Posts Tagged ‘y barcelona’
Staying near Las Ramblas offers many exciting activities, and is in the center of all the action.. Las Ramblas is a long, pedestrian friendly road that stretches from Plaza Catalunya to the Christoper Columbus statue near the Port.
Las Ramblas is in the city center and there are many metros, which makes getting around the city very convenient. While cruising down the street you can find street performers, human statues, flower stands, outdoor eating and even pet stores, but be careful of pick-pockets and bag snatchers since this is a tourist filled area. You are only minutes away from the large marketplace, La Boqueria, which is filled with colorful exotic tropical fruits and vegtables, a variety of meats and seafood, cheese and eggs. The location is central, only being 5 minutes from the Cathedral, the Port, Plaza Catalunya, the Opera House, shopping and many museums. Just off of Las Ramblas there is the famous Opera house, Liceu, as well as many plaza’s, the big one being Plaza Reial, which is filled with restaurants, bars and clubs. The restaurants near or on Las Ramblas do not have the best food, and are a little over priced due to the amount of tourist. However it is a great place to grab a cerveza or a pitcher of sangria, and people watch. The are many bars around Las Ramblas to choose from, since it is the center of nightlife in Barcelona. There is something going on at all hours of the day and night, and if you are hoping for a good night’s sleep, Las Ramblas may not be the right place for you. Be prepared for a lot of noise. On the other hand, if you want to be in the heart of Barcelona, Las Ramblas is the place to be.
There are many districts to choose from in the wonderful city of Barcelona, being a metropolitan area of 10 different districts. Each one is unique and has its own history and attractions. Having been divided up since 1984, they are each a representation of the way the territorial space in the country is very organized. Sant Andreu is a little far from the center of the city, or what some would call the “hip” part. But this is not to say that one should not visit it to really get a personal feel for the city. There are also several good reasons to stay there for the holidays. This is the third biggest district in size, with about 135,000 people. To describe where it’s located. It is in the northern part of the city, and it shares a border with the river Besòs, which lends itself for a pleasant walk around the district. Some of the popular sites in this area are Sala de conciertos Arzobispo, which serves as a building for special events such as school concerts and such, before it becomes a hopping place for party goers. Then we have the Club Natacio Sant Andreu, a sports complex that invites athletic people for several different sports and activities. This is the kind of community entity that all districts in Barcelona should have so that people can become more motivated to engage in some physical activity. Finally there is the restaurant L’Olive, a great, unique place where one can get a great meal with the family. Come and have a pleasant stay in this district of Barcelona and let it be another way for the city to work its charm on you.
When it comes to drinking the water in Barcelona, many people have different opinions. In my experience, I recommend that you do not drink the water from the sink. The water is fine to drink, but it is not the best tasting. The Barcelona Public Health Authority has approved the safety of the water, and drinking it causes no health risk. It is fine to use the water for cooking, but as for drinking it during the day, thats a different story. The restaurants in Barcelona only serve bottled water. Bottled water is very cheapp to buy. You can find a large bottle at a local store for around 1 euro, and in the grocery stores they are around 40 cents. Restaurants mark up the water prices a lot, a small bottle may cost you around 1.50 euro. They are also large 5 L bottles of water, which are good to keep inside the apartment, and cost around 1.50 euro. There are old stylish water pumps/fountains around Barcelona, which many people use to fill up water bottle containers. You can see older locals using them as well as thirsty dogs, however not many tourists use them to fill up their bottles. If you are desperate for water, it is fine to drink the water, but be prepared that it may not be the best tasting water.
This recently renovated flat overlooks the Gran Via high street with beautiful views of the Montjuic palace. With such a commercial surrounding, this classy apartment has everything within a stones throw and major sights and attractions such as San Antonio’s market, Plazas Catalunya and España along with the Olympic zone are equally as near. The flat itself has all the usuals with two single rooms and a double all boasting the right sized beds. Security, central heating and air-conditioning come as standard (as does the Internet, which was a nice surprise) and the kitchen is fully equipped with a modern oven. By far the most attractive factor however, is the outside private terrace with the aforementioned sights. Renovated to a rural and simplistic feel, it provides a special and relaxed seating area for all members of the household. Simply put, a rustic home-cooked meal can be enjoyed in private freedom with views of some of Barcelona´s most treasured landmarks.
