Barcelona Triathlon - 5th Octuber 2008

Every year on the 1st Saturday of October the triathlon is hold in Barcelona. The triathlon consists of 1500 metres of swimming, 40 kilometres of cycling and 10 of running. All the participants start at the same time and have to complete the circuit as fast as possible. I would like to recommend you to share this incredible event with us in Vila Olímpica. This unique atmosphere encourages spectators as well as competitors to enjoy the race.

Las fiestas de la Mercè - Barcelona Mercè Festival 2008 - 19th-24th September

Barcelona’s biggest annual festival celebrates La Mercè, the Patron Saint of Barcelona, who according to legend did a good job in removing a tiresome plague of locusts that once visited the city. They never came back, so as long as we keep celebrating in her honour we are safe!

La Mercè festival has over 500 big and small activities, parades, concerts, firework displays, air shows, a 10km run and lots more events happening through out the city of Barcelona from the Friday 19th September until 24th September, the latter being a public holiday.

The Mercè Festival activities fall into 4 main areas:

The Festival of Music
Concerts in the streets and parks all over Barcelona, including the BAM music festival: http://www.bcn.cat/bam

The Festival of Tradition
Castellers competitions (human towers), capgrossos and gegant parades (dwarves with big heads and giants) and an entire menagerie of festive animals, accompanied by guests from Mediterranean countries.

The Festival in the Sky – Festa al Cel
The biggest event of the Air festival is the acrobatic air show featuring jets, balloons and gliders and more. This event is actually at the week-end after the Mercè and takes place at the Parc del Forum

The Festival of Fire
All types of sparks, from the pyrotechnical fireworks and music show to the correfoc (literally a five-run).

Food and wine tasting festivals
There are several smaller festivals that are part of the Mercè festival.

Among other popular festivals during the Merce is the street book fair, la 57 Feria del Libro de Ocasión Antiguo y Moderno, which starts on 19th September and runs until end of the first week of October. It can be found on the streets of Passeig de Gracia from Plaza Catalunya to Arago. Lots of bargains to be found!

And last but definitely not least we must mention the Festival Solar which takes place in the Parc de la Cuitadella. This purpose is to raise awareness of environmental issues and renewable energy. Visit them at http://www.festivalsolar.org/


WHERE TO SLEEP ?
I recommend you to contact TOP BARCELONA APARTMENTS

Top Barcelona Apartments offers you the best alternative to a Hotel room during your stay in Barcelona: a selection of apartments ideally located in the city centre.

Euroleague - FC BARCELONA

In Barcelona we also play basketball. The Euroleague begin in few weeks.

You can book your ticket directly from the website http://www.fcbarcelona.com/

The date and time of games will be decided approximately ten days before.

THE CALENDAR :

Wednesday 29 October : FC BARCELONA vs PANATHINAIKOS

Wednesday 12 November : FC BARCELONA vs PROKOM TREFL

Wednesday 3 December : FC BARCELONA vs SLUC NANCY

Wednesday 17 December : FC BARCELONA vs MONTEPASHI

Wednesday 14 January : FC BARCELONA vs ZALGUIRIS

WHERE TO SLEEP ?

Just book your flat on TOP BARCELONA APARTMENT : http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/

Champion´s League - FC BARCELONA

The Champion´s league will start very soon.
If you have never been in the CAMP NOU stadium, I would like to recommend you to book a ticket for this competition.

The date and time of games will be decided approximately ten days before.

THE CALENDAR :

Tuesday 16 Sptember - FC BARCELONA vs SPORTING L.
Tuesday 4 November - FC BARCELONA vs FC BALE
Tuesday 9 December - FC BARCELONA vs SHAKHTAR D.

More information on : http://www.fcbarcelona.com/

If you need to stay in Barcelona for few days, you can rent an apartment on TOP BARCELONA APARTMENTS at the best prices : http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/

What's going on in Barcelona in August?

What to do in august in Barcelona?


* Cinema outdoors.

Where? at the CCCB, the CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona C/ Montalegre 5, 08001 Barcelona Tel. 93 306 41 00 Fax. 93 306 41 01) The Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) organizes and produces exhibitions, debates, festivals and concerts, programmes film cycles, courses and lectures, and encourages creation using new technologies and languages. It promotes artistic research in fields such as multimedia, backs research into exhibition formats, exports its in-house productions to other national and international arts centres, museums and institutions, and generates debate, thought and reflection on the theme of the city and the public domain, as well as other issues of current affairs. The CCCB also compiles materials that are available for public consultation, comprising its inheritance, its holdings and archives of exhibition formats, publications, digital archives, audiovisuals, and so on. It is a space open to groups of independent artists, creators and programmers, and to various bodies with which we have forged bonds over the years, offer cinema al aire libre every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of August.
FREE Activity.

* Music outdoors.

Where? At the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Every Wednesday and Friday from 11.00pm at the Glorieta del Parc de la Ciutadella.
FREE Activity.

*What to do with children?
Barcelona offers a lot of attractive activities for the whole family.
During the summer, the Zoo offers free activities like guide visit, drawing of animals…

Another option is the attractions park TIBIDADO.
A lot of attractions for teenagers and children. A new mirrors room “Miramiralls”, where across lights and colors games you can recreate a magic world.

FORUM Park.
Organized activities for children educated. Close to the sea.
Activities like skating, and a lot of others.


** Where to sleep?

http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/asp/apartament.asp?pCod=8

“To feel like home this apartment is perfect, and it is more economical than the hotel”

David Guetta in Pacha BCN

Coming next 13th June at the Pacha the incontrovertible David Guetta! Buy your entrances today on the Pacha's website.

