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May 28, 2010

Plaza del Sol: Barcelona's place in the sun

Barcelona offers plenty of interesting spots to discover. Among them is the Plaza Catalunya, Plaza Reial, Plaza Espanya and of course the Plaza del Sol.

plazadelsol_g.jpgAs its name implies, the place is famous for its sunshine hours. During the whole day, you can enjoy the day and lounge in the sun, provided that the sun is shining, of course. Being located in the Gracia district, it provides a typical Spanish atomsphere with its small alleys and old buildings all around.

Departing from your Barcelona apartment or your Barcelona hotel, this place can be reached by public transport. Take metro line 3 (green) until you reach the station "Fonatna". From there, you reach the place within a few minutes on foot. The audience is quite diverse: Beside tourist you will be able to find a lot of students, as well as locals and other sunseekers.

Plaza del Sol is also famous for its numerous cafes and bars. One of them is the Cafe del Sol. It is open all year long and offers a variety of cold and hot drinks, depending what the weather is like in Barcelona.

May 27, 2010

Grec 2010: Summer Festival in Barcelona

Those of you, who already have visited Barcelona once, might know that the city offers numerous festivities and activities throughout the year. Especially during summer, the festivals become more and more. One of them lasts nearly throughout the whole summer: The Grec 2010 festival.

logo.gifYou can guess from the name, that the festival has something to do with Greek culture. Being located at the foot of the Montjuic hill in Barcelona, you will find a Greek amphitheater, where most of  the acts will take place. It can easily be reached with public transport from your Barcelona apartment or your Barcelona hotel (metro line 1, station: Espanya).

Due to its length, lasting from June to August 2010, the Grec festival is also called to summer festival of Barcelona. Since years the festival incorporates 45 events that became a part of the citly life in Barcelona and the Catalan culture.The programm comprises theater, music and dance events,

Beside traditional music and dance, there will also be modern pop artists, such as Craig David, Joss Stone, Brian Wilson and Marianne Faithful. Ticket prices range, depending on the event you would like to visit. Ticket are to be bought using the following address:

Caixa Catalunya Tel-Entrada

Mo - Fr, 8am- 10pm 

Sa, 10am - 10pm / So 10am - 7pm :

Tel. (+34) 93 326 29 46

 

May 26, 2010

The Poliorama Theater in Barcelona celebrates the Festa de Cloenda Temporada

Those of you who will be visiting Barcelona in the beginning of June, will be able to see a magnificent theater show at the Teatro Poliorama.

teatrepoliorama.jpgFor many people, family holidays do not only mean to stay at the beach and relax all day long, but also to do some cultural activities. If you go from your Barcelona apartment or your Barcelona hotel to the Poliorama theater in Barcelona, you can jion a colourful and joyful celebration.

This show is for the young and young at heart celebrating with numerous characters from fairytales and popular stories, such as the Wizard of Oz and many more. The show starts at 12:30 pm. Beside music and magic, there will also be circus artists entertaining the audience. This celebration usually heralds the end of the theatre season and is celbrated every year.

Tickets can be bought at the Servi Caixa homepage.

Adress:

C/ La Rambla, 115 - 08002 Barcelona,

Tel. (+34) 933 177 599

May 20, 2010

Chamber Orchestra from Conceticut visits Barcelona

Whose kids are interested in music have the opportunity to see a world famous young orchestra from the United States: Rosemary Hall Chamber Orchestra.

AAS.JPGThe orchestra consists of several young musicians that have already been toured around the globe. These include prestigious destinations, such as the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Beijing concert hall and even the Chinese Wall. If you are in Barcelona during June 15th, you should take a trip from your Barcelona apartment or your Barcelona hotel straight to the city center.

before coming to Barcelona, the 40 musicians will be on tour across Europe: Some of their destinations will be Austria, Italy, France, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Playing major compositions from world famous artists, their "playlist" include pieces of music from Georges Bizet, Wolfgang A. Mozart, Enric Granados, Manuel de Falla and Felix Mendelssohn.

The concert will take place in the 14th century built church Santa Maria del Pí in the Barcelona city center starting at 8:30pm.

Address:

Parroquia Santa María del Pino
C/ CARDENAL CASAÑAS, 16
08002 Barcelona

May 19, 2010

Casa Àmatller: Visiting chocolate baron's palace

The Casa Àmatller by Antoni Àmatller is one of the architectural highlights withín the city of Barcelona. Built in the style of "Modernisme Catala", it is also a likeness of the Catalan Culture.

When visiting Barcelona, you should take a trip from your Barcelona hotel or your Barcelona apartment to the Casa Amatller at Passeig de Gracia. Built in 1899/1900 by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, this building has been inspired by the Dutch townhouses from the 17th century. Inside, you will find bright wall constructions with tall windows that are omated with mosaics.

At the entrance hall of the palace different kinds of sculptures by Eusebi Arnau can be admired. Among them chocolate makers, almond trees and blossoms, as well as St. George - the dragon fighter. Beside chocolate, photography has been a huge passion of Àmatlle. Thus, a large exhibition of fhis otos are on display at the ground floor.

imageCAE81HCC.jpgGuided tours through the chambers of the chocolate baron, his photo exhibition, as well as a visit in the old kitchen to try some his famous chocolate take about one hour.

address: Passeig de Gracia 41

metro: Passeig de Gracia

opening hours: 10am - 8:30pm

May 17, 2010

Sonar Kids: Music festival for Kids in Barcelona

Thousands of visitors are expected to come to Barcelona in the middle of June 2010. But not only for adults, also kids will get the opportunity to meet the stars at the Sonar Kids festival.

logo-kids.jpgThe Sonar Kids festival attracts with music and entertainment in the CCCB in Barcelona (Cult Centre Barcelona)  Those of you planning to visit Barcelona in mid June and are interested in electronic music, will be able to experience this exciting festival. From your accommodation in Barcelona, such as a family friendly apartment in Barcelona you simply need to take the metro to the CCCB in the city centre.

For 17 years now, the Kids edition of the Sonar Festival has been celebrated. This year, the festival will take place on June 12th and 13th from 10:30am - 8pm. The Lineup included world famous stars such as Chemical Brothers, Hot Ciopi, Dizzee Rascall, Joy Orbison and Roxy Music. The Sonar Kids does not only incorporate music but also body art, finger skate and several workshops, such as the DJ workshop for kids. Ticket prices range from 14 Euros (4 - 14 year-olds) to 20 Euros (for adults). Kids under the age of 3 are free of charge.

Address:

Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona
Calle de Montalegre, 5
08001 Barcelona
Spain

May 13, 2010

Camp Nou Tour: FC Barcelona at first hand

FC Barcelona is one of the most successful football clubs in the present time. With numerous cups in the past, FC Barcelona can be sonsidered a s the top 3 clubs in the world.

nou_camp.jpgThose of you who would like to see to largest stadium in Europe should book an exclusive Camp Nou Tour. Usually, there are plenty of requests, so that it is advisable to book your tickets in advance together with your Barcelona Hotel or Barcelona apartment booking.

Come and experience the breathtaking atmosphere a take a walk through the catacombs of Camp Nou. In addition to the tour, just a few steps from the stadium, you can find the FC Barcelona museum. Beside souvenir shops you, as a football fan, will find everything about FC Barcelona.

If you decide to do so, you should consult the online booking page to save a lot of money: Booking online will not only give you access to the stadium, but also to the FC Barcelona museum (price: 13 EUR). If you buy directly at the stadium you will pay 8.50 EUR for the museum and 17 EUR for the tour.

May 12, 2010

Gay Pride Barcelone

Depuis de nombreuses années Barcelone est ville hôte de divers événements et festivals gays, puisqu'elle est une ville cosmopolite, multiculturelle et gay.


Du 18 au 28 juin 2010 la Gay Pride Barcelone espère réunir plus de 100 mille personnes. Et pour couronner le tout, la première semaine du moi d'aout aura lieu le Festival Gay Barcelone, qui réunira surement plus de 65 mille participants provenant du monde entier.

 

 


PRIDE2010.jpgLa Gay Pride Barcelone durera cette année 10 jours au début de l'été. Ainsi si vous venez d'ailleurs ou si vous venez pour participer aux évènements, je vous conseil de réserver en avance une location à barcelone ou Hôtels à Barcelone afin de bénéficier d'offres avantageuses et de disponibilités, puisque la haute saison aura déjà débutée, ne l'oubliez pas...


Les activités seront variées: aussi bien de loisirs que culturelles, l'événement principal de la grande parade Gay Pride et une méga fête populaire le dimanche 27 Juin. Tout ceci sans aucun but lucratif, uniquement pour réclamer à Barcelone, capitale méditerranéenne, les droits collectifs des gays, des lesbiennes, des bisexuels et des transsexuels.


gay2.jpgLe samedi matin avant la parade, dans l'Avenue Maria Cristina 40 stands seront installés, en plus de animations, spectacles et restaurations. Cerise sur le gâteau, l'élection de Mister Pride et la soirée mousse pendant toute la nuit !


