From August 15 until the 21, 2010 

Will be celebrated the famous festivals of Gràcia. This event is one of the most attended and popular “Fiestas” in the summer of  Barcelona

   

In this occasion, the entire streets are decorated by the neighborhood associations, which this year will be 17 different associations, each one  with its own theme with and magical atmosphere.

For twelve consecutive years, Gracia is being entertaining with a contest of decorating balconies and entrances where they are also rewarded by creativity and artistic concept. For one week will be events and activities organized from morning until late evening.

There will be activities for the whole family you can find: Markets, sports competitions, photographic and gastronomic, exhibitions, film screenings to outdoor, etc..

The cuisine will also be present this year will be hosted by Ismael Prados, who runs the restaurant “Els Jardinets de Gracia” (Passeig de Gracia, 116), and who will be the chief guest at the party. Check out the official agenda, will be surprised by the multiple activities!

   

  Some information on the Gracia festival Schedule  :

Sunday  July 15 :
8h : Big innaguration, fireworks and firecrackers will anounce the beginning of the festival in different points of Gracia  for example at Plaza Rovira.
13h : 4rto Gastronomic competition « Snails a la Graciença » Plaza Manuel Torrente.
18h : 5to Concert festival with the Dani Perez Trio at  Plaza Rovira.
22h30 :La Carrau concert  at  plaza del Sol.

Monday  July 16:
10h : Expositions  through out the whole event at Passeig Sant Joan.
13h :  D’All i Oli Competition (aioli) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
14h : Popular “Botifarrada” (Catalán grilled sausage testing) at Calle Fraternitat (Etis).
23h : Shiva Sound, Concert at Espai  Plaza Joanic.
Mid Night : Rumba NIght, an homenaje to at Gato Perez, Plaza de la Vila.

Tuesday  July 17:
12h : Truites competition (Omellete) at Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
21h : Sardinada (Grilled Sardine testing) at  Placeta Sant Miquel i Rodalies.
22h : Ball Plaza Swing at  Plaza Diamant.

etc.

 ¡Map of the neighborhood with reference points!

    

Be ready to experience one of the most cultural and exciting events in GRACIA !

 Rent an apartment with us in the Gracia Area ComeToBarcelona

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.

Barcelona is known for its beaches, hot temperatures and sunny climate. If you have young children or you are simply not a heat enthusiast, then we recommend the following swimming pools where you will be able to cool down during a hot summer´s day.

Montjuïc swimming pool

Located on the Montjuïc Hill, this swimming pool was initially built for the 1992 Olympic Games. You will be able to swim in it as well as enjoy the magnificent view over the whole city of Barcelona. It is open Monday to Sunday from 11am till 6.30pm (price for adults: 4.5€).

  

Dir Diagonal swimming pool 

Possibly the most complex and most developed pool in Barcelona. Part of the Sport DIR club situated in various areas of Barcelona, this swimming pool offers a wide range of activities. Amongst these are: thermal baths, spas, solariums as well as golf and nutrition services. Its pools are truly enjoyable, one being indoors and the other outdoors. It is the ideal place to spend a lovely relaxing afternoon with your children or simply as a couple. It is open everyday till 11.45pm and till 9pm on Saturdays. 

Piconell swimming pool

This pool is also located in the Montjuïc Park. It offers numerous activities like swimming lessons, water fitness lessons, steps, areobox, but also taï-chi, physiotherapy and other esthetic services and massages. Entry costs 5.75€.

    

For the full list of Barcelona´s pools, here is a useful link:
http://www.cyberpadres.com/tiempo_libre/carteleras/piscinas/piscinas_barna.htm

Come enjoy and cool down in Barcelona´s swimming pools and book now for your holiday apartment with ComeToBarcelona.

The Greek Festival is an event of great importance in the city of Barcelona.
This event began with a small group of talented artist and over the years has become a real project dedicated to new talents and art. Each year is different, adapting in relation to the various participating artists you will find some independent shows throughout the city but all related to the festival, the idea is to exchange the passion and love for theatre and arts.

Frederic Amat responsible for the image of the event which mission is scouting new emerging talents all around the world to bring you an amazing spectacle. The event is open to everyone. From June 16  until August 1.

 There is a wide variety of events that you can attend: circus, dance or music that you can  find in theaters and libraries in Barcelona.
You can choose the event that you like on the website of  Greek Festival and book your tickets online. Each show is independent and has its own space reservation.

Do you love the theater? ComeToBarcelona.com will book your accommodations so you can come and enjoy the beauty of art in Barcelona.

Just a  few kilometers from Barcelona, Sitges:City that has hosted many artists such as Santiago Rusiñol, Ramon Casas, Miquel Utrillo and Charles Deering among many others, also  tourists and people from all parts of Spain. For many the secret that makes this city so magical is in its light, with over 300 days of sun per year, this said by many painters, sculptors and writers of the end of nineteenth century that came to settle in this small fishing village. Art and creativity are the key words to describe this city, which besides being cosmopolitan is also rich in architecture.

Full of amazing history, Roman culture that mixes, Arabic and Medieval. Sitges also offers various festivals like “The Sitges Film and Culinary Festival” and the famous “Jazz Music Festival of Sitges” during the months of June and August. You can also visit some museums or palaces like Maricel Palace, the Cau Ferrat Museum, or the Church of San Bartolome and Santa Tecla.

Right next to the natural park of Garraf, Sitges community count with  17 beaches, each with its own personality. All with direct interaction with nature. Sea caves that are formed by the power of the ocean, waves seething at the rocks sometimes producing huge caverns. Definitely one of the few reasons that makes this city an ideal place to spend the day or to plan your vacation.

After a long day by the sea you can enjoy the view by relaxing and enjoying a delicious dinner at the “Can Martí Restaurant”, where you can experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine or a wide variety of tapas. “La Casa Hidalgo” will delight who likes fresh seafood like lobster, shellfish and mediterranean fish traditionally cooked.

The gay community is very well accepted and welcomed. The city offers great places for the community such as “Bar La Locacola” or the “Beach House”. But there are many more ... visit: http://www.gaysitges.com/portada.html and you will find your perfect place.

Come and enjoy Sitges! ComeToBarcelona! 

Come and experience a "discovery" ride in a hot-air baloon!

"BALLOONING"   Located 30 minutes outside Barcelona offer you a high quality experience full of emotions : A hot-air balloon ride over spectacular Catalonian landscapes, a magical and unforgettable adventure. Enjoy a new sensation of freedom and the tranquility of floating through the air with a panoramic view from up to 3000 feet high. Discount for groups and or families are offered as well as special events.

Find information at: www.ballooning.es

If you're in Barcelona, it's a guarantee that you've noticed the large mountain on the northern side of the city. This spectacular feature of Barcelona is somewhat mysterious to people who have yet to visit, although they see it everyday. Mount Tibidabo offers much more than just an incredible view of the whole city of Barcelona.

Mount Tibidao is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the strip that separates Barcelona from the plains to the north. There are various ways to make the journey up to the top of the mountain, including bus and car, but the other options provide a much more rewarding experience. There is a tram that can take you through a gorgeous neighborhood on the way up, and goes all the way to the base of the mountain. A funicular railway will then serve as the means to reach the very peak, providing astonishing views the whole way up. Looking out the window you will see the whole city of Barcelona, bordered by the impressive Mediterranean Sea. This breath-taking view is a must-see of Barcelona, but there's more to Mount Tibidabo than reaching the top.

This is home to Barcelona's oldest amusement park, which has been in operation for over a century. Although it's not packed with high roller coasters that twist and turn, the somewhat smaller rides provide a more quaint feel, and the ferris wheel only furthers the impressive view. Tibidabo is also home to the Temple de Sagrat Cor, a church built back in 1806. More recently renovated in 1902, the gorgeous church has a lift to the top which provides the highest view from the peak of the mountain. There are also numerous places around to just sit down, relax, and have a picnic while taking in the amazing view.

Make sure that you book your apartment soon so that you can get to the top of Tibidabo and see Barcelona like never before.

Coming up two weeks from now in Barcelona is St.George's Day, or El Dia de Sant Jordi. This nationally-celebrated holiday in Spain is traditionally the second most important National Feast in Catalonia. Celebrated on April 23rd, Catalonia is taken over with book stands and stands selling roses, as it is customary for lovers and friends to exchange these gifts on this day. The giving of roses has been an ancient tradition, but the giving of books is more recent, and based upon the deaths of Shakespeare and Miguel Cervantes on the same date.

La Rambla and Plaça Catalunya are the most frequented places on this day, as over four million roses and over 800,000 books are sold. These book sales account for nearly half of the yearly book sales in Catalonia! The Sardana, the national dance of Catalonia, is performed throughout the day in Plaça Sant Jaume, and many bookstores and cafes hold readings of classic novels such as Don Quixote. As the patron saint of Catalonia, this is an important and fun day for all of those around. Make sure you have a place to stay so you can witness this lovely celebration!

Even the slightest increase in temperature and hint of sunlight brings tourists and locals to flock to their favorite spot in Barcelona…the beach. Right on the coast of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has many options for beachgoers, whether they want to swim, read a book and relax, or even attend a beach party with locals. Each one of these beaches has it´s own style and people that frequent the area so take some time to explore each one and then decide on your favorite!

 
Barceloneta Beach
The most popular of all Barcelona beaches, Barceloneta beach is located about a ten minute walk off of the Barceloneta stop on the metro (Yellow Line-L4) and is the closest to the Barcelona city center. Barceloneta beach is most likely going to be the most crowded, but with good reason. The Barceloneta area is filled with small beachy restaurants and cozy apartments and the beach itself is lined with bars and huts for a cool drink on a hot day. There are a medly of characters occupying this beach, including a man selling mojitos and bagels out of a cart. You´ll never have a dull moment watching the visitors on Barceloneta Beach!

Icaria Beach
Another great and perhaps more peaceful beach in Barcelona is the Icaria Beach, located off the Ciutadella Via Olimpica stop on the metro (Yellow Line-L4). From the metro just turn right and walk about 10 minutes towards the twin towers. This beach is great if you´re looking for a place to picnic with friends, read a good book, or even take windsurfing lessons!

Marbella and Bogatell Beach
Marbella and Bogatell Beach are a little farther away from the city center of Barcelona, but they are possibly the most exciting beaches in Barcelona, even having parties on the sand at night during the weekend. To get to these beaches, take the Yellow Metro Line (L4) again to Bogatell and walk about 20 minutes. There are no signs for Marbella beach so remember to take a map with you in case you get lost. A word of warning: don´t be alarmed to see some nudists on this beach! Marbella is technically an unofficial nude beach, though majority of it´s patrons choose to keep their clothes on.
Before leaving Barcelona check out all of these beaches and see the different styles exhibited by each one. Book your apartment in Barceloneta today to be right next to the water and all of the fun and excitement that comes with warm weather!

 

There is never a dull moment here in Barcelona, and this week is no exception. This week there are music competitions, concerts, art exhibits, and even an FC Barca game at home!

Tonight, Tuesday 23th, you should be sure not to miss:

Women taking the stage at the Espai Cultural Caja Madrid. The Sound of Lucrecia will be performing live along with the likes of Burbuja. These indie artists are sure to give an impressive, low-key show that will please any audience member. Take the night to relax and unwind to these talented women. Plus- it's only 2,5 €, so it really can't be beat!

And tomorrow, Wednesday 24th, check out the art exhibit "Life in Abstract" by Sebastian Murra. He mainly uses abstraction along with shapeless objects that he believes can create and invoke a whole range of emotions. This forward-thinker believes that through realizing ideas, one is able to change the world. If you're not convinced, check him out online, and you'll be aching to see the real deal. The show starts tomorrow at 8 and is free entrance. Swing by for some art and inspiration.

 

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