David Guetta (born November 7, 1967 in Paris) is a French DJ.At age 13, he began mixing his first vinyls. At 17, he worked as a DJ at 'Broad' in Paris, launching his career. From 1988 to 1990, he mixed house music at Radio Nova. In 2005, his single "The World Is Mine", which contains a sample of Simple Minds "Someone Somewhere In Summertime", topped European dance charts. He appeared in an advertisement for L’Oréal hair cream.Vocals on many of his singles are performed by singer Chris Willis.

On 13 August 2005, he performed in the Creamfields Spanish festival, with such artists as The Chemical Brothers and Carl Cox. He has also performed at Creamfields UK, again alongside The Chemical Brothers, Carl Cox and other big name DJs.The song 'Just A Little More Love' appeared in the film The Football Factory. The Gospel version was sung at the 2006 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.On New Year's Day 2007, he appeared at Big Beach Boutique 3, a concert held on the beach of Brighton, UK, put together by and headlined by Fatboy Slim.On July 14th 2007, on a flight from Paris to Ibiza, he became the first DJ to perform a live set on a commercial airplane.

November 30th saw David Guetta make his debut in Bournemouth, UK, for 2020ROCKS, playing alongside the French electro DJ Sébastien Léger.In 2007, he was elected as World DJ Nr. 10 by the British DJ Mag.

For 2008, he and his wife Cathy Guetta are planning a new event which will take place in the Stade de France. On July 5, 2008, he will perform with Tiesto, Carl Cox, Joachim Garraud and Martin Solveig in front of 40.000 spectators. The Sensation White, where Guetta performed several times, seems to be the inspiration.He has also been playing in many countries around the world to promote his 2007 album "Pop Life". He played in Mauritius on the 12th of January 2008 accompanied by French rapper Joey Starr of the mythic French rap group NTM.

Wednesday- Saturday: 00:00 - 06:00

Free pass till 03:00 for everynight but saturday with this flyer you pay 12 euros (regular price 20 euros)
Website : http://www.clubpachabcn.com/

Bob Sinclar at the Pacha

Pacha

Coming next 06th June at the Pacha the great French DJ: Bob Sinclar! It is a Pacha's event, you can book your places right know directly on the website.

Bob Sinclar, mistaken many times as "Sinclair" (born Christophe Le Friant, 10 May 1967) is a Grammy Award-nominated French record producer, House music DJ, remixer and owner of the label Yellow Productions.

Career history
Sinclar started DJing in 1986, when he was 18 years old, specialising in funk and hip-hop music, with the name Chris The French Kiss. His first club hit was "Gym Tonic", which was co-produced by Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk, featuring vocals illegally taken from a Jane Fonda fitness tape. The Bob Sinclar persona was based on a character from Philippe de Broca's film Le Magnifique.

Le Friant is famous for popularising the "French touch" of house music, with heavy use of sampled and filtered disco strings. His track "I Feel For You", a tribute to French musician Cerrone, from his second album Champs Elysées, hit #9 in the UK Top 40. On track "Darlin'", he worked with vocalist James "D-Train" Williams.
Le Friant has also worked under other pseudonyms. Under the aliases The Mighty Bop and Reminiscence Quartet, he has dabbled in hip-hop and acid jazz. He also created the Africanism project, where an ensemble of artists produce house music with a combination of Latin, jazz, African and tribal flavours.

In 2005 he scored a hit with the single "Love Generation", that reached #1 on the Australian ARIA Singles Charts and the German Media Control Single Charts in 2006. The song was a huge success throughout Europe, also peaking at no. 2 in the Dutch Top 40 and it stood 39 weeks in the Ultratop 50 in Belgium. It also became one of the official anthems for the World Cup 2006 held in Germany. The follow-up hit was "World, Hold On", that features Steve Edwards and also managed to chart in the top ten in most of the European countries. "Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now)" followed on 22 August 2006.

The remix of "World, Hold on" by E-Smoove is nominated for a Grammy 2007 in the category Remixed Recording. Also, "World, Hold On" topped in Billboard Magazine as Number One Hot Dance Club Play Single of 2006, beating Madonna and Christina Aguilera.
The fourth single of the album Western Dream, called "Tennessee" was supposed to be released in April 2007, but has been canceled due to the rumour of a new album being released.
His latest album is Sound of Freedom. It came out in France on 21 May 2007. The remix of "Rock This Party" reached number 1 in the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts

Wednesday- Saturday: 00:00 - 06:00

Free pass till 03:00 for everynight but saturday with this flyer you pay 12 euros (regular price 20 euros)

Website : http://www.clubpachabcn.com/

Holiday Apartment

Wonderful duplex apartment with 2 big terraces, both perfectly furnished to relax and enjoy the city views from the heart of the “Born” area, the centre of the old Barcelona.

This sunny apartment is located on the 4th floor in a completly renovated building with lift. Totally outer and very sunny, there is a big living/dinning room with an american kitchen opened to the living room and its study area, like in a loft and with direct access to the fantastic terrace. This terrace is furnished with hammocks, table and chairs.

On the same floor there is a double bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom with a bath tub.
Upstairs you will find the main bedroom and its large window with a beautiful view to the second terrace. Both terraces are furnished with comfortable hammocks where you can lie down and relax taking a sun bath surrounded by well taken care of plants, that will make you feel like inside a garden in the centre of Barcelona.

The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, and all the necessary to feel at home. The apartment is fully equipped with central heating for the winter and Air Conditioning for the summer. The apartment also has a washing machine and a dryer. There is ADSL Wi-Fi Internet in the apartment.

The apartament is located in a quiet street in the heart of the Born. Only a few meters away from the church "Santa Maria del Mar". The Born area is where all the young people in Barcelona would like to live. The Born represents the image of success of a district’s transformation. Small streets paved with old stone, old building renovated, fashion shops, art galleries, bars and Restaurants. There is only a 10 minutes walk to the Barceloneta Beach and to the famous Ramblas.