Le défilé du dimanche partira de la Plaza de l'Université pour arriver à Plaza Espanya en passant par rue Sepulveda. Et, selon les organisateurs de la Gay Pride de cette année il y aura beaucoup plus de chars géants, de diables et de figures typiques de la culture catalane.

Rateriez-vous vraiment cet évènement ?

May 11, 2010

Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo: Nostalgia with a view

The Parc d'Atraccions Tibidabo is a theme park overlooking the whole city from the Tibidabo mountain, which is the local mountain of Barcelona. Soaring 512m into the Barcelona sky, the Tibidabo offers a magnificent view together with several park attractions.

If you have booked your family holidays at Costa Brava or directly arranged an accommodation in Barcelona, you and your family should not miss the Tibidabo mountain. Part of a mountain chain, the Tibidabo offers a great view over the city, sea and the surrounding areas. The theme park is the main attraction offering several nostalgic rides.

The park has been built at the beginning of the 20th century by a wealthy pharmacist. Several years ago, the park encountered financial problems, so that it has been bought by the City of Barcelona. Since then, the park has been renewed and renovated. Thus, it is onre of the main attractions for visitors.

In May, the park is usually open every weekend from 12am - 9pm. It will be also open at Whitsun 2010 (May 24th) and additionally in June (9./10. - 16./17./18. - 24./25.)  During Juli and Augsut, the park will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 12am to 11pm. The park can be reached easily by public transport from Plaza Catalunya.

VistasTibidabo.jpg  

May 10, 2010

Tibidabo: Breathtaking view over Barcelona

Behind the city center of Barcelona, there is a mountain chain called "Serra de Collserola". Its highest mountain is the Tibidabo. It rises 512 m up in the sky of Barcelona and offers a breathtaking view over Barcelona and the surrounding area.

The overall picture of Barcelona encorporates not only the beach and the sea but also the mountainous landscape in the suburbs of Barcelona. The Tibidabo is surrounded by two rivers, in the East by Besòs and in the West by Llobregat.

The Tibidabo has developed to one of the most famous sights within the Barcelona metropolitan area. Visitors that arranged accommodation in Barcelona, such as a hotel in Barcelona or an apartment in Barcelona can use public transport to reach the top of the mountain.

Big%2520Wheel%2520at%2520Tibidabo.jpgThere, Barcelona visitors will find the cathedral "Sagrat Cor", that can even be see at night from the city center. There are also othersights to discover, such as a TV tower and a theme park. Aiming especially to families with children, the "Parc d'atraccions Tibidabo" has total area of 7 hectare and offers a great view while enjoying one of the nostaligic caroussels.

The name "Tibidabo" arised from a bible verse. Therein, the devil leads Jesus on a high mountain to show him all the kingdoms of the world and its glory. "...et ait ei tibi dabo potestatem hanc universam et gloriam illorum quia mihi tradita sunt et cui volo do illa -- "All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it" (Luke 4:6).  

May 3, 2010

Beach guide Barcelona

No matter if you visit Barcelona for private or business reasons, you will probably take a trip to the nearby beaches. Offering a lot of different beaches in Barcelona, you will be spoilt of chioce.

barcelona_beach_3.jpgWhen choosing an accommodation in Barcelona, most visitors choose to stay in districts next to the beach. An apartment in Barceloneta for instance, is quite popular among Barcelona visitors. Being located directly at the harbour with a direct metro connection to the rest of the city makes this district worth visiting. Barceloneta is especially known for its vitality, plenty of young people and a view at the famous W-Hotel.

For those coming to Barcelona for relaxation and enjoying the climate should take a look at the Barcelona metro plan to reach those beach areas far from the touristic centers. A good tip is to take metro line 4 and follow it until the station Salva de Mar or El Maresme Forum. There, you can even pass along the numerous shops at the "Diagonal Mar" mall.

Are you looking for a safe and relaxed place for your children? Leaving metro line 4 at Llacuna is the perfect location for you.  Because of the breakwaters at this beach, the water is very silent and shallow, whereas you will find wilder areas at the "neighbour" beaches.

Whatever you will decide to do, Barcelona has the beach you are looking for - whether calm and relaxing or vivid and exciting.

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