This Christmas the streets of Barcelona and the shopfronts are brilliantly lit up with all styles of lights, from elegant to
Giant Pasta Shell Light
colorful and bright, to the 26, two-metre high giant pasta shell lights in various parts of the city. The city is already in full swing for a happy and entertaining time for locals and visitors alike, offering Christmas markets, free and paid concerts, theatre performances, live Nativity Scenes, street cavalcades and workshops for children. Some of the many interesting local traditions and activities on offer in Barcelona this Christmas 2009 are the following:
As in the rest of Spain, some Catholic religious celebrations also take place in Barcelona. One that all visitors can enjoy is the public display of a life size pessebre, or nativity scene, that fills the famous Plaça Sant Jaume. It is a Catholic tradition for families to have a pessebre displayed at home which can be any size, from a tiny corner or a whole room dedicated to it. Many of the city’s public libraries have Christmas activities organised for children. Why not join them and see how the locals celebrate it?
A curious, uniquely Catalan addition to the nativity scene is the caganer (pooper). It is a peasant-like little figurine with a red hat, a barretina and white blouse, squatting with his pants down, doing his business unconcernd by any onlooker. The origen of this funny figure is unknown, but it is said that he is a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
The caganer comes with the cagatió, which is a wooden log with the same red hat. Children especially love the Tió de Nadal, as on Christmas Eve when he is placed next to the fire not to get cold. He is then beaten by a stick whilst the children dance around him, singing and ordering him to poo out presents for them! Lately, well-known public figures are chosen each year to represent this funny little character.Traditionally, Christmas presents are really only exchanged on the 6th January, after the three kings have arrived.
The Caga Tió Log
A traditional local dessert eaten on Christmas Day is the torró, a nougat-like sweet made basically from almonds and honey but nowadays many versions with or without chocolate can be found.
If you like live chariot races you will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a world-class performance in the Palau Sant Jordi event venue in Barcelona on the 26th and 27th of December 2009. The breathtaking show takes place in a recreated Roman arena with 400 performers and 100 animals, together with spectacular light and sound effects. The show includes the famous chariot race around the centre of the arena as well.
If you’d like to spend an entertaining, fun time in reasonable winter temperatures this Christmas visit Barcelona. Bon Nadal!
According to a market study conducted with executives of Fortune 500 companies, Barcelona has been voted the European city with the best quality of life for the eigth year in a row, and the fourth preferred European city for business negotiations.
The cagatio of Catalonia
These accolades are well deserved by the present Town Council, as following are some of the 350 finished projects that contributed to these distinctions: Half of the total and large number of proposed public works, all aimed at improving public spaces and amenities, have been finished in time for Christmas.
These include improvements to public spaces; modernisation of public facilities, for example public libraries, squares, new surfaces on streets and pavements; renovation of building façades; an improved and upgraded public spaces cleaning and waste disposal service using only vehicles that run on gas, biodiesel or electricity; amongst many more.
Another important addition to the safety and security of all inhabitants of Barcelona was the completion of a two year program and introduction last month, November 2009, of 750 new policemen and women into the Guàrdia Urbana unit, the urban police. The objective is prevention through a bigger number and presence of police on the streets of the city, with the aid of the latest technological equipment to detect and prevent any conflict at an early stage.
All that is left to do now is enjoy the festive atmosphere of life on and off the streets of Barcelona: the colourful Christmas lights on the streets and avenues and particularly this year see the giant lit up pasta shells in various places in the city, Christmas festivities, Nativity scenes, street theatre, markets, concerts and much more.
Parents who want to visit Barcelona can rest assured that there is lots of fun to be had for parents and kids alike. The locals are very tolerant of kids on the streets and at the city’s many attractions. Following is just a brief mention of some of the main sightseeing attractions in Barcelona for both kids and parents:
Gaudí Architecture
Barcelona for the family can turn out to be an exciting and fairytale adventure, considering the fantastic modernistic architecture of Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece is undoubtedly the cathedral of the Sagrada Família, his lifetime’s work and still unfinished, which is a tall, unique structure with colorful spires dotted with fruit and bubbles – which children would like. The building also has many fascinating statues on the outside and modern stained glass windows.
