Barcelona apartments, Barcelona Hotels,

Pope Benedict XVI in Barcelona

2010-08-31T13:46:49Z

You probably know Gaudi's famous cathedral in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia. The construction of this amazing monument started in 1882 and is still going on today. However, this year, the Sagrada familia will be able to celebrate the end of the construction of its central nave that will be inaugurated by the Pope Benedict XVI himself on November 7th. This could be a good time to book a Barcelona apartment or a Barcelona hotel to kill two birds with one stone: discover the city and be present at the inauguration!

The 7th of November at 10:00 am, the Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass in Gaudi's Cathedral. More than 7500 persons will be able to attend it inside the Sagrada Familia. (like the king Don Juan Carlos and Doña Sofia) However, more than 500 000 persons are expected to wait in the streets at the same time.

During his visit in Barcelona, the pope will also visit the Institut Nen Deu which helps disabled person's families. He will bless the first stone of the construction.

The Pope is only expected to stay one day in the city after his trip to Santiago de Compostela on November the 6th.

National Day of Catalonia in Barcelona

2010-08-24T13:40:18Z

On the 11th of September, and since 1980, the Catalans celebrate their National Day. This is a moment for all the inhabitants to celebrate with parades, concerts, and demonstrations. If you are in a Barcelona Hotel or in a Barcelona Apartment during this week end, you will be able to enjoy the shows taking place in the whole city: the balconies will be decorated and you will see the Catalan flag floating everywhere.

Why the 11th of September? It refers to the 11th of September of 1714 when Barcelona was forced to admit its defeat to French and Castillan after more than a year of siege. Since then, Catalonia began and never stopped fighting for its independence. The national day of Catalonia or "La Diada Catalunya" in Catalan was first celebrated in 1980, just after the Spanish government recognized the right of autonomy of Catalonia as a community and the Catalan as an official language.

During the 11th of September, a tribute is paid to the national heroes: floral offering are laid by the Rafael Casanova and Josep Moragues monuments in Ciutadella Park. However, the major place of celebration during the National Day Of Catalonia is Fossar de les Moreres square near from the cemetery of Barcelona's defenders who died during the siege of the city.

And of course don't miss the concerts and shows all over the city. This is a good occasion to see the amazing and famous "castells" or human pyramids!

Segway tour Barcelona: another fun way to discover the city

2010-08-13T12:05:54Z

If you are staying in a Barcelona Hotel or in a Barcelona apartment you probably want to discover more of the city everyday but you don't know where to go exactly or how to do it in a fun way. Here is a nice vehicle to discover the sightseeings of the city in an original way: Segway Barcelona.

The Segway is a two wheels electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. It was first produced in 2002 and is now used all around the world for city tours or even by the police. It is possible to use it in major cities and you will be able to try it in Barcelona.

Segway Barcelona offers you different tours and packages so that you can discover most of the city. You must be at least two to create a group for visits and activities. It can be ideal if you are a couple or with friends. Segway is also a nice way for companies to entertain their employees or clients in Barcelona for business, during their free time.

Polo Club Barcelona: International Equestrian Show Jumping Competition 2010

2010-08-11T09:54:57Z

From the 16th to the 19th of September, the 99th international jumping competition (CSIO) will take place in Barcelona. The event is organized by the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona and gather the best riders in the in the world who will compete on an imposed program of twelve classes. If you are a fan of the equestrian world or just if you are spending your holidays in a nice Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment in September, you shouldn't miss this event!

The program will start at 11:00 am on the 16th and will include various events like shows, diners or cocktails, and of course different competitions to win different prices. To be sure not to miss anything you can even eat at the panoramic restaurant, a gourmet restaurant situated on the principal stand. And if you planned to go with your children, this is not a problem: they will be able to discover the equestrian world at the pony park, a small park located near from the competition.

The competition will take place at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona situated in the Parc de Berrida , Palau Reial. This place is easy to access from Barcelona Center: you can even go by metro.

Real Club de Polo de Barcelona

Avda. Dr. Marañón 17-31 08028-Barcelona

Contact: +34 93 448 0400 Fax: +34 93 334 1317

Shopping in Barcelona: La Roca Village

2010-08-09T10:54:22Z

Apart from all the sightseeing and the beaches, Barcelona is also well known to go shopping. If you're staying for a few days in a Barcelona Hotel or in a Barcelona apartment and you are crazy about shopping, don't miss La Roca Village.

Located at 40minutes from Barcelona by car, La Roca Village gathers all the biggest brands outlets in only one place. Indeed, you will be able to shop at about a 100 different shops with some discounts going until - 60%. You will find famous brands such as Hugo Boss, Swarovski, Levis or Pepe Jeans. It's definitely worth it!

To go to La Roca Village, you can take a bus directly from Barcelona, The "La Roca Village Shopping Express" bus. It runs from Monday to Saturday, 3 times a day and leaves from Plaça Catalunya (12 Euros round trip).

Don't miss this opportunity!

Barcelona tours: Night Bus

2010-08-03T12:19:20Z

There is a lot to see in Barcelona, and of course, a day is not enough to see all the sightseeing of the city! That's why, the Barcelona city tour buses offer you tours by night : instead of staying in your Barcelona hotel or Barcelona apartment after a good restaurant, jump in the night bus to see the amazing views of Barcelona by night!

Be on time for the departure at 9:30pm at Plaça Catalunya in front of the Corte Ingles since there is only one bus and it is "first come first served"! You even have to be there 20 minutes before to buy your tickets. You also have to remember that the touristic night bus only runs during the weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).

The tour lasts 2 hours and a half, just the time to see the major monuments like Plaça Catalunya, la Sagrada Familia, La Casa Mila, La Casa Batllo, Plaça Espanya but you will also do a special stop to admire the Montjuic fountain and its lights.

Theme park in Costa Blanca : Terra Mitica Benidorm

2010-07-30T09:53:16Z

Are you on holidays in Costa Blanca and searching for a fun activity for all your family? Here is the perfect one for you: Terra Mitica Benidorm. This theme park opened since 2000 is located in Benidorm and divided into 5 themed zones: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and the Islands. Each one offers various rides and shows which will please all the family. Don't hesitate and plan your day in Terra Mitica right now, by buying the Terra Mitica tickets or Terra Mitica discount tickets online!

If you go to Terra Mitica, you can almost be sure to spend a wonderful day with your family! All the amenities you need are in the park: restaurants, shops and amazing rides! While the most courageous can try the Inferno, a ride producing 3g forces, the youngest can go with their parents to the Torbellinus, a soft version of chair flying for children. If you are getting a little hot, you will enjoy the Argos Rapids, a water rapid ride and if you're getting a little hungry, you can choose from different restaurants: fast food or quality restaurant?

As I said, there's a lot to do in this park, and you will have time to enjoy it even more in August since the park will be opened for 11am to 2am until the 5th of September!

Barcelona summer parties : Barcelona Summer Week 2010

2010-07-28T08:38:48Z

If you will be staying at a Barcelona hotel or in a Barcelona apartment with a group of friends this summer, you may be interested by this article! Indeed from the 4th to the 8th of August the city will host the 2010 edition of the Barcelona Summer Week, a summer event that gather the best DJ's of the world.

The event is very important and attracts music professionals and artists who don't want to miss such a gathering. DJs such as David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren and Dj Tiesto will play days and nights in various parts of the city like beaches or famous clubs. The organizers are expecting 50 000 persons from all around the word for this new edition of the Barcelona Summer week.

The major place to be during the festival will be the Palau Sant Jordi, for the week end. The place will host the DJ's Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th. You can already buy your tickets online to be sure to be there for the major party of the Barcelona Summer Week.

During this first week of August, Barcelona will become the European capital of dance music! Your shouldn't miss this opportunity to party in the Catalan capital!

La Merce Barcelona 2010

2010-07-27T08:13:32Z

As every year, at the end of September, Barcelona will be celebrating its largest festival: La Merce Festival of Barcelona. During approximately 5 days, you can enjoy street parties, music and fireworks. It is one of the most important festivals in Barcelona and if you wanted to visit the city it might be the right time to book a Barcelona hotel or a Barcelona Apartment!

La Merce festival was held for the first time in 1902 in honor of Mare de Deu de la Merce who is the Patron saint of Barcelona. Each year the event became bigger and now you can enjoy hundred of different activities held in the streets of Barcelona.

The main attractions of La Merce Barcelona are the Correfoc (a run under the sparkles of the fireworks) , the Giants parade (an event for all generations : Huge reproductions of king queens and nobles are parading.) and the Castellers (very high human tower with a child on the top : very impressive!)

Of course you will enjoy a lot of others street performances that will please all the family! Every year hundreds of thousands persons come to be a part of this huge event and discover the traditions of Barcelona.

If you want to join as well, this year La Merce Festival Barcelona will take place on the 23rd,24th,25th,26th of September.

Music in Barcelona: Musica als Parcs

2010-07-23T13:46:38Z

How about enjoying some good music in a nice park during a warm summer night? That's possible in Barcelona: the Musica als Parcs program for 2010 already started since June the 2nd in different parks of the city. If you are enjoying holidays in the city and staying in an hotel Barcelona or in a Barcelona apartment, you should definitely find the nearest park and go there to enjoy some jazz or classical music tonight!

All concerts are totally free and the event will last until the last week of august. They take place in eight different parks of Barcelona depending on the type of music that will be played. Thus, you can enjoy some classical music in the following parks: Turó Park , Jardines de Príncipe de Girona and in the parque de la Ciutadella. Jazz music concerts will also be in the Parque de la Ciutadella but in the Jardines de los Derechos Humanos as well. Moreover, you can enjoy concerts from the municipal band in the Parque de la Creueta del Coll, Parque de Diagonal Mar, Parc de la Barceloneta et Parque de la Guineueta.

Classical concerts are every Thursdays and Fridays and start at 10pm while jazz concerts take place every Tuesdays Wednesdays at 10pm. For municipal band concerts, you should check the dates on the Musica als Parcs program but keep in mind that they all start at 8pm.

As every year, the musicians for classical concerts were selected by a jury of experts and are a part of the Conservatorio del Gran Teatro program y de la ESMUC (Escuela Superior de Música de Cataluña) . The jazz musicians were also carefully selected so you can be sure to listen to good music!

Now, it's only up to you to choose which type of concert you want to be attending!

Ryanair at El Prat Barcelona

2010-07-16T09:52:38Z

Are you searching for a cheap flight to Barcelona? Before, if you chose to travel with Ryanair, you had to lend in Girona which is an hour and a half away from Barcelona. However, in September, it will be possible to fly with this low cost company and to arrive closer from the city at El Prat.

From El Prat, you will just have to take a train and in less than 30 minutes you will be in the heart of the city. It's easier, faster and cheaper! This is another good reason to plan a trip to discover Barcelona and book a hotel Barcelona or a Barcelona apartment.

Ryan air will operate weekly 270 low cost flights which will help to stop the traffic numbers decline of El Prat Airport. This new airline will permit to El Prat Barcelona to target the low cost market, the only market which continues to grow.

The airline celebrated this new base (the 42nd one) by selling 1million summer seats for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for more than 500 destinations in Europe and for only 5euros. This sale is already over but the good thing is that from September, Ryanair will guarantee you the lowest fare for flights to and from Barcelona!

Night Tickets Port Aventura

2010-07-15T09:33:13Z

If you are planning to go to Port Aventura Salou during the summer, it could be interesting for you to know that from the 17/07 to the 28/08 you can enjoy a night at the park (from 7pm to midnight) for lower prices than during the day. Indeed, Port Aventura Night Tickets are sold at 28 euros for Adults, 23 euros for seniors and juniors, and 16 euros for handicapped people. Buy your Port Aventura tickets online now to avoid waiting too much at the entrance!

Port Aventura Salou is a theme park located on Costa Dorada, near from Tarragona (20 minutes) and an hour from Barcelona. It is very well communicated and you can even access the park easily by train since it has its own train station.

The theme park will please all the family with its various different attractions. If you are a thrill seeker, then you can experience the roller coasters, and if you want more calm, you can play golf or enjoy the swimming pools in another part of the park. Each part of the park recreates a different atmosphere: trough the attractions and animations you will travel to China, Mexico, Polynesia, the Far West or Mediterranean coast.

Now it's only up to you to discover this amazing park!

Flamenco in Barcelona, Spain

2010-07-07T13:13:22Z

What would Spain be without its famous Tapas, Sangria, Beaches, and of course Flamenco ?

Do not miss the opportunity to attend a show of Flamenco in Barcelona. How amazing would it be to enjoy a modern and comfortable Hotel in Barcelona, or an Apartment in Barcelona and being able to enjoy the traditional Spanish Flamenco in Barcelona? Whether you are on holiday, on business trip, on visit, study abroad, do not leave with regrets.

Here is a guide of where you can find Flamenco shows in Barcelona:

Sala Montjuic: Open air film and music festival: 2d of August: Cargolé Flamenco in Montjuic Castle. Cargolé is a project built around the unmistakable, emotive sounds of the flamenco guitar, given its head in a contemporary music setting in search of intimate atmospheres in which audiences can lose themselves amid its notes and harmonies. Do not wait and check how far it is from your accommodation in Barcelona with the tube map, Line1 and Line3 get off at Plaza Espanya.

El Tablao Cordobes: Located in the heart of the Ramblas, arabic-andalusian influenced Flamenco in Barcelona, you will enjoy the food and the high quality shows at the same time.

El Tablao de Carmen: Created in 1988 as a tribute to the famous Flamenco dancer: Carmen Amaya. Located in Montjuic, this restaurant is renowned for its amazing 60 minute-long shows based on the purest flamenco music, dance and songs tradition featuring famous flamenco artists and young promising dancers.

Palacio del Flamenco: Located in an old theatre in the centre of Barcelona.

Barcelona to apply for the 2022 Winter Olympics

2010-06-25T08:57:31Z

In 1992, barcelona was host of the Summer Olympics. Now, the city is applying for the 2022 Winter Olympics and would be the only city worldwide to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

The '92 Summer Olympics were a huge success for the city. Plenty of sports facilities have been built and the appearance of the city has been improved significantly. Since then, the number of sights that resulted from the Olympic Games have grown in Barcelona.

In 1992, the city was flooded with visitors from all over the world. At that time Barcelona hotels and Barcelona apartments were almost booked out due to the high demand for accommodation.

Hosting the Olympic winter games would mean for Barcelona to share the fame with some cities in the Pyrenees. These cities are Molina and Masella and are located approx. 150 km (93 miles) North of Barcelona.

The decision where the 2022 Olympic Winter Games will take place will be made in five years. If the Olympic Committee accepts the bid of Barcelona, the Mediterranean metropolis will receive 2500 athletics from more than 80 countries competing with each other in a 15 day world sport event.

Shopping City Barcelona

2010-06-23T07:28:10Z

Years ago, Barcelona has developed to a major European shopping center. Since then, crowds of visitors flock to Barcelona not just beacause of a holiday in Barcelona to spend at the beach but also to check out the numerous shopping possibilities.

With more than 35,000 stores, Barcelona offers a huge choice covering every taste. Also, Barcelona owns the largest shopping street within Europe having a length of 5 km. It leads from one end of the city to the other and is THE hotspot for all shopping enthousiasts. Moreover, shopping tourists appreciate the proximity of their accommodation to this major shopping spots. Therfore, Barcelona hotels in the Eixample district are very popular among those tourists.

Walking along the Passeig de Gracia and the Rambla de Catalunya give you the opportunity to enter one of the most popular shops. Beside juwelier, gastronomy and shoe stores you will find everything you need. In addition to that, the Passeig de Gracia provides you with cultural sights, such as the Casa Milà, the Casa Lleó Morera, the Casa Amatller and the Casa Amatller. To sum up, Barcelona can offer you a delight for the senses.