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April 29, 2008

The Barcelona GREC Art Festival 2008 - Theatre, Dance and Music

grec_festival_barcelona.jpg In June and August 2008 (exact dates to be confirmed), music, dance and art lovers staying in Barcelona shouldn't miss "The Grec". This Barcelona festival offers a great mix of entertainment with music highlights. Each year the organisers suprise the international audience who attend the Barcelona Grec Art Festival by bringing up something new and completely different. That is why visiting "The Grec" is a unique experience every year. As it attracts many tourists interested in the arts and is one the most important events in Barcelona's cultural calendar, you might want to consider accommodation offers of Barcelona hotels or Barcelona apartments for this amazing summer highlight. Teatre Grec is a theatre in the Montjuïc Mountain, which was built in 1929 by the Catalan architect Ramon Reventós as the ancient Greece theatres due to the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona. Today its main use is in summer festivals like the internationally well-known Festival Grec de Barcelona. Art and literature, flamenco and classical music, ... - there truly is something for everyone! To find out more about this event, visit the Barcelona GREC Festival website.

Posted by Anja H at 10:40 AM |

April 24, 2008

El Poble Espanyol - Hidden village in Barca

pobleespanyol.jpgAre you staying in a central Barcelona Hotel or one of the many charming Barcelona apartments and want to escape the busy metropolitain area for once? Visit the Poble Espanyol on Montjuic! That's a nice escape from crowded downtown Barcelona. There quite a lot of things to visit. First you should walk through the open air museum. If you are traveling with kids, there are special activities for them, which you can learn more about in the Poble Espanyol Website. Also, quite a view restaurants and bars can be found in this tranquil area. For the younger one's that want to go out and dance, three discos are on the Poble Espanyol premises. As you can see, there's something in it for everyone! If you are still looking for Barcelona accommodation, visit BarcelonaPoint.com. For more information on how to get there, opening hours and entrance fees, you can also visit the Poble Espanyol website.

Posted by Verena at 11:57 AM |

Coming to Barcelona as a Group?

apt561.jpgIf your planning on coming to Barcelona as a group, BarcelonaPoint.com has a new Barcelona group apartment, that might be just right for you! Located right in the center of Barcelona, in the Barrio Gotico up to six people can stay at the luminous holiday rental. It has two bedrooms, one of which has a double bed, the other one a bunk bed and there is a further sofa bed in the living room. This colorful and contemporary apartment if fully equipped, has a little kitchenette, a washing machine and amendities including TV, Stereo, air-conditioning and heating. The highlight of this Codols Colon Barcelona Group Apartment is definitely its location in the heart of Barrio Gotico, making it ideal to explore the winding gothic roads of the district, the sights nearby and the vibrant nightlife in the artistic, yet chic Borne district right nextdoor. Also, the Barcelona beach with delicious seafood restaurants is only ten walking minutes from the apartment. Check out this and many other Barcelona group apartments on BarcelonaPoint.com!

Posted by Verena at 11:20 AM |

April 23, 2008

St. Jordi is here!

sanjordi.jpgHappy St. Jordi's day to everyone! A couple of days ago we told you about the legend and the fact that at the end of the day, April you won't see a woman without a rose. But there is more to come. If you are staying in a Barcelona Hotel or one of the many charming Barcelona apartments you can participate in the St Jordi's day festivities. For those, who are not here, you might want to plan your romatic Barcelona weekend for next year at the time of St. Jordi's. Early this morning florists and book sellers built up their little stands, not only in downtown Barcelona, but every few meters on all main streets of the city. Not only book and flower shops participate in this tradition. Even the public transport TMB initiated a competition for the best short story on the bus or metro, dedicated to St. Jordi. So, if you're still undecided on where to go this evening, there is an event right next to your Barcelona accommodation, for sure. To find out more about the events this year, log on the St. Jordi's Day BCN.es page. This also gives you an idea of what to expect should you decide to join in next year!

Posted by Verena at 11:05 AM |

April 22, 2008

BAFF Started 10 Years Ago - Join the Anniversary

BAFF08.jpgFor tourists staying in a Barcelona Hotel or one of the many authentic and charming Barcelona apartments, here is a multicultural event, you don't want to miss out on, given that you're in Barcelona between the 25 April and 4 May. The Barcelona Asian Film Festival (BAFF) started off in 1999 as a simple Japanese film exhibition, and is now one of the leading film festivals of its genre on the Iberic island.

According to BCN.es the highlight of this festival is the trip back down memory lane, since classics such as Café Lumière, by Hou Hsaio Hsien, and Goodbye, Dragon Inn, by Tsai Ming Liang will be featured again in the BAFF 10 section.
Many places of interest, such as the MACBA participate in this festival, which makes it ideal for tourists staying in Barcelona at this time, since they can join the festival and go sightseeing at the same time. Where and when to see which Asian movie, exhibition or event of the festival can be seen on the BAFF-BCN Homepage.

Posted by Verena at 9:46 AM |

April 21, 2008

Dive into the Mediterranean - visit L'Aquarium de Barcelona

aquarium_barcelona.jpg Holiday makers staying at Barcelona hotels and Barcelona apartments shouldn´t miss to visit L'Aquarium de Barcelona during their stay in Barcelona as it is the most important marine leisure and education centre in the world concerning the Mediterranean. Especially families will love to discover the underwater world of the Mediterranean. More than 14 million people have already been visited L'Aquarium with its unique underwater tunnel of 80 metres lenghts. The combination of information, entertainment and education makes it a fun visit for all family members.To get to the aquarium you just have to take metro to Drassanes (L3) or Barceloneta (L4). Lets dive into the Mediterranean!

Address:
Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell, s/n - 08039 BARCELONA

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday - 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Weekend and public holidays, June and September - 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Prices:
Adults: 16 €
Children from 4 to 12: 11 €
Adults over 60: 12,50 €

Posted by Anja H at 2:43 PM |

April 18, 2008

Placa Catalunya - shining in a new light!

placacatalunya.jpgThe renovation of Placa Catalunya is finished! It took the first quarter of 2008 and 560,000 Euros for it to be the new meeting point between Exiample and Cuitat Vella. The project was funded by the city council and in the course of the renovation the urban furniture was renewed. Now, there are 65 benches on Placa Catalunya to sit under the sun, talk and see where to go and what to do next in Barcelona. If you spend your vacation in Barcelona you will most certainly pass by Placa Catalunya. If you wish to stay in a very central accommodation, check out the offers of BarcelonaPoint.com for Barcelona Hotels and centrally located Barcelona apartments. The renovation of the central meeting point also included the Rosa dels Vents which has a new red stone mosaic replacing the grey asphalt and restoring its original appearance as it was in 1959. Also, The City Council took advantage of the renovation to renew the pavements and revise underground installations. The architect behind Placa Catalunya was Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1915, who initiated the project after the city walls were torn down. The construction work began before 1929 to show off the new meeting point for the Universal Exposition. Staying in a Barcelona accommodation close to Placa Catalunya allows you to take in the unique atmosphere of the metropolis. Have a nice stay!

Posted by Verena at 9:32 AM |

April 17, 2008

Hotel del Mar in Barcelona - a great budget choice!

hoteldelmar.jpgHotel Del Mar in Barcelona is the ideal choice of Barcelona accommodation for any holiday maker coming to the Catalonian sunshine capital with the intention of exploring the city, its nightlife, sights and other attractions. Hotel del Mar has a very central location, a few steps from the port in Barrio Gotico, but also right next to the artistic Borne district and the traditional Barceloneta fishermen's district that is right next to the beach. Thus, the Hotel Del Mar Barcelona is the ideal starting point for exploring all places of interest in and around the center of the city. Also, the hotel provides for all amenities making your stay a comfortable one. This includes satellite TV, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, Internet access. The Hotel opened in 1968 and is thus a very traditional, typical Barcelona Hotel, that has only recently, namely in 2005, been renovated. It has very comfortable rooms that are fully equipped. For more information on the Hotel, visit BarcelonaPoint.com.

Posted by Verena at 9:16 AM |

Fira Barcelona: 17th International Tourism Show in Catalonia

fira_barcelona.jpg From today on, the International Tourism Show in Catalonia will take place at the Fira Barcelona. About 1,500 exhibitors of the tourism and travel sector from 75 countries of the world will present thousands of travel destinations and new tourism ideas. Visitors will find everything to plan their next vacation and might as well enjoy one of the fabulous shows on the fair grounds. The Mediterranean Zone invites you to relax, fancy foods of Catalan cuisine will be offered at several places at the Fira and areas of tourist specialization, including: wine tourism through the Spanish Association of Wine Cities (ACEVIN), gay tourism concentrated in the Pink Corner and health tourism are represented. If you want to join the 17th International Tourism Show in the next days and are still looking for Barcelona accommodation, you might check the Plaza Espanya Hotels right next to the Fira Barcelona.

Tickets:
17th and 18th of April - 8 Euros
19th and 20th of April - 10 Euros

Enter the world of tourism!

Posted by Anja H at 8:55 AM |

April 16, 2008

Harlem Globe Trotters in Barcelona!

HarlemGlobeTrotters.jpgThe Harlem Globe Trotters start their tour in Spain! The art of show-basketball this group masters perfectly will be presented at Palais Sant Jordi on 27 april 2008. Barcelona is the first city in Spain hosting this spectacular event of the New-York Ensemble. The show promises fun, artistic and acrobatic surprises and any basketball fan will love it! After Barcelona the group will come back to Catalunya in June to present their show in Girona and Cornella. If you are still looking for a Barcelona accommodation, BarcelonaPoint.com has a wide offer of Barcelona Hotels as well as Barcelona apartments for each budget. Tickets are sold on the Harlem Globe Trotters' homepage and cost between 16-27 €. Have fun watching the show!

Posted by Verena at 9:29 AM |

April 15, 2008

Comic Mania in Barcelona

comic.jpgThe 26th international Comic Exhibition in Barcelona will open its doors on 17 April - 20 April 2008. All comic and animated film fans as well as Manga fans that are in Barcelona and stay in a Barcelona Hotel or a Barcelona apartment close to the fair grounds in Montjuic, should pay a visit to this event which has - over the years - built up on reputation on an international level. It's also entertaining for families staying in Barcelona during the upcoming weekend. The closest subway stop is Placa Espanya on the green or red line, the entrance fee is 6€. Doors open at 10:00 am and close at 09:00 pm, except for saturday it closes one hour later. Enjoy, read and laugh - the 26th international Comic Exhibition in Barcelona is waiting for you! If you are still looking for a Barcelona apartment in Montjuic, close to the fair grounds, visit www.BarcelonaPoint.com!

Posted by Verena at 9:42 AM |

April 14, 2008

Samsara - Exotic Meets Traditional Tapas

tapas.jpgThis Tapas Bar in the chic Gracia district is definitely worth a visit during your stay at a Barcelona Hotel or a Barcelona holiday apartment. Especially if you have a Barcelona accommodation in Gracia. You might want to reserve a table in advance to make sure you get one. Especially in the late evening hours the bar is filled. The Tapas are original, exotic and delicious. The traditional "patatas bravas" for example are sweet potatoes with pesto you just can't get enough of. See, try and taste for yourself: Samsara Tapas Bar Carrer Terol 6 08012 Barcelona Tel: 932 853 688

Opening hours:
Sun - Thu 20:30h - 1:30h
Fri - Sam: 20:30 - 3:00h

Posted by Verena at 8:36 AM |

April 11, 2008

Bike Show BCN 2008

BCNbikeshow.jpgFrom today 11 April until 13 April 2008 the active Bike Show BCN fair is taking place at Palau Sant Jordi expecting more than 30,000 visitors and bike fans. It's the third edition and the offer of activities at in and around the fair has increased tremediously. Activities range from learning how to ride the bike to freeride woodparks and cross-country ralleys. Also, a lot of competitions will be held in each and every biking discipline. If you are staying at a Barcelona Hotel or a Barcelona apartment and you wish to visit the fair, take the subway to Plaza Espanya, red or green line, hike up the Montjuic and enjoy the Bike Show BCN.

Posted by Verena at 9:25 AM |

April 10, 2008

Barcelona - Another Month of Mamma Mia!

mammamia.jpgDancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen...who can't sing along? If you happen to plan your trip to Barcelona before 4 May 2008, you may want to get tickets for the Mamma Mia ABBA musical that stages every night except mondays at the Barcelona Teatre Musical. Tickets start at €29 and you might want to buy them soon, as the musical is very popular. For those who are still in the planning stage of their trip, BarcelonaPoint has a great choice of Barcelona apartments and Barcelona Hotels. You might also want to check out the last-minute Barcelona apartment offers for great deals even on Designer apartments. With your accommodation booked you can head to the Barcelona Teatre Musical and have a fantastic night singing along to ABBA classics. Here the theater's address: C Guàrdia Urbana, 7 - Sants-Montjuïc and tickets can be booked at Agenda BCN.

