SONAR FESTIVAL 2008

Summertime in Barcelona is not only about visiting museums and sight seeing, it’s also about music and party! And no other city could offer more action than Barcelona as this matter.
For the 15th time, the Sonar Festival will take place in Barcelona and is to be held this year on the 19th, 20th and 21st of June and will once again welcome more than 80 000 music addicts.

This year, the female factor and hybridism will be the main themes. You can view the complete and detailed program by clicking here.

Miss Kittin “Queen of the dancefloor” will also be part of the party!

Get your 3 days pass in advance for 170 Euros :
Advance sales: http://www.ticktackticket.com/


And for a perfect apartment in Barcelona for you and your friends, do not hesitate to contact http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/ They are specialist in apartment rentals and will be happy to help you.

For more details about the Sonar Festival 2008, check the official website : http://www.sonar.es/

Barcelona Bridal Week - May 30 to June 1, 2008

The Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre hosts Barcelona Bridal Week, known as "Noviaespaña", a fair that presents the latest in bridal gowns, outfits for ceremonial occasions and communions, as well as loads of accessories.

The programme includes appearances by many of the major names in Spanish (and international) fashion design including Hannibal Laguna and Raimon Bundo. A section for new talent has, in recent years, featured the creations of Carolina Herrera, Angel Schlesser, Javier Larrainzar and Francis Montesinos.




Please note: the event is strictly reserved for trade professionals only.

When: 30 May - 1 Jun 2008 (annual)

Where: Fira de Barcelona

Cost: €12

Opening Hours: Daily 10am-8pm (until 7pm Sun)

Bike Show BCN - April 11-13

The Bike Show BCN is a haven for cycle fanatics. Competitions, professional trade stands, cycle circuits and bike enthusiasts take over the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona for some interactive sporting fun.

The show caters for all levels of ability, from the water-jumping and trial-biking experts in the Exhibition & Competition arena to the beginners in the Kids and Family space, where children can learn to cycle and have an induction on road safety.

The Bikepark is an area where you can put your skills to the test on several different circuits, or try out Ciclokarting (pedal-driven go-karts).

Visitors can also browse the professional trade stands at the indoor Expo, try out activities at the outdoor Active Expo and take part in a variety of competitions, from a Kids' Cup to a duathlon.

The action-packed programme offers more than 20 activities each day. Please visit the event website for more details.

When: 11 - 13 Apr 2008 (annual)

Where: Palau Sant Jordi

Cost: One day €103 days €15; under 5s free

Group discounts available

Opening Hours: 10am-8pm

Top Barcelona Apartments 5th Anniversary!

To celebrate our 5th anniversary on the internet we are offering the chance to win 3 nights free in one of our apartments in the centre of Barcelona.

To enter you simply have to:

Leave a comment on this post and tell us which of the apartments of Top Barcelona Apartments you like the most, giving us a least 5 good reasons.

Give us your name, date of birth, nationality, email and phone number.

Everyone who enters will have the opportunity to win 3 nights in an apartment with accommodation for up to 4 people.

The prize draw will take place on August 30th, you still have time to enter!

See the apartments where the lucky prize winners will get to stay (subject to availability):

Tallers Terrace

Ramblas Blue

Ramblas 2 Bedroom

Orchid II

Born Princesa

Rent a Scooter

You want to prevent yourself from the traffic of a big city like Barcelona: rent a Scooter!
DH-Rent provides you very special offers to get about the city for some days or for more long time. You will be able to rent 50cc and 125cc:

50 cc
1 day: 16 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 46 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 95 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 130 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

125 cc
1 day: 18 Euros (+13 Euros insurance)
3 days: 52 Euros (+25 Euros insurance)
1 week: 100 Euros (+30 Euros insurance)
1 month: 140 Euros (+60 Euros insurance)

The store is located in Barcelona: Calle Aragó 117.
You can ask for more information at this telephone number: 0034 93 226 34 00 or go directly on their website: http://www.dh-haotian.com/.


You are coming to Barcelona for your holidays? Find right now the perfect apartment for your holidays, click here!

Barcelona Nightlife - Bars and Disco`s

Barcelona is a great nighttime city, and the array of after-dark diversions is staggering. There is something to interest almost everyone and to fit most pocketbooks. Fashionable bars and clubs operate in nearly every major district of the city, and where one closes, another will open within weeks. Locals sometimes opt for an evening in the tascas (taverns), or they settle in for a bottle of wine at a cafe, an easy and inexpensive way to spend an evening people-watching. The legal drinking age drinking is 18, though it's rarely enforced with much vigor.
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Here we have the most interesting Nightclubs and Nightbars for you:
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Pacha

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Wednesday- Saturday: 00:00 - 06:00
Free pass till 03:00 for everynight but saturday with this flyer you pay 12 euros (regular price 20 euros)



Website : http://www.clubpachabcn.com/




Razzmatazz night

Fri-Sat 01:00 - 05:00

Entrance: 12 euros (+ a drink)

It is in fact 5 clubs in-one and your entrance free covers all. There are 5 rooms in the disco and all play wildly differing music which makes for a surreal experience wandering from a room playing trance into one playing punk. It also means that there is a rather a strange mix of people, but everyone is happy and the atmosphere is good.
The main room of the club also doubles as a very good concert venue (Jack Johnson played here). The club attracts big names so have a look out for the posters on the street announcing who is playing in each room, or check out the website.

Website: http://www.salarazzmatazz.com/


Mirabé



Mirabé is a spectacular place for a big party. It is located at the mountain Tibidabo. From the terrace of Mirabé you can look down on the glittering city of Barcelona.

Website: www.mirabe.es




Otto zutz


Mittwoch: 00:00 - 05:00
Donnerstag - Samstag: 00:00 - 05:30


Ambiente: Modern / Trendy

One of the most popular discos in Barcelona called Otto Zutz. It is distributed on two floors with different atmosphere and the main music they play is Disco Funk Dance, Garage, Trash, Techno/House.


Website: http://www.grupo-ottozutz.com/


Up & down


Prices: 12€-18€ (includes 1 drink)

The chic atmosphere here attracts elite Barcelonans of all ages. The more mature patrons, specifically the black-tie, post-theater crowd, head upstairs, leaving the downstairs section to loud music and flaming youth. Up and Down is the most cosmopolitan disco in Barcelona, with impeccable service, sassy waiters, and a welcoming atmosphere. Technically, this is a private club -- you can be turned away at the door.

Website: http://www.updownbarcelona.com/



City Hall

Price: 12€


The City Hall is a club in the mere centre of Barcelona attracts especially young, fashionable people who like electronic music. Fridays and Saturdays you will find techno and house music here, Sundays are reserved for “zen ” nights: electronic, break beat music with vocals. The dance floor is huge!


Mojito Bar


The mojito club's impressive decor and large dance floor provided the perfect atmosphere and space for salsa dance and all flavors of Latin beats, including danzoon, Salsa, Meringue, regaeton and more! DJs and a lively crew of a mojito special event are impressive achievements of internationally renowned dancers and theme.


Shoko

You enjoy Shoko from the first moment. The Interior, which is mainly in red, black and gold is required to be essentially the elements of wood, fire, metal, water and earth. In two separate VIP areas (separate from the dance floor and a bamboo landscape) it leaves the visitor with well good lights. In the chill beds witnessed the electrifying atmosphere and can be located either by old movies or Japanese manga comics sprinkle. Not only because of the spectacular look at the mediterranean is the terrace of Shoko probably a beautiful beach club of Barcelona. From Thursday to Sunday to make representatives from all age groups equally the night into day. The dress code is sexy and stylish and the people there are absolutely trendy.

Website: http://www.shoko.biz/

Espit Chupito


A great bar, which is even twice there (Passeig de Colon de Arribau and c.). There are 500 different Chupitos, all with a lot of fire show and served. You must try the Rambo ! The Espit Chupito offers a wonderful atmosphere to chilling and dancing.


Website: http://www.espitchupitos.com/


Buddah Bar

You must be here to eat if you go to visit Barcelona. The environment is fabulous and the food is even better! If you have birthdays or other things to celebrate the Buddha Bar is just right for you.

Do you plan to spend a weekend to party in the Barcelona's Clubs with your friends? Rent an apartement.

Barcelona Taxi

A Taxi offers a low-cost and convenient way to get to the city centre - the fare is around 25 euros and the journey takes around 25 - 30 mins (depending on traffic). Prices are very reasonable, and if you are three or more in your party, it’s definitely the most economical.
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To give tip to the cab driver is welcome in Barcelona, but not required. If you want to tip, then give only 5 to 10 % of the taxi fare. The official Barcelona taxis are yellow and black with a green light on the roof indicating that it is free.
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If you want to drive with a taxi in the heart of the city, could it be that a taxi is not the best choice. Most parts of the city centre are pedestrian zones, and the roads from the city center can run quite small and full of traffic. In such situation, you have two options, the Barcelona transport system (subway and buses)or walk.
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Here are some telephonenumbers of taxicompany's in Barcelonas:
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Tele: (0034) 93 225 0000
Tele: (0034) 93 303 3033
Tele: (0034) 93 284 8888
Tele: (0034) 93 330 0300
Tele: (0034) 93 339 9262
Tele: (0034) 93 433 1020
Tele: (0034) 93 357 7755
Tele: (0034) 93 300 2314
Tele: (0034) 93 300 1100
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Taxi for disabled persons
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Wheelchair access Taxis in Barcelona
Tele: (0034) 93 322 2222
Tele: (0034) 93 3070707
Tele: (0034) 93 420 8088

Ave express train - Barcelona <> Madrid

The Madrid-Tarragona-Barcelona line was inaugurated on February 20, 2008. 17 trains run now every day between the hours of 6am-9pm. This line is now one of the world's fastest long-distance trains in commercial operation, with non stop trains covering the 550 km between the two cities in just 2 hours 38 minutes, and those stopping at all stations 3 hours. It previously took almost six hours. It was originally forecast that, after reaching Barcelona in 2004, the line would run at 350 km/h the maximum capable speed of the new Siemens AVE trains which have replaced the Talgo Bombardier AVE S102, after the installation of level 2 of the ETCS/ERTMS, which is scheduled to be installed in 2008. But on the AVE's first day of operating at 300 km/h to Tarragona the Minister of Public Works, Magdalena Álvarez, stated that the maximum commercial operating speeds of the AVE on all lines would be 300 km/h . It is forecast that the AVE will substantially replace air traffic on the Barcelona - Madrid route.

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The route between Madrid and Barcelona by the provinces of Madrid, Guadalajara, Soria, Zarazoga, Huesca, Lleida, Tarragona and Barcelona. 29 percent of the Spanish population, 11.5 million people, live in these provinces. Conurbations are the regions Madrid (3.2 million inhabitants), Barcelona (1.6 million inhabitants) and Zaragoza (0.6 million). (Status of all data: 1998). The stations between Madrid and Barcelona are usually altitudinal free mostly on interconnection curves connected. Among other things leads a 21.2 km long stretch of track at Zaragoza and a 13.1 km-long section of Lleida.

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Length of pipe: 744 km

Maximum speed : 300 km/h, geplant: 350 km/h

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Barcelona Metro

The Barcelona Metro was build in 1924 with the construction of the 'Gran Metro' between Lesseps and the Plaça de Catalunya, part of the modern line 3. Two years later the 'Metro Transversal' (now part of line 1) was built between the Plaça de Catalunya and la Bordeta to link the city centre with the Plaça d'Espanya and Montjuïc, the site of the 1929 Universal Exhibition.
In modern times the network consists of nine lines managed by two different operators: Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), which manages the major underground lines; and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC - Catalan Government Railways), which manages three integrated commuter lines running out into the extended metropolitan area. Fares are integrated into Autoritat del Transport Metropolità, a city-wide system that also includes local and regional buses and some regional train services. 98% of its railtracks are subsurface.

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Metro timetables

From Monday to Thursday, Sunday & holiday
5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Fridays
5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Saturdays and day prior to 1/1, 24/6, 15/8 and 24/9
Non-stop service

Prices
Zones --Euros
1 -------1.30€
2 -------1.95€
3 -------2.70€
4 -------3.60€
5 -------4.60€

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L1 Hospital de Bellvitge - Badalona Centre - L2 Fira 2 - Morera - L3 Zona Universitària - Trinitat Nova - L4 Trinitat Nova - Sagrera-Meridiana - L5 Cornellà Centre - Vall d'Hebron - L6 Pça Catalunya - Reina Elisenda - L7 Pça Catalunya - Av. Tibidabo - L8 Pça Espanya - Molí Nou-Ciutat Cooperativa - L9 Aeroport Terminal Sud - Can Zam - L10 Zona Franca - Gorg - L11 Trinitat Nova - Can Cuiàs

Barcelona Vs Celtic - Barca enchanted Celtic

After a sacrificially battle succumbed Celtic Glasgow at home against FC Barcelona with 2:3. Two times the Scots were in the lead, but the Catalans close in on the Scots. In the 78th minute Messi reached the 3:2. Goal: 1:0 Jan Vennegor of Hesselink (17), 1:1 Messi (19), 2:1 Robson (39), 2:2 Henry (53rd), 2:3 Messi (78th).
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The rematch is on 4th March 2008 at Nou Camp

Barcelona play Celtic in the last 16 of this year's Champions League at the Nou Camp stadium.
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Do you want to watch the game? click Here you find a nice apartment in Barcelona

Primavera Sound Festival 2008

Barcelona's redeveloped Port Area hosts the excellent Primavera Sound festival, featuring a massive line-up of top-class live acts and DJs.
The highlights of the last year include Band of Horses, Comets on Fire, Bola, Explosions in the Sky, Built to Spill, Dirty Three and Isis.

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Here it is a big part of the artist who will perform at Estrella Dam:

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808 State, A Place To Bury Strangers, Alan Braxe, Animal Collective, Apparat Band, Dj Assault, Atlas Sound, Autolux, Awesome Color, Bill Callahan, Bishop Allen, Bob Mould Band, Bon Iver, Boris, British Sea Power, Buffalo Tom, Caribou, Cat Power, Clipse, The Cribs, De La Soul, Deerhunter, Digital Mystikz, Dinosaur Jr., Dirty Projectors, Dr. Octagon aka Kool Keith + Kutmasta Kurt, Edan & MC Dagha, El Guincho, Ellen Allien, Enon, Eric's Trip, Fanfarlo, The Felice Brothers, Fuck Buttons, Dj Funk, Gentle Music Men, The Go! Team, Grande-Marlaska, Health, Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs, Holy Fuck, It's Not Not, Kavinsky, Kinski, Les Savy Fav, Lightspeed Champion, Madee, Man Man, The Mary Onettes, Mary Weiss, The Marzipan Man, Menomena, Messer Chups, Midnight Juggernauts, Mission Of Burma, Mixmaster Mike, Model 500, MV & EE with The Golden Road, Nick Lowe, No Age, The Notwist, Okkervil River, Om, Para One, Pissed Jeans, Polvo, Port O'Brien, Portishead, Prinzhorn Dance School, Public Enemy performing It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, Robert Hood, Rufus Wainwright, The Rumble Strips, Scout Niblett, Sebadoh, Shipping News, Silver Jews, Simian Mobile Disco, Six Organs Of Admittance, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks, The Strange Death Of Liberal England, Subterranean Kids, Supermayer, Surkin, The Swell Season, Tachenko, Tarántula, Thomas Brinkmann, Throbbing Gristle, Tiefschwarz, Tindersticks, Träd Gräs och Stenar, Vampire Weekend, Vórtice, Voxtrot, White Williams, Why?, Young Marble Giants.
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Visit the homepage of Primavera Sound Festival here!

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Do you want to enjoy this event? Rent an apartment in Barcelona.

Tibidabo, Barcelona's mountain

The mountain of Tibidabo is the highest point of the Collserola hills, in Barcelona, it hosts an amusement park. Everyone in the city remembers its fantastic grottoes, the dizzying experience of the Talaia, the Hall of Mirrors with its grotesque reflections, the excitement of the Aeromàgic, the fascination of the old fair of automatons. Sensations which can now be rediscovered by young and old.

Summer hours: noon-10pm weekdays, until 1am on weekends

Off-season hours: noon-6pm on weekends only, with varying closing times depending on the weather

Tel (+34) 93 211 79 42

Entrance fees: €22 full admission; €11 for limited access to rides; €19 with youth ID; €9 senior citizens; €9 children

With rides dispersed over the slopes of the Tibidabo mountain, Barcelona's amusement park provides a wonderful excuse to ascend Barcelona's highest peak for ample views of the city, the Pyrenees, and even the Baleares Islands on a nice day. You can enjoy attractions as diverse an an antique fairground and rides from the 1920s to modern roller coasters.

The FGC To Avinguda Tibidabo (last stop on the Tibidabo line) will drop you right at the gates of the Tibidabo Amusement Park. On weekends and holidays you can take the antique tram service up the hill.

You should come and rent an apartment and enjoy this fabulous attractions park.

Montserrat

About 40 km northwest of Barcelona lies the mountain of Montserrat, with a beautiful Benedictine monastery perched atop its eastern peaks. Its oddly shaped rocks, rich history and religious significance make Montserrat one of Catalonia's most interesting destinations.

The Montserrat monastery, which houses "La Moreneta" (the Black Virgin), Catalonia's patroness, is a magnet for tourists and pilgrims the world over. The legend of the Black Virgin dates to the 9th century, when the monastery's first chapel was constructed. Jump to the 20th century and you find the monastery of Montserrat playing an important role in the Catalan nationalist movement. The first Catalan bible was published here during Franco's rule (1939-1975) and it was an important anti-Franco stronghold during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
Tip: visit the Montserrat monastery at 1pm on weekdays or noon on Sundays to see its phenomenal boys choir is chanting the Ave Maria.

How to reach Montserrat from Barcelona

By Train

FGC trains towards Manresa leave hourly from Plaça d'Espanya and take aproximately 50 minutes to the "Montserrat Aeri." That's where you have to get out to take the "Aeri" cable car, which leaves about every 15 and drops you on a terrace just below the monastery. It's a breathtaking trip! Alternatively, you can stay in the FGC train until the next stop, "Monistrol de Montserrat." From there hop on the " cremallera," the mountain railway, which leaves every 20 to 60 minutes. Prices: €11.80 - €35.50, depending the combination of transport you choose.

By Bus
Cheaper than the train, but for sure lacking the thrill factor, is the daily morning bus service from Barcelona. Ask for "Julia Tours"at the Barcelona tourist office (Plaça de Catalunya). A one-way bus trip costs about €7.

By Car

Take the A2 motorway as far as Martorell, and then follow the N11 and C1411.

Penedes Wine Country Tour

Just south of Barcelona lie the green valleys and rolling hills of the world renowned Penedès, Spain wine region, the perfect place for a day escape side trip. Known as “cava country” due to being the biggest and best producer of Cava (Spanish champagne), this Spanish wine region boasts many notable red and white wines, as well. The hills of Alt Penedes can be your destination for this wine excursion, where you can enjoy exclusive visits to the vineyards and cellars of small wine and cava makers producing the most innovative and high quality wines in the Penedes wine country.

Catalonia Wine Country

Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, about 35 minutes from Barcelona, is the city's closest vineyard. If you're interested in Catalan sparkling wines, this is your spot.

Vilafranca del Penèdes, on the other hand, is Catalonia's most important production area for still wine. It's been an important trade center since the 11th century and holds a small musem and church in addition to wineries.


Getting to Catalonia Wine Country

"Rodalies" trains depart every 30 minutes from Barcelona Sants or Plaça de Catalunya to Sant Sadurní (€2.25) and Vilafranca (€2.75). Travel time is approximately 45 minutes. If you decide to go by car, head west along Avinguada Diagonal and get on the AP-7 motorway.

Dalí Museums

At least two days are needed to enjoy the visits to the three Dalí Museums properly. The distance between the three Dali Museums means that you have to allow for journeys of at least 40 kilometres if you want to go from Figueres to Portlligat (Cadaqués) and another 40 kilometres from Figueres to Púbol (near La Bisbal d'Empordà, heading in the Girona direction).

Theater-Museum Dalí in Figueres

The Dalí Theatre-Museum, the largest surrealistic object in the world, occupies the building of the former Municipal Theatre, a 19th century construction which was destroyed at the end of the Spanish Civil War. On its ruins, Dalí decided to create his museum.The Dalí Theatre-Museum of Figueres offers a unique experience of being able to observe, live and enjoy the work and thought of a genius. As Dalí himself explained: “It’s obvious that other worlds exist, that’s certain; but, as I’ve already said on many other occasions, these other worlds are inside ours, they reside in the earth and precisely at the centre of the dome of the Dalí Museum, which contains the new, unsuspected and hallucinatory world of Surrealism.”

House-Museum Dalí in Portlligat

The present Portlligat House-museum was Salvador Dalí’s only fixed abode from 1930, the place in which he normally lived and worked up till 1982 when, upon Gala’s death, he took up residence at Púbol Castle.

House-Museum Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol

The Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol, open to the public since 1996, allows visitors to discover a medieval building in which Salvador Dalí lent material form to an exuberant creative effort with his mind set on one person, Gala.

How to reach Figueres and the Dali Museum

By car, take the E-15 / A-7 motorway (Barcelona-France), exit at Figueres Nord or Figueres Sud and follow signs to the city center/ museum. About 1.5 hours from Barcelona.

Trains from Barcelona to Figueres (Barcelona-Portbou RENFE line) leave hourly from Barcelona Sants and Passeig de Gracia. The Dali museum is about a 10 minute walk from the train station; follow the posted signs. About 2 hours from Barcