Barcelona and Its Great Transportation System
The city of Barcelona is considered as one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. It is because it has a combination of ancient and contemporary, local and international and more. And because there are many incredible and interesting places to see in Barcelona, they have assured that the public transport that they have are well organized to make sure that the visitors coming in the city can have the best experience in Barcelona.
The public transportation that the city has operates 24 hours daily. For visitors who wants to experience the unique beauty and ways of life of the city will always have the chance to tour around because they can assure that they have always a transportation waiting for them. Take note, most of their transportation is very much affordable; there is nothing for you to worry if you are in a budget. Thanks to the Metropolitans de Barcelona – an organization which is accountable for coordinating with the local train services and metro bus systems.
If you want to tour around Catalan which are the capital city, the easiest way and quickest way is by the Metro system. There are various stations that you can count on so there is nothing for you to worry if you will miss other bus or trains. If you opt to pick traveling by bus, you can choose amongst the 80 lines that you can see across the city. Though compared to the Metro, buses are not that quick however; it would allow you to have a glimpse on Barcelona’s fascinating architectures. Touring with the bus will give you the chance to see some unique work of arts designed by the famous artist Gaudi.
For night goers, or for those who loves night adventure, the city is always ready to provide you a night service. When you are in Barcelona, everything is great, full of fun and most of all you can assure that you are safe. So if you are planning to visit Barcelona for your next holiday trip, you have to familiarize as well their transportation system so that you would not be confused what kind of transportation to ride with going to the fascinating beauty spot you wanted to visit here.
Best shopping centers in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the best cities in Spain. Every year, Barcelona is abounding with tourists who were looking for fun, tranquility and worthy place to venture their holiday escapade. If you have been decided to venture your holiday vacation here in Barcelona and you think of shopping, then perhaps you can head to some of these popular areas in the city where you can shop anytime you want to.
- El Borne – this is the best place to go shopping especially for young adults. This is the area of Barcelona where you can find trendy accessories, shoes and clothing. Wandering around would lead you to the bars and cafes which are best to go at night. In this part of Barcelona is also the way to the famous museum of Picasso. The El Borne is the favorite place of the artists.
- Portal de L’Angel – if you were in the center of Barcelona this is the way that would lead you to Ciutat Vella district which is said to be the beginning of Plaza Catalunya towards the cathedral. Here you will found the famous El Cortes Ingles department store. Mostly, this part of the city is ideal for young adult shoppers who were looking for trendy fashions.
- Gracia – initially known as a separate village from the city of Barcelona. Since then until now, Gracia remains its own character with restaurants, plazas and bars and various boutiques where you can buy clothes, shoes and among others.
- Raval – this shopping center is one of the most famous shopping markets in the European countries. In here you will find various second hand shops as well as the historic Boqueria Market. Carrer de la Riera Baixa and Lailo are one of the shopping center examples that offer great and quality goods.
So if you are looking for the best shopping centers in Barcelona, the shopping centers mentioned above are the best recommended shopping center to go.
Captivating things to do and attractions to see in Barcelona
The city of Barcelona is always been designated as one of the most popular vacation destination for families, friends or lovers who were looking for a place full of captivating panorama. And because Barcelona has a perfect weather temperature, fascinating sights and various amenities and facilities for recreation and entertainment, most of the people who were traveling here with their family and kids will truly enjoy the entire features that Barcelona has.
For interesting places to see and discover in Barcelona, try to visit the places and attractions that can be found in Barcelona below.
- The Catalan Sailing Trip—one of the best activities that you can do in Barcelona. Sailing trip would give you the opportunity to explore the city through sailing the boats with your lover, friends or family. Boats should be hired at the Olympic Port – depends on your budget, you can hire a yacht or a small boat. It is available in both unmanned and manned that would depend on your knowledge and skills in boating.
- Visit Poble Espanyol—you should not miss visiting this small village yet features various interesting activities ideal for children and adults. This village is located in the suburbs area of Barcelona; the village characterized the Spanish culture and ways of life. Some of the things you can do here include art displays, craft workshops and more.
- The Parc de La Ciutadella—great park to visit with your family. If you are looking for a tranquil place, you can always head in this park with your family and spend your entire time exploring around this incredible park. The park nestled at the heart of the city and appointed as one of the most visited parks in Barcelona.
- Visit the Barcelona beach—Barcelona is blessed for having been abounding with great and myriad numbers of beaches. If you visit the city during the summer period, you will never regret it because all is worthy and you will surely enjoy your time drenching in the Barcelona beach and sun bathing.
Five famous winter events to witness in Barcelona
Every year, the city of Barcelona is always busy because of its all year round festivals. During the festival period, most of the tourists from all over the world have been captured by its incredible celebration. Most of the time, tourists comes here during the summer and spring season. Because they were thinking that during this period, most of the activities and festivities are interesting. But they never know that during Barcelona’s winter season, the city features interesting winter events that tourists should not miss to witness. Some of the five winter events that you should not miss to experience in Barcelona are the following:
- The Winter Wine Festival—this is the largest event to happen not only in Barcelona but all over the world. The event kicks off with the Spanish wines as the highlight of the said event which is commemorated every year. The event features various shows that include giving prizes to newer wines and Spanish wines. The event is the bridge for wine tasting opportunity and exchanging business contacts with the industry.
- Bread and Butter Barcelona—one of the most significant events commemorated in Barcelona every winter season which is related to fashion industry and brand. The event takes at various trends and fashion during the winter season. It is celebrated both in Barcelona and all over the world.
- The Santa Eulalia—this is the celebration to commemorate the day of Barcelona’s patron saint. The celebration usually falls down during the winter season and during this event there are a lot of special events being organized around the city.
- The Three Kings Day—this event usually takes place during the 5th of the month of January. It is a Spanish celebration that has been adopted by some other countries like the Philippines. During the Three Kings, Barcelona will be filled with long parades.
- The Carnival—celebrated during the month of February. Carnival is one of the most exciting events in Spain that has been waited by the Spanish locales and foreign tourists. During the event there are myriad numbers of local markets organizing competitions for Carnival’s best costume. This is one of the must see activities and events in Barcelona during their winter season.
One way of knowing better Barcelona is through visiting its attractions
Barcelona is a blessed city because of its being rich with fertile soil, hardworking people and fine harbor and because of that, Barcelona has been one of the most prosperous cities of Spain. Before, during the time that Madrid has not been discovered yet and when it was still known dominated a dusty Castilian backwater; it was the city of Barcelona that was very much powerful because of the various empires that had influenced the city for long years some of them are the Visigoths, North African Muslims and Charlemagne – era France.
To know better Barcelona, it is a good idea to visit some of its interesting attractions:
- The CaixaForum—this was opened in 2002 particularly in Casaramona – known as an oldmodernista textile factory which was designed by Puig i Cadalfach. A museum which features a modern art spaces, both inside and out; there is so much to see and discover within this museum that you should not miss to see.
- Casa Vicens—this is an early work of the famous Gaudi. And despite the fact that visitors can only viewed this fascinating piece of art from the exterior, the impressive façade that it shows up is already worthy to see.
- The Casa Batllo—this is located next to Casa Amatller, it was Gaudi who also designed this incredible piece of art in 1905. Since it has been featured using the stone and glittering trencadis as well as iron, the Casa Batllo has been said representing the myth of Saint George which is appointed as the patron saint in Catalonia.
- Finca Güell—known as well as the country estate of Eusebi Güell, this place features the three works of the famous artist Antoni Gaudi—which is also known as the industrialist’s beloved architect. Though it has still on private however and can only be viewed on the street however, it being private does not escape from the various viewers who get fascinated by its beauty.
How to have a cheap Barcelona accommodation
If you planned to spend your long vacation in Barcelona, getting a cheap accommodation is best recommended. Though it is more comfortable to stay in hotels, but accommodations like this are pricier especially during the peak season. Why not try to stay in accommodations like flats or apartments? For sure, you will like the place though. Despite the fact that it has difference compared to the luxury type of hotels however, it is still more economical and convenient.
For a cheap Barcelona vacation, the tips below could make you find the cheapest flats or apartments, yet still offers comfort, safety and convenience.
- The very first thing that you have to do when you were planning to stay in Barcelona is to find out where in Barcelona you want to stay. For you to easily find a great place in Barcelona, getting a Barcelona map is a good idea. It can be your guide to see some of the interesting attractions and neighborhoods of the city. Since Barcelona is a large country and it has been abounding with great attractions and scenery, most of the vacationers opted to stay in the city center and nearby the water without even knowing that there are secluded places in Barcelona that features tranquility and great incredible picturesque as well. You can stay in these areas too and for sure you will love it here.
- After you have done narrowing down the areas that you wanted to stay in Barcelona, the second thing that you can do is to do researching. The internet is one way to find the best accommodation for you to stay in Barcelona. Though you can find lots of apartments through the companies that were offering it however, most of it is pricier compare to the apartments that you can directly rent to the owner.
- After thorough researching, jot down at least 10 apartments or flats you get interested and email or call each of these apartments so that you will know exactly its details.
These are just some of the things you can do in choosing the best yet cheap accommodation in Barcelona.
Barcelona best featured bars
Barcelona is a lively city, you can always find people walking around the streets and enjoying the dynamic street life. The residence of Barcelona is called Catalan, and they like spending much of their time outside. If you were here, you will find most of the locales in the street. Due to this, it gives the Catalan people to establish various bars in order to serve those people who loved hanging outside. Wherever you look, you will always find bars in every corner of Barcelona. If you are one of the tourists and you were looking for a bar in Barcelona, the best way to find the most excellent bars is through walking on the Barcelona’s street.
Some of the best bars in Barcelona are the following:
- Caf de l’ Acad c/ Lledó 1—this is one of the best bars that you should not miss to visit. It is situated in little Pla San Just. They serve classic Catalan dishes that include risotto and the home-made pasta. Though it has always been visited by various visitors however, it has never been crowded because its location is not located in the main area or main tourist’s routes.
- La Barcelonina de vins i esperits, c/ V 304—the bar is expected to display various kind of wines, visiting this bar is your opportunity of tasting different wines that you have not tasted before. This bar is always been crowded, but all is worthy since the quality of wines they served is excellent.
- Gimlet, c/ rec 24 Born—this is an easygoing bar to seat and sip wines, because it features a pleasant ambiance. It is considered as a cocktail bar with a long wooden counter, with that impressive counter, you were like going back to the old western sentiment while sipping your whiskey.
- Agua, passeig Maritim 30—nestled at the beach of Barcelona. This excellent bar serves the best seafood as well as great view of the Barcelona beach. Since most of the restaurants here are very popular, you need to make an advance reservation so that you don’t need to line up.
Best Barcelona cuisine
One of the main things why most travelers like to visit Barcelona Spain is not only because of its incredible panorama but also because of its infinite palatable cuisine. The reason why the catalan cuisine comes into various diversion is due to the influence of the different cultures taken the city before. The origin of the unique cuisine that Barcelona has dates back on the Roman times. After that, Barcelona already obtained recipes from the Italian, Greek, Provencal, Jewish, Arabian and French gastronomy. The result of these influences is a palatable cuisine with great excellence.
The cuisine of Barcelona is know of having abounding with characteristics of the Mediterranean cuisine, which means that Barcelona is abound with fish, vegetables and meats which is cooked with olive oil. The location of Barcelona is an advantage; this is because it is located in between the mountain and the sea. From the location that it has it could provide best fruits, wines fish and more. Since Barcelona produces healthy foods it reflects how people from Barcelona understands life in a healthy way.
Some of the cuisines to taste in Barcelona are the following:
- Calçots—one of the best dishes or meal to try in Barcelona; it is cook to the ash with various onion, the onion as well is mixed with sauce, pepper, mint, tomato, hazelnuts and some other ingredients. This is the best when you eat it together with your family and friends.
- Escalivada—one of the palatable dishes to try in Barcelona, it is made of eggplant and red pepper mixed with olive oil, salt and vinegar. But before making this dish, roast all the ingredients in order to fortify its flavours.
- Faves a la Catalana—this is a typical vegetables of Catalonia which is cooked in a pot mixed with various kind of meats like black sausage, ham, bolets and vegetable. Served and cook in a pot of clay.
Top three 2010 Barcelona Attractions
This year if you are planning to visit Barcelona Spain for your vacation, it is recommended that you check first what the hottest destinations to explore in the city are. If you are confused where to go in Barcelona, below are some of the top destinations you can visit while you were in the city.
- The Magic Fountain—this is one of the most attractive attractions to see in Barcelona. You should not miss the opportunity of seeing this part of the city if you were here, because you would miss half of your life without seeing this dancing fountain that you cannot find in the other corners of the world. The vibrant light and music that it features is incredibly awesome, and you wouldn’t take a chance to glimpse because of its jaw dropping feature. This amazing fountain was built in 1929 and appointed as the biggest attractions during the 1929 Barcelona World Fair and Universal Exposition. Nowadays, the fountain remains one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona that could allure up to 2.5 million of visitors every year.
- The Picasso Museum—the museum of Picasso was built to house some of the famous paintings painted by Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous painters in Barcelona during the old times. The museum is worth to visit, because the paintings that has been exhibited here is genuine, awesome and full of life. Though the museum of Picasso does not have exhibited some of the famous paintings however, you will see here unique paintings that you have not seen to the other museums before.
- La Sagrada Familia—also called as “Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia”. Appointed as the most popular attractions to see in Barcelona. Aside from that, the cathedral as well is designated as the only cathedral all over the world that remains under construction. It has been said to approximately finish in 2025. The cathedral is interesting and worth to see, because it has a unique structure and design that you never seen in your entire life.
Famous Entertainment in Barcelona
One of the traditional dances in Spain is Flamenco, every region of the country you will always encounter the Flamenco dance, since Barcelona is part of Spain, flamenco is part in Barcelona too. Since then, some of the business-minded people are getting an idea of putting flamenco into a business, which leads to Barcelona flamenco shows. But, though flamenco could be found in every corner of the country the traditional dance is not really famous in Barcelona. The dance is more often in Madrid and in the south of Spain rather than in Barcelona.
However, if your stop is in Barcelona you could still see the dance though it is not really common in the city. The most common featured dance and shows in the city are the following:
1. Opera and Flamenco—this is an interesting show to witness in the city. Opera and Flamenco is obviously a combination of two entertainments that would entertain you when you are in Barcelona. This kind of entertainment has unique features that you would never see in the other kind of Barcelona entertainment.
2. Tirititran Flamenco Tablao in Barcelona—feature as a small flamenco bar, it is located away from the touristy parts and it appointed as more authentic compared to the other bars.
3. El Patio Andaluz Flamenco—it is described by Frommers as touristy. It features two shows every night every 10pm and midnight. Just like the other flamenco show, expect to see the later showing. Although most of the visitors are Spaniards however, foreign tourists are also welcome to witness the show. Expect to see performers who would perform authentic dances and entertainment. So this is really an opportunity that you should not miss to witness in the city when you were here.
4. Tablao Cordobes Flamenco Show in Barcelona—this is a very touristy spot to witness the show, visiting this area of the city is an opportunity for every tourist since it has unique shows that you can never witness in the other part of Barcelona.