Posted by Verena at 8:47 AM |

April 8, 2008

Barcelona Designer Holiday Rental

apt 546.jpgThis Mediterranean Designer Holiday Rental is completely new and one of more than 200 Barcelona apartments offered on BarcelonaPoint.com. If you are planning your stay in Barcelona, for business or private reasons, this apartment is a great choice as it is centrally located, right next to the city park Cuitadella, two minutes from the metro station connecting the apartment to the Barcelona Fira and Congress grounds, the Villa Olympica and about ten walking minutes from the very heart of Barcelona. Moreover, all amendities for a comfortable stay are provided. This includes a fully equipped kitchen, entertainment facilities and Internet. With two bedrooms with two single beds in each, that may be put together and a double sofa bed in the living room, up to four people may make this comfortable and luminous Barcelona holiday rental their temporary Barcelona home.

Posted by Verena at 10:13 AM |

April 7, 2008

St. Jordi's Day in Barcelona

stjordi.jpgThe 23rd of April is approaching. Do you happen to stay in a Barcelona Hotel or a Barcelona holiday apartment during that time? Then you should participate in this local tradition - the St. Jordi's day is a bit like Valentine's Day with a twist. The boys offer their girls red roses and the girls their boys a book. The part of offering roses can be traced back to the middle age where Saint George saved his beloved princess by killing a dragon. He took his sword and stabbed it into the dragon's heart. Instead of blood, a red rose came out of the dragon's heart. To see the full legend you might want to go to the Guasch Teatre to see the play of the Legend of Saint George. The tradition of giving books to the boys was introduced by a bookseller in 1923, who promoted the day to honor the deaths of Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare, both also on the April 23. Also, when you stay at a Barcelona apartment, you might want to go to one of the many local bakeries to try the St. Jordi's day cake. Yummy!

Posted by Verena at 9:32 AM |

April 4, 2008

Feria de Abril de Catalunya - Worth a Visit!

feria_abril_catalunya.jpgLittle fried fish, vino fino et Jordi Labanda. A wide choice of typical food and drinks waiting for the visitors of the Feria de Abril de Catalunya, which takes place from the 25 April - 4 Mai at the Forum. The April Feria de has its origin in Seville, where is was a major event in during the trade revolution of the 11th century. The Feria de Abril de Catalunya is a perfect alternative to the one in Seville, if you do not want to travel that far. You can look for a Barcelona apartment close to the fair, between the center and the fair grounds, which would be an ideal choice if you are also planning on exploring Barcelona. However, you also have a wide choice of Barcelona Hotels you might want to book as soon as possible to get a good deal.

Posted by Verena at 9:12 AM |

April 3, 2008

19th Guitar Festival - Jorge Drexler & Co

Jorge_Drexler.jpgThe 19th Barcelona Guitar Festival has its opening day - today! From 3 April until the 7 June 2008 various musicians use this instrument will come and give a concert in venues that include the beautiful Palau de la Musica Catalana, the famous nightclub Bikini and Luz de Gas. The genres of music are anything between classical to jazz, pop, world music and traditional. A highlight right at the beginning of the festival is Jorge Drexler, an Uruguayan singer and guitar player and big name not only in the latin music world, since he got an Oscar for the song "Al otro lado del río", featured in the movie "Motorcycle Diaries". So if you are staying in a Barcelona apartment or in one of the many Barcelona Hotels, you might want to check the Guitar Festival concert calendar, especially if you are a fan of guitar music.

Posted by Verena at 9:35 AM |

April 1, 2008

BarcelonaPoint Special Offers - Easy Trip Planning

special_offers.jpgBarcelonaPoint.com has new categories of special offers for Barcelona accommodation on the homepage that make planning your Barcelona vacation a whole lot easier. Especially for families the first child free Barcelona Hotel offers are very interesting, as these are offers for child-friendly Hotels which allow the first child (till 12 years of age) stay free of charge. In course of designing a variety of special offers to adapt to client's travel and booking needs, the Early Booking discount Barcelona Hotel category was created. If you book your Barcelona Hotel 90 days in advance, the prices indicated are up to 30% less. Since planning your trip three months in advance usually costs you flexibility, Barcelona Point allows you to book now - pay later for Barcelona Hotels, compensating the inflexibility usually caused when booking in advance. The book now - pay later Barcelona Hotel offers further allow you to book your Barcelona or Costa Brava Hotel now, without putting immediate strain on your wallet.

Another special offer created for the spontaneous travelers out there is the last-minute Barcelona apartment category. Especially during low season and with a bit of flexibility prices for the stay at a Barcelona apartment can be up to 50% less than usual. This allows you to get an incredible deal on Barcelona apartments, from Barcelona Backpacker accommodation to luxurious Barcelona Executive holiday rentals.

Posted by Verena at 10:58 AM |