Another equally fascinating and fun Gaudí building in Barcelona is situated at La Pedrera at No 92 Passeig de Gràcia, which is a combined office and apartment block. It has a rippled grey stone façade, like stone from a quarry (pedrera), which is emphasized by beautiful and elaborate wrought-iron balconies. The lower floors host temporary exhibitions of all kinds. One can take a tour throught the building and see an apartment with curved and unexpected corners and playful touches in furniture and decor everywhere. However, the most fascinating part is the roof with its giant chimney pots looking like multi-colored medieval knights, and from where you can enjoy a unique view of the centre of the city. During the month of August three short chamber music concerts per day are held on La Pedrera rooftop.
Although there are other equally remarkable Gaudí structures it would be more fun for kids to visit Parc Güell, which is north of Gràcia about 4 km from Plaça Catalunya, the centre of the city. Pack a picnic and head out for this enchanting park landscaped by Gaudí. Upon arrival you’ll pass through the two quaint gate-houses on Carrer d’Olot. The steps up from there are guarded by the much photographed mosaic lizard. From there it’s just a matter of leisurely exploring all the interesting nooks and crannies of this park where Gaudí’s passion for natural architectural forms took fanciful flights.
La Rambla
Back in the centre, and after a good night’s rest and breakfast, parents and kids can take a stroll down the La Rambla, a busy pedestrian walkway which ends at the statue of Columbus near the port. It is flanked by busy streets, shops and street merchants. I find it a bit noisy, but it is a very famous and popular part of the city where many visitors find the birds (real ones!) on sale fascinating, and apart from sitting there on rented chairs people watching, visitors also find the painted mime artists performing there amusing.
Barcelona Beaches, Old Port and Pleasure Cruises
Continuing down to the bottom of La Rambla you’ll get to the old port and beaches of the city. The possibilities of having fun with the kids here at the city beachfront are positively endless. Simply spending time relaxing, tanning and playing on one of the well-kept beaches in summer time, or taking a short or long day cruise on a pleasure boat from the harbour, or strolling along the beach promenade, or listening to some street musicians, or having a drink or meal at one of the many good restaurants along the way, the choices are too many.
Barcelona Aquarium and 3-D Cinema
For the kids L’Aquàrium de Barcelona would definitely be a hit, which is in the same area. The aquarium has a lengthy underwater tunnel where all kinds of spectacular fish,and plantlife can be seen. The aquarium shop offers a unique variety of gifts for sale. Also, not far from there is the Imax Port Vell 3-D cinema, which is housed in the Maremagnum building complex, where adventure and wildlife films are screened daily from 12 midday until 10 at night.
Barcelona Tourist Bus
Finally, when everybody just wants to sit and enjoy the sights of the city, the whole family could take the Barcelona Bus Turístic and get on and off as many of the routes as you like, within the time period of your ticket. These tourist buses are equipped with a guide and earphones to alert you to all the interesting attractions on the way.
The Catalan National Day (La Diada) is celebrated on the 11th September. It is now a celebration but it was on this fateful day in 1714 that the Catalans surrendered their independence and freedom, after a long resistance, to the centralist Spanish regime.
For more than a year the city of Barcelona was held captive and trapped within the city walls by troops loyal to the Spanish King. The resistance was led by the town counsellor, Rafael Casanova. But by the 11th September 1714 they were completely surrounded and outnumbered, and they surrendered. In essence the Catalans suffered the loss of their legal, political, linguistic and cultural rights.
On this day the estelada flag can be seen everywhere: young and old waving flags, flags draped and tied to people’s backs, and flags hanging from balconies and buses everywhere. This is the unofficial flag of Catalonia which bears an additional five-pointed star in a triangle, emblematic of the Catalan independists who want independence of the Catalan regions (Països Catalans) from the central Spanish government.
During the years of Franco’s repression through the unrelenting stand by the then President Aznar towards Catalonia’s wish for independence many demonstrations took place. But with President Zapatero’s accommodating attitude towards independist sentiments, things have calmed down considerably.