A holiday stay in this exclusive accommodation is one not to be missed. Are you interested in this nice apartment? Book it here.

Catalonian Moto GP

The Catalonian Moto GP is one of the most popular rounds of the World Championship. Held at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, it attracts holidaymakers and race fans alike. Drawing crowds of 100,000, the atmosphere is always electric.

The Moto GP is one of the fastest, most thrilling sports in the world. The bikes reach speeds of up to 310kph (185 mph) and the races are extremely competitive. Unlike Formula One racing, overtaking is frequent. The riders take the bravest lines to weave through the field and when the bikes close on each other they push it to the limit. There is the feeling that the crowd is collectively holding its breath as the riders brake as late as possible into the corners. Then there is the engine noise, piercing the air as the riders fly by, a constant reminder of the sheer power that they are fighting to control.

The 500cc Championship is the big one in motorcycling. Although it vies with the increasingly popular Superbike Championship for profile, it remains the title that every aspiring rider dreams of winning and the ultimate test of overall ability.

Joan Miró Foundation

The Joan Miró Foundation possesses an incomparable collection of work by the 20th-century master, and is an essential part of any visit to Montjuïc. Miró's iconic Spanish paintings are displayed on gleaming white walls, lit by natural light from above.

Miró himself set up the Fundació in 1971 and it was expanded in the 1980s. The Miró archives boast thousands of drawings, 200 paintings and 150 sculptures created between 1914 and 1978. Artistic treasures by leading lights of 20th-century art also contribute to the permanent show - Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Claes Oldenburg, Henry Moore and Fernand Leger all feature. Also check out the reconstruction of kinetic artist Alexander Calder's Mercury Fountain outside.

Downstairs is the Espai 13, which is devoted to young up-and-coming contemporary artists. It shows cycles of exhibitions devoted to certain themes or countries and provides a refreshing contrast to the more familiar names in the hallowed halls above.

There's not only art at the museum - in the summer it also plays host to classical music concerts.

Cost:
Permanent collection €8, concessions €6

Temporary exhibitions €4, concessions €3

Opening Hours:
Oct-Jun Tue-Sat 10am-7pm

Jul-Sep Tue-Sat 10am-8pm

All year: Thu 10am-10.30pm, Sun 10am-2.30pm

Barcelona Summer Festival

Popularly known as the "Grec Festival", Barcelona's summer arts extravaganza is the most important cultural event of the season. Events take place at venues across the city including the Teatre Grec, Fundació Joan Miró and Plaça del Rei.

Following hot on the heels of the Sant Joan (St John's Day) Festival, the event injects theatre, dance and music into Barcelona life, with a strong focus on contemporary culture.

Highlights in 2007 included concerts by Omara Portuondo, Laurie Anderson, Jorge Drezler and others, dance performances by the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and Conpanyia Membros and theatrical shows from international companies.

Grec started way back in 1976, when a group of actors, directors and writers staged shows at the Greek amphitheatre on Mount Montjuic. Their initiative triggered the birth of a new theatre festival, which was independently run until 1979, when the newly-formed democratic city authorities took over. Now the event is as inherent to Barcelona's summers as the scorching heat.

1908-2008: 100 years of the Palau de la Música Catalana

The CaixaForum Barcelona hosts 1908-2008: 100 years of the Palau de la Música Catalana to celebrate the famous concert hall's centennial. The exhibition - which looks at the Palau's past, present and future - is accompanied by a concert cycle.

Located in the heart of Barcelona's old quarter, the Palau de la Música Catalana is a UNESCO heritage site, known for its stunning architectural design by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

The building officially opened on 9 February 1908 and became the performing venue for the Orfeó Català (Catalan Choral Society). During its history it has welcomed performances from a wide spectrum of artists including Sergei Prokófiev, Igor Stravinsky and Ella Fitzgerald, Josep Carreras, Norah Jones and Woody Allen.

The exhibition at CaixaForum looks at all aspects of the Palau's last 100 years: from its breathtaking Modernist architecture and Catalan roots to its important role as an international music venue. The concert series aims to recreate former Palau performances from legends such as Sergei Rachmaninov, Arnold Schönberg, Maurice Ravel and Duke Ellington.

Cost:

Concerts €12

Concessions €6

Opening hours:

Sun-Fri 10am-8pm

Sat 10am-10pm

Concerts in Barcelona 2008

Barcelona is a city well-known for its nightlife and a lot of activity it offers you.
This summer some great artist are coming to perform their show in the 2nd Spanish capital.

So do not hesitate to book your tickets right now to go and admire the show of the artist you like the most!

May 2008
may 19 Busta Rhymes

June 2008
jun 01 Bon Jovi Losthighway World Tour
jun 04 Zucchero
jun 07 Feist Concert
jun 15 Avril Lavigne
jun 19 Sonar
jun 28 Jack Johnson
jun 29 Marc Anthony


July 2008
jul 04 El Canto del Loco
jul 08 James Blunt
jul 08 Lenny Kravitz
jul 10 Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals and Mc-Clan
jul 11 Duffy
jul 18 Summer Case
jul 20 Bruce Springsteen

You can buy your tickets directly online through a lot of different websites.

Barcelona Poetry - April 14/20, 2008

For a week in May, Barcelona celebrates the written word with a series of events and workshops dedicated to poetry. Bus windows and tube carriages are covered in verse, while poetry readings, lectures and workshops take place across the city.

Host venues usually include the Botanical Gardens, MACBA, the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Museum of Natural Science. Guests of honour in the past have included Angels Gregori (Valencia), Ferhat Mehmenni (Algeria), Linton Kwesi Johnson (Jamaica) and Francisco Segovia (Mexico).

The festival aims to illustrate how poetry can transcend the barrier of language and become part of the fabric of our everyday lives. Please contact the tourist office (+34 93 285 3834) for further details on this year's programme.

2008 Primavera Sound

Barcelona's redeveloped Port Area hosts the excellent Primavera Sound festival, featuring a massive line-up of top-class live acts and DJs. The highlights of the last year include Band of Horses, Comets on Fire, Bola, Explosions in the Sky, Built to Spill, Dirty Three and Isis.


Here it is a big part of the artist who will perform at Estrella Dam:

808 State, A Place To Bury Strangers, Alan Braxe, Animal Collective, Apparat Band, Dj Assault, Atlas Sound, Autolux, Awesome Color, Bill Callahan, Bishop Allen, Bob Mould Band, Bon Iver, Boris, British Sea Power, Buffalo Tom, Caribou, Cat Power, Clipse, The Cribs, De La Soul, Deerhunter, Digital Mystikz, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Projectors, Dr. Octagon aka Kool Keith + Kutmasta Kurt, Edan & MC Dagha, El Guincho, Ellen Allien, Enon, Eric's Trip, Fanfarlo, The Felice Brothers, Fuck Buttons, Dj Funk, Gentle Music Men, The Go! Team, Grande-Marlaska, Health, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs, Holy Fuck, It's Not Not, Kavinsky, Kinski, Les Savy Fav, Lightspeed Champion, Madee, Man Man, The Mary Onettes, Mary Weiss, The Marzipan Man, Menomena, Messer Chups, Midnight Juggernauts, Mission Of Burma, Mixmaster Mike, Model 500, MV & EE with The Golden Road, Nick Lowe, No Age, The Notwist, Okkervil River, Om, Para One, Pissed Jeans, Polvo, Port O'Brien, Portishead, Prinzhorn Dance School, Public Enemy performing It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, Robert Hood, Rufus Wainwright, The Rumble Strips, Scout Niblett, Sebadoh, Shipping News, Silver Jews, Simian Mobile Disco, Six Organs Of Admittance, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Strange Death Of Liberal England, Subterranean Kids, Supermayer, Surkin, The Swell Season, Tachenko, Tarántula, Thomas Brinkmann, Throbbing Gristle, Tiefschwarz, Tindersticks, Träd Gräs och Stenar, Vampire Weekend, Vórtice, Voxtrot, White Williams, Why?, Young Marble Giants. - -
Visit the homepage of Primavera Sound Festival here!


Do you want to enjoy this event? Rent an apartment in Barcelona.

Champions League: Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona in first leg of semis

Champions League: Man United gets 0-0 draw at Barcelona in first leg of semis

BARCELONA, Spain — Cristiano Ronaldo could have put FC Barcelona away early.

Instead, the Manchester United winger sent his third-minute penalty wide, leaving the English champions with a 0-0 draw in front of a crowd of 98,000 at the Camp Nou on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal.
Ronaldo's miss could haunt the two-time champion when its hosts Barcelona in the second leg on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
"I didn't score - no problem," Ronaldo said. "Now I'm going to score in Manchester."
Man United coach Alex Ferguson was hopeful the missed chance wouldn't hurt the two-time champion, which has been eliminated at this stage of the competition in seven of its nine showings.
"I hope not. But the game now starts at Old Trafford," Ferguson said. "It's now down to the deciding goal. The big bonus now is, if we win, we're through. And with the record at Old Trafford, the atmosphere, the fans - we have a good chance."

Barcelona, looking for its second European Cup title in three seasons, controlled play after the penalty, and both Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o had chances against the English leaders.
Eto'o put a shot into the side netting in the 53rd after Andres Iniesta had back-heeled Messi's pass to him on the right. Iniesta had a penalty appeal waved off in the 71st.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar got his hands up in the 83rd to deny substitute Thierry Henry's hard shot from the left, and the Netherlands goalkeeper stopped Henry's curling free kick from outside the area two minutes from the end.

Ronaldo was United's one consistent threat and could have had another penalty in the 29th but referee Massimo Busacca waved play on. The Portugal winger had intercepted Iniesta's cross-field pass to move into the area but was knocked to the ground by Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez. "I think he touched me, but the referee didn't give a penalty," Ronaldo said. "I don't know why. I don't understand."
Man United has won just once in 17 matches in Spain, and Ferguson was pleased not to add a 10th defeat to that tally.

Champions League Semi-Final - Manchester United vs FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona gets ready to host Manchester United, at Camp Nou, Wednesday April 23rd, for some UEFA Champions League Semi-final action.Both teams are undefeated and someone has to go home a loser. Man United last played at Camp Nou in 1999 when they beat out Barca to advance into the finals. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Barcelona as + 150 favs over Man United who are listed as + 180 roaddogs. Get your Manchester United vs Barcelona pick in now at SBGglobal.com

Man United have not lost in UEFA play so far as they boast an 8-2-0 SU record. They’ve outscored their opponents 19-4, during their last ten matches in UEFA and EPL play.

They currently sit in first place in the EPL with a three point lead over Chelsea, who they could meet in the UEFA Finals. They are 2-7 SU in their last nine semi-final matches, last year they lost to AC Milan 3-5 on aggregate. United reached the semi-finals with a 3-0 aggregate win over AS Roma. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney delivered a 2-0 first-leg triumph in Rome before Carlos Tévez's 70th-minute header ended any lingering doubts at Old Trafford. They are 3-2-0 SU away from home pitch and against Spanish teams they are 1-6-9 SU.

Man United have no shortage in goals, Cristiano Ronalsdo leads his team with 28 goals in EPL and he has seven in CL play. The top five players in CL play have a combined 18 goals.

Barcelona is also lossless in UEFA play going 8-2-0 SU. They’ve outscored their opponents 14-10 , during their last 10 matches in UEFA and La Liga play. They currently are in third place in the La Liga, one game back from Villa and 11 back from Real Madrid. Barca is 2-1 SU against Man United on home pitch and 5-0 SU on home pitch in UEFA action. Word has it that Thierry Henry will sit out with the flu, he has three goals in UEFA play. Top scorer for Barca is Lionel Messi with six goals in CL play and Eto’o Samuel leads Barca in the La Liga with 14 goals. He’s been held to just one goal in UEFA action. The top five scorers for Barca have a combined 12 goals in CL play.

Sant Jordi's Day - April 23

Barcelona celebrates its very own version of St Valentine's Day, otherwise known as "Lovers' Day", on St George's Day (23 April). Many join in the romantic tradition, as sources estimate that over four million roses are bought on this day alone.

While men traditionally give their girlfriends a rose, girls present their knights in shining armour with a book. A stroll down Las Ramblas reveals hundreds of stalls, which sell some 400,000 books on St George's Day, designated the Day of the Book.

The celebration comes from the legend of the Saint himself - he famously slayed a dragon and a red rose sprouted miraculously from a drop of its blood, which he, in turn, gave to a princess.

You can take the opportunity to spend a romantic weekend in Barcelona enjoying this special day in couple. Suprise your girlfriend and rent a lovely studio just near the Ramblas where the event takes place.

SONAR FESTIVAL 2008

Summertime in Barcelona is not only about visiting museums and sight seeing, it’s also about music and party! And no other city could offer more action than Barcelona as this matter.
For the 15th time, the Sonar Festival will take place in Barcelona and is to be held this year on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June and will once again welcome more than 80 000 music addicts.

This year, the female factor and hybridism will be the main themes. You can view the complete and detailed program by clicking here.

Miss Kittin “Queen of the dancefloor” will also be part of the party!

Get your 3 days pass in advance for 170 Euros :
Advance sales: http://www.ticktackticket.com/


And for a perfect apartment in Barcelona for you and your friends, do not hesitate to contact http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/ They are specialist in apartment rentals and will be happy to help you.

For more details about the Sonar Festival 2008, check the official website : http://www.sonar.es/

Barcelona Bridal Week - May 30 to June 1, 2008

The Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre hosts Barcelona Bridal Week, known as "Noviaespaña", a fair that presents the latest in bridal gowns, outfits for ceremonial occasions and communions, as well as loads of accessories.

The programme includes appearances by many of the major names in Spanish (and international) fashion design including Hannibal Laguna and Raimon Bundo. A section for new talent has, in recent years, featured the creations of Carolina Herrera, Angel Schlesser, Javier Larrainzar and Francis Montesinos.




Please note: the event is strictly reserved for trade professionals only.

When: 30 May - 1 Jun 2008 (annual)

Where: Fira de Barcelona

Cost: €12

Opening Hours: Daily 10am-8pm (until 7pm Sun)

Bike Show BCN - April 11-13

The Bike Show BCN is a haven for cycle fanatics. Competitions, professional trade stands, cycle circuits and bike enthusiasts take over the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona for some interactive sporting fun.

The show caters for all levels of ability, from the water-jumping and trial-biking experts in the Exhibition & Competition arena to the beginners in the Kids and Family space, where children can learn to cycle and have an induction on road safety.

The Bikepark is an area where you can put your skills to the test on several different circuits, or try out Ciclokarting (pedal-driven go-karts).

Visitors can also browse the professional trade stands at the indoor Expo, try out activities at the outdoor Active Expo and take part in a variety of competitions, from a Kids' Cup to a duathlon.

The action-packed programme offers more than 20 activities each day. Please visit the event website for more details.

When: 11 - 13 Apr 2008 (annual)

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Cost: One day €103 days €15; under 5s free

Group discounts available

Opening Hours: 10am-8pm

Top Barcelona Apartments 5th Anniversary!

To celebrate our 5th anniversary on the internet we are offering the chance to win 3 nights free in one of our apartments in the centre of Barcelona.

To enter you simply have to:

Leave a comment on this post and tell us which of the apartments of Top Barcelona Apartments you like the most, giving us a least 5 good reasons.

Give us your name, date of birth, nationality, email and phone number.

Everyone who enters will have the opportunity to win 3 nights in an apartment with accommodation for up to 4 people.

The prize draw will take place on August 30th, you still have time to enter!

See the apartments where the lucky prize winners will get to stay (subject to availability):

Tallers Terrace

Ramblas Blue

Ramblas 2 Bedroom

Orchid II

Born Princesa

Rent a Scooter

You want to prevent yourself from the traffic of a big city like Barcelona: rent a Scooter!
DH-Rent provides you very special offers to get about the city for some days or for more long time. You will be able to rent 50cc and 125cc:

50 cc
1 day: 16 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 46 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 95 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 130 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

125 cc
1 day: 18 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 52 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 100 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 140 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

The store is located in Barcelona: Calle Aragó 117.
You can ask for more information at this telephone number: 0034 93 226 34 00 or go directly on their website: http://www.dh-haotian.com/.


You are coming to Barcelona for your holidays? Find right now the perfect apartment for your holidays, click here!

Barcelona Nightlife - Bars and Disco`s

Barcelona is a great nighttime city, and the array of after-dark diversions is staggering. There is something to interest almost everyone and to fit most pocketbooks. Fashionable bars and clubs operate in nearly every major district of the city, and where one closes, another will open within weeks. Locals sometimes opt for an evening in the tascas (taverns), or they settle in for a bottle of wine at a cafe, an easy and inexpensive way to spend an evening people-watching. The legal drinking age drinking is 18, though it's rarely enforced with much vigor.
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Here we have the most interesting Nightclubs and Nightbars for you:
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Pacha

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Wednesday- Saturday: 00:00 - 06:00
Free pass till 03:00 for everynight but saturday with this flyer you pay 12 euros (regular price 20 euros)



Website : http://www.clubpachabcn.com/




Razzmatazz night

Fri-Sat 01:00 - 05:00

Entrance: 12 euros (+ a drink)

It is in fact 5 clubs in-one and your entrance free covers all. There are 5 rooms in the disco and all play wildly differing music which makes for a surreal experience wandering from a room playing trance into one playing punk. It also means that there is a rather a strange mix of people, but everyone is happy and the atmosphere is good.
The main room of the club also doubles as a very good concert venue (Jack Johnson played here). The club attracts big names so have a look out for the posters on the street announcing who is playing in each room, or check out the website.

Website: http://www.salarazzmatazz.com/


Mirabé



Mirabé is a spectacular place for a big party. It is located at the mountain Tibidabo. From the terrace of Mirabé you can look down on the glittering city of Barcelona.

Website: www.mirabe.es




Otto zutz


Mittwoch: 00:00 - 05:00
Donnerstag - Samstag: 00:00 - 05:30


Ambiente: Modern / Trendy

One of the most popular discos in Barcelona called Otto Zutz. It is distributed on two floors with different atmosphere and the main music they play is Disco Funk Dance, Garage, Trash, Techno/House.


Website: http://www.grupo-ottozutz.com/


Up & down


Prices: 12€-18€ (includes 1 drink)

The chic atmosphere here attracts elite Barcelonans of all ages. The more mature patrons, specifically the black-tie, post-theater crowd, head upstairs, leaving the downstairs section to loud music and flaming youth. Up and Down is the most cosmopolitan disco in Barcelona, with impeccable service, sassy waiters, and a welcoming atmosphere. Technically, this is a private club -- you can be turned away at the door.

Website: http://www.updownbarcelona.com/



City Hall

Price: 12€


The City Hall is a club in the mere centre of Barcelona attracts especially young, fashionable people who like electronic music. Fridays and Saturdays you will find techno and house music here, Sundays are reserved for “zen ” nights: electronic, break beat music with vocals. The dance floor is huge!


Mojito Bar


The mojito club's impressive decor and large dance floor provided the perfect atmosphere and space for salsa dance and all flavors of Latin beats, including danzoon, Salsa, Meringue, regaeton and more! DJs and a lively crew of a mojito special event are impressive achievements of internationally renowned dancers and theme.


Shoko

You enjoy Shoko from the first moment. The Interior, which is mainly in red, black and gold is required to be essentially the elements of wood, fire, metal, water and earth. In two separate VIP areas (separate from the dance floor and a bamboo landscape) it leaves the visitor with well good lights. In the chill beds witnessed the electrifying atmosphere and can be located either by old movies or Japanese manga comics sprinkle. Not only because of the spectacular look at the mediterranean is the terrace of Shoko probably a beautiful beach club of Barcelona. From Thursday to Sunday to make representatives from all age groups equally the night into day. The dress code is sexy and stylish and the people there are absolutely trendy.

Website: http://www.shoko.biz/

Espit Chupito


A great bar, which is even twice there (Passeig de Colon de Arribau and c.). There are 500 different Chupitos, all with a lot of fire show and served. You must try the Rambo ! The Espit Chupito offers a wonderful atmosphere to chilling and dancing.


Website: http://www.espitchupitos.com/


Buddah Bar

You must be here to eat if you go to visit Barcelona. The environment is fabulous and the food is even better! If you have birthdays or other things to celebrate the Buddha Bar is just right for you.

Do you plan to spend a weekend to party in the Barcelona's Clubs with your friends? Rent an apartement.

Barcelona Taxi

A Taxi offers a low-cost and convenient way to get to the city centre - the fare is around 25 euros and the journey takes around 25 - 30 mins (depending on traffic). Prices are very reasonable, and if you are three or more in your party, it’s definitely the most economical.
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To give tip to the cab driver is welcome in Barcelona, but not required. If you want to tip, then give only 5 to 10 % of the taxi fare. The official Barcelona taxis are yellow and black with a green light on the roof indicating that it is free.
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If you want to drive with a taxi in the heart of the city, could it be that a taxi is not the best choice. Most parts of the city centre are pedestrian zones, and the roads from the city center can run quite small and full of traffic. In such situation, you have two options, the Barcelona transport system (subway and buses)or walk.
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Here are some telephonenumbers of taxicompany's in Barcelonas:
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Tele: (0034) 93 225 0000
Tele: (0034) 93 303 3033
Tele: (0034) 93 284 8888
Tele: (0034) 93 330 0300
Tele: (0034) 93 339 9262
Tele: (0034) 93 433 1020
Tele: (0034) 93 357 7755
Tele: (0034) 93 300 2314
Tele: (0034) 93 300 1100
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Taxi for disabled persons
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Wheelchair access Taxis in Barcelona
Tele: (0034) 93 322 2222
Tele: (0034) 93 3070707
Tele: (0034) 93 420 8088

Ave express train - Barcelona <> Madrid

The Madrid-Tarragona-Barcelona line was inaugurated on February 20, 2008. 17 trains run now every day between the hours of 6am-9pm. This line is now one of the world's fastest long-distance trains in commercial operation, with non stop trains covering the 550 km between the two cities in just 2 hours 38 minutes, and those stopping at all stations 3 hours. It previously took almost six hours. It was originally forecast that, after reaching Barcelona in 2004, the line would run at 350 km/h the maximum capable speed of the new Siemens AVE trains which have replaced the Talgo Bombardier AVE S102, after the installation of level 2 of the ETCS/ERTMS, which is scheduled to be installed in 2008. But on the AVE's first day of operating at 300 km/h to Tarragona the Minister of Public Works, Magdalena Álvarez, stated that the maximum commercial operating speeds of the AVE on all lines would be 300 km/h . It is forecast that the AVE will substantially replace air traffic on the Barcelona - Madrid route.

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The route between Madrid and Barcelona by the provinces of Madrid, Guadalajara, Soria, Zarazoga, Huesca, Lleida, Tarragona and Barcelona. 29 percent of the Spanish population, 11.5 million people, live in these provinces. Conurbations are the regions Madrid (3.2 million inhabitants), Barcelona (1.6 million inhabitants) and Zaragoza (0.6 million). (Status of all data: 1998). The stations between Madrid and Barcelona are usually altitudinal free mostly on interconnection curves connected. Among other things leads a 21.2 km long stretch of track at Zaragoza and a 13.1 km-long section of Lleida.

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Length of pipe: 744 km

Maximum speed : 300 km/h, geplant: 350 km/h

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Barcelona Metro

The Barcelona Metro was build in 1924 with the construction of the 'Gran Metro' between Lesseps and the Plaça de Catalunya, part of the modern line 3. Two years later the 'Metro Transversal' (now part of line 1) was built between the Plaça de Catalunya and la Bordeta to link the city centre with the Plaça d'Espanya and Montjuïc, the site of the 1929 Universal Exhibition.
In modern times the network consists of nine lines managed by two different operators: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), which manages the major underground lines; and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC - Catalan Government Railways), which manages three integrated commuter lines running out into the extended metropolitan area. Fares are integrated into Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, a city-wide system that also includes local and regional buses and some regional train services. 98% of its railtracks are subsurface.

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Metro timetables

From Monday to Thursday, Sunday & holiday
5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Fridays
5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Saturdays and day prior to 1/1, 24/6, 15/8 and 24/9
Non-stop service

Prices
Zones --Euros
1 -------1.30€
2 -------1.95€
3 -------2.70€
4 -------3.60€
5 -------4.60€

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L1 Hospital de Bellvitge - Badalona Centre - L2 Fira 2 - Morera - L3 Zona Universitària - Trinitat Nova - L4 Trinitat Nova - Sagrera-Meridiana - L5 Cornellà Centre - Vall d'Hebron - L6 Pça Catalunya - Reina Elisenda - L7 Pça Catalunya - Av. Tibidabo - L8 Pça Espanya - Molí Nou-Ciutat Cooperativa - L9 Aeroport Terminal Sud - Can Zam - L10 Zona Franca - Gorg - L11 Trinitat Nova - Can Cuiàs

Barcelona Vs Celtic - Barca enchanted Celtic

After a sacrificially battle succumbed Celtic Glasgow at home against FC Barcelona with 2:3. Two times the Scots were in the lead, but the Catalans close in on the Scots. In the 78th minute Messi reached the 3:2. Goal: 1:0 Jan Vennegor of Hesselink (17), 1:1 Messi (19), 2:1 Robson (39), 2:2 Henry (53rd), 2:3 Messi (78th).
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The rematch is on 4th March 2008 at Nou Camp

Barcelona play Celtic in the last 16 of this year's Champions League at the Nou Camp stadium.
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Do you want to watch the game? click Here you find a nice apartment in Barcelona

Primavera Sound Festival 2008

Barcelona's redeveloped Port Area hosts the excellent Primavera Sound festival, featuring a massive line-up of top-class live acts and DJs.
The highlights of the last year include Band of Horses, Comets on Fire, Bola, Explosions in the Sky, Built to Spill, Dirty Three and Isis.

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Here it is a big part of the artist who will perform at Estrella Dam:

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808 State, A Place To Bury Strangers, Alan Braxe, Animal Collective, Apparat Band, Dj Assault, Atlas Sound, Autolux, Awesome Color, Bill Callahan, Bishop Allen, Bob Mould Band, Bon Iver, Boris, British Sea Power, Buffalo Tom, Caribou, Cat Power, Clipse, The Cribs, De La Soul, Deerhunter, Digital Mystikz, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Projectors, Dr. Octagon aka Kool Keith + Kutmasta Kurt, Edan & MC Dagha, El Guincho, Ellen Allien, Enon, Eric's Trip, Fanfarlo, The Felice Brothers, Fuck Buttons, Dj Funk, Gentle Music Men, The Go! Team, Grande-Marlaska, Health, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs, Holy Fuck, It's Not Not, Kavinsky, Kinski, Les Savy Fav, Lightspeed Champion, Madee, Man Man, The Mary Onettes, Mary Weiss, The Marzipan Man, Menomena, Messer Chups, Midnight Juggernauts, Mission Of Burma, Mixmaster Mike, Model 500, MV & EE with The Golden Road, Nick Lowe, No Age, The Notwist, Okkervil River, Om, Para One, Pissed Jeans, Polvo, Port O'Brien, Portishead, Prinzhorn Dance School, Public Enemy performing It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, Robert Hood, Rufus Wainwright, The Rumble Strips, Scout Niblett, Sebadoh, Shipping News, Silver Jews, Simian Mobile Disco, Six Organs Of Admittance, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Strange Death Of Liberal England, Subterranean Kids, Supermayer, Surkin, The Swell Season, Tachenko, Tarántula, Thomas Brinkmann, Throbbing Gristle, Tiefschwarz, Tindersticks, Träd Gräs och Stenar, Vampire Weekend, Vórtice, Voxtrot, White Williams, Why?, Young Marble Giants.
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Visit the homepage of Primavera Sound Festival here!

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Do you want to enjoy this event? Rent an apartment in Barcelona.

Tibidabo, Barcelona's mountain

The mountain of Tibidabo is the highest point of the Collserola hills, in Barcelona, it hosts an amusement park. Everyone in the city remembers its fantastic grottoes, the dizzying experience of the Talaia, the Hall of Mirrors with its grotesque reflections, the excitement of the Aeromàgic, the fascination of the old fair of automatons. Sensations which can now be rediscovered by young and old.

