Wednesday 27 February 2008

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!

Friday 22 February 2008

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

Thursday 21 February 2008

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

Tuesday 19 February 2008

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.

Friday 15 February 2008

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.

Sitges


Sitges: summer home to Barcelona's chic society and gay community, hot spot for party-goers, magnet for sun and beach lovers... all in all and the place to go if you want to party 'til you drop. Since Sitges is such a popular beach resort, it can be expensive, crowded and touristy, especially during the high season and on weekends. If you don't mind braving the hordes, though, you're guaranteed a great time at night and wide, sandy beaches during the day.


Sitges is also renowned as a gay hotspot. The gay community comes out in full force during carnival time, throwing one of Spain's wildest seasonal parties (Feb-March).


Beaches in Sitges

There are 15 different beaches in Sitges along more than 3km of coast in the city center, plus 7 beaches located in the municipial district. The latter ones are quieter and more relaxed whereas the city beaches offer all types of beach activities and services, such as boat rental, sport activities, chair rental, life guards, public toilets, etc. The water and sand are of high quality and significantly nicer than beaches in Barcelona. Sitges's Passeig Marítim is a great promenade with restaurants and bars -- daytime beach action is concentrated around here, so be prepared for quite the scene.


How to reach Sitges from Barcelona

During the high season (May-October) you can catch a "rodalies" train from the Barcelona Sants station. No need to buy tickets in advance, since as many as 4 trains leave every hour. Alternatively, hop on a "rodalies" train at the Passeig de Gràcia metro station towards "Vilanova / St Vicenç." It will take you approximately 25 minutes to reach Sitges beaches by train. The last departure from Sitges to Barcelona is around 10:30 pm.

Sant Antoni Market


Here’s another food market, similar to La Boqueria except larger and without all the tourists. Also don´t do what I did and go in August as you will find most of the stalls closed. However all the stalls that were still open were doing very good trade, and even the small tapas bar in the middle of the market was full of locals having a bite. The stall owners are very friendly and helpful, and there is a lovely deli counter just on the left as you go in the main entrance if you want to buy something nice to take home with you.

On Sunday from 08:00-15:00 just outside the market there is a book and coin market for all the collectors out there. You will find a tremendous assortment of old books, magazines, comics and postcards.

Boqueria Market

It's the biggest market of Europe and, probably of the whole Occidental world. La Boqueria's market, located in the emblematic Ramblas of the city, is an obliged visit for the tourists and has been converted in one of the symbols of Barcelona today.


The market was constructed with the current metal framework in the year 1914, but the first documents of the market's existence date form back to the 13th century. It's the most famous of the 41 markets that exist in Barcelona. It has a whole of 6.000 m2 where there are located more than 300 booth (of vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, specializations ...) that are the real grace of the market. It's importance takes root in offering a great assortment of fresh products and a great explosion of colours, people and movement that makes it unique in the world. There is a popular expression that says: if you don't find something in La Boqueria, it can't be found in any other place.

The popular name is La Boqueria but it's official name is Sant Josep's Market because the Sant Josep's convent that was burnt in 1835 was placed there. This fact was very important for the reconstruction and consolidation of the market. It's architecture is harmonious, but remains hidden under its iron construction; it is necessary to emphasize that the window and the medallion of the entry are of modernist style.


The market has suffered some architectural changes. In april of this year the works of reconstructions have been finished, which have liberated the squared porch and have supposed the recovery of the perimetrical column. The most important is that the market has wan in lighting and it has been opened to the street.


The services that La Boqueria offers have been extended with small places where we can eat and drink. There are 10 establishments of two different classes; the newsstand - bars to take a coffee, a refreshment or an appetizer, and small bar - restaurants to sit down in stools and to savour the economic menus or the most typical plates, without leaving the market. Between all these mini bars we find the Universal newsstand to take a recommendable menu of the day, the Pinotxo bar with the amiability of Juanito, the owner's bar and key personage in La Boquería throughout the years, which tells us the market has gained with it's reconstruction. We prune to take some tapa's (snack) in Quim's bar or eating a good chocolate with fritters in the Sant Josep's bar. At the end of the market, in the Garduña's place, we find a restaurant that takes the same name, reformed with the last works in the market. This restaurant offers Mediterranean and Catalan food to different prices, and the day's menu costs 8,25 euros.

We recommend to eat in the places that we have named above, but if in case of preferring to eat with carte, the Boqueria's market is surrounded by well-known restaurants where to choose plates of Mediterranean food. It's the case of the Turia restaurant, http://www.barcelona-on-line.es/elturia, in Petxina's street that offers renewed and varied plates, such as fish, seafood and an economic menu of 9,60 euros that is very good. We also outstand The Convent, in the Jerusalem street, specialist in Catalan gastronomy, and La Palmera restaurant that offers market food, located behind La Boqueria.

La Boqueria's market is located in the Ramblas number 101 and opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m.

International Restaurants

International Restaurants in Barcelona

The international restaurant scene in Barcelona far surpasses any other city in Spain. With everything from sushi and kebabs to Cuban, Greek and Ethiopian food, you'll find plenty of options to stray from typical regional fare.

On the creative/ fusion end, Barcelona is a hub for experimental chefs. Native Ferran Adria is world famous for his crazy culinary experiments, and many of his protegès have their own restaurants in the city center at more affordable prices ... and with the possibility of actually getting a reservation in this century.

These "nueva cocina española" haunts are still quite pricey but a definite part of the Barcelona restaurant experience.

Below are some listings for some popular international Barcelona restaurants.

Fusion/ Creative Restaurants in Barcelona

Comerç 24
c/ del Comerç 24, La Ribera
Metro Barceloneta
Tel (+34) 93 319 21 02
Daily Tue-Fri, Sat dinner onlyMeal for one €35-45

Àbac
c/ del Rec 79-89, La Ribera
Metro Barceloneta
Tel (+34) 93 319 66 00
Open daily, Mondays dinner only, closed August
Meal for one €90-100

Cuban Restaurants in Barcelona

HBN BCN
c/ Escar 1, La Barceloneta
Metro Barceloneta
Tel (+34) 932 25 02 63
Daily 1-4pm & 9pm-midnight
Entrees under €15

Habana Vieja
c/ dels Banys Vells 2, la Ribera
Metro Jaume I
Tel (+34) 93 268 25 04
Meal for one about €20

Japanese Restaurants in Barcelona

Hello Sushi
c/ Junta de Comerç 14, El Raval
Metro Universitat
Tel (+34) 934 12 08 30
Daily 12:30-4:40pm & 8:30pm-12:30am, Sun 12:30-4:40pm, closed Mondays

Sushi Itto
c/ Londres 103, Gràcia
Tel (+34) 932 41 21 99
Daily 1:30-4:30pm & 8:30pm-midnight




French Restaurants in Barcelona

Krampus (Crepes)
c/ de Saragossa 89, Gràcia
Metro Lesseps
Tel (+34) 93 200 85 97
Daily for dinner, closed Mondays

La Carassa (Fondue)
c/ de Brosoli 1, La Ribera
Metro Jaume I
Tel (+34) 93 310 33 06

Thai Restaurants in Barcelona

Thai Gardens
c/ de la Diputació 273, Eixample
Metro Passeig de Gràcia
Tel (+34) 93 487 98 98
Closed SundaysMeal for one €25-30

Tapas & Catalan Cuisine


Catalan Cuisine
Catalan cuisine, like peninsular fare on the whole, is largely elaborated with one key ingredient: olive oil. Garlic and tomatoes are other staples, along with excellent seafood, mostly concentrated in the restaurants around the Barceloneta.


Tapas
Tapas culture is not particularly strong in Barcelona. Supposedly born in southern Spain, where waiters would cover ("tapar") a class of wine with a small ration of food, the tapa has never been a Catalan tradition.


Nevertheless, you will find a high concentration of tapas bars in Ciutat Vella, the old part of town. In accordance with Barcelona's "cool" reputation, many of these give tapas a creative twist in a chill-out atmosphere. Going "de tapeo" is a great way to get to know various locales and tastes at an affordable price.

Below we've listed the most traditional and popular Barcelona restaurants serving tapas, Catalan & Spanish cuisine, plus tapas bars for those who want to try this uniquely Spanish activity. Where price range is concerned, remember that the lunchtime "menú del día" will come to €7-13 for a 3 course meal. Our estimates are based on a full dinner meal.


Barcelona Tapas Restaurants

Bodega
c/ del Regomir 11, Barri Gótic
Metro Jaume I
No phone
Daily 1pm-2am, closed Mondays & first half of August

Quimet i Quimet
c/ Poeta Cabanyes 25, Poble Sec
Metro Paral.lel
Tel (+34) 93 442 31 42
Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only

Txapel (Euskal Taberna)
Pg. de Gràcia 8-10, Eixample
Metro Catalunya
Tel (+34) 93 412 02 89
Open Mon-Thu 8am-1:30, Fri-Sun 10am-2am

Picture taken from "La Tartine Gourmande" http://www.latartinegourmande.com/
Catalan & Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona

Agut
c/ d'En Gignàs 16, Barri Gótic
Metro Jaume I
Tel (+34) 93 315 17 09
Open Tues-Sat, Sunday lunch only €20-30 per person

Cafè de l'Acadèmia
c/ de Ledo 1, Barri Gótic
Metro Jaume I
Tel (+34) 93 319 82 53
Open Mon-Fri€20-30 per person

Los Caracoles
c/ dels Escudellers 14, Las Ramblas
Metro Drassanes or Liceu
Tel (+34) 93 302 31 85 Open daily 1pm-midnight€20-30 per person

Can Culleretes
c/ Quintana 5, Las Ramblas
Metro Liceu
Tel (+34) 93 317 30 22
Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only €20-30 per person

Set Portes
Pg. d'Isabel II 14, La Ribera
Metro Barceloneta
Tel (+34) 93 319 29 50 Daily 1pm-1am€20-30 per person

Orígens 99.9%
c/ de la Vidriera 6-8, La Ribera
Metro Jaume I
Tel (+34) 93 310 75 31 Daily 12:30pm-1:30am€15-20 per person

Els 4 Gats (Picasso's first exhibit opened here!)
c/ Montsió 3, Barri Gótic
Metro Catalunya
Tel (+34) 93 302 41 40
Daily 1pm-1am€10-30 per person

Casa Leopoldo
c/ de Sant Rafael 24, El Raval
Metro Liceu
Tel (+34) 93 441 30 14
Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only €30-50 per person

Budget Restaurants

While Barcelona boasts some extremely fine and pricey restaurants, there's no reason to burn a whole in your pocket when you can head to the places listed below, and there are many more to discover. Most budget Barcelona restaurants are located in the old part of townand Gràcia, as Barcelona restaurants in the Eixample logically reflect the neighborhood's more upscale character.

At lunch time, the biggest meal of the day, you'll find cheap "menú" deals for €7 and up - even when the restaurant's a la carte dishes are expensive. A typical menú includes 3 courses and a beverage, so filling up mid-day is the best way to eat well without spending an arm and a leg.
If you're sticking to a tight budget, you can avoid Barcelona restaurants entirely and head to the markets. The Mercat de la Boquería, right on Las Ramblas, is a backpacker favorite.


Les Quinze Nits
If you walk through the Plaça Reial at lunch or dinner time, you'll immediately recognize Les Quinze Nits by the huge line of patrons snaking through the plaza. This popular budget restaurant doesn't take reservations, but your patience will pay off. The food is stupefyingly cheap and delicious, with mostly regional dishes, but it's one of the few Barcelona restaurants concerned about turnover, so don't expect as relaxed a pace as most digs. If you're traveling on a budget and want to feel like you're going posh without spending more than €13 for an entree, then this is the place to go.

Plaça Reial 6, Barri Gòtic
Metro Liceu
Tel (+34 933 17 30 75)
Daily 1pm-3:35pm and 8:30pm-11:30pm


Xampanerias (Champagne Bars)
One thing you'll learn quickly while traveling in Spain: the best affordable spots are often claustrophobically packed. Don't fret, though - that's a sure sign that you're in for a good meal. These two Xampanerias (Champagne bars) in the hip Born area are worth elbowing your way through hordes of locals and tourists to order a bottle of cava, Spanish sparking white wine, for €2-€7, accompanied by delicious tapas like pa amb tomàquet, chorizo, cheese, pork, burgers... whatever suits your fancy.

Xampanyetc/ de Montacada 22, La Ribera
Metro Jaume I
Tues-Sat noon-4pm and 7-11:30pm, Sun noon-4pm

Can Paixano c/ Reina Cristina 7, La Ribera
Metro Jaume I or Barceloneta


Buenas Migas
Grab a large tosted focaccia topped with cheese, meat or veggies at this indoor/ outdoor café and you'll be hard pressed to spend more than €5. It's a great place to fill up quick and hop over to the nearby MACBA or CCCB for some contemporary Barcelona culture.

Plaça Bonsuccès 6, El Raval
Metro Catalunya
Tel (+34) 933 18 37 08
Mon-Wed & Sun 10am-11pm, Thurs-Sat til midnight

Maoz Vegetarian
Maoz offers one option - falafel - with a varied salad bar. Here's how it works: you get a couple of falafel in a pita, with or without hummus, and are free to pile on toppings at your heart's desire. It's healthy, vegetarian, and cheap. Even with all the fixings and a beverage, you won't exceed €4.50.

3 locations:
c/ Ferran 13, La Rambla 95, c/ Jaume I 7, Barri Gòtic
Metro Liceu, Drassanes, Jaume I
Daily 11am-1:30am, Fri & Sat til 2:30am, closed Mondays.

The Bagel Shop
Ok, ok, so you didn't come to Barcelona for a taste of New York. Nevertheless, for a quick, filling bite right by Las Ramblas, the Bagel Shop is the way to go. They offer a wide selection of bagels from under €1; slap on a spread or build a sandwich for €3-6.

c/ Canuda 25, Barri Gòti
Metro Catalunya
Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm; Sept-June open Sundays 11am-4pm

Nou Candanchu
With summer tables set up on the plaza under Gracia's emblematic clock tower, Nous Candanchu serves Cataln dishes for €6-€11.

Plaça Rius i Taulet 9, Gràcia
Metro Fontana
Tel (+34) 932 377 362
Daily 7am-1am, Fri & Sat til 3am, closed Tuesdays.

Gavina
This legendary Gracia pizzeria is quirky and fun, but expect substantial waits for a table after 8pm.

c/Ros de Olano 17, Gràcia
Metro Diagonal
Tues-Sun, noon-1am

Thursday 14 February 2008

Barcelona Architecture


Barcelona is a city with mind-blowing architecture. When you first encounter Antoni Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia or his rooftop sculptures at La Pedrera, you'll be floored by the originality and hallucinogenic quality of his works. There's much in Barcelona unlike anything you've ever seen.


Barcelona architecture is, in reality, an attraction in itself. Just stroll around the city, especially through the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample, and you'll find an endless amount of fascinating buildings and unexpected treasures.


From Roman times to the Gothic period to the Catalan Art Nouveau, "modernisme," Barcelona's architecture naturally transmits the city's rich history. It speaks for eras of varying prosperity and decline, for fervent Catalan nationalism or subjugation to the central government, for Expos, Olympic Games, Cultural Forums and more.


The two most important styles of Barcelona architecture are Catalan Gothic, a medieval style, and Modernisme, a turn of the 20th century movement protagonized by Antoni Gaudi.
Apart from the Middle Ages and Barcelona's turn of the 20th century "Renaixença" (Catalan Renaissance) it's well worth mentioning the city's ancient remains.


You can see significant sections of the 4th century Roman walls at the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat and inside the Cathedral's Casa de L'Ardiaca, the Archdeacon's House.

Barcelona Nightlife


From cheap dives and Irish pubs to designer bars and enormous night clubs, Barcelona nightlife offers just about everything under the sun. You could easily make a big night of it for under €20, or blow over €50 in one fell swoop. It all depends on the scene that suits your fancy and the budget you're working with.


Barcelona nightlife can basically be divided into two main categories: bars and night clubs. There is, however, quite a bit of gray area. Some night clubs serve a double function as concert venues, some bars include a small dance floor with DJs, and some restaurants become nocturnal hotspots.


"Xampanyerías" specialize in champagne and cava, "cerveserías" stock up on varieties of beer, "bodegas" serve up all kinds of wine, and "cotelerías" deliver swanky cocktails.


Confused yet? If you're simply looking for a drink, any Barcelona nightlife locale will to the trick.

Montjuïc



Montjuic is a hill that overlooks Barcelona from the southwest. The low-lying area around Plaça de Espanya just below Montjuïc is Poble Sec. Poble Sec is easily accessible at the metro stops Espanya and Poble Sec.

Getting to Montjuic is a little more complicated than arriving at other parts of the city. Due to its elevation, the metro does not run there. One option – by foot - is to use the series of escalators that run from the Palau Nacional at Plaça Espanya up the hill. A hike up to the top of Montjuic would take about an hour on a so-so trail.

Bus lines 50, 61 and 55 will also take you there.

Alternatively, at the metro stop Parallel, you can take the funicular railway to Estació Parc Montjuic.

When the "Teleférico de Montjuic" is running (it has been temporarly closed or working with limited schedules), you can take this cable car from the Torre de Sant Sebastià in the Barceloneta over the sea and up to Montjuic.

Montjuic (“Jewish Mountain”) is a must-see area of Barcelona. With beautiful views of the city, 2 of the city’s best museums and a vast park, this hill is definitely worth the hike. Northwest Montjuic is also home to the “Poble Espanyol,” a touristy, slightly cheesy but nonetheless attractive rendering of a “Spanish Village.”

Plaça de Espanya, at the foothills of Montjuic, is one of Barcelona's most emblematic sites and a logical starting point if exploring the area by foot. From the rotund Plaza extends Avingunda de la Reina Maria Cristina, leading to the slopes of Montjuic. This avenue is flanked by a beautiful series of fountains, its largest and first being la Font Magica. Nightly music and light shows during the summer bring these fountains to life, a free spectacle no seasonal visitor should miss.

Before ascending Montjuic, you might want to take a detour to Caixa Forum, a cultural center with its own contemporary art collection. Even further west, at about a 5 minute walk from here, is - Poble Espanyol ("Spanish Village"), one of the area's many vestiges from the 1929 World Exhibition. Poble Espanyol represents styles and buildings from all over Spain in an eclectic artificial rendering.

Now back at the fountains, glance up at the hill of Montjuic: you can't miss the Palau Nacional. A neobaroque palace also built for the 1929 World Exhibition, this stately edifice houses one of Barcelona's finest museums, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalyuna) Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. After marveling at the MNAC's amazing collection of Romanesque art, simply hop on the series of outdoor escalators connecting the Palau to the Avinguda de l'Estadi at the top of the mountain. And voila, you've made it up to Montjuic, Barcelona.

The escalators drop you in a great position to see the Montjuic Park with its Jardi Botanic ("Botanical Garden") and Olympic Stadium. Also inland, but futher east, is an excellent museum, the Fundació Joan Miró. Its spacious halls and sculpture garden house the most exhaustive singular collection of this Catalan master's works.

For great views of the Mediterranean, head southeast to the Castell de Montjüic, a 17th/18th century fortress.


Find an accommodation in this area of Barcelona.

Olympic Port


Port Olímpic was built up for the 1992 Olympic Games, so it now contains a fancy marina with some nice public sculptures, along with a number of posh bars and restaurants. Its dominant twin towers, visible from nearly any point on the beach, house the luxe Hotel Arts Barcelona.


The Port Olimpic tourism area offers little in the way of sightseeing, and is mostly worth visiting for its beaches: Platja de Nova Icaria, right in front of the Olympic Port, and Platja de Bogatell and Platja de Mar Bella futher north.


Port Olímpic is dominated by two towers - the Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts Barcelona - and a large, shimmering sculture by Frank Gehry called the "Copper Fish" Gehry, a North American architect, also designed Bilbao's silvery Guggenheim museum. The marina holds beachside restaurants and bars pumping music into the early hours.


How to get to Barcelona Olympic Port

The nearest Metro stop is Ciutadella Vila Olimpica (Yellow Line, L4). You then have a 10 minute walk to the Barcelona Olympic Port and the beach areas.

Shopping

About Shopping in Barcelona

If you considered Madrid and Barcelona to be Spain’s sister fashion capitals, Barcelona would be the funkier, more stylish twin. In addition to the mega-fashion stores you’ll find in both cities (H&M, Zara, Mango, Adolfo Dominguez, etc.), the Barcelona shopping experience entails lots of quirky boutiques and unique designs.

Store Hours
Shops generally open at about 9am, close for lunch from 2-4pm and reopen until 8 or 9pm, Mon-Fri. Saturday schedules are generally the same, though many stores opt to only close at lunch time. Some shops open on Sundays and Holidays, but it is not the norm.


It’s also good to keep in mind that the low season for Barcelona shopping is August. Smaller stores make close for a week or more while the weather is scorching.


Sales

Sales usually run from the second week in January to the end of February, and during July and August. Don’t get in the way of the natives at the Cortes Inglés on the first day of "rebajas" ("sales" in Spanish). There are first "rebajas", then a bigger mark down for second "rebajas", and finally remate – final clearance sales in Barcelona.


Tombbus
This bus (T1) follows a circular route for shoppers from Plaça de Catalunya up the Passeig de Gràcia to Avinguda Diagonal and back again. The tombbus hits all the major Barcelona shopping spots, as these wide avenues are packed with a variety of international and local stores.


Do you plan to come to Barcelona to enjoy its amazing sales? Rent an apartment next to the main shopping streets of the city.

Barcelona Food

The region of Catalonia has a strong culinary reputation, both for its traditional staples and "nueva cocina española," a cutting-edge gastronomical deconstruction movement headed by native chef Ferrán Adrià. Adrià, arguably the most famous and imitated chef in the world, turns foods into foams, mixes unexpected flavors... he's essentially converted cooking into a grand experiment. The price, however, matches the innovation, so if you want to try any of his or his disciples' restaurants, book far in advance and dig deep into your pockets for this cult foodie experience.
On the other hand, classic, down-to-earth, Barcelona food would be impossible without a handful of essential ingredients. Olive oil, garlic and tomato are the top three without a doubt. Barcelona cuisine is characterized by an innate creativity that other Spanish regions lack. For example, raisins and nuts are often mixed into vegetable dishes; rabbit is combined with snails; poultry or meat is cooked with fruit.

Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, Barcelona food includes great seafood dishes. You will also note neighboring influences from France and Valencia; the latter because Catalan cuisine includes a variety of rice dices, variations on the typical Spanish paella. Here are some essentials:

Pa amb tomàquet
Take a nice, thick slice of toasted rustic bread, rub some garlic and fresh tomato on top, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil to boot and add a pinch of salt. There you have it, pan amb tomàquet, a Catalan staple and breakfast favorite.


Sarsuela
Sarsuela is a seafood medley - it's the variety show of Catalan food. It can contain any combination of different types of white fish, prawns, shrimp, squid, mussels, clams, crayfish or lobster. All of these ingredients are combined in a casserole with olive oil, tomato, lemon, paprika, white wine, sherry and other spices. Yum.

Fideua
Like paella, fideua is cooked in a large, flat, circular pan with a combination of shellfish, poultry, meat and vegetables. Instead of rice, however, the base is fideus - short, skinny noodles.


Crema catalana
The most ubiquitous Catalan desert, crema catalana is a delicious cold custard with a crispy, caramelized sugar coating. CalçotadaCalçots are a local kind of baby onions charred over an open flame but tender on the inside. They're then braised with romesco, a special Catalan sauce of tomatoes, red peppers, garlic, almonds and olive oil.

Weather


As many other European regions, Barcelona has well defined seasons in which temperatures and general weather are fairly predictable. Being a coast city, the relative humidity level is very high, always around 70%.

The weather in Barcelona is pleasant most of the year round. However you'll experience the absolute best weather from May to the end of July. September is also a good month.



The warmest season is between June and August, with temperatures that sometimes can go higher than 30 degrees (Celsius), perfect for a holiday close to the sea, holding on to the beaches and pools, walk the city wearing light clothing or just relaxing and having a cold drink at the various terraces available in the city.

August can be hot during the day (sometimes peaking around 34°C, 95F ) so if you love saunas then this is the time of the year for you!


The weather in October and November is still pleasant but starting to get a little cooler (21°C down to 15°C, 69 to 59F). You won't find sunshine every day though, so be prepared for days when it could be overcast with a little rain.


Remember these are only guidelines and the weather can vary somewhat from year to year. Especially in the last few years there has been some fluctuations from the norm.


Climate in Winter
From November to February the temperatures are cooler averaging around 12°C or 53F. It doesn't tend to rain a lot here in Winter so even though it may be cooler, often times you'll have some sunny days too. But do be prepared for some overcast and rainy days. It's all the luck of the draw!

Gayxample



Gayxample is the gay area in Barcelona in the elegant neighbourhood of Eixample, one of the busiest areas in Barcelona with also an incomparable architecture.


Around the blocks between Calle Comte d'Urgell and Rambla Catalunya, Gran Via and Calle Provença, the Eixample stands out for its vibrant gay scene. It is full of fashionable clothes shop, bars, restaurants and cafés.


Gayxample also has a super selection of night clubs, hairdressers, saunas, etc., and all without having to set foot outside this diverse and cosmopolitan area.



You can rent a nice apartment with a lovely terrace just next to the Plaça Universitat where the Gayxample begins. The location of this gay welcome apartment is in a pedestrian street where there are many fashion shops and with the mix of tourists and Barcelona's own folk, gives a cosmopolitan and multicultural feeling, typical of the "old town" of Barcelona.


Interested? Book it now!

Reus Airport


Reus Airport is approximately 106 km from Barcelona city centre and approximately 15 km from Tarragona.


Reus airport offers good access to Salou, Port Aventura theme park, Cambrils and Tarragona and the beaches of the Costa Dorada.
Some Low cost flights arrive to Reus Airport.

How to get to Barcelona city center from Reus Airport

Bus
There is a public bus that leaves from Reus airport to Barcelona. It leaves from directly outside the door of arrivals at Reus airport. It’s operated by the company Hispano Igualadina, and you can buy tickets in the ticket office in the arrivals terminal.

The journey time is one and a half hours, and it costs 11 euros for a single ticket and 18 euros for a return. The bus travels to Barcelona Sants bus station. The time table is adapted to coincide with flight arrivals.

Car Hire
There are various car hire companies at Reus airport and they offer some competitive deals. The advantage of hiring a car is that you can enjoy your holiday at your own pace and explore areas of the coast not served by public transport.

Girona Airport



Girona Airport is 103km (64.2 miles) North East of Barcelona or about 1hr 20 mins train ride from Barcelona centre. Some budget airlines mention "Barcelona" in their descriptions of Girona airport so that you know when you fly to these small airports it's possible to make a connection between the airport and your ultimate destination - Barcelona. One other point to note is that Girona is often spelt with an "e" Gerona. Both names are correct but one name is in Spanish and the other is in Catalan.

Most "Low cost" flights from Ryanair flight to Girona Airport.

How to get to Barcelona center from Girona Airport?

Bus

The Barcelona bus is probably the most convenient method of transfer between Girona Airport and Barcelona city centre. The bus service is run by an independent company and has no direct business association with Ryan Air. However Barcelona Bus arranged its times of departure and arrival to co-incide with the arrival and departure of Ryan Air flights.

When relying on the Barcelona Bus to transfer you to Girona Airport on time for a flight, it's worth remembering that the Barcelona Bus and Ryan Air are separate companies.

The bus stops right outside the airport and will take you to Estacio d'Autobuses Barcelona Nord (Barcelona's main bus terminal) in Barcelona city centre. From there you can catch the metro underground system to take you to your final destination. The nearest Metro stop to the bus station is Arc De Triomf (Red Line, L1) Make sure to leave at the exit called Sortida Nàpols. The metro stop is only 5-10 minutes walk from the bus station.

Important: Also be aware that there are 2 different Barcelona Buses which are both operated by the same company. Make sure to catch the right bus! One bus leaves Girona Airport and goes directly to Barcelona (and vice versa) the other bus only leaves from Girona centre and goes to Barcelona (and vice versa) make sure you're catching the right Barcelona Bus.

Buses timetables : click here.

Tickets cannot be reserved in advance and cost 12 Euros for a single and 21 Euros for a return.
You can also call the Barcelona Bus information line - they have an operator that speaks English:
Barcelona Bus Information Tel: (0034) 93 593 1300

Taxi
This is an expensive option and will cost you around 120 Euros for a one way trip. A better alternative may be to stay in Girona overnight and use public transport the next day, you will also get to see a little of Girona that way.

Car Hire Girona Airport
If you are not in a rush, an attractive option could be to hire a car from either Girona airport or from Barcelona city centre, and drive along the coast. You can then make a detour to one of the many beaches on route along the Costa Brava. When checking for car hire companies it's best to compare a few for prices - you'll be surprised at the difference in rental rates and also to check whether you can pick the car up at one airport and drop it off at the other if you intend to make a one way trip.

Wednesday 13 February 2008

Book a cheap flight


1) Book your flight with a "no-frills" budget airline
We've listed all the budget airlines flying from the UK below. Some of these also fly from European cities to Barcelona but you'll have to check which because their schedules are always changing.

"Since the success of EasyJet many other airlines decided to get on board offering a "no-frills" flight service"

To reduce overheads and keep ticket prices low, these airlines only offer bookings through their on-line web sites or by a telephone reservation system. This means you won't be able to book these flights through a travel agency or 3rd party company like expedia or travelocity.
It's important to check their terms and conditions before you book as most of these airlines will not refund your ticket if you change your plans.

2) Book well in advance.
You're most likely to get a low-cost ticket if you book at least a few months in advance of your trip. The Budget airline seats fill up quickly and as they do prices go up.

3) Make mid-week bookings
Bookings made for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are often the cheapest tickets.

4) Take a late night or early morning flight
These flights are always more economical.

5) Consider a different airport
If you can't find any cheap flights to Barcelona International Airport consider flying to Girona Airport instead. Girona is only 1 hour 20 mins north of Barcelona by train.

Barcelona Airport


Barcelona International Airport, also known as El Prat, is the main airport serving Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is located 10 km away from the centre of Barcelona, in El Prat de Llobregat.

The airport is the largest in Catalonia and Spain's second largest behind Madrid Barajas International Airport. It is a main hub for Vueling Airlines and Clickair, and a focus city for Spanair, Air Europa and Iberia Airlines (until spring 2008). The airport mainly serves domestic, European and North African destinations, but Singapore Airlines offers destinations in Asia . US Airways, American Airlines (beginning May 1, 2008), Continental airlines and Delta Airlines in the United States. Aeroloneas Argentinas, Aeromexico and Avianca also offers non-stop destinations to Central America/South America. The airport is undergoing expansion with the construction of a new south terminal, expected to be finished in 2009.


How to get to the city center from the Airport

From Barcelona Airport, you can take the train, a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the city. The best option is to take the taxi. Costing between 20 and 25 euros and, if you are a group of 3 or more, is the most economical. The other option is to take the “Aerobus” (blue bus). The bus arrives at “Plaça Catalunya” one of the most well-known plazas in the city.

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). The best option if you are a group of 3 or more.

Aerobus
The aerobus service is a shuttle bus service that links Barcelona airport to the city centre. This service runs every 15 min's as follows: You can catch the Aerobus from the airport and you have stops either at Placa Espana or Placa de Cataluna in the city centre. From there you can catch the metro.

Monday - Friday
Barcelona Airport to Plaza Catalunya - 06:00 to 24:00
Plaza Catalunya to Barcelona Airport - 05:30 to 23:15

Weekends, festivals and public holidays
Barcelona Airport to Plaza Catalunya - 06:30 to 24:00
Plaza Catalunya to Barcelona Airport - 06:00 to 23:20
Ticket Price 3.90 Euros for a single

Train
The RENFE train will take you from Barcelona airport to the city centre where you can change for the metro system at either Barcelona Sants (Sants Estacio) or Passeig de Gracia stations. Tickets 2.60 euros. Journey time is about 25 minutes.

Car Hire
Cheap car hire is available from Barcelona airport terminal B. This page lists all the main car hire rental companies at Barcelona airport with contact information.

Energy Forum 2008 - April 15-18, 2008


European Energy Institute will hold in Barcelona the III Edition of European Energy Forum

Given the success of the two editions of Energy Congress exhibition and conference sessions, the European Energy Institute has again chosen Barcelona to be the place to consolidate this event and become an international point of reference for the energy sector. In 2008, the major international players will gather together to exchange different points of view, innovations and projects, taking advantage of the current importance of the energy sector throughout the world.


European Energy Forum ends its first edition (2006) with a high level of participation: 400 attendees to the congress and more than 2,000 visitors. For three days, the major players in the sector got together to exchange ideas, new technologies, research and development, and also to favour relations between different countries, given the significant international participating level.


You are attending the congress and you need an accommodation in Barcelona? Click here.