Making your way to Barcelona? With so many beautiful areas in and around the city, you may find yourself confused as to which neighborhood best caters to your needs.  Check out our top five places to stay in the city, each one different from the last, and all of them sure to provide you with the perfect location for an unforgettable vacation!

Gothic Quarter

Home to some of Barcelona's oldest buildings, this area is rich with history, culture and architecture. The Gothic Quarter, situated in between the busy Las Ramblas and El Born, is known for its picturesque alleyways and amazing Gothic architecture, which can be found around every corner. Take a stroll and lose yourself amidst the many tourist attractions on offer in this charming neighborhood including the Catedral de Barcelona, the Plaça Reial and the grand government palace of Catalonia. Along the way, you will find intimate cafés and delightful shops that line the quaint streets. El Barri Gótic is a true historical gem of Barcelona, and renting an apartment here ensures that you and your loved ones experience both the history and culture of the Catalan capital.

Barceloneta

Prefer a beach apartment in Barcelona, perfect for soaking up that Mediterranean sun? Then be sure to make your way down to Barceloneta. With the additions of nearby Port Vell and Port Olímpic, this area has quickly become a favorite spot for tourists.Renowned for amazing seafood restaurants and ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars), this neighborhood allows you to experience both divine cuisine and amazing beaches, while still being merely a short walk from historical downtown. 

L'Eixample

Think of yourself as a Gaudí fanatic? If so, Eixample is the ideal choice for your trip. The area, home to some of the master architect’s greatest works, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia, offers the ultimate base for your escape to Barcelona. Not only is this neighborhood host to some of the most famous architectural feats in the world, but it is one of the most significant areas in Barcelona, as it was the first extension from the city square. The most famous street in this area, Passeig de Gràcia, is home to some of Gaudí’s other works, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), while simultaneously known for the couture shopping stores that line the street. By choosing one of the many Eixample apartments in Barcelona, you and your loved ones can enjoy all of the treasures that this city has to offer.

Gràcia

Fancy an upscale neighborhood known for its distinctive Catalan atmosphere? Look no further than Gràcia, an area located just outside the city center limits, at the end of Passeig de Gràcia. This quaint town offers an escape from the always bustling center of the city, and instead you will find charming restaurants, locally-owned boutiques and some of the most stylish, luxury apartments in Barcelona. Despite the large amount of tourists that flock to Barcelona, the distinct quality that sets Gràcia apart from the rest is that it still maintains a truly Catalan atmosphere. The area is also home to the famous Park Güell, another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces, which offers astonishing views of the city, while you and your loved ones still remain a short 5 minute journey from the city center.

 El Born

Wish to be transported back to medieval Barcelona? If so, El Born, also known as La Ribera, is the perfect choice for your trip to this cultural hub of Europe. One of Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods, you will find the list of activities here to be endless and sure to cater to your every need and desire. Quirky bars, enticing museums and trendy boutiques line the streets of this lovely area, with some of the most famous tourist attractions including the Picasso Museum. You can also find the renowned El Palau de la Música Catalana just a short walk away in the neighboring 'barrio' of Sant Pere. Passeig del Born was once the site of medieval joust tournaments and is laced in the history of this grand era. Take a short stroll around the area and another architectural work awaits you. The Santa María del Mar basilica is an astonishingly beautiful Gothic church, renowned as one of the most perfect examples of pure Catalan-Gothic style. Choosing an apartment in El Born ensures that all the history, culture and art that make this city so famous will be at your fingertips!

Whether you wish to lose yourself in the maze-like streets of the Gothic quarter, revel at the great works of Gaudí or simply relax on the beach while enjoying some traditional Spanish paella, Barcelona has a great variety of locations, perfect for your vacation. Choose one of the Barcelona apartments in any of these gorgeous neighborhoods and begin to experience all that this amazing city has to offer!

 

In a city filled with history, art and modernism bursting at the seams, Casa Batlló is undoubtedly one of the most admired buildings. Created by Antoni Gaudí , Casa Batlló is more than just an old residence, but one of Barcelona´s most visited tourist attractions. It goes without saying that when in the capital city of Catalonia, a visit to this masterpiece is a must.

There’s No Place Like Home

Josep Batlló was a distinguished textile industrialist in Barcelona, owning and operating many factories in the city. He and his wife only had one wish for their house: that it would be different than those of the others within the Batlló clan. Therefore, they chose to hire Antoni Gaudí to design an innovative and creative home, not limiting the artist in any way.

Casa Batlló was created between 1904 and 1906, but the original structure of the building, which is located on the bustling street of Passeig de Gràcia, was completed in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés. When Gaudí was first commissioned to work on the house, he was to knock down the existing structure and rebuild it from the ground up. However, it was later decided that renovations to the building would be much more practical.

The family lived on the noble floor of Casa Batlló until the mid 1950´s. The noble floor is the first floor in the building that currently houses the gallery, and from here the view allows visitors to overlook all of Passeig de Gràcia. Other rooms on display include the dining room, bathrooms, and many other spacious areas of the living quarters.

 

Animal Come to Life

 

Known for his symbolism and creative representation of daily images, Gaudí portrayed Casa Batlló in a similar way to his other works. The structure is based on the theme of an “animal come to life,” which evokes nature with organic structures and suggestive fantasy. Examples that are most evident include the façade, which boasts columns representative of bones, and a wavy shape that surrounds the entire face of the building, suggesting movement. The building itself is composed of beautifully colored mosaic tiles, representing fish scales and aquatic life. The roof of the façade bodes giant towers, symbolizing an animal’s spine, and these are doused with even more mosaic tiles.

The inside of the house was also influenced by mythical creatures, fantasy, and animal life. However, much of the house is built to be functional and practical too, and many consider it to be a “smart house,” even all these years later. One of the most apparent examples of this is the design of the handles on the stairwell, which are figurative of reptile spines, yet they are simultaneously shaped to fit the form of a human hand as one descends the inspired staircase.

 

Then and Now: Casa Batlló

Today, the house is a cultural museum for tourists and locals alike to witness and try to better comprehend the modernist mind of such a revered architect. The museum offers complete audio-guided tours for a general fee of around 18€.

Be sure to visit the roof of Casa Batlló, which offers a spectacular view of Barcelona, and is where even more of Gaudí´s masterpieces can be found. Tickets can be bought directly at the ticket office, located outside the front entrance of the building, or by visiting the Casa Batlló website. The building is open 365 days a year from 9am to 9pm. Located in the center of the city, on Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló is easy to find, and hard to miss due to its exquisite colors that sparkle under the Barcelona sun.

 

 

Spring-Summer in Barcelona : crowded city full of color and energy with open air Café-Terraces,chiringuitos (beach bars), flower filled parks, summer festivities and traditional cuisine is just the perfect season to be in the most amazing city of Spain, Barcelona!

 

Spring-Summer Flower Bloom  Barcelona is definitely a sea of color in spring-summer. There is many suggestions when it comes to this season. Collserola Natural Park located behind the hill of TIbidabo a place where you can do any kind of sports without venturing far from the city. This place offers walking trails, biking trails and lots of other things you can do to enjoy natural fresh air. Twice a month except on August this park offers “astronomy nights” with great information and hands-on telescope experience. Another iconic place to visit is Park Guell of Gaudí where you can enjoy amazing views from the terrace. If you are a rose lover Parc de Cervantes I Rosera is the park for you. With a collection of over 2,000 different species.

 

 Café Terraces  Roof top Bars in amazing hotels, Open Spaces, terraces over looking the Mediterranean Sea.This chill out terraces where you can go with friends and have a cocktail night with stunning city views.
From Ramblas to Raval, Passeig the Gracia to Barceloneta just to mention few of them. This season definitely marks the beginning of a great weather for you to enjoy this open spaces and roof top gatherings.

 

 

Beaches in Barcelona  A city known around the world for having the best beaches. When the weather is heating up, you definitely need to be ready for an awesome time. From La Nova Icaria Beach, Mar Bella Beach, San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Paseig Maritimo to Barceloneta and few more. The long coast line is just full of great beaches and people hanging out at the chiringuitos or “beach bars” listening to live music sitting and enjoying a cocktail and light meal with friends and family.

 

 

 Catalan Cuisine  Spring-Summer season is definitely the most enjoyable. As the beaches of Barcelona comes to life you may enjoy a tasty paella, a traditional seafood noodle broth at sea side. Or just a great shrimp salad with seasonal vegetables. Spring-Summer is a good excuse to be inventive in the kitchen and this cuisine experts are definitely great on being creative.

 

 

 

While the city warms up and starts leaving some winter clothing behind and submerse themselves into a great weather, this up coming season is definitely ready to give you an amazing time in Barcelona!

Check out an easy to book apartment in Barcelona: early booking or last minute offers. If you are coming to Barcelona you can stay in the city centre or at a beach apartment in Barceloneta. You will have a more private and relaxing time with your loved ones when you stay in a Barcelona apartment. It is becoming really popular to stay in an apartment rather than a hotel. This way you are able to discover the city freely in a whole new perspective. You will have a sense of independence that you will not find in a single hotel room. If you are traveling for holidays or business trip, you can take advantage of a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen that is definitely a big plus for your trip. Rent an apartment in Barcelona and enjoy your stay in perfect accommodation!

 Join on  Facebook fan page now! and you will be instantly participating to win a weekend accommodation in a luxurious apartment in Barcelona Spain! Also for great city insights to help plan your trip ahead in Barcelona!

  

ComeToBarcelona offers a wide selection of exclusive apartments. The Eric Vökel Gaudí Suites designed and decorated by the Danish architect Eric Vökel combine the functional Nordic beauty with the Mediterranean design where lighting, comfort and ecology are the main characters.

 
Eric Vökel Bcn Suites :

Eric Vökel Bcn Suites are situated in a perfect location at the Eixample district  close to the charming neighborhood of Gracia, Avenida Diagonal and around prestigious and exclusive Paseo de Gracia. 

 

CR 768-Premium  y  CR 772-Premium I: Apartments with terrace  55 m2, with capacity up to four people.
CR 769-Superior y CR 775-Superior I: Apartments with balcony, 65 m2, with capacity up to six people.
CR 770-Deluxe y CR 776-Deluxe I : Apartment with balcony, 70 m2, with capacity up to six people

The nearest parking: Calle Nápoles nº 274

Erik Vökel Gaudí Suites:

Eric Vökel Gaudí Suites are well located at the Eixample Derecho.
Very close to the famous temple designed by Gaudi The Sagrada Familia and the San Pau Hospital one of the main jewels of modernist  architecture of Barcelona.

CR 778-Standard: Apartment with balcony 50 m2,  with capacity up to six people
CR 779-Superior: Apartment with balcony 60 m2,  capacity up to six people

Nearest Parking: Calle Cartagena nº 319, « Parking Avinguda Gaudí ».

Erik Vökel Available Services:

• 24 hour electronic check in available.
• Concierge service, maintenance,electronic monitoring and also lockers for luggage.
• Cleaning service available starting from 7 days reservation, additional cleaning service can be requested but it will be an extra cost.
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner delivery may take up 40 minutes.
• Snack machine at the lobby available 24\7
• Cable internet connection, large format LCD TV with USB port (for iPod, cameras and video cameras), International satellite channel in each apartment, Wi-Fi Internet throughout the hotel, internet games, all of these services are free.
• Pets allowed with prior notice.
• Reservation payment will only be accepted by credit card.

The Sagrada Familia

We don’t have to remind you how beautiful and well-known Gaudi’s work is. Initiated in 1882, and nature themed, this cathedral is still to this day in construction. You will be able to visit it for 10€. It opens at 9 am and closes at 2 pm. 

Montjuïc Hill

This vast park possesses many touristic places and activities, some of these including the castle, the Olympic stadium, the old Spanish village (that you can visit for 6- 9 euros), Miro’s foundation, the Greek theatre and many others. This is a nice hill pleasant for long strolls under a fresh marine wind during a hot summer´s day.

The Ramblas

Barcelona’s Champs Elysées, this avenue is a central place for touristic shops. The statues (human disguised) most definitely animate this street situated close to the Gothic areas.

The “Paseo de Gracia” 

Take a walk down this road where, in the olden times, rich and famous Spanish people went to walk at the weekend to boast. It is now still a famous passage where you will be able to find the Pedrera House (entry costs 11 Euros), the Battló house (between 15 and 18 Euros for a visit) and various luxury shops such as Chanel, Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent…

The Picasso museum

Although much of his work is kept for private collections, this museum displays numerous paintings of this famous painter. Located in calle Montcada, between Jaume I and Arc de Triumf metro stations, this museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am till 8 pm.

The Gothic area

It is a small pedestrian area and this part of Barcelona is very typical and home to many small bars, and restaurants. There you will find Barcelona´s cathedral and the Pie’s church which possesses the largest European rosette. 

The park Güell

Known worldwide, this park was created by the famous Barcelonese architect Gaudí. Initially built as a luxury park which would have regrouped beautiful properties, it was finally turned into a gorgeous park where you can admire Gaudi’s work (mosaic sculptures, aqueducts…).You will be able to visit the Gaudí museum located in the park Güell. The entry is free; it opens at 10 am and closes at 9 pm.

The Spanish village

Testimonial of the architectural history from all Spanish regions, this small village located in Montjuïc Park, near the national museum of Catalan Art, was built in 1929, for the international exposition. It opens Monday to Sunday, from 10 am till 6 pm.

The National Museum of Catalan Art

You can get to thismuseum via the Montjuïc Park or the “plaza de España”. Its slogan, which resumes the entire museum, is “one museum, 1000 years of art”. Come to admire paintings and sculptures by the best Catalan artists. The price of the visit is 8.5€; the museum opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm between Tuesday and Saturday. It opens from 10 am to 2.30 pm on Sunday.

El Camp Nou

On November 29, 1899, Hans Gamper founded Futbol Club Barcelona, along with eleven other football enthusiasts, a sport that was still largely unknown in this part of the world. With a capacity of 98,800 seats, Camp Nou has the largest seat capacity in Europe!  It is located in western of Barcelona, approximately 5km from the city centre, in Arístides Maillol Avenue, in the Les Corts district of Barcelona. You are sure to enjoy a true Camp Nou experience when you go there: it opens at 10 am and closes at 5.30 pm. The price is 18.10€ per person.  

 El Born area 

El Born is a small, fashionable, but also very authentic village. Glassmakers and designers are located everywhere. Feel free to engage in dark alleys to discover the old Barcelona. It grew in the 13^th Century due to a commercial prosperity, El Born (The Ribera) along with the old Gothic Area makes up the old of Barcelona.

Come to see this cultural city and book your apartment with ComeToBarcelona.

As you may know, Barcelona is divided into multiple different neighborhoods or "barrios", each with its' own vibe and defining characteristics. Depending on what you're looking to experience, a certain neighborhood is sure to provide just that.

L'Eixample is a pleasant, upscale neighborhood just outside of the middle of the city. The name means "extension" in Catalan and was originally created as a place to live for those who could not afford to live in the center of Barcelona. However, almost the opposite had happened by the end of its' creation and it is now one of the posh, wealthy areas of Barcelona. Streets are lined with stores of international designers such as Armani, Chanel, and Burberry, but there is much more to see than just these high-end shops.
Passeig de Gracia is home to two of Antonio Gaudí's works of art, Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. Also, a couple blocks further down the road is one of Gaudi's unfinished masterpieces, The Sagrada Familia. The unfinished church has been worked on by various architects throughout the years and has come to be known as one of the important symbols of Barcelona. If you're looking to experience some brilliant architecture and do some shopping, this is the place for you.

Near L'Eixample is the neighborhood Gracia, which begins at the intersection of Avingunda Diagonal and Passeig de Gracia and goes north. It was originally a village of its' own but was connected to the rest of Barcelona when L'Eixample was created. However, it has a different feel than L'Eixample, with an active community that has a more relaxed attitude.Various different plazas throughout the neighborhood help provide a sense of authenticity that the neighborhood maintains. The gem of Gracia is Park Güell, a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona. The elaborate park features various creations of Gaudi and an experience of art unlike any other. Gracia is the place to go to experience the real sense of neighborhood here in Barcelona.

Heading in the other direction, el Born is one of the more modern neighborhoods in Barcelona. What began as a settlement for medeival fairs and celebrations has become a haven for small boutiques and excellent tapas bars. The different cafes and stores provide a relaxing way to spend the day as well as good places to go at night. El Born is also home to the Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum, as the original textile mills were located here. One of the most fascinating pieces of el Born is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, an elegant church showcasing some of the gothic architecture seen throughout the city. El Born also provides the ideal location for those looking to experience cultural aspects of the city as well as the beach. A ten minute walk to the city center and a ten minute walk to the beach make it one of the ideal places to stay in Barcelona.

For those looking to experience the beach and an exciting night scene, Barceloneta is the place to be. One of the largest beaches in Barcelona, it has over 1,000 meters of beach for one to enjoy. Frequented by tourists, Barceloneta is the perfect place to spend the day lying in the sun and eating at one of the many restaurants located on the boardwalk. The boardwalk is also home to many extravagant bars and nightclubs, with stellar views of the beach. Barceloneta provides both fun and sun.

No matter what it is you're looking for, Barcelona is bound to offer it. Pick your favorite barrio and book your apartment there now!

 

With the weather warming up in Barcelona and along the coast of Spain, it´s the perfect time to take a day trip and see the fantasy Dali-land in Figueres, a small town about two-hours from Barcelona. The museu Dali is filled with some of Dali´s most famous works of art, and the renovated theatre is personally decorated and designed by Salvador Dali himself.  The museum is a surrealistic portrayal of Dali´s life, everything with no logical order and without any sort of audio guide, a request by Dali himself. You´ll be able to look closely into Dali´s personal life, specifically the boat hanging above the tire tower representing his soul mate Gala and the tears representing her death. Look next at the homage Dali paid to Mae West, a room where her face can be seen in the furniture only from a certain vantage point. You can spend hours in the surrealistic museum, looking at how Dali portrayed famous works of art in the most peculiar ways. 

If you haven´t had enough of Salvador Dali yet, take a trip from Figueres to Cadaques, about a 45 minute drive, to see the Dali House, his home where he created most of his bizarre artwork. His home, which he shared with Gala, proves how a person´s creativity can be expressed through all types of medium. His front door, a work of abstract art, was created when he asked the local fishermen to wipe their brushes on it when they finished painting their boats. The house is left almost exactly as it was when Dali moved out in 1982, after the death of Gala.

Dali´s house and museum are both reflections of Dali´s personality, fun and a little bit provocative. Before you leave Barcelona make sure a trip to Figueres or Cadaques is on your list of things to do, and don´t forget to book your Barcelona apartment today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

While difficult to fathom, sometimes it is nice to get outside of Barcelona, even just for a little bit, and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Catalonia. In this day trip, we offer just that: a pleasant afternoon of hiking and a tour.

Located about 40 kilometers outside of Barcelona, San Miquel del Fai is an incredible area full of small lakes, waterfalls, caverns and trees, all surrounding a mountain that is perfect for hiking. In addition to the scenery, one can see examples of Catalonian medieval architecture in the buildings there.  

Visit us at ComeToBarcelona so that after a great trip, you can return to one of our Barcelona apartments and enjoy the night!

One of the most amazing things about Barcelona is the way that magnificent structures seemingly blend in to the city. A true testament to the fantastic city planning, sometimes it takes a helping hand to point out specific structures, despite how large they may be!

Santa María del Mar is a perfect example. Tucked back in La Ribera, this cathedral was built in the 14^th Century. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, this towering church is in juxtaposition with the narrow streets surrounding it. The exterior, large and dark, give way to an expansive and light interior. The wonderful ambience of the interior has made it a very popular locale for concerts.

Santa María del Mar was built in celebration of the Catalan conquest of Sardinia. Amazingly, at the time of its construction, its name was very appropriate, as the Spanish `mar´ means `ocean.´ When constructed, Barcelona´s coastline was more inland—the Cathedral was on the ocean! However, as time passed, the coast shifted outwards, and the only reminder of this time long ago is in the church´s name.

Prior to her burial in the Cathedral of Barcelona, the patron saint of the city, Saint Eulalia was buried here, in Santa María del Mar. Legend has it that as two men were moving her casket to its new resting place, one of the men took part of her hand as a relic. The casket became unbearably heavy and they could make no further progress. Then an angel appeared to them, admonishing the man for what he had done, and instructing him to return the relic. The man obeyed, and once again they were able to carry the casket to its new place. Where the angel is said to have appeared is forever memorialized, as that place is now known as Plaza del Angel. 

 

So visit us at ComeToBarcelona and rent an apartment today, so that you may be on your way to discovering Barcelona.

The National Museum of Catalan Art has the goal of educating the viewer on Catalan art from the Romanesque Period all the way to current times with special emphasis placed on the Catalan variations of Romanesque and Gothic. Currently, it is home to an exhibition of rare Iberian coins, some of which are from as long ago as the 2^nd Century BC!

Perhaps most striking about the Museum is the building itself. The Palau Nacional, built for the 1929 International Exhibition, has been the museum´s home since 1934. Located on top of the mountain Montjuic, many things are afforded to the viewer in addition to the incredible art housed inside. From the outside premises, one can see straight down la Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, which is home to many large expo buildings and ends in Plaza España, the Magic Fountain and draws an arrow straight to Mount Tibidabo in the distance. In addition, Barcelona´s famed Olympic Stadium is right nearby in Montjuic.

What makes this the place to see? It is a terrific way to achieve a heightened appreciation of a foreign culture by viewing their art. Also, Friday and Saturday nights you can see the Magic Fountain and its incredible display of lights and music. As typical of the museums in Barcelona, it is free on the first Sunday of each month. You can also use your Connect Club Discount Card for a discount on admission. With its close proximity to other great landmarks in Barcelona, this museum is definitely a must see! 

Make sure to visit us at ComeToBarcelona and reserve your apartment today!