Summer hours: noon-10pm weekdays, until 1am on weekends

Off-season hours: noon-6pm on weekends only, with varying closing times depending on the weather

Tel (+34) 93 211 79 42

Entrance fees: €22 full admission; €11 for limited access to rides; €19 with youth ID; €9 senior citizens; €9 children

With rides dispersed over the slopes of the Tibidabo mountain, Barcelona's amusement park provides a wonderful excuse to ascend Barcelona's highest peak for ample views of the city, the Pyrenees, and even the Baleares Islands on a nice day. You can enjoy attractions as diverse an an antique fairground and rides from the 1920s to modern roller coasters.

The FGC To Avinguda Tibidabo (last stop on the Tibidabo line) will drop you right at the gates of the Tibidabo Amusement Park. On weekends and holidays you can take the antique tram service up the hill.

You should come and rent an apartment and enjoy this fabulous attractions park.

Montserrat

About 40 km northwest of Barcelona lies the mountain of Montserrat, with a beautiful Benedictine monastery perched atop its eastern peaks. Its oddly shaped rocks, rich history and religious significance make Montserrat one of Catalonia's most interesting destinations.

The Montserrat monastery, which houses "La Moreneta" (the Black Virgin), Catalonia's patroness, is a magnet for tourists and pilgrims the world over. The legend of the Black Virgin dates to the 9th century, when the monastery's first chapel was constructed. Jump to the 20th century and you find the monastery of Montserrat playing an important role in the Catalan nationalist movement. The first Catalan bible was published here during Franco's rule (1939-1975) and it was an important anti-Franco stronghold during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
Tip: visit the Montserrat monastery at 1pm on weekdays or noon on Sundays to see its phenomenal boys choir is chanting the Ave Maria.

How to reach Montserrat from Barcelona

By Train

FGC trains towards Manresa leave hourly from Plaça d'Espanya and take aproximately 50 minutes to the "Montserrat Aeri." That's where you have to get out to take the "Aeri" cable car, which leaves about every 15 and drops you on a terrace just below the monastery. It's a breathtaking trip! Alternatively, you can stay in the FGC train until the next stop, "Monistrol de Montserrat." From there hop on the " cremallera," the mountain railway, which leaves every 20 to 60 minutes. Prices: €11.80 - €35.50, depending the combination of transport you choose.

By Bus
Cheaper than the train, but for sure lacking the thrill factor, is the daily morning bus service from Barcelona. Ask for "Julia Tours"at the Barcelona tourist office (Plaça de Catalunya). A one-way bus trip costs about €7.

By Car

Take the A2 motorway as far as Martorell, and then follow the N11 and C1411.

Penedes Wine Country Tour

Just south of Barcelona lie the green valleys and rolling hills of the world renowned Penedès, Spain wine region, the perfect place for a day escape side trip. Known as “cava country” due to being the biggest and best producer of Cava (Spanish champagne), this Spanish wine region boasts many notable red and white wines, as well. The hills of Alt Penedes can be your destination for this wine excursion, where you can enjoy exclusive visits to the vineyards and cellars of small wine and cava makers producing the most innovative and high quality wines in the Penedes wine country.

Catalonia Wine Country

Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, about 35 minutes from Barcelona, is the city's closest vineyard. If you're interested in Catalan sparkling wines, this is your spot.

Vilafranca del Penèdes, on the other hand, is Catalonia's most important production area for still wine. It's been an important trade center since the 11th century and holds a small musem and church in addition to wineries.


Getting to Catalonia Wine Country

"Rodalies" trains depart every 30 minutes from Barcelona Sants or Plaça de Catalunya to Sant Sadurní (€2.25) and Vilafranca (€2.75). Travel time is approximately 45 minutes. If you decide to go by car, head west along Avinguada Diagonal and get on the AP-7 motorway.

Dalí Museums

At least two days are needed to enjoy the visits to the three Dalí Museums properly. The distance between the three Dali Museums means that you have to allow for journeys of at least 40 kilometres if you want to go from Figueres to Portlligat (Cadaqués) and another 40 kilometres from Figueres to Púbol (near La Bisbal d'Empordà, heading in the Girona direction).

Theater-Museum Dalí in Figueres

The Dalí Theatre-Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world, occupies the building of the former Municipal Theatre, a 19th century construction which was destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War. On its ruins, Dalí decided to create his museum.The Dalí Theatre-Museum of Figueres offers a unique experience of being able to observe, live and enjoy the work and thought of a genius. As Dalí himself explained: “It’s obvious that other worlds exist, that’s certain; but, as I’ve already said on many other occasions, these other worlds are inside ours, they reside in the earth and precisely at the centre of the dome of the Dalí Museum, which contains the new, unsuspected and hallucinatory world of Surrealism.”

House-Museum Dalí in Portlligat

The present Portlligat House-museum was Salvador Dalí’s only fixed abode from 1930, the place in which he normally lived and worked up till 1982 when, upon Gala’s death, he took up residence at Púbol Castle.

House-Museum Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol

The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, open to the public since 1996, allows visitors to discover a medieval building in which Salvador Dalí lent material form to an exuberant creative effort with his mind set on one person, Gala.

How to reach Figueres and the Dali Museum

By car, take the E-15 / A-7 motorway (Barcelona-France), exit at Figueres Nord or Figueres Sud and follow signs to the city center/ museum. About 1.5 hours from Barcelona.

Trains from Barcelona to Figueres (Barcelona-Portbou RENFE line) leave hourly from Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gracia. The Dali museum is about a 10 minute walk from the train station; follow the posted signs. About 2 hours from Barcelona.

The SARFA bus company also runs routes to Figueres.