The main celebrations of the Diada can be seen on the Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Generalitat (the Catalan government) building is. But festivities and street parades take place all over the city in most barris, or neighbourhoods, where the Catalan national anthem, Els Segadors, can be heard being played and sung over and over again. The traditional Catalan dance, the sardana, danced with traditional, live music on the gralla is very popular on this day. A big favorite with the crowds are the castellers displays. These are amazing human towers built by standing on one another’s shoulders which can reach up to nine or ten stories. It is a centuries old tradition that is carried on to this day. Castellers teams train weekly as different teams also compete regularly to build the highest human tower.
Celebrations of the Diada
Every year part of the National Day celebrations consists of the laying of flowers at the statue of Rafael Casanova in Sant Boi, a suburb of Barcelona. Barcelona residents also flock to the Parc de Cuitadella where monuments for national heroes Rafael Casanova and Josep Moragues can be seen. An eternal flame for those who died in the defeat of 1714 burns all year round in the city, in the square next to Santa Maria del Mar, and is knows as the Fossar de les Moreres.
The celebrations of the day usually close with free musical concerts by top artists in different parts of the city on full, professional stages. As the warm temperatures during the month of September in Catalonia are perfect for going out, these concerts prove to be very popular.
While in Barcelona it is definitely worth your while taking the time to go and visit the popular Dalí Theatre-Museum about 143 km north of Barcelona in the Province of Girona on the Costa Brava. The Museum is located in the centre of the town of Figueres next to the Rambla.
Whether you want to see more of the amazing surrealistic art of Salvador Dalí, or whether you don’t really know much about him, you’ll find the visit interesting and fun. The collection of his works that you can see there is unique and the best in the world.
During his lifetime (1904-1989) Dalí went through various artistic phases in his lifetime, and many influences, one of which was Freud, a contemporary of his. He explored many different artistic mediums as well, painting in oil, gouache, watercolor, pastels, made drawings in charcoal, made prints, designed voluminous scrulptures, and participated in many other artistic projects. Over 4,000 original works that span his whole life can be seen at the Dali Theatre-Museum.
Visit the Amazing Dalí Theatre-Museum
The artist has been described as brilliant, flamboyant, eccentric and exhibitionistic; characteristics for which he was both admired and criticized in his lifetime. A lot of this is reflected in his paintings, many of them treating unusual and a wide range of themes, as in the 1931 painting, The Persistence of Memory, in which he painted clocks as being flexible and ‘melting’ over the side of rigid surfaces and a branch. This painting is still one of his most famous works. Other themes that he painted includes different forms of decay and castration, but always executed with visual appeal, great technical mastery and imagination.
A tour of the Museum is a fantastic experience. The extraordinary building was designed to the very last little detail and built by the artist himself on the original site of the Municipal Theatre, which was destroyed in 1939 in the Spanish Civil War. On the walls outside you’ll see bread bun sculptures, golden mannequins and giant eggs.
Once you go inside the building and enter his surreal world, be ready for surprises – including not finding your way out! In the round building with around five stories, you can explore galleries full of spectacular and weird art works and strange and bizarre statues and sculptures which might change your perspective of reality. Continue down to the basement where you will find his crypt. Quite the showman still!
You’ll be able to see many of his best works on exhibition: The Girl From Figueres (1926), The Spectre of Sex Appeal (1932), Soft Self-Portrait With Fried Bacon (1941), Galarina (1944), Basket of Bread (1945), amongst many more.
He created sets of art works expressly for the Dalí Theatre-Museum, including the Mae West Room, the Monument to Francesc Pujols, and the Rainy Cadillac. He also wanted works of other artists that he admired displayed there. Some of the artists represented are: Marcel Duchamp, El Greco, and Modest Urgell. Another artist friend, Antoni Pixtot, collaborated with Dalí on the four monsters which can be seen in the interior courtyard.
Exclusive reproductions of his work can also be bought inexpensively at the Museum shop.
The castle that Dalí bought for his wife Gala, the Castle of Púbol, and where they lived, can also be visited. The Dalí Theatre-Museum is open every day of the year, with the exception of Sundays, December 25th and January 1st.
Upon landing in Barcelona it is likely that your eyes will be instantly drawn to the array of Antony Gaudi designed buildings, with their spindly towers, colourful mosaics and chimera animals. Indeed, Gaudi’s architecture is instantly recognisable and sits beautifully against the hub of city life and the crystal clear blue skies.
Furthermore, there are many great – and world renowned – art galleries, making Barcelona a bit of a one-stop-shop for famous artistic culture. The Picasso Museum houses the largest array of the artists work anywhere in the world, and the Joan Miro gallery has an eclectic collection of Miro’s work, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures and some early sketches.
However, it is actually when you begin to delve beneath the surface that you get a better taste of what Barcelona culture is really all about. Start peeking behind the curtains of Barcelona life and behind them you will find lots of interesting art fairs and cultural conventions that you otherwise may have completely missed.
Rather than viewing artwork that simply hangs on gallery walls, why not view it in a more unique form at the yearly Tattoo Convention. The exhibition has a vast section showcasing the work of many renowned international tattoo artists. You’ll likely find yourself marvelling at the mind-boggling intricacy of the patterns and hopefully learn a little of the skill and patience that goes into this often underrated art-form.
There are also many popular festivals that celebrate the best of Barcelona culture. It is a flamboyant and expressive city, and both the GEST and ULLS festivals rejoice in this, with their schedules of dance, theatre and music. The GEST festival is particularly interesting for its focus on communication through physical movement and is an example of the interesting and colourful ways Barcelona likes to express itself.
It’s easy to see why Barcelona has quickly becomes a bit of a favourite with holidaymakers looking to expand their cultural knowledge and wanting to go home with some interesting tales to impress their friends with. Each year, many people book flights to Barcelona to explore – or often re-explore – this little cultural haven.
There is also a number of quizzical old historic book markets, where you can pick up rare books, comics and prints or just spend the day browsing the stalls and meeting the locals. And let’s not forget the quaint little ceramic museum that showcases both modern and traditional works, often by local sculptors.
Year after year it just seems to grow into an even more colourful and cultural and city, festivals turn into even bigger spectacles and a number of new festivals emerge. Barcelona is constantly evolving, yet it retains its unique charm and remains one of the Mediterranean’s true gems.
Author: Victoria Cochrane
The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.
Barcelona is the much loved tourist destination bursting with grand historical monuments, picturesque sceneries, imposing architectures and a colorful cultural scenario. Barcelona is a tourist friendly destination with its splendid range of hotels that can suit finances of any size. ‘Hostal Central’ displays splendor in its stunning high ceilings and painted lamps. The pragmatic side includes 24 hours free Internet service with the liberty to carry on with your night festivities till early morning hours encompassed in the ‘no curfew’ policy. Barcelona has lots of good hotel for people having budget crunch. Take for example the hotel, ‘Hostal Campi’ near Barri Gotic, which is a superb example of excellent services in a low budget. You will get accommodations that are large, sparklingly fresh and comfortable keeping your purse happy.
Proximity to major tourist attractions is a major vantage point of good hotels. Barcelona centre has quite a few budget lodgings. “Hostal Fernando” boasts of quite big and airy rooms and modern amenities. Safety reigns supreme in this hotel with lockers for safekeeping your belongings and security cameras. Amongst the cheap hotels in Barcelona, there are quite a few dormitories like the “Hostal Gat Raval”, “Alberg Center Rambles” and the “Alberg Hostel Itaca”, the latter located smack in the middle of Barri Gotic. Such housing facilities provide inexpensive comfortable and clean surroundings and simple but sumptuous meals. An opportunity to exchange notes with fellow travelers from all over the world is another attraction. In the city of beauty, Barcelona, services does not fluctuate according to the size of your budget. You will get wonderful services no matter how much you can expend. If you have middle sized budget you will get excellent services in the hotels of Barcelona, which will satisfy you to the hilt. There is a range of hotels in Barcelona fitted to a mid-range budget. The hotel ‘Hostal Olivia’ with its magnificent wrought iron staircase and charismatic reliefs redefines royalty while ‘Hostal Gat Xino’ with effervescent interiors and humble furniture is as glossy and smooth as you desire. Now let us take a look at the place combining technical excellence with exquisiteness. ‘Hotel Jazz’ acquires a prominent place with this special combination. It is the ultimate of technicality with big soundproof rooms having up-to-the-minute TV set in the room and towel heater in bathroom. The terrace pool of this hotel colonizes the definition of beauty.
Time has stood still at the “Hostal Palacios”, where the decor is classical with antique artwork.
Amongst the mid-range Barcelona hotels and Barcelona accommodation, “Hostal Goya” screams class with elegant interiors and unmatched hospitality, while the “Hostal Opera” offers all the modern amenities.
Amidst the other notable hotels, Barcelona Center is all about friendly smiles and ready service. The package rivals the best Barcelona hotels and Barcelona accommodation with most rooms coming with a private balcony for you to enjoy your morning cuppa in seclusion.
Mid-range accommodation comes with oodles of peace and serenity at the Hostal Orleans, nestled amidst picturesque locales.
The Barcelona hotels and Barcelona accommodation scene is graced by quite a few world class hotels, albeit a bit pricey. And the “crme de la crme” of the lot is the “Hotel Arts”. Luxury here gets a makeover with lavish cuisine from the stable of twice Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola. The hotel boasts some enthralling views of the city and the sea beyond and a regal-style spa treatment.
‘Hilton Barcelona’ and ‘Ritz Gran Via De Les Corts’ situated in arresting distance from the international airport are the epitome of lavishness also offering comfort of distance among the hotels and accommodations of Barcelona. ‘Hotel Omm’ is the Jazziest phenomena of Barcelona. You will be impressed with its comfy balconies, understated lighting, charming lounges and snug little pools. The hotel has a simple look with the futuristic design of the building.
If any hotel can make a permanent impression on your mind it is ‘Casa Camper Barcelona’ with the hammock experience, picturesque views, heavenly comforts and delicious meals. If you want to bask in the glory emanating from the presence of celebrities then visit ‘Hotel Colon’. If you are the artistic type ‘Hotel Claris’ is your best destination with its grand Egyptian arts and North African mosaics.
The other sparkling gems in the Barcelona hotels and Barcelona accommodation scene are the “Grand Marina Hotel”, “Hotel Condes de Barcelona”, “The Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I”, “Hotel Majestic”, “Hotel Le Meriden” and the “Hotel Palace”, the latter with a star-studded guest list.
Apart from the hotels, the self-catering Barcelona apartments and the vacation rentals in Barcelona offer comfortable stays. In fact, the daily rental apartments in Barcelona can cost up to 30% less than a similar standard hotel.
With the choices available, whether a hotel or an apartment, it is guaranteed that the Barcelona hotels and Barcelona accommodation will leave no cause for complaint.
Author: Manuel Kupka
Barcelona accommodation – Whether you go on a Business Trip or simply for Pleasure, Discover Barcelona Inside Out
Barcelona is one of the most emblematic cities of Europe. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city of Gaudi offers wonderful sightseeings. You should take a ride on the orange double deckers called “Barcelona Tour” that allow you to go down every time you want and then go up when you want to continue with the rest of your trip.
But for others there is another way to know this Mediterranean city: simply hire a taxi for the day and take you sightseeing Barcelona is much comfortable and personalized service. One thing you should remember if you are a taxi fan: negociate the price before hand. They normally have credit card terminals and GPS and most of them render a very good and serious service.
Once you had your general tour of the “ciutat condal”, Barcelona denomination originated in the Count Of Barcelona, you should definitely visit Las Ramblas, the boulevard that ends into the old port, by the sea where Columbus statue awaits with the finger pointed to the “Americas”, though not quite giving the orientation as in fact he is pointing to Africa. Let’s forget that one to the City Hall clerks in charged with the placement of Christopher Columbus monument. But anyhow, the symbolistic of his gesture is there. In the same square the naval museum is worth visit, they have impressive ships from Medieval period “caravelas” as well as an interesting and ancient map collection.
Then, there are the masterpieces of Gaudi and I must tell you they are impressive as if they were alive, somehow, especially the one called “La Pedrera” but I particularly like Batll House and one of his earlier works: Vicens House that is not located in the centre of Barcelona. And of course, Sagrada Familia that should not be missed.
The Catholic Cathedral in Barcelona is gorgeous though they are in the middle of restauration process but even so, it is worth visit. It has a pleasant interior patio, with a beautiful garden and from there you can lose yourself on the narrow streets of the Medieval barrio of Barcelona, which is absolutely amazing. The architecture is well-preserved and you can admire the bolts and passages suspended in the air from one building to another, near the Cathedral’s wright wing. And if you follow the street, eventually, on your wright, you’ll find the beautiful Sant Jaume Square where you can see the “Palau de la Generalitat”, which is the Government of Catalonia, very distinguished and elegant building.
For those of you who are in mood for the new Barcelona, don’t miss the Barrio Olmpic or with the new sea port built for the ‘92 Olympics where you can admire the modern skyscrapers of the financial area of Barcelona. Near the port you will have a wide variety of restaurants to ease your hungry after such a marathon. Their specialities are fish and meat dishes but not only. My advice is to try and avoid paella if it’s not a rice-specialized restaurant because otherwise you would be very disappointed of this dish. It’a a great food, but only few restaurants will cook it properly outside Valencia, which is the original region for paella.
You shoud visit also the Gardens near the Catalonian Regional Parliament and check with any Tourist Information Office (you can find them in every important square or monument) the days when you can actually go and visit the inside of the Parliament because it is definitely worth it.
Not to try in Barcelona: Jamn. The famous Spanish ham is not something one can taste so up north of the country, it will be expensive and not good, so stay away. If you really insist on eating jamon, though, it’s best you go the “El Corte Ingls Supermarket” and buy it there. Take into account that in order to be a decent ham, it should cost an average of 80-90 euros per kilogram. Anything under, is pure raw meat and I would not recommend it to anyone. Gazpacho. Again this cold soup is not from this part of the country. The original gazpacho is a cold soup made of tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, fresh green pepper, salt and water, nothing less. They sometimes add a piece of onion too. Anything that hasn’t all these ingredients, is something else, but not Gazpacho.
What your should try: Fish, cooked in many ways, from grilled to steamed or cooked in the oven with fresh vegetable, rices or covered in a garlic mouseline (a fine cover of garlic mayonnaise) it’s delicious. Can Mauri: is a place which I call the Gourmet Cathedral of Barcelona. You can have, breakfast and lunch and take away many exquisite both traditional and innovative dishes and never leave this place. The pastry and the desserts are also a piece of art at Can Mauri and they have a very curious and ancient way of serving customers which is based on trust. Don’t forget the adress is Rambla de Catalunya 102!
There are many other things to say but I plan on doing it on further articles dedicated to this superb city. If you haven’t planned your voyage yet, check the hotels there and book it in advance because in Barcelona things can get quite difficult when it comes to accommodation and not only in summer time.
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or Barri Gotic is a wonderful part of the city. It is the true ancient heart of Barcelona and parts of it date back to Roman times – with the ancient Roman streets still to be seen in an underground museum.
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona – known to the locals as the Barri Gotic is the true center of old Barcelona. The site was chosen by invading Roman armies about two thousand years ago to found a new town or colony. It has been the administrative center of Barcelona ever since. It remains a popular part of this bustling city – both with locals and tourists alike.
Barcelona’s old Roman forum was on the same site that was later occupied by the ancient parliament of Catalonia and – later still – by the modern town hall. Not far away stand the amazing Gothic cathedral and the royal palace – the scene of the welcome home party for Christopher Columbus as he returned from the new world in 1492. You can find the monument erected to mark his success at the other end of Las Ramblas – down by the beach.
The cathedral is a largely medieval building with a nineteenth century facade and spire. Its treasures include ancient Catalan paintings and dramatic carved Gothic cloisters and choir stalls. The martyred Saint Eulalia lies beneath the main altar and the whole building is full of drama and color.
Barcelona’s town hall was first built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The famous statue of The Three Gypsy Boys stands in the entrance hall and the building has retained many of its historic features – both internally and externally.
Nearby stands the Palau de la Generalitat – the Catalan parliament building. This building has superb Gothic features including an ancient chapel and a stone staircase that rises to a high arcaded gallery.
You can still see parts of the old Roman city wall and the cities historical archives are to be found in the Archdeacons house or Casa de L’Ardiaca – an ancient building standing right on the roman wall.
Other Gothic Quarter highlights are the museum dedicated to Frederic Mares and the Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat. The latter houses the most extensive – and most impressive – underground Roman ruins in the world. If you visit then you can see and walk the streets of Roman Barcelona – and visit an exhibition dedicated to how the city grew in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is also popular for its restaurants and bars – and there are a number of apartments to rent for tourists and locals alike.
The Barri Gotic lies just off Las Ramblas – one of the world’s most famous streets. A stroll down it with its tree shaded central area lets you walk all the way to the seafront beach area – taking in the shops, cafes and mansions as you go. The name Las Ramblas or Les Rambles in Catalan comes from the Arab word Ramla – which means the dried up bed of a seasonal river.
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is a great place to spend a day – just enjoy the atmosphere and feel the mingle of modern and ancient history before settling down for Tapas and wine in one of the many small bistro style restaurants nearby.
Gothic Quarter Apartment in Barcelona
The Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the perfect place to rent an apartment for either a short or a longer stay.
Taking a vacation in Spain is probably one of the best gifts that you can give to yourself or to your loved ones. This is a nice place where you can relax and have fun together with your family. Here, you can forget your work and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the place for a couple of days.
Nevertheless, there are lots of different beautiful places that you will definitely enjoy when you visit this stunning country.
by Harvey Ong
Often people think about a holiday to a Mediterranean country such as Spain as a very expensive and difficult trip to plan. This is simply not true. There is a good selection of cheap holidays to Spain that include airfare, hotels and even car rentals or tours once you arrive.
Looking for one of the many cheap holidays to Spain is simple if you have access to a computer and the internet. Many of the online booking companies offer discount packages if you travel slightly off season, which may mean planning your vacation either just in front or just behind the peak tourist season. In Spain the peak vacation times are the summer months of June to September, but the warm weather often extends well past September and even in April and May. Planning your vacation just off the main tourist times will usually give you cheaper flights, cheaper hotels and a lot less people around. Another option is to take last minute flights that have not sold, often these flights are a fraction of the price but do require a lot of flexibility.
Staying in hostels is a great way to have cheap holidays to Spain but many hostels have requirements on age and time that you can stay. Sticking to individual hotels rather than the larger chain hotels can also provide slightly decreased costs, plus it allows you to really experience the culture of the area. Another option is to stay in one place that has a good low daily rate and simply travel using rental cars, buses or even the train on day trips to see the surrounding areas. One of the best ways to decrease the costs of a trip to Spain is to stay just slightly off the beaten path. Many of the smaller towns around the larger cities have wonderful accommodations at a fraction of the price. Meals, food and drink are often much more reasonable in smaller areas than in the big cities.
A rail pass is a relatively inexpensive way to get around the country and saves the traveler from having to navigate the roads and deal with a rental car. Rail or train travel is popular and inexpensive throughout Europe and the rail passes can be used outside of Spain, making them a good cost saving idea for cheap holidays in Spain.
Terry Roberts is a professional linguist and translator who has lived in Spain for over 30 years. To read more travel advice and tips for your next trip to Spain, visit his website at Travel to Spain.
All facilities at Barcelona hotels Barcelona is the place of tourist lovers with all kinds pleasurable thing. It is the hottest tourist destination with large numbers of Hotels.
Because of the endless flights of stairs in most buildings in Barcelona, visitors with disabilities may have difficulty getting around the city, but conditions are slowly improving.
The Barcelona Metropolitan, the local magazine in English (www.barcelona-metropolitan.com), is mainly aimed at expats, but will appeal to the visitor who wants more of an insider’s view.
New Year.
The locals are very tolerant of kids on the streets and at the city’s many attractions. Following is just a brief mention of some of the main sightseeing attractions in Barcelona for both kids and parents:
