the street you can find street performers, human statues, flower stands, outdoor eating and even pet stores, but be careful of pick-pockets and bag snatchers since this is a tourist filled area. You are only minutes away from the large marketplace, La Boqueria, which is filled with colorful exotic tropical fruits and vegtables, a variety of meats and seafood, cheese and eggs. The location is central, only being 5 minutes from the Cathedral, the Port, Plaza Catalunya, the Opera House, shopping and many museums. Just off of Las Ramblas there is the famous Opera house, Liceu, as well as many plaza’s, the big one being Plaza Reial, which is filled with restaurants, bars and clubs. The restaurants near or on Las Ramblas do not have the best food, and are a little over priced due to the amount of tourist. However it is a great place to grab a cerveza or a pitcher of sangria, and people watch. The are many bars around Las Ramblas to choose from, since it is the center of nightlife in Barcelona. There is something going on at all hours of the day and night, and if you are hoping for a good night’s sleep, Las Ramblas may not be the right place for you. Be prepared for a lot of noise. On the other hand, if you want to be in the heart of Barcelona, Las Ramblas is the place to be.
![P020709_15.25[01]](http://barcelonaholidayflat.com/wp-content/P020709_15.2501.JPG "Districs of BCN")
There are many districts to choose from in the wonderful city of Barcelona, being a metropolitan area of 10 different districts. Each one is unique and has its own history and attractions. Having been divided up since 1984, they are each a representation of the way the territorial space in the country is very organized. Sant Andreu is a little far from the center of the city, or what some would call the “hip” part. But this is not to say that one should not visit it to really get a personal feel for the city. There are also several good reasons to stay there for the holidays. This is the third biggest district in size, with about 135,000 people. To describe where it’s located. It is in the northern part of the city, and it shares a border with the river Besòs, which lends itself for a pleasant walk around the district. Some of the popular sites in this area are Sala de conciertos Arzobispo, which serves as a building for special events such as school concerts and such, before it becomes a hopping place for party goers. Then we have the Club Natacio Sant Andreu, a sports complex that invites athletic people for several different sports and activities. This is the kind of community entity that all districts in Barcelona should have so that people can become more motivated to engage in some physical activity. Finally there is the restaurant L’Olive, a great, unique place where one can get a great meal with the family. Come and have a pleasant stay in this district of Barcelona and let it be another way for the city to work its charm on you.
The hours in Barcelona are a lot different then most of the world. It is useful to know the Spanish way. Shops and other businesses may open around 10, but it may vary depending on the job. The majority of offices in Barcelona close from 2:00-4:00pm, and then stays open to around 8pm. During the hours of 2 and 4, many people will go and have a nice long lunch at restaurant nearby. Many banks will stay closed during these hours, and may not open again until the following morning. Unlike other countries, Spaniards will not skip their lunch to get work done. If something breaks in an apartment, it may take a little bit longer to get fixed. Do not be surprised if they are late, as this is very in common. As the Spanish are on their own time schedule. Do not get frustrated by this, because this is how things are. It is a slower paced lifestyle, and the only thing that seems fast are the mopeds on the street. Compared to Americans, Spaniards “work to live,” rather than “live to work.” Most things on Sundays are closed as well. So do not expect something to get done on a Sunday, unless it is an absolute emergency. The month of August is a popular time for people in Barcelona to take vacations, and they may even take the whole month off. Some businesses maybe be closed during this month. There are also many national holidays, when people do not work. The majority of shops, restaurants and other businesses are closed. If the holiday falls on Thursday, they are most likely to take that Friday off. This is called Puente (bridge), which creates a long 4 or 5 day weekend. The Spanish time table takes sometime to get adjusted too, but just enjoy your time, and do not let the slow paced life style get to you.
When it comes to drinking the water in Barcelona, many people have different opinions. In my experience, I recommend that you do not drink the water from the sink. The water is fine to drink, but it is not the best tasting. The Barcelona Public Health Authority has approved the safety of the water, and drinking it causes no health risk. It is fine to use the water for cooking, but as for drinking it during the day, thats a different story. The restaurants in Barcelona only serve bottled water. Bottled water is very cheapp to buy. You can find a large bottle at a local store for around 1 euro, and in the grocery stores they are around 40 cents. Restaurants mark up the water prices a lot, a small bottle may cost you around 1.50 euro. They are also large 5 L bottles of water, which are good to keep inside the apartment, and cost around 1.50 euro. There are old stylish water pumps/fountains around Barcelona, which many people use to fill up water bottle containers. You can see older locals using them as well as thirsty dogs, however not many tourists use them to fill up their bottles. If you are desperate for water, it is fine to drink the water, but be prepared that it may not be the best tasting water.
This recently renovated flat overlooks the Gran Via high street with beautiful views of the Montjuic palace. With such a commercial surrounding, this classy apartment has everything within a stones throw and major sights and attractions such as San Antonio’s market, Plazas Catalunya and España along with the Olympic zone are equally as near. The flat itself has all the usuals with two single rooms and a double all boasting the right sized beds. Security, central heating and air-conditioning come as standard (as does the Internet, which was a nice surprise) and the kitchen is fully equipped with a modern oven. By far the most attractive factor however, is the outside private terrace with the aforementioned sights. Renovated to a rural and simplistic feel, it provides a special and relaxed seating area for all members of the household. Simply put, a rustic home-cooked meal can be enjoyed in private freedom with views of some of Barcelona´s most treasured landmarks.
This flat has the feel of luxury. Its 50 square metres are stylish and well finished and although in comparison to other apartments it is small, it pulls itself out of this usually unattractive predicament with its recently renovated loft space that gives the apartment the feel of a cabin in the hills of switzerland. Space is not compromised however and the upstairs is the sleeping area with a double bed and a sofa bed. Complete with standard bathroom with all your usuals and a kitchen that supersedes its micro status, the flat continues to offer suprises and shows that compact doesnt always have to mean cluttered. Strategically situated in the Sants Monjuic region of Barcelona, it is startlingly close Plaza Espana and thus the whole commercial shopping, clubbing and dining experience. It is quoted to be “ideal for students and young couples” but in reality, this apartment again breaks out of the mould and is suitable to be marketed towards anyone who looks for comfort and location when picking accomodation. Lastly, there is an “optional” list of everything from a cradle to a telephone and transfer to a baby chair. At just over 77euros per night, enjoy the stay if you choose to visit and if not, just enjoy the pictures.
Gran Via (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Avinguda de la Gran Via, the former entering the latter just past Montjuic) is a large central street traversing Barcelona from its north-eastern edge to its south-western boundary. The apartment in question is in L´Eixample just before Rocafort metro station and has a view of the bustling main street and its vibrant area. You basically rent a room, as the flat is shared with a Spanish family. You have access to a toilet, living area, balcony and kithen and also the free opportunity to meet some friendly people. If you are someone looking for cheaper accommodation for a short stay, this is ideal and at just over 25 euros per night, it is very worth the stay. The area is central in Barcelona and you are not far away from shops, clubs and bars and I push you to visit the Mercado de San Antonio which is as varied as it is affordable.
This is a large and thus spacious house containing three consecutive floors, which if you have any problems when calling for dinner, you can just turn on and make use of the fantastic intercom system. Located on Dami in Sants Montjuic and very close to Fira Barcelona, this is an excellent starting ground for anyone who wishes to begin a new life in Barcelona, make new friends and see some beautiful commercial and natural scenery. There are six bedrooms, four being double and two being single. Air conditioning is standard, as is internet, TV, heating and flat insurance. This one is a real gem, sold easily by the double terraces which are so open and attractive that you probably wont want to sleep indoors.
Central and large apartment, very well connected by public transportation to any point of the city. Located close to Palacio de Montjuic, Mercado de San Antonio, La Rambla del Raval, Las Ramblas, El Mercado de La Boquería. You are also be able to enjoy a great variety of restaurants, bars and theatres such as El Victoria, El Apolo, El Condal and El Tarantantana. Central heating and television are both standard with the apartment. Sleeps upto seven people with two double rooms and a single room. A clean, compact and cosy apartment with an attractive price. Look at this and others…
Furnished and remodeled apartment full of natural light and ideal for groups and families. Situated in the barrio Eixample, which is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, and very close to the beach and other important commerical areas. A few minutes away are Las Ramblas, the Teatro Nacional, the Auditorio de Barcelona, the Paseo del Borne, the Park de la Ciudadella, the church Santa María del Mar and the Arco del Triunfo. This neighborhood offers many bars, cafés and traditional restaurants. With six single beds in two single and two double rooms, this flat has two bathrooms with a shower and bathtub in each. There is a lift to the apartment on the second floor, heating, internet, a television and to top it all off, flat insurance. This apartment is a gem amongst a sea of expensive flats, so scoop it up at!
Spacious apartment, completely new, with plenty of natural light and nice balconies. The building has been recently renovated. In this area there are many schools and universities so a lot of students live nearby. The flat is close to Fira de Barcelona in Plaza España, Estación de Sants, Zona Universitaria, Palacio de Montjuic, the Joan Miró Park, Zona Olímpica and the Camp Nou, Barcelona FC’s Stadium. Flat insurance, internet, television, airconditioning and heating all come as standard with this apartment, and the natural light is kept constant by the two beautiful balconies. Head to Barcelona-Home to have a deeper look at this flat and many others…
Colorful and cosy apartment, situated in the middle of the Eixample district where you can enjoy a great variety of bars, restaurants and theatres. The flat is located on Gran vía, one of the most commercial avenues of the city. You will also find some of the well-known sites of Barcelona like Plaza España, Plaza Cataluña, Plaza Universitat, the MACBA, Palacio de Montjuic, and Las Ramblas close by. Sleeps upto seven people with two double beds and three single beds, and is furnished with all the luxury items you would expect including internet and flat insurance. Barcelona Home has many more apartments like this to offer…
Charming and spacious apartment, completely exterior with 5 beautiful balconies, wood floors and great natural lighting. Strategically located just a few minutes from Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas, nearby the theatre zone of the city where you can find the theatre and club Apollo. Comfortable furnished with a single bed, all linens and a large closet for all the clothing you may need. Check it out at Barcelona-Home.
Pleasant and spacious apartment, with ceramic floors, completely exterior, features nine sunny balconies. Ideal for large groups, with six double rooms and one single room, located in a building with doorman service in the very center of Barcelona. Strategically situated in Plaza Universidad right in front of Universidad de Barcelona, the famous Plaza Catalunya and las Ramblas, where you will find excellent public transport services. This large flat holds enough space to sleep up to thirteen people with lots of clean linen and a washing machine so you can enjoy your stay in compete comfort. The seven bedrooms are all open and with nine balconies, this huge apartment will have you and your friends taking real profit of the time you spend in Barcelona city.
Elegant and comfortable apartment totally renovated and very well luminated, located in a modern building. It is situated in the middle of downtown Barcelona, close to the most commercial area of the city. Nearby you will find Universidad de Barcelona (UB) (in Plaza Universidad), The MACBA, Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña, Las Ramblas. You can enjoy the great number of pubs, restaurants and theatres, such as El Liceu and El Tarantantana, which are also in the area. With maximum sleeping capacity of seven people, the single bed, double bed and optional two double sofa beds make this apartment more spacious than it could be and with the ability to cater for more people if need be. Check it out…
With so many things going on at once, and so many places to visit, Barcelona proves to be a wonderful attraction for all kinds of travelers and visitors. The city is nicely organized into two main halves wich are divided by the grand Avenida Diagonal. On the bottom half of the city, on the south-west corner of it, you will find the beautiful Montjuic area. To talk only a little about the greatness of this place, I will mention different aspects that make it the popular location that it is. So first off, we have a small glimpse of its history. I guess about some thousands of years ago, Iberic Celts settled there, which later became a Roman sacrificial terrain. Many many years later, we find the Palau Nacional. Standing at the end of the international exhibition, this building serves as the National Musuem of Catalan Art. It contains many Gothic, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. If you visit it, you will surely find that its beauty is not only represented by its exterior magnificence. Facing the neo-baroque building you have the magic fountain. Now if you want to know more about this clever idea of some of the city´s designers, you should check out one of our older blog posts for more information. Just know that it is truly a ´´magic´´ fountain.
Another place that I highly recommend, is the Poble Español. This remainder of part of the city in 1929 is just great. As a typical old village of winding streets and cool shops and bars. I´m very fond of this place. Then we have the Anlla Olimpica, which has many of the sports facilities that were used for the 1992 Olympics. The Olympic ring is really fascinating. It proves to be a really enjoyable place to go and spend the afternoon in. The Olympic Tower will be one of teh first things your eyes notice, as the tower dwarves everything else around it. The tower was built as the communications tower for the coverage of the Olympic Games. So I have already mentioned 4 great reasons to get over to Monjuic, but it is not over yet. You also have the Montjuic Gardens which take up all the space between and around these popular places. They are just great, relazing gardens to take a stroll in, or go for a run in the afternoon. And finally we have the oldest sight of Montjuic. The Castell de Montjuic, or Montjuic Castle, is a fortress from the 18th century. It was originally built for the city´s defenses, but now it is a military museum. The best way to reach the castle is to take the cable-lift which is found at the Parallel metro stop. The price for it is not that expensive at all, so fear not. With all these reasons to get on over there, I beg you to just consider Montjuic as a destination spot. The ideal thing would be to find an appartment or shared flat near it, and see it as many times as possible. With companies such as Barcelona-home.com, you should be able to find desireable accomodations for the holidays.
This spacious apartment is located in a building which has been recently renovated and is situated in the district Sants Montjuic.The apartment has a nice, private balcony and plenty of natural light. It is completely furnished and equipted and there is the possibility to get access with an internet connection and to get a flat insurence. This apartment has one bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the living room.
In the area there are many schools and universities, so a lot of students will live nearby. The flat is close Estación de Sants, Palacio de Montjuic, Zona Universitaria and is available within a couple of days. Looking for an accommodation, you should visit Barcelona-Home. It is a company with lots of experience in this business and has a wide variety of accommodations.
Elegant apartment with plenty of natural light and a wide and spacious feel. The building has been recently renovated. In this area many students live, as a lot of Schools and Universities are located close. The flat is close to Fira de Barcelona in Plaza España, Estación de Sants, Zona Universitaria, Palacio de Montjuic, the Joan Miró Park, Zona Olímpica and the Camp Nou, Barcelona FC’s Stadium. This apartment is perfect for a couple. There is a huge double bed (with a mirror lined wall) and if need be, a double sofa bed. The flat is clean, with the usual adornments and the addition of a nice balcony for those evenings when you just want to sit in with a home cooked meal and enjoy the tranquil spirit of Barcelona’s charm. Your needs are catered for with Barcelona Homes unique range of apartments to suit all needs.
On the 29th November 2009 FC Barcelona is once again playing against Real Madrid at their home ground, Camp Nou. The game is called “El Clásico” and is played twice every season, the second game will be in April 2010. The Clásico term came about in the mid-2000s, and is originally a name for any historical South American footballing rivalry. Earlier this year, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that there was an agreement in principle between Barcelona and the Italian club, Internazionale(Inter) for the 28 year old Swedish born player Zlatan Ibrahimović to join Barca in exchange for Samuel Eto’o, plus a fee. On the 26th July Zlatan arrived to Barcelona, he was welcomed and presented to a crowd of over 60,000 people at Camp Nou the day after. He signed a 5-year contract for €46 million and the exchange of Eto’o (valued at €20 million). Zlatan currently earns an annual salary of €9.5 million. The tickets for these rivalry games between Barca and Real Madrid sell out extremely quickly and they are very expensive, often hundereds of euro per ticket. Almost everyone would agree that going to one of the ”El Clásico” games is unforgettable. The strong tension between the two teams and the sold out arena (110.000 people) truly makes it an experiance of a lifetime. Book your ticket today!
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