Do you like museums? Well, at least cool museums? We thought so. Now, do you like cheap things to do at night time? We're going to assume that's a yes. Well, you're in luck because we've got possibly the coolest way to get out of the evening heat in all of Barcelona. See, from now until the 18th of September the Museum d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, better known as MACBA, is offering visitors special night time access to their impressive collection of modern art on Thursdays and Fridays. And what's more, admission is 50% off the normal price!

MACBA is on the vanguard of the modern art scene, and there are sure to be exhibits to intrigue even the most concerting of museum goers. Current exhibits include: “On the Margins of Art. Creation and Political Engagement.”, “Time as Matter”, as well as works from the museum's permanent collection. This is a great, inexpensive way to spend a Thursday or Friday evening, so head down to Plaça dels Angels, check out MACBA and then grab a drink or a light dinner at one of the many outdoor restaurants in the area. We can't think of a much better way to spend a summer evening in Barcelona. Can you?

People enjoying the scene in Plaça dels Angels with MACBA adding a bit of color to the night.

What

Special night time opening hours and guided tours (in Spanish and Catalan) for the MACBA museum. This is a limited time event, so be sure to take advantage of being able to see the museum at night, before it's too late!

Where

At MACBA (Museum d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona), located on Plaça dels Angels, in the upper part of El Raval. About 5 minutes walking from Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas, the nearest metro stops are Universitat (L2 and L1) and Catalunya (L1, L3, FGC and RENFE).

When

Thursday and Friday evenings until the 18th of September from 8:00 pm until Midnight. Please note the las entrance is 30 minutes before closing.

More Info

Entrance for MACBA Nits is 3.50 euros. There are free guided tours at 8:00 and 10:00 pm, though they are generally offered in Spanish and Catalan. There is a chic bar located on the upper floor of the museum which is open on these nights. Be sure to check it out. Also, check MACBA's website to keep updated with the latest exhibitions and additions to their collection. Book your apartment in Barcelona, next to MACBA now and enjoy the best summer in BCN has to offer!

Barcelona is a great city for walking. It's wide boulevards and narrow back for alleys offer countless hours of aimless wandering. However, Barcelona is also diverse geographically and many of the main sights and attractions are located quite far away from each other. This is where the efficient and expansive Barcelona public transportation system comes into help.

Featuring four main modes of transport: metro, bus, commuter trains, and trams; the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) offers cheap and safe mass transportation 24 hours a day. This guide will give a brief overview of these transport systems and how to make the best use of them. Believe me; this guide will come in handy whether it's so hot outside you can't take another minute of walking without drowning in a pool of your own sweat, it's pouring rain, or you simply want to get from one part of the city to another quickly and easily.

Barcelona's quick and efficient metro system

General info

Opening hours for the metro, commuter trains, normal bus lines, and trams are Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 am until midnight; Friday from 5:00 am until 2:00 am; and Saturday the system is open 24 hours. There are night buses (called Nitbus) that run all night every night. All night buses begin or end in Pl. Catalunya. Always check inside the stations, as hours may be extended for special events and festivals happening in the city. All of the different modes of transport operate with an integrated ticket system, which means tickets may be purchased anywhere and used on any transportation within the city of Barcelona. Individual tickets for zone 1 (Barcelona metropolitan area) may be bought for 1.35€, but the best value for most visitors is to purchase a T-10 ticket, which is valid for 10 rides and may be shared for 7.70€. The day tickets are generally not worth the money. Your ticket entitles you to make transfers within 1 hour and 15 minutes of its initial validation, as long as you don't return the direction from which you came. If you are taking the commuter trains outside of the city, check the zone map to find out the type of ticket you need to purchase.

Metro

The easiest public transport option to use, the underground train network is made up of 5 major lines each indicated with a number and a color (L1, red; L2, purple; L3, green; L4, yellow; L5, blue). All lines connect with each other line at at least one station, making transfers easy. Stops are located near all major attractions, and in general you are never more than 15 minutes walking away from a metro stop anywhere in the city. During peak hours, trains run every 2-3 minutes; but on weekends and off hours waits may be longer- between 5 and 10 minutes. A map of the subway system is available here.

Commuter trains
Run by two companies; Renfe (the Spanish national rail company) and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), which is the Catalan government's train network; offer both urban and suburban service- connecting the urban center with the small cities outside of Barcelona, as well as the more remote districts of the city itself. Renfe's Rodalies commuter train service can take you to the airport (from Sants station, and other city center stations) and to some great beaches outside the city (Sitges, Platja de Castelldefells, Montgat, amongst others). The FGC serves the quiet, Parte Alta (uptown) of Barcelona, as well as the cities in the interior of Barcelona province. FGC can also take you to Montserrat, Vic and other sights mentioned on this blog.

Buses
The bus network is vast and extensive. For all intensive purposes it is much simpler to use the metro system. However, if you do have the urge to take the bus, simply ask for a map on the bus or in any metro station with an attendant, and you can rather easily plan your routes. The waiting times for buses varies from 5-30 minutes depending on the line and time of day. We do, however, recommend the Nitbus (night bus) service which offers all night service every day of the year. All night buses start or end in Plaza Catalunya, so it is simple to take a bus to your Barcelona apartment from the city center.

Trams
There are two tram networks, though the one you are most likely to use as a visitor are the two lines which serve the beach area of the city. From the metro stop Glories or Marina (L1) you can catch trams that will drop you off near Poblenou, the Forum, the Diagonal Mar shopping center, and many of the city's beaches. The tram is a convenient way to get around this part of the city where metro stops are more scarce.

Take a trip into the enigmatic and fascinating world of ancient Egypt, right here in Barcelona. At the Museu Maritim de Barcelona, until October 4th, is an incredible exhibition: “Tutankhamon: The Tomb and its Treasures”. Meticulously recreated is King Tut's tomb, as is the fascinating saga behind the search for both the tomb itself, as well as information about the boy king's life. The exhibition will take about 1 and a half hours to go through, as it includes two incredibly interesting movies that describe the lives of both King Tut and the discoverer of his funerary chamber, Howard Carter. The exhibit, with the inclusion of a magnificently designed audioguide, takes you on a guided tour of the Pharaoh's treasures; explaining their origin, meaning, and significance in the Egyptian belief system. Perhaps, though, the most intriguing aspect of this exhibition is the parallel story of the trials and tribulations of Howard Carter- the man who believed he would find King Tutankhamun's tomb when almost all others believed it impossible. This truly is an experience not to be missed. Make sure you get down to the Maritime Museum before October 4th.

What
A full recreation of the funerary chamber of King Tutankhamon. The objects are complemented with audiovisual elements that help the visitor gain insight into the effort that went into the tomb- both it's creation at the time of King Tut's death, and its discovery by modern archaeologists in the early 20th century. The exhbit features two movies, an audioguide, and extensive exhibits that teach the visitor about every aspect of ancient Egyptian ritual and culture.

Where
At the Museu Maritim de Barcelona, located at Avenida de Drassanes, right next to the water. The nearest metro stop is Drassanes on the L3 (green line). If you come via metro, take the exit “Portal de Santa Madrona”.

When
From Sunday to Friday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm (the last entrance is at 7:30 pm) and on Saturdays until 10:00 pm (last entrance at 8:30 pm). The exhibition is open now until October 4th, so go see it before it leaves town!

More info
Prices are as follows: Adult, 16€; Child under 13, 8€; Over 65, 10€; Student, 10€; Family Pack (2 adults, 1 child), 32€. Get there early as it can be crowded on weekends. Book your apartment in Barcelona now and enjoy your adventure back to the time of the Pharaohs in style!

If you are in Barcelona during the next two weeks, be sure to check out the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) and their annual 'Gandules' summer series of free outdoor movie screenings. This is a great, and free, activity for the summer as it allows you to be outside at night when the air is cool and refreshing to be in. The movies are shown in their original version (mostly English) with Catalan or Spanish subtitles. Screenings begin at 10 pm, but be sure to arrive early as saving seats is prohibited and the series is quite popular with the locals!

Here's the schedule of screenings for the next two weeks:

Tuesday, August 18th

Down by Law

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Year: 1986

Length: 102'

Synopsis:  The stylish deadpan comedies of Jarmusch, a member of New York's No Wave in his youth, are the true pop rock of the cinema. The film tells of the meeting of three characters-a DJ (Tom Waits), a pimp (John Lurie) and an Italian tourist (Roberto Benigni)-in three settings-New Orleans, a prison and a Louisiana swamp-with a fabulous soundtrack by Waits and Lurie.

Wednesday, August 19th

The Devil and Daniel Johnston

Director: Jeff Feuerzeig

Year: 2005

Length: 110'

Synopsis: A bi-polar musician and comic-book artist, Daniel Johnston became a folk legend who was much admired by musicians such as Kurt Cobain. He recorded his albums in the basement of his home and wrote hundreds of songs about unrequited love. The film is a fascinating portrait of the film and cassette recordings that Johnston used as his diary.

Thursday, August 20^th

Project Grizzly

Director: Peter Lynch

Year: 1996

Length: 52'

Synopsis: After being attacked by a grizzly bear, Troy Hurtubise decided to build himself some extravagant bear-proof armour, inspired by Robocop. Peter Lynch followed his story, producing a hilarious film that fascinated Tarantino, inspired Herzog's Grizzly Man and was parodied by The Simpsons.

Tuesday, August 25^th

Adieu Philippine

Director: Jacques Rozier

Year: 1962

Length: 106'

Synopsis: Fifty years ago, the nouvelle vague transformed the pace of the cinema. Adieu Philippine is perhaps his least-known, most luminous masterpiece. Michel meets Liliane and Juliette, aspiring actresses, and goes to Corsica with them on holiday. A bold, radiant, light-hearted and immediate film about beauty, pleasure and fleetingness, which puts us back in touch with a generation that discovered the world through the cinema.

Wednesday, August 26^th

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

Director: Charlotte Zwerin

Year: 1989

Length: 90'

Synopsis: The materials are varied, but the heart of this moving film, produced by Eastwood, is provided by rough footage of the private Thelonious Monk, with his worn shoes and hats, lost in solitude, chasing his private ghosts, cutting in phrases and amazing us on the piano with his action playing: "he moves his hesitant fingers through the air, allows them to drop and we are saved, Thelonious the captain is here and our course is set for a while" (Julio Cortázar).

Thursday, August 27^th

The Conversation

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Year: 1974

Length: 110'

Synopsis: A detective who carries out audio surveillance makes an apparently banal recording of a couple in a park that gradually plunges him into an unsolvable case. This is Coppola's own personal Blow-Up: a dark, technological thriller that stuns us with the perceptive enigma of sound. Palme d'Or at Cannes.

And make sure you've got an apartment in Barcelona near the CCCB to go home to after a night of enjoying cinema al fresco!

On this week’s edition of Extraordinary Excursions we are venturing a bit further afield from Barcelona. This day trip will be a long one, but it's a magnificent opportunity to both gain a greater understanding of Catalan culture and to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pyrénées mountains. So strap on your walking shoes and get ready for a trip to the medieval city of Vic and an afternoon of walking amongst the peaks of the Pyrenees!

A visit to the Vall de Nuria is something not to be missed!

Background

Vic is an amazingly well preserved medieval town located approximately 70 kilometers outside of the city of Barcelona. It is located in the Barcelona province and is the capital of its county, Osona. Throughout history, Vic has been an important city of commerce in Catalunya due to its privileged equidistant position between the provincial capitals of Girona and Barcelona. Today, Vic is best known for its exquisite dried meats, sausages and pork products; as well as being the gateway to the majestic Catalan Pyrenees.

What to do

Visit the medieval city's market and sample some of the city's famous pork delicacies. Especially renowned is the fuet, a thin salami-like sausage which is made in the village. Iberian pork products from Vic carry prestige and a premium price in Barcelona and other cities in Spain. Check out the Museu de la Pell (literally the Leather Museum), which is a unique museum which focuses on the history and production of various types of leathers. Of note is the cathedral, which, though it was consecrated in 1803, features many beautiful classical features. Next, spend the afternoon exploring the Catalan Pyrenees with a dayhike in the beautiful Vall de Nuria. The Vall de Nuria, accessible only by rack railway, is a pristine destination for wilderness activities of all types- including horseback riding, archery, and more.

Where and how

Vic can be reached by Renfe's Rodalies commuter train service. Trains leave from Sants station, as well as Plaza Catalunya, and take about 1 hour and a half. To reach the Vall de Nuria continue past Vic on the train until you arrive to Ribes de Freser. Here you will find the terminus of the rack railway which ascends several kilometers into the valley. To reach Ribes de Freser takes about 2 hours by train from Barcelona. Be sure to check the website of Renfe and of the rack railway for timetables, as they vary according to season (in winter Vall de Nuria is a popular ski resort).

The most convenient way to reach Vic and Vall de Nuria is by private vehicle. From Barcelona, the trip takes only about 1 hour by car. Our affiliate, Viator, offers a fully guided small-group excursion at an affordable price. This trip includes in the price round trip transport in a private van, a tour guide, and a ticket for the rack railway in Vall de Nuria. Book your trip today and an apartment in Barcelona to come home to after a long day of adventure and exploration in the mountains of Catalunya!

Parc de la Ciutadella was constructed on the grounds of the city’s medieval fortress (its name, Ciutadella, means citadel in Catalan), modeled after Paris’s Luxembourg Gardens.

Located in the district of Ciutat Vella (Old City), right next to the Estació de França train station and the Arc de Triomf, the park features 10 entrances and covers an area of 17.42 hectares.

It occupies the land that formerly held the old Ciutadella (Citadel), which was built by Felipe the 5^th to maintain control and Spanish domination over Barcelona after the War of Spanish Succession in the 18^th century.

Looking for a signature project as host of the Universal Exposition of 1888, the mayor of Barcelona, Francesc Rius i Taulet, commissioned the construction of the park on the grounds of the old fortress- symbol of repression for the citizens of Barcelona for centuries. The man commissioned with its construction was Josep Fontserè, who successfully carried out his task and opened the park as a symbol of Barcelona opening to the World with the year’s exposition.

Fontserè was also assisted by a young Antoni Gaudi, who collaborated in the design of the emblematic Cascada Monumental (Monumental Waterfall), one of the most impressive installations in the park.

Today, Ciutadella is one of the largest and most popular parks in Barcelona. It is distinguished by its extensive garden area, which features ample space to stroll and treed areas to relax in the shade.

Perhaps the most visited part of the park is the small lake that is found in the middle of the gardens. The lake features an elegant combination of exotic plants and aquatic animals. Visitors can enjoy the lake by renting one of the small row boats that also inhabit the lake.

Other unique sculptures found in Ciutadella include the Monument to Walt Disney, the Umbrella Girl, and the Mammoth, amongst others.

Adjacent to the Cascada Monumental, you will find the Jardin Romantico (Romantic Garden) which is home an extensive variety of plant and vegetable species. Another significant site in the park is the old Plaza de Armas. There you will find a small, oval pond in the center of which is the celebrated work of sculptor Josep Llimona, “Desconsuelo”.

Stay in an apartment in Barcelona near the Parc de la Ciutadella and enjoy the vibrant life of the historic and cultural center of the city.

Barcelona is a beautiful city, with people and places that remain in your heart and memory long after you’ve departed. Barcelona is also a major metropolis and one of the most heavily touristed cities in Europe. As such, there are always some parasites and other unsavory elements that are attracted to the good living and crowds of people for their own immoral, and illegal personal gain. Of course, we are referring to theft. Luckily, violent crime is rare in Barcelona; so you don’t need to worry about being hurt;  but not so lucky is the fact that petty theft is commonplace- especially in the touristic areas of the city.

Us here at Come2BCN decided to write this short guide as a way to help you stay secure in your person and belongings while you’re in Barcelona. Hopefully this will make you more aware of the techniques thieves use and allow you to enjoy your time in the city without undue worry or paranoia. After all, nobody wants to spend their time in Barcelona dealing with credit card companies and cops!

The old city is a favorite hangout of petty thieves, especially at night

Rule # 1 – Stay in control

Just because you are on vacation and having a good time doesn’t mean you can let your guard down and be oblivious to the world around you. If you are blatantly out of it, falling down drunk, or otherwise unaware or unable to be aware of your surroundings your risk for being a target of theft increases dramatically. The easiest targets for the (sober) thieves are the beligerently drunk people that think Barcelona is some type of all-inclusive resort. By all means, drink as much as you want. Just don’t lose control. By simply paying attention and listening to your gut instinct, most problems can be avoided. 

Rule # 2 – Know where you are

The vast majority of robberies take place in and around Las Ramblas and the old city, at the beach, around Parc Guell, and in the areas immediate to La Sagrada Familia. On the Metro, 90% of robberies occur on the blue (L5) and green (L3) lines, especially in the stations Diagonal and Sants Estacó. Why? Simple. It’s where the visitors are. We’re not saying avoid these areas- they’re some of our favorite parts of the city! Rather, be aware that you are in areas frequented by thieves and adjust your level of caution accordingly. And be especially aware at night in these areas. In all other neighborhoods of the city you really don't have to worry as crime is disproportionately concentrated in the touristic zones and old city. 

Rule # 3 --  Know your enemy

On public transport: Thieves on the metro/trains usually look for people with backpacks or large handbags that they are not paying attention to. They generally work during rush hours, when the trains are packed. Their modus operando generally involves reaching into a backpack or bag slung  behind the shoulder and then leaving the train at the next stop. Avoid this by holding your bags in front of you while on the Metro. Also, please note that the turnstile area of Sants Estació metro station is a notorious hangout for thieves who rob people while they are buying or swiping their tickets. 

On the street: Be wary of anyone who approaches you in an overly animated and friendly manner. Normal people, if they want to talk to you, will maintain their distance and speak to you in a respectable, calm manner. Thieves like to act like “best pals” with their victims and put their arms around their targets as they walk and talk. The most common robbery technique involves a guy putting his arm around you and starting to dance. Next, he will hook his leg around yours and simultaneously reach in your pockets. At this point, it’s generally too late and your stuff is gone. If this begins to happen, get the person away from you by any means necessary, make a lot of noise and cause as large of a scene as you can. Draw attention to you and to him. Next, make sure you have all your stuff before you let him out of your sight. The scum that operates like this usually try and play their failed robbery off as an innocent mistake and fade into the shadows in shame.

Conclusions

Violent crime is not something to be worried about while in Barcelona, but being vigilant about your personal belongings is vital to having a safe and enjoyable holiday. By maintaining awareness about where you are and the people around, you the vast majority of undesirable situations can be avoided. Now that you’re savvy about the streets of Barcelona, get out there and experience everything this dynamic and impressive metropolis has to offer. 

 Apartments on line!

This 5^th of September, make plans to come to Barcelona, because there is a concert you do not want to miss. On this day, at the Parc del Forum in Barcelona, the Cruilla de Cultures music festival will feature a full day and night of great world music. From electronic to reggae and from hip hop to rumba there will be internationally renowned artists of myriad genres performing at this very unique event.

Some of the artists we are especially looking forward to seeing include:

Mala Rodriguez with the Original Jazz Orchestra (O.J.O.) and Refree

Mala Rodriguez

Mala Rodriguez is one of the shining stars of Spanish hip-hop, and she will be making a very special performance at this festival. Combining her flowing street soliloquies about life, love and the problems we all face; and the orchestral magnitude of O.J.O. the results are sure to be truly astonishing. This is combination is truly on the cutting edge, and their genre defying collaboration is truly a can’t miss.

Gentleman & The Far East Band

Gentleman

Though it may not sound like it at first, Gentleman actually hails from Germany. These days, he calls both Cologne and Jamaica his home, and it is in both Europe and the Caribbean that he is a renowned reggae artist. His popularity is no surprise however; at least once you’ve heard his music. His unique background distinguishes him from the typical reggae artist. Further, his style harkens back to the golden era of reggae- Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff- rather than the fast paced dancehall that is more common today, and is a crowd pleaser for lovers of music and life of all ages.

La Pegatina

La Pegatina are definitely the hometown heroes of this festival, and it shows with their headlining timeslot. Begun in 2003 with only 3 members, La Pegatina now counts a membership of 7 musicians strong. The result is a booming and jubilant group, ready to be ambassadors of the “rumba catalana” to the world. And they are well on their way to worldwide success- artists such as Manu Chao and D’Callaos have collaborated with the group on their first two albums. Not bad for a group that is self-managed and self-produced.

If you’re looking for great seafood at an even better price, we recommend you check out La Paradeta, a local chain of self-service seafood restaurants that features several lively locations- all of which offer high quality seafood at an extremely reasonable price.  

What makes this restaurant special is its unique system of ordering your food. When you enter the restaurant you see what appears to be a stall in a fish market., with the day’s catch laid out on ice and price tags indicating the cost per kilogram of each item. Orders are placed in the same manner that purchases are made in a market (i.e. by weight), but with a twist. In addition to ordering by weight (Half a kilo of prawns, please), you also choose the manner in which you’d like your food cooked (Grilled, steamed, fried, etc- the options vary based on the type of seafood cosen). Next you pay, take a seat, and wait to hear your number called on a loudspeaker. When you do- go collect your delicious platter of seafood and enjoy.

While La Paradeta is great for families, groups, and casual dinners out; it is not ideal for quiet romantic evenings. The restaurant is, due to the quantity and quality of the seafood offered for the price, always busy and this is reflected in the boistorous atmosphere to be found in the dining room.

Because of the nature of it’s product offering (freshly caught seafood), La Paradeta is closed on Mondays. (What, you didn’t know that fishermen took days off?)

La Paradeta does not accept reservations and is incredibly popular. Because of this, we highly recommend you arrive at an early hour to eat without waiting- whether during the week or on weekends. If you arrive too late, do not be surprised to see a line of hungry people winding its way onto the street in front of the restaurant. Don’t despair, however, the lines usually move at a fairly decent rate.

La Paradeta currently has 5 locations in and around Barcelona. One of these is in the picturesque neighboring beach town of Sitges, and two more of them are located in some of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona: the neighborhood of the Born and next to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. These locations provide you with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a good seafood meal at an incredible price while you are visiting and enjoying all that Barcelona has to offer.

Stay in an apartment in Barcelona in the Born or next to the Sagrada Familia and spend a night enjoying the delicacies of the Mediterranean prepared fresh at La Paradeta!

La Casa Vicens, built in 1888 in the beautiful and tranquil neighborhood of Gracia; was Antoni Gaudi’s first work of major significance, and the first project which showcased his personal style that has made him one of the most well known and important architects in history. This newly formulated style of architecture is reflected in the organic angles found in the form of the building, which shuns classical rigidness for a natural modernistic approach to shape. The wrought iron found on the façade and balconies has been shaped into the form of natural objects- plants and herbs- and reflects Gaudi’s deep connection with nature.

The construction of the home was commissioned by Manuel Vicens Montaner, a manufacturer of floor tiles and the namesake of the building.

The profession of Vicens, the building’s patron, is where Gaudi drew the inspiration for the exterior decorated with a colorful variety of the same. In fact, the tiles found on the exterior of this building were designed by Gaudi himself-the inspiration for which comes from the Marigold flowers which were plentiful in the house’s garden at the time. This intense burst of color and pattern provokes a façade of Eastern exoticism, with airs of India and Japan.

Unfortunately, it is not impossible to visit inside of the house because it still a private residence.

That being said, this building still represents a must-visit site for all lovers of Gaudi and his work. A visit to Casa Vicens is also a great chance to explore the picturesque neighborhood of Gracia. The house is located about 15-20 minutes walking from Parc Güell, one of the architect’s most well-known works.

Details: Casa Vicens is located at Calle Carolines, 24. It’s near the metro stop Fontana (L3, Green line) and can also be reached by taking TMB bus numbers 22, 24, 27, 28, 31, 32, 87, and 92.

If you’d like an apartment in Barcelona for your trip, near the architectural delights of Gaudi, than check out the current prices and availability of the wonderful apartments we have to offer at ComeToBarcelona.