This flat has the feel of luxury. Its 50 square metres are stylish and well finished and although in comparison to other apartments it is small, it pulls itself out of this usually unattractive predicament with its recently renovated loft space that gives the apartment the feel of a cabin in the hills of switzerland. Space is not compromised however and the upstairs is the sleeping area with a double bed and a sofa bed. Complete with standard bathroom with all your usuals and a kitchen that supersedes its micro status, the flat continues to offer suprises and shows that compact doesnt always have to mean cluttered. Strategically situated in the Sants Monjuic region of Barcelona, it is startlingly close Plaza Espana and thus the whole commercial shopping, clubbing and dining experience. It is quoted to be “ideal for students and young couples” but in reality, this apartment again breaks out of the mould and is suitable to be marketed towards anyone who looks for comfort and location when picking accomodation. Lastly, there is an “optional” list of everything from a cradle to a telephone and transfer to a baby chair. At just over 77euros per night, enjoy the stay if you choose to visit and if not, just enjoy the pictures.
This is a large and thus spacious house containing three consecutive floors, which if you have any problems when calling for dinner, you can just turn on and make use of the fantastic intercom system. Located on Dami in Sants Montjuic and very close to Fira Barcelona, this is an excellent starting ground for anyone who wishes to begin a new life in Barcelona, make new friends and see some beautiful commercial and natural scenery. There are six bedrooms, four being double and two being single. Air conditioning is standard, as is internet, TV, heating and flat insurance. This one is a real gem, sold easily by the double terraces which are so open and attractive that you probably wont want to sleep indoors.
Central and large apartment, very well connected by public transportation to any point of the city. Located close to Palacio de Montjuic, Mercado de San Antonio, La Rambla del Raval, Las Ramblas, El Mercado de La Boquería. You are also be able to enjoy a great variety of restaurants, bars and theatres such as El Victoria, El Apolo, El Condal and El Tarantantana. Central heating and television are both standard with the apartment. Sleeps upto seven people with two double rooms and a single room. A clean, compact and cosy apartment with an attractive price. Look at this and others…
Furnished and remodeled apartment full of natural light and ideal for groups and families. Situated in the barrio Eixample, which is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere, and very close to the beach and other important commerical areas. A few minutes away are Las Ramblas, the Teatro Nacional, the Auditorio de Barcelona, the Paseo del Borne, the Park de la Ciudadella, the church Santa María del Mar and the Arco del Triunfo. This neighborhood offers many bars, cafés and traditional restaurants. With six single beds in two single and two double rooms, this flat has two bathrooms with a shower and bathtub in each. There is a lift to the apartment on the second floor, heating, internet, a television and to top it all off, flat insurance. This apartment is a gem amongst a sea of expensive flats, so scoop it up at!
Charming and spacious apartment, completely exterior with 5 beautiful balconies, wood floors and great natural lighting. Strategically located just a few minutes from Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas, nearby the theatre zone of the city where you can find the theatre and club Apollo. Comfortable furnished with a single bed, all linens and a large closet for all the clothing you may need. Check it out at Barcelona-Home.
Pleasant and spacious apartment, with ceramic floors, completely exterior, features nine sunny balconies. Ideal for large groups, with six double rooms and one single room, located in a building with doorman service in the very center of Barcelona. Strategically situated in Plaza Universidad right in front of Universidad de Barcelona, the famous Plaza Catalunya and las Ramblas, where you will find excellent public transport services. This large flat holds enough space to sleep up to thirteen people with lots of clean linen and a washing machine so you can enjoy your stay in compete comfort. The seven bedrooms are all open and with nine balconies, this huge apartment will have you and your friends taking real profit of the time you spend in Barcelona city.
Elegant and comfortable apartment totally renovated and very well luminated, located in a modern building. It is situated in the middle of downtown Barcelona, close to the most commercial area of the city. Nearby you will find Universidad de Barcelona (UB) (in Plaza Universidad), The MACBA, Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña, Las Ramblas. You can enjoy the great number of pubs, restaurants and theatres, such as El Liceu and El Tarantantana, which are also in the area. With maximum sleeping capacity of seven people, the single bed, double bed and optional two double sofa beds make this apartment more spacious than it could be and with the ability to cater for more people if need be. Check it out…
With so many things going on at once, and so many places to visit, Barcelona proves to be a wonderful attraction for all kinds of travelers and visitors. The city is nicely organized into two main halves wich are divided by the grand Avenida Diagonal. On the bottom half of the city, on the south-west corner of it, you will find the beautiful Montjuic area. To talk only a little about the greatness of this place, I will mention different aspects that make it the popular location that it is. So first off, we have a small glimpse of its history. I guess about some thousands of years ago, Iberic Celts settled there, which later became a Roman sacrificial terrain. Many many years later, we find the Palau Nacional. Standing at the end of the international exhibition, this building serves as the National Musuem of Catalan Art. It contains many Gothic, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. If you visit it, you will surely find that its beauty is not only represented by its exterior magnificence. Facing the neo-baroque building you have the magic fountain. Now if you want to know more about this clever idea of some of the city´s designers, you should check out one of our older blog posts for more information. Just know that it is truly a ´´magic´´ fountain.
Another place that I highly recommend, is the Poble Español. This remainder of part of the city in 1929 is just great. As a typical old village of winding streets and cool shops and bars. I´m very fond of this place. Then we have the Anlla Olimpica, which has many of the sports facilities that were used for the 1992 Olympics. The Olympic ring is really fascinating. It proves to be a really enjoyable place to go and spend the afternoon in. The Olympic Tower will be one of teh first things your eyes notice, as the tower dwarves everything else around it. The tower was built as the communications tower for the coverage of the Olympic Games. So I have already mentioned 4 great reasons to get over to Monjuic, but it is not over yet. You also have the Montjuic Gardens which take up all the space between and around these popular places. They are just great, relazing gardens to take a stroll in, or go for a run in the afternoon. And finally we have the oldest sight of Montjuic. The Castell de Montjuic, or Montjuic Castle, is a fortress from the 18th century. It was originally built for the city´s defenses, but now it is a military museum. The best way to reach the castle is to take the cable-lift which is found at the Parallel metro stop. The price for it is not that expensive at all, so fear not. With all these reasons to get on over there, I beg you to just consider Montjuic as a destination spot. The ideal thing would be to find an appartment or shared flat near it, and see it as many times as possible. With companies such as Barcelona-home.com, you should be able to find desireable accomodations for the holidays.
Elegant apartment with plenty of natural light and a wide and spacious feel. The building has been recently renovated. In this area many students live, as a lot of Schools and Universities are located close. The flat is close to Fira de Barcelona in Plaza España, Estación de Sants, Zona Universitaria, Palacio de Montjuic, the Joan Miró Park, Zona Olímpica and the Camp Nou, Barcelona FC’s Stadium. This apartment is perfect for a couple. There is a huge double bed (with a mirror lined wall) and if need be, a double sofa bed. The flat is clean, with the usual adornments and the addition of a nice balcony for those evenings when you just want to sit in with a home cooked meal and enjoy the tranquil spirit of Barcelona’s charm. Your needs are catered for with Barcelona Homes unique range of apartments to suit all needs.
Beautiful and luminous 2 double bedroom apartment located in the area of Sants, close to several famous Barcelona landmarks. This fully equipped apartment has been recently refurbished and the two balconies allows you to enjoy the September sunshine. The famous football stadium Camp Nou is within walking distance and there are many local shops and restaurants in the area. There is a very modern kitchen and the flat screen TV gives the reception room a sleek look. Another conveniance is the free internet service that is provided. The flat sleeps up to 6 people which makes it a perfect accommodation for a family or a group of friends. For those who want to experiance the buzzing nightlife of Barcelona can easily reach the fancy clubs in Port Olympic (Catwalk, Opium Mar, Carpe Diem) or the trendy bars in Born by public transport or a short taxi ride. Book this flat today!
One of the beauties of Europe, is that you may be walking around and “bam” you have a historical monument in the middle of a city. Well, imagine waking up each morning to an Arc of Triumph. Barcelona offers that possibility with many of history’s wonders. Especially with companies such as Barcelona-Home, and some others, you can easily stay within a small distance from cites that are well-known around the world! Sometimes, you can even stay right next to them. And with transportation always beeing an important element with such monuments, it is safe to say, that a flat under these conditions, is everything a traveler may need to have a memorable stay.
So if you are looking to make a holiday in Barcelona even more special, you should really consider looking for a shared flat, hotel, or complete flat, near one of the city´s treasures. It is not everyday that one can walk up to such a place, and stay in an affordable location at the same time. Another important point is that there is always good restaurants around these locations, and for people who are hungry for more than just what our eyes may see, this is crucial as well. I onced stayed in an apartment next to the Sagrada Familia, and I can say that when I think of Barcelona, I think of Gaudi´s impressive structure as a vivid part of my memory. Each time I remember, I can smell the church´s mystical scent, and clearly see it´s dark gothic colors. I believe that because of this, Barcelona will always have a special place inside of me.
Looking for a place to stay in Barcelona for the holidays? You should be on the look out for available flats ahead of time, because certain companies have special offers during the holiday seasons and vacation time as well. For instance, during winter and summer, companies like Barcelona-Home, rent flats with special offers.
These offers can range from minus five percent to minus thirteen percent on the price. Think about it, a room say for nineteen euros a night, and discounted a certain amount, that is a good deal. And considering that such possibilities exist in Barcelona, it is a unique chance. We are not talking about just any old flats either. There are hard-working businesses that provie all the necessary services: internet, cleaning, parking, air conditioning, furnished, and much more. Plus, they can be located in ideal parts of the city. You only need to find the right company, and you are set.
To make things better, these companies will also follow up with discounts and special offers of up to minus thirty percent the next time you do business with them. It is not easy to find such great offers, but in great cities like Barcelona, anything is possible. So I encourage you to do some research and appreciate these kind of opportunities. Barcelona is waiting.
If you have never been to Barcelona before, it may be hard figuring out where you want to exactly stay. Barcelona has many different areas, and therefore making it easy to find a place that satisfies what you are looking for. Once you know how much you want to spend, and what type of neighbourhood, the apartment search can becme much easier. In general there are three main areas of Barcelona; Ciutat Vella (Old City), L’Eixample (The Extension), Gracia. The Old City which is in the city center is the oldest part of Barcelona, and the most touristy. Within this area there is El Born, Barri Gotic, and El Raval. Even though these areas give the old city feel, they are also the most touristy, and therefore high in crimes. There are many quaint restaurants, bars, and boutiques through out the small winding roads, and Las Ramblas runs through the middle of the area. This is a popular area for students and younger adults, due to the fact that it has a lot of nightlife. El Born is the most stylish neighborhood, and still maintains a neighborhood feel. The Barri Gotic, with old cobbled streets, is a bit more pricey than the other neighborhoods, but will make you feel as if you are living in the medieval times. El Raval is a very multicultural diverse neighborhood, with some parts being very artsy, and edgy while other parts can be shady. L’Eixample is an area of Barcelona that is divided into the Izquierda(left) and the Derecha (right). This part of town is reasonably priced, safer, and has architecture done by Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domench i Montaner. There are many restaurants, shops, local grocers, and a great place for families and professionals to live. Gracia, which has a bohemian vibe, has narrow streets and squares where people come to meet. Gracia has a great night life of bars, as well as some amazing restaurants and cafes. Rent in this part of town is more affordable than the other areas. When choosing where to live in Barcelona, there are many different options. No matter where you end up staying in Barcelona it will be a great experience, and no place is an “awful” place to stay, after all you are in Barcelona. For more information on where to live and where to find apartments, visit www.barcelona-home.com.
Imagine living in an ancient, medieval jousting part of town in Barcelona. That is exactly where you can find an apartment or shared flat for the holidays if you know where to look. To talk about one of the many parts of the city, we’ll cover the part of town called El Born.
Now one of the most fashionable places of the city, El Born is a witness to packed cafes at night, and claimed to have one of the best pizza places in the city near Passeig de Born. It is important to know that this Passeig de Born is the most important street that acts as the heart of the area. So besides the nightlife factor, this part of the Ciutat Vella (old city) can offer a blast of culture as well.
On one simple little medieval street you have the Picasso museum and the textile museum as well. Besides this, there is a beautiful cathedral that dates back a while in history as well. I will definitely not visit this place without my camera. Another reason for people to stroll around this area, is the abundance of shoes shops, which is big in Spain, and little fancy boutiques. This place is quickly becoming a trendy, fashion magnet for people all around the city, and even those who visit the capital of Catalunya.
With its great position between Via Laietana and Barceloneta, the metro is easily reached through the same line. The metro stops are Barceloneta and Jaume on the yellow line. Also keep in mind that with the stop Barcelona, you are only minutes from the beaches! This provides you with a holiday with a great city aspect, and some beach time as well.
So if you are interested in escaping the tourist traps, and meeting more locals than likely, look with companies such as barcelona-home, for sweet holiday flats, so you can have agreat time in Barcelona. Whether accompanied with the family or on you own, this part of the city will not disappoint you, and in fact, will leave you wanting more. Good luck finding a place in this knightly place.
For those of you who are looking for staying near the real heart of Barcelona, then you seek a place near el Barri Gòtic. This part of the old city is actually where present day Barcelona was originated from.
The city of Barcelona began to take form in Roman times, even though it has a stronger Medieval presence, and some of its Roman structures still exist today. Two of the main roads that were used back then are now replaced by Called del Bisbe and carrer de la Llibreteria. Also, the Roman forum that once was a part of the city, was once where Plaça de Sant Jaume is today. It is also still possible to see remains of the Roman walls in Plaça de Ramon Berenguer el Gran.
Near the inception of the Middle-Ages, the construction for the cathedral that we can all see in the Barri Gòthic was in its earliest stages. It is considered one of the masterpieces of the Spanish gothic style. Unfortunately it has been under renovation for some time lately, but it is still a special place to see. Plus there is even a very delicious tapa restaurant near by.
The old neighborhood is also the home of the historically, important plaza de sants Jaume. This plaza has the two most important administration buildings of Catalunya: Generalitat de Catalunya and Town Hall. Besides these regularly visited sights, there is just so much more: the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri (now a museum), la Casa de la Ardíaca (another museum as well), and other architectual masterpieces such as Palau Reial Major, Palau de Lloctinent, and the chapel of Santa Ágata.
With so many places to visit, and such historical background, el barri gòtic is the perferc place to get a shared or complete flat for the holidays.
Barcelona has so many different parts of the city, which it makes it hard to decide where you want to live. The city of Barcelona has a lot to offer, from the architecture of Antoni Gaudi, the old city center, Las Ramblas, and the beach. By figuring out what you want to live near, can help you decide where you want to live. If you want to live near the beach, Barceloneta is a perfect option. The neighborhood was constructed during the 18th Century, when residents of the old Ribera neighborhood (near El Born) had been displaced, and the area has also been home to many fishermen. The beaches are very lively during the hot summer days, and the clubs are busy until early in the morning. Chiringuitos, beachside bars, are found all along the beach, and are great places to grab a drink and/or a snack. There are many seafood restaurants along the boardwalk, and around the marina. Barceloneta is known for their beaches, restaurants and clubs along the boardwalk. Even though it is not in the center of the city, it is still considered part of Ciutat Vella, or old city. The neighborhood is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Born District, and the Port Vell. The construction of the neighborhood has a more modern feel to it. Along the boardwalk and the surrounding area, there are many contemporary buildings and sculptures. However, if you go through the back streets, there is still an old city feel. The Parc Cuitadella is a short walking distance, and is a great place to have a picnic in the park. Barceloneta is very close to the city center, and is accessible by walking or taking the metro (Barceloneta has its own stop on the yellow line). If you plan on spending many days at the beach while in Barcelona, the Barceloneta neighborhood is a perfect option to stay!
