Barcelona apartments, Barcelona Hotels,

You love tapas but you start to get tired of them? It is not your first apartment in Barcelona, ??and you have already toured the croquetas and patatas bravas? Discover another Spanish food (and been unfaithful to Catalan cuisine, but shh!)

A pintxo (pronounced pintcho) is a small slice of bread on which to place a small ration of food. They are traditionally found in bars in the Spanish Basque Country.
Celebrations and rallies in the Basque Country are pretexts for cooking competitions between neighborhoods, villages, towns, gastronomic societies or friends. Thus, the tapas and pinchos have developed. Bars in Donostia (San Sebastian) as in all the Basque Country rivals ingenuity to create the best pinchos and win various competitions for the delight of residents and tourists of course.

Enjoy a bit of Basque culture during your weekend in Barcelona meanwhile the Catalan one, seize this great oportunity!

The pintxoak are arranged on plates spread all over the counter, and are payable to the unit. We find all sorts, composed of various natural products, grilled, fried or cooked in sauce: fish, crustaceans, shellfish, sausage, meat, vegetables ... etc.
In bars, on each pincho is placed a small stick (palillo in Castilian) to count the small sticks held by each customer and calculate the amount payable at the end of the meal.

Some addresses of pinchos bars to visit during your barcelona holiday
- Txapela, Passeig de Gracia 8
- Sagardi-Bcn Gotic, carrer Argenteria, 62
- Sagardi Bcn Gotic, 169 carrer Valencia
- Bilbao-Berria, 5 square Sagristans

Most restaurants and bars pinchos are in the center of Barcelona, ??in the neighborhoods of Gothic Quarter and El Born, where you will find many holiday rentals barcelona, ??convenient for eating out at night and then have a drink in different bars cocktails, for example!

La Cantina is Barcelona's hottest nightspot and eatery. There you will find good music, great food, cheap drinks and cool vibes in a very friendly atmosphere. And this so close from your Barcelona centre hotel or barcelona holiday apartment because it is very well located.

This Mexican bar is for all that are getting bored in the (too many) Irish pubs, Spanish bars, ordinary cocktail bars.

Here are an example of their attractive prices:
1€ BEERS
Mixed Drinks 3 €
4€ Cocktails
Tequila and Coronita deals!

And also, as a real Mexican bar, La cantina Bar offers very good tacos for only 1€ and 3.50€ burritos!

After the big success of the opening on Saturday 15th this bar really needs to be visited. Especially during their numerous special nights: quiz, various contests, where you can always get some discounts, free drinks or any other fun things for winners!

Find all those events on their facebook page, and do not hesitate to come see them for any other information, they speak English and Spanish!

How to get in La cantina bar Barcelona?

You can find La cantina bar in Barcelona on Calle Merce, situated in the famous Barrio Gotico. You can get off at Drassanes by metro (green line, L3) or at Jaume 1 (yellow line, L1) and enjoy a bit of walking in this beautiful district.

Where to sleep?

If you are planning on having a lot of fun during your barcelona holiday, you better stay in the cantina bar's area and book a Barcelona apartment: close to the beach and right into the center, you will love it!

Have fun!

We will help you discover the erotic museum Barcelona. Always entertaining and (too) often confused with pornography.

This is the first museum in Spain where you can study the development of eroticism through various artistic and cultural facets of the human being: anthropology, history, archeology...

The erotic museum in Barcelona proudly presents over 800 important works of art and historical value, from various cultures, erotic rituals, whether of religious purpose or as a fun factor. There may be an offer of contemporary art exhibition with globally recognized artists.

 If you stay in a Barcelona apartment, be aware of the fact that the museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in October until May and from 10 a.m. to 21 p.m. in June until September.

 Where to find the erotic museum Barcelona?

The museum eroticism Barcelona is located near your vacation rental Barcelona, ??on the famous street La Rambla.

Adress: La Rambla 96, Barcelona

By Metro: Liceu stop, L3 (green line) or you can stop at Catalunya (L1 and L2 violet and red line) and take a walk down the Ramblas.

Where to sleep during your vacation in Barcelona?

If you want to stay on the Ramblas, and near the erotic museum in Barcelona, ??you can find many apartments in Barcelona as well as many hotels in Barcelona.

Are you wondering where to eat in Barcelona? You spend your holidays in Barcelona. You stay in apartments in Barcelona and you do not know where to eat in Barcelona? Here is a complete list with the best restaurants in Barcelona. So enjoy your holiday in a cheap Barcelona apartment to discover the cuisine of Barcelona testing the best restaurants in Barcelona.

Barcelona's best tapas restaurants

Restaurant La Luna Barcelona

Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Barcelona La Luna will seduce you with its lounge atmosphere and delicious tapas. The restaurants tapas have an appropriate price performance ratio. We recommend the quesadillas if you go to La Luna Barcelona. The tapas are quite in plenty supply unlike other restaurants in Barcelona. This place is both, bar and restaurant where you can enjoy tapas in Barcelona. La Luna Barcelona also offers delicious cocktails.

 
La Luna Barcelona - Tapas Bar

Carrer Abaixadors, 10

08003 Barcelona

9329555513

Metro Jaume - Yellow Line

Cerveceria Catalana

Near the Passeig de Gracia, this restaurant offers a wide selection of tapas of good quality. The tapas are not very expensive. Be aware of rush hours when the restaurant might be too busy.

Cerveceria Catalana - Barcelona Tapas Restaurant

Carrer Mallorca, 236

08013 Barcelona

932 160 368

Metro Passeig de Gracia - Yellow Line

Barcelona's best restaurants to eat Catalan specialties:

El 7 Portes

To eat paella, typical Catalan or Spanish food, such as watered or caldos fideua and many other typical dishes of Catalonia, the restaurant el 7 doors in Barcelona is opened from 13 to 1 without interruption.

El 7 Portes - Barcelona Catalan Restaurant

Passeig Isabel II, 14

08003 Barcelona

933 193 033

Metro Barceloneta - Yellow Line

Merendero de la Mari

If you like to taste the Mediterranean cuisine and delicious seafood in a restaurant in Barcelona, you should try the restaurant Merendero of Mari.


Merendero of Mari

Placa Pau Vila 1 Port Vell

08039 Barcelona

932213141

Metro Barceloneta - Yellow Line

Barcelona restaurant to eat international cuisine 

Arc Café

Located in the Gotico district, this restaurant offers international food from Italian cuisine to oriental until the French cuisine with for example the tartiflette.

Arc Café- International restaurant Barcelona
 
Carrer Carabassa to 19

08002 Barcelona

933 025 224

Drassannes Metro - Green Line

Barcelona restaurants where you can eat Hamburgers and Sandwiches

Pim Pam Plates Barcelona

Pim Pam Burger in El Borne is the best place to eat your burgers. Homemade in front of your eyes, burgers are delicious and off good size. Pim Pam Burger is located right next to the Pim Pam Plats, which offers more than 180 starters, main courses and desserts, a pleasure for real!

Pim Pam Plats Barcelona and Barcelona Pim Pam Burger

Sabateret, 4

08003 Barcelona

933 152 093

Metro Jaume - Yellow Line

As you may have noticed, most restaurants of the collection of "the best restaurants in Barcelona" are located in El Born district or in the Barceloneta area. If you want to eat in one of the best restaurants of Barcelona, we advise you to book a holiday apartment in Barcelona in these districts.

Enjoy your holiday in Barcelona!

La Sagrada Familia is Gaudis's still incomplete work which is situated in Barcelona's district "Eixample". The church is under construction for more than 100 years (since 1882) and is expected to be completed in the year 2026.

The Sagrada Familia is considered as the master-piece work of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (1852 - 1962) and is the number-one attraction of Barcelona with thousands of visitors from all around the world every day.  Until his death in 1926, Gaudi directed the construction of the Sagrada Familia. But unfortunately, the work undertaken on Sagrada Familia doesn't follow exactly the plans of Gaudi, as the plans were destroyed during the war. When you visit the building you will see the contrast in the stone colour between the front and back of the building. However this in itself is interesting, especially if you visit the museum inside the building.

The Sagrada Familia is absolute must-see when you visit Barcelona as it is is a truly magnificent building. If you want to spend your stay in a great holiday apartment in Barcelona just beside the gorgeous Sagrada Familia, or if you rather prefer staying in a nice hotel in Barcelona, but also close to the Sagrada Familia, you won't regret your choice.

The Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona is the Great Opera House, regarded as the most important opera house in Barcelona, and now also playing the famous Carmen opera by Georges Bizet until the 30^th July 2011.

The Liceu in Barcelona is a sight on its own, thanks to the wonderful and interesting architecture. Therefore, spending an afternoon or night in the opera house during your Barcelona holidays in a Barcelona apartment will not only give you the possibility to enjoy wonderful opera performances, but also show a architectural features of the impressing building.

Barcelona's Liceu Opera House was constructed in 1847, but had to be renovated a few times due to fires and attacks. It is the perfect location in Barcelona for culture interested people, who want to high quality entertainment during their Barcelona holidays.

The story of Carmen takes place in Seville or Sevilla in Spain around 1830 and is about the gypsy girl Carmen and her relation to the soldier Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo. The tragical love story is accompanied by wonderful musical pieces, many of which are well known all over the world. Especially the world famous Habanera song will sound familiar to many, even to the people who do not know the Carmen opera at all. Also Toreador is a well known and popular song of this opera.

The story has been adapted many times, in film as well as books (until today, there are around 36 movies based on Carmen!), which is a clear sign of popularity for the intriguing and interesting story. The famous opera Carmen will be in Barcelona until the 30^th July of 2011.

Address:

C/ la Rambla 51 - 59

Ciutat Vella

Barcelona

To get to the Liceu in Barcelona from your Barcelona apartment is really easy, as there is a Metro station of the same name directly in front of the opera house. The Liceu station is crossed by the green L3.

Prices:

The price range from 7.50 € until 194 € according to your seat, so there should be something for every budget. The tickets can be purchased directly at the Gran Teatre de Liceu or at the Caixa d'Estalcis i Pensions de Barcelona, located at the Avenida Diagonal 621 - 629 in the Les Corts district of Barcelona, which is easily accessible during your Barcelona holidays in an apartment.

Love, passion and jealousy are the main elements of the Carmen opera and if you have a fondness for these themes, you should not miss to visit Carmen in El Liceu in Barcelona during your stay in a Barcelona apartment.

Barcelona is a paradise for chocolate, you see. There are facilities for every kind of chocolate, whether you want to learn more about history in de Chocolate Museum Barcelona, want to see chocolate as a form of art with Oriol Balaguer, or just want to enjoy tasteful and exotic dishes during your chocolate Barcelona holidays in the Xocoa, Cacao Sampaka or in one of the many churrerias along the streets. Be sure to spend a wonderful culinary time with all the chocolate in Barcelona!  

Shortly after Christmas you can prepare for another holiday time - New Year 2011 in Barcelona. During a holiday in Barcelona around New Year you can be prepared to experience something unique and exciting!

First, if you want to take part in the customs and traditions in Barcelona around New Year 2011 during your Barcelona holiday, prepare for a long night!

On New Year's Eve, or nochevieja in Spanish or Cap d'Any in Catalan, families and friends usually visit a nice restaurant or have a dinner at home to enjoy the time together and prepare and eat nice dishes.

Also in Spain, people wear red underwear for luck, so if you arrive early enough for your holiday in Barcelona, you can buy something in the many shops around Plaza Catalunya.

At 12 o'clock it is a custom to eat 12 grapes, one for each time the bell rings. So take your grapes with you and participate in this tradition on New Year 2011! Usually you can toast with Cava, which is harvested in the region.

Keep in mind that on New Year 2011 in Barcelona, there are usually no big fireworks or shows, however, there are small fireworks at the beach and light shows at Plaza Espanya and the Torre Agbar. Also on Plaza Catalunya people celebrate, so visit the Ramblas to experience the atmosphere there.

After that, people in Barcelona usually go to a club to dance and have a good time. There is plenty of choice in Barcelona on New Year, but on New Year the price are in general higher than usual.

Cap d'Any or New Year 2011 in Barcelona ends around sunset on the first day of 2011. Traditionally people go to the beach, mostly Barceloneta, and watch the first sunrises while enjoying hot chocolate and churros. What a wonderful way to start your new year!

Hot chocolate in Barcelona is still traditionally produces, with real chocolate in different flavours and versions, so you should absolutely treat yourself one. An apartment is a good option for accommodation in Barcelona, with Plaza Catalunya apartments or Barceloneta apartments in Barcelona you are close to the New Year 2011 celebrations in the city.

In general, let me summarize for you what you should do during New Year 2011 in Barcelona:

-          wear red underwear (there a lot of shops, for example Oysho, women's secret, Calzedonia, Yamamay)

-          buy at least 12 grapes per person (at La Boquería market, at Las Ramblas)

-          visit Plaza Catalunya and toast with a bottle of Cava (plastic cups are a good option to avoid shattering glass)

-          eat churros and hot chocolate at the beach at sunrise (there are a lot of churrerías at Barceloneta)

The Barcelona Metro operates the whole night on New Year 2011 in Barcelona, so you can get easily everywhere.  New Year 2011 in Barcelona is truly unique and an experience you are not likely to forget!

This year in October, the International Jazz Festival in Barcelona takes places again in Barcelona!

The 42nd Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona (the official name) will start on October 3rd and end on December 2nd throughout the whole city. So if you book a Barcelona holiday rental in the city, it practically doesn't matter where exactly, you can be sure that there is always a Jazz performance close to you!

Although the complete line-up still needs to be confirmed, you can nevertheless expect well-known names to perform on the International Jazz Festival in Barcelona! A confirmed name will be Jamie Cullum, perfoming in the Palau de la Musica Catalana on Friday, 26th November at 9:00 p.m.

The English singer-songwriter is known to largely improvise his gigs, also including different musical influences and combining it with Jazz. That is of course perfect for the International Jazz Festival in Barcelona. Don't miss him if you like the unexpected! According to the official website, the prices for tickets will range from 32€ to 65€, so keep that in mind if you want to use your Barcelona holidays for this event. But if you find Barcelona apartments cheap enough that shouldn't be a problem.

Also do not forget to check the official Jazz Festival in Barcelona website to keep you updated if a new performer is confirmed!

Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the dates for your Barcelona holidays to match with other events. In December for example start a lot of Christmas markets in Barcelona, the largest one being the Feria de Santa Lucia where you can buy a lot of interesting and traditional souvenirs to give to family and friends (I wrote here about Christmas in Barcelona last year).

 
And you can also buy your other Christmas presents! I'm sure you know that Barcelona is a perfect location for shopping sprees with a lot of outlet stores and department stores.
So what do you think about combining your interest in the International Jazz Festival in Barcelona with Christmas shopping during your next holiday in Barcelona?

Do you like concerts? Well, then it's time to already plan your Barcelona holidays in October!

Former "The Police" lead singer Sting is giving a concert in Barcelona 2010 on October 29th in the Palau Sant Jordi! The Palau Sant Jordi Barcelona is located in the Parc Del Montjuic and also used for sport games and matches.

You can get to the Stadion Palau Sant Jordi if you take the green L3 until Poble Sec or Parallel (the purple L2 also crosses this station).After the concert or even before could walk around the beautiful park or towards the Plaza Espanya, which is not too far away, while gazing at Barcelona's amazing monuments and architecture.

You can look for a hotel in Barcelona which is close, or if you look for a more low cost accommodation, you should search for a Barcelona apartment cheap enough but of course with a good quality.

Sting was born in the United Kingdom and is a well-known singer, songwriter and also actor. His most famous songs include amongst many others the often covered Police song "Every Breath You Take", "Englishman in New York" (one of the many covers of this song is "Jamaican in New York), Desert Rose and Fragile. Sting even recorded a new version of "Fragile" called "Fragilidad" singing in Spanish for the musical project Rhythms del Mundo.

That would fit perfectly to your Barcelona vacation! The Sting concert 2010 in Barcelona is also a perfect occasion for a short weekend trip to the beautiful Barcelona.

As mentioned before, the concert takes places on Friday, 29th October. On the rest of the weekend you can enjoy your accommodation in Barcelona and visit the city's other sights.

So keep this weekend free and take part in this nice Barcelona event!

If you think that after the summer season there are not many interesting events in Barcelona, you're wrong! Starting from November 5^th until December 5^th, the famous Cirque du Soleil will be present in Barcelona.

If you book your Barcelona apartment rentals early enough in advance, you can make sure that you find cheap Barcelona apartments that are not overpriced, because the high season is over in November. So take your time and prepare everything soon to avoid any stress that might occur.

The Cirque du Soleil, which means Circus of the Sun, is probably the most famous circus in the world. It was created in 1984 in Quebec, Canada (and not France, as many think) by two street performers. Since then, it has risen to fame during the years. I'm sure you already have heard the name!

Contrary to what comes in your mind when you think of circus, the Cirque du Soleil has no performances of or with animals, which is a huge benefit for many people. Instead, the show offers amazing and breathtaking performances of different (human) artists, with incredibly detailed costumes. The Cirque du Soleil has many different shows, but there is always unbelievable acrobatic artistry, dances inspired from different regions, juggling, balancing and act on the trapezes that are really wonderful to see.

The Cirque du Soleil Shows are also always inspired by cultures all over the world and combine traditional customs, myths and legends with fantasy elements, showing peak performances of the acrobats that make you gaze in amazement and wonder about the capabilities of the human body! But don't feel intimidated, it is really a must to see the Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona.

 The Show of the Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona is called Varekai and takes place in a fantastic wood with the main character, Icarus, whose name might sound familiar to you. The duration is about three hours, so prepare for that.

Besides their tours and shows, the Cirque du Soleil also releases albums and singles which are quite popular. If you enjoyed the show and music you could buy a CD to have nice souvenir from this event and to remember the great time you spend every time you listen to the music.

So if you in Barcelona or the surrounding and you like exceptional events, you should book your tickets for the Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona early as this popular show is probably sold out fast!

The prices usually range from around 30 € up to around 200€ per ticket, depending on seat and age.

The Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona takes places directly at the beach, at the Grand Chapiteau, at the Plataforma Zoo Marino near the Forum.

You can either enjoy your stay and book a Barcelona hotel that is really close to that, to walk along the beautiful houses and the beach before or after the show.

Or if you are in a Barcelona Hotel in other districts, you can take the metro L4 (the yellow one) and step out at Selva de Mar or Besòs Mar.

Enjoy the Cirque du Soleil in Barcelona and maybe take a romantic walk after the show along the beach!

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!

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.

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.

Located at the centre of Barcelona right next to "Las Ramblas", this scenic place can be reached very easily. Visitors that walk by, from one attraction to another, often recognize this beautiful place by chance. Most of them do not know that this is one of Barcelona's major gathering points.

The Plaza reial stands for little restaurants, bars and some clubs. Therefore, it is no wonder that the plaza is very vivid in the evening hours. Because it is no central, it can be reached within several walking minutes from one of the numerous central located hotels in Barcelona or one of the apartments in Barcelona.

This place became famous from the movie "The Spanish Inn" (original title: l'auberge espanole). The movie tells the story about a couple of international students that live to gether in an apartment in Barcelona. Also, some of you might know that Antoni Gaudi has designed one of the architectural sights at this place. He is one of the most famous artists that contributed a lot of other sights to the city.

Surrounded by tall palms that rise up to the sky makes this place a nic e place to rest during the day and a gathering point point for Barcelona's nightlife. At that time, you will recognize crowds of people pilgrimaging to the clubs. Being located at the Gothic quarter (Barri Gotico), you will also find there many small souvenir shops that are waiting for you! 

During summer time Barcelona offers plenty of events and festivities. One of them is the Revetlla de Sant Joan - the most popular and spectecular one.

Every year Barcelona celebrates the shortest night with fireworks and a big party. Having booked an accommodation in Barcelona, for instance a hotel in Barcelona offers you one of the most exciting nights in the city of Barcelona.

The festivities start at sun set and take the whole night. There will be bonfires all across the city on large places. In addition to that, there will be fireworks and firecracker also.

The tradition behind this event is easy: You write your wishes on a piece of paper and throw it into the flames. Afterwards you will need to jump three times, so that the wish will coome true, according to the legend. This will take place all across the city, so that every part of the city has its own fireworks and partys. Therefore visitors have the possibility to explore and enjoy this beautiful tradition.

After the lights and energy of Christmas, it's time to see in the new year. This is an exciting and vibrant time of the year in many faiths and countries around the world. It's a time to forgive and forget and to make those all important resolutions; most importantly, it's a time to start afresh. Experience New Years Eve in a cosmopolitan city and spend your holiday in Barcelona.

Keeping with tradition, the new year celebrations begin by eating twelve grapes, one for every time the clock chimes for midnight. In many Spanish places this is performed outside and the streets are covered with people eating grapes. In Barcelona, it is not seen as necessary to eat the grapes outside and many eat their grapes at home before venturing outside for the big party.

Every club and venue is called into action at this time and usually organizes a special new year party for which tickets are issued in most cases. There are also super-sized parties held in venues across the country and some people choose to hire out their own private venue for a special party of their own. Others may be slightly more intimate and hold a party at their Barcelona accommodation for friends and family only. Although a diminishing tradition, some people wait to see the sun rise over a beach. Traditional food associated with new year is "churros", a finger or banana shaped pastry and hot chocolate. During the New Years Eve time you can still find a lot of available Barcelona hotels and Barcelona apartments.

The first week of the new year is dedicated to children. On the night before the 5th January, the three kings - Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, disembark their ship at the harbour and there is a grand parade through the town with the kings and their pages - another opportunity for the children to get involved. The kings are then left alone in the city to hide presents. It is customary to write a letter to the kings and request specific presents although they may like to throw in a few little surprises.

These traditions are not all necessarily followed to the letter although the majority will participate, especially in the precession of the kings. In Barcelona Christmas is accepted as a time for having fun with friends and most importantly family.

Only a couple of decades ago, the moral legacy of the Spanish dictatorship confined homosexual behavior to a handful of underground bars and the city's gay population lived in fear of abuse on the streets. Nowadays, men with shaved heads and combats are more likely to be on their way to a leather bar than anything more sinister, and recent legislation introducing same-sex marriages caused hardly a ripple of dissent.

In Barcelona anything goes; most gay bars welcome straight drinkers, and vice versa. The lack of segregation means that there isn't a gay ghetto as such. The area bordered by the streets of Diputacio and Arago, Balmes and Villarroel in the Eixample is known as the "Gaixample" and is where most gay venues are concentrated. Yet even this isn't really a gaybourhood: although it has a buzz at night, the wide streets make it anything but villagey. In that area you can easily find a Barcelona hotel or a cozy Barcelona apartment.

For more information on what's going on in the city, pick up a copy of the free gay map or magazines from bars and gay bars. There are several discos where gays can enjoy theirselfes during the whole night. Barcelona even has a beach for the gays. Officially the San Sebastian beach in La Barceloneta is a nude beach, but in the summer months it is always full of gays.

Barcelona is a nice city anyway, and the Eixample district is one of the best and nicest area of Barcelona. If you intend to spend some days in Barcelona, you should stay in this area and also visit the other spots of interest. A Barcelona holiday is always a great experience for gays.

The British band will play a concert in Barcelona on the 4th of September.

If you are staying in one of the many beautiful holiday homes Barcelona or in a nice Barcelona hotel you should definitely not miss this massive concert. If you haven't already planned a holiday in the city, come to Barcelona and combine a holiday in Barcelona with the Coldplay concert. You can stay in a nice Barcelona accommodation near the Estadi Olímpic.

The band was formed in 1996 in London by band members Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion. After years of doing gigs in little clubs in Camden they finally had commercial success with their in 2000 released album "Parachutes". Soon after this their second album "A Rush of Blood to the Head" was released which was even more successful than their debut album. With their third album "X&Y" Coldplay could keep up with the huge success of the first two albums. After a little break they finally came back with "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends" which was co-produced by Brian Eno.

The Viva-la-Vida-Tour started in 2008 and finally Coldplay are coming to Barcelona. Get ready for a massive concert in the Estadi Olímpic on the 4th of September!

Are you over 18 years old and do you plan a Barcelona holiday? Then you should definitely visit the Casino Barcelona.
You should especially spend a night in the casino if you are staying in one of the many beach apartments Barcelona in this area. If you have already lost all your money at the Roulette table you should better look for one of the many cheap Barcelona hotels.

The Casino Barcelona is the biggest in Catalonia and is situated in the beautiful district Port Olimpic, next to the beach.

You can choose from a variety of different games, machines and gambling tables: video-poker machines, Blackjack, Hold'em Poker, American and French Roulette - these are just some of the many choices you have in the Casino Barcelona. The casino has also three bars, one nightclub and four different "top-quality restaurants" where you can find something to eat for every taste.

The casino is located in the heart of Barcelona and thus can be reached easily from Barcelona Airport.

If you are over 18 years old and you are spending your holidays in Barcelona don't miss to visit and enjoy the Casino of Barcelona - Especially if you are staying in a Barcelona Luxury Hotel in this magnificent surrounding just beside the sea.

The casino, which is situated in one of the city's more sophisticated locations just beside the Port Olimpic, offers a variety of different games including slot machines and gaming tables: For instance roulette, video poker machines, Black- Jack, Hold'em Poker, American -and French Roulette are only few of the many games which can be played there.
Besides, the casino has 3 different bars, a night club as well as 4 different top-quality restaurants which offer food and beverages for all kind of tastes.

The Barcelona Casino is opened throughout the year from 10 am until 05 am. During the weekend (Friday & Saturday) it is opened until 05:30 am.
Restaurants are opened from 09 pm to 1 am.
The entrance into Barcelona's Casino is 4.50€.

This year, the 16. Edition of the Sonar festival is taking place in Barcelona. It's the largest and most famous festival for electro-music within Europe. Every year, top-class musicians, newcomers, record labels and popular Djs from all around the world re-gather in the metropolis of Barcelona in order to experience this unique event live. The festival is allocated within the whole city of Barcelona. Sonar during day takes place in the Centre de Cultura Cotemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), in Barcelona's Museum of Modern Art (MACBA) and in the Centre d'Art Santa Monica.
Sonar during night takes place on the Fira Gran Via M2 terrain. The Sonar 2009 lasts from the 18. - 20. June. More than 80.000 visitors are expected to attend this amazing event. An excellent and unique atmosphere with hundreds of international artists is ensured.
After the official Sonar 2009 festival, there will be another event, called "SonarKids". It is created by the founders of the Sonar festival and offers attractive workshops and different courses for kids. It's actually not only a workshop for kids, but also for their parents. Parents, who have visited the concerts or exhibitions have the possibility to share their impressions with their kids. SonarKids takes place on June 21, 2009 (Sunday).

If you would like to visit this amazing event, don't miss to book the appropriate accommodation in advance. PerfectSunTravel offers great hotels in Barcelona and apartments in Barcelona.
If you want more info about the Sónar 2009 festival you can visit the official website: sonar.es

The "Queen of Pop" is giving a concert in Barcelona in the Olympic stadium and for sure you don't want to miss this magnificent event - LIVE!!!

Madonna, the uncrowned "Queen of Pop" is storming the charts with her music like nobody else ever did before.
And finally, she is going to rock Barcelona - and Barcelona and YOU will rock with her.

Thousands of peoples are expected to sing and dance along her hits, such as "Like a Virgin", "Music" or "Hung Up" when she hits the stage.

It has been said that "Sticky & Sweet", the current Madonna tour which has started on August 2008, has set up new standards regarding production, technology, visuals, costumes, choreography and music.

So, what are you waiting for???
Go get your tickets, book your flight and a convenient accommodation in Barcelona and experience a memorable event.

INFO:
Date: July 21, 2009
Location: Olympic Stadio, Barcelona
Ticket costs: between 65€ - 403.50€

A bar that you definitely should visit during your stay in Barcelona is the „Chupito Bar"in Calle d'Aribau in Eixample. Chupito means as much as shot and believe me this bar has a lot of shots. Different variations such as "The General" or "Monica Lewinsky" are served out of 200 possible shots. Not only the shots are worth passing by there but the show in general will be spectacular. The staff goes as far as to light the bar on fire or dress up in costumes.

The bar is definitely a good start for a long night if you don't mind crowds and younger people.
If you want to taste all 200 shots, the best place to stay would be directly next to it in the Viladomat Apartment.

Don't miss trying it!

You want to spend the perfect New Year's Eve with your gay friends? What about renting a Barcelona apartment and enjoy the special atmosphere of the mind-free city?
To begin with the New Year's events, let's talk about Gay Night Clubs. Here is a list of the few places where you will find the best gay parties while being on holidays in Barcelona.
1. Arena VIP: Probably the most famous gay night club in BCN, just look up for the flags to find your way. Open on friday and saturday from 1 am until 6 am. (C/ Gran Vía, 593)
2. Free Girls: For only girls : Open everyday day from 11pm, sunday from 7pm. (Maria Cubi, 4)
3. Eagle: For adults only, nudity encouraged. Open from 11pm. (Pg Sant Joan, 152)
4. Space Ibiza: the name explains it! from midnight. (C/Tarragona, 141)
5. Souvenirs: Welcomes also the after party, for those who care about good music, not in the city center. Open from 1am. (Carrer del Noi del Sucre, 71, Viladecans)
Now that you have the adresses, it's up to you to try it on summer or winter but don't waste your time elsewhere than in Barcelona, it would be a shame to miss the best New Year's Eve of your life!

As Fall is coming, some news are following or should I say how to make new palaces with old places. Last in date, the reopening of the famous local Bailén 22. Now called Lotus Theater, this old brothel had almost no chance to see the sun again after the neighborhood's complains that drove to its closing about one year ago. But it is in this brand new night club that can afford more than 500 guests that you would spend your nights enjoying Barcelona's nightlife. Strippers' podium has left the space to a double bar that would permit you to seat and have a drink with your friends on the elegants lounge's sofas without any waiting. The music, eclectic and carefully chosen will for sure drive you to the dancefloor for a hot dance. At least, don't plan to come before 1am as the disco would look a little empty. While waiting, you could always hang out in the area close to the city center where you'll discover the numerosous tapas bar. And about your holiday accomodation, don't worry! Barcelona Point takes care of everything. From the Barcelona's apartments to hotels in the city center, this accomodation specialist will surprise you by the variety of its solutions.
One question left: Mojito or Margarita?

Those spending Barcelona holidays at the end of September should not miss to discover Catalan culture at the biggest "fiesta" of the city, La Mercè 2008.
Barcelona will be celebrating around the 24th of September in honor of Mercè, the patron saint of the city. More than 500 different cultural, music and dancing acts will be expected.
Wheter your Barcelona accommodation is in the heart of the city or a bit more outside - from 24th of September you will be able to experience Barcelona even more active than on normal days. All day long, from family friendly activities up to long night concerts for all music tastes throughout the city you are welcome to celebrate together with the locals!
Some of the highlights will be: the performance of the "castellers" building high human towers of up to 9 floors and the "correfoc". This is a parade where Barcelona will be inflamed when fire-breathing dragons and devils will be dancing around the streets to the noise of fireworks and drums.

The best place to watch movies in their original version in Barcelona is the cinema "Cines Verdi".
Right in the heart of Barcelona´s Bohemian district Gracia, Cines Verdi Barcelona offer a great variety of international high-class cinema. Spending holidays in Barcelona, you might want to enjoy a good movie during your stay in the Catalonian capital. At Cines Verdi all films will be shown in their original version with subtitles in Spanish or Catalan. Therefore, language learners might also love this cinema.

Before or after the visit to Cines Verdi in Barcelona, you can stroll down the charming streets of Gracia, enjoying a coffee or a beer with some tapas in one of the nice terrace bars around the area.

There is also a variety of Barcelona apartments in Gracia that will enable holiday makers to discover one of the most beautiful districts of Barcelona.

Don´t miss the next movie highlight at Cines Verdi Barcelona!
Cines Verdi - C/ Verdi, 32, 08012 Barcelona

Barcelona, a 100% gay friendly travel destination, has held another top gay and lesbian event these days. With the Circuit Festival from 4th of August until today, a international culture, leisure, clubbing and party gay and lesbian event has attracted many people to visit Barcelona and to attend the spectacular festival. On 14 different clubbing venues party animals could enjoy the best atmosphere ever! And the Circuit Festival still goes on! Tonight (11-08-2008), you will have the chance to attend the "Butch party" at Martin´s (Passeig de Gracia, 130). Activities and dance time starts at 11:30 pm and will last until 6 in the morning. If you want to join the party, just take the green metro line (L3) from your Barcelona hotel to the station Diagonal.

This years Circuit Festival has brought a unique variety of activities, events and parties to Barcelona. Spending days at a waterpark just for gays and lesbians has added a special charm to gay holidays in Barcelona. Art exhibitions, films, workshops and debates as well as the smashing clubbing acts are the key ingredients of the Circuit Festival.
As one of the major gay & lesbian events, its venue Barcelona, the gay capital of southern Europe, is the ideal location for having a great time!
As many people flock to Barcelona to visit one of the international well-known gay & lesbian festivals like the Loveball, the Circuit Festival or the famous Gay Circus it is recommend to book any Barcelona accommodation very well in advance. For sure, Barcelona gay and lesbian festivals in 2009 will be as splendid as these year´s events.

Since the 1st of August Barcelona is the host of the fifth edition of the Loveball. This European gay and lesbian festival is very well known and will be celebrated with cultural activities, club parties, cinema, art and of course the great ball of love! Until 7 August, the gay and lesbian community can enjoy the Barcelonas party life!

As the Loveball is internationally well-known, people from all over Europe will join the festival.
The tolerant and open city Barcelona attracts a lot of gay tourists each year that love the atmosphere of the city. More than 40.000 spectators are expected to join the events of Europe´s biggest gay and lesbian festival. Barcelona holidays that you will never forget - visit the Loveball Festival and make a lot of new friends and enjoy the great acts. This year´s edition will bring RuPaul, the famous drag queen from New York City, on the stage and many international DJs will move the bodies of visitors with the best of their beats.

Loveball 2008 - don´t miss it. There is still a plenty of events and activities you can join during your stay in Barcelona hotels or apartments.

If you want to spend your holidays in Barcelona, you should definitely visit the „Museu Picasso". Who can say about himself that he has ever seen Picasso's most famous works? Surely, you will not forget this impressive event in the near future. Why is it Barcelona of all cities that has the honour since 1963 to be allowed to expose Picasso's works? Pablo Ruiz Picasso, which was his complete name, had a very strong relation to Barcelona from his adolescence until he died although he had been born in Málaga. The first time, when his parents came to Barcelona together with him, he was two years old.If your hotel in Barcelona is not near the museum, you can easily reach it via metro (L1 Arc de Triomf or L4 Jaume I Station) and several bus lines. More than 3,800 works can be admired by the visitors and you can choose between two options. Either you visit the museum and the current exposition or only the exposition. The current exposition lasts until 28th September 2008 and deals with the "Las Meninas" work by Veláquez. Picasso analysed this work elaborately and created 44 interpretations on the basis of "Nine Pigeons". He was especially characterized by Veláquez. Furthermore, the museum offers workshops for the whole family occasionally in order that there is no boredom appearing during the holidays in Barcelona. Insider tip: Every first Sunday in a month the entry is free for everybody.
If you are looking for an accommodation in Barcelona near the museum, you will certainly find the right one for you online. Of course, there are hotels and apartments in Barcelona throughout the city depending on what you are looking for.

Tradicionarius, the International Folk Festival, has filled Barcelonan city life with many cultural activities and concerts during the last months. Today everybody who loves culture, partying and music is invited to join the big "fiesta" of the Tradicionarius Festival in Barcelona´s Bohemian district Gracia. This fiesta at the Plaza Rius i Taulet will mark the end of the 21st International Folk Festival. If you are staying at Barcelona hotels, just join the fiesta tonight (10 pm) and enjoy music and dancing acts of several folk groups. As there will be no entrance fee you can easily walk out of your Barcelona hotel in Gracia to celebrate an amazing cultural event. You will also fall in love with the charming district Gracia at first sight! Gracia was enveloped in the expansion of the Eixample but it was not converted into a grid. It has retained its character a charm and is a perfect place for families. If you are currently planning holidays in Barcelona, Gracia apartments are a nice choice of accommodation. The district is also hot point of nightlife with bars and restaurants on every corner. It is safe to say that nightlife lovers will enjoy a stay at the Plaza del Sol Gracia apartment in Barcelona. The Tradicionarius Festival is looking forward to welcome you this night!

This 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

In a city by the sea it tastes the best! All fish and seafood gourmets would agree on this. Also, in Barcelona it tastes great! The best choice would be one of the restaurants that have only recently reopened at the seafront. Talking a walk enjoying the first really warm rays of sun at midday to have a light lunch has newer been nicer than at spring temperatures and before the beach overloaded by people. Also, in evening hours, you may still enjoy sitting down outside the restaurant for an appetizer, since most of the restaurants have heaters. If you have booked a .Barcelona Hotel close to the beach, it won't take you long to find a restaurant close by. For those who do not stay close to the Barcelona beach, you may take the subway and get off at Barceloneta or Parc Cuitadella, both on the yellow line. From there it's only a stone's throw to the beach. For all talented cooks, you may want to rent a Barcelona apartment with a big kitchen, to create fish and seafood specialities yourself, during your stay in Barcelona.

Enjoy the different Barcelona tastes!

If your are staying in a centrally located Barcelona Hotel or a Barcelona Apartment, you may already walked by the Ferry Bar, as I call it. It is loacted in a small niche next to the Barcelona Wax Museum and close to the metro station Drassanes on the lower part of the Ramblas (seaside).

It's real name in Catalán is El Bosc de les Fades Café and the English equivalent would be Magic Forrest Cafébar. Only walking through the different rooms is an attraction itself, as each room has its own theme. During the afternoon hours it is very suitable for families with kids, as smoking inside is not permitted. In the later evening ours teens and twens take over the place.
So if you are coming with your family, Barcelona Point can offer you a variety of centrally located Barcelona family apartments. The same is true for friends looking for Barcelona Group Apartments.

Have a nice stay in Barcelona and don't get lost in the ferrytail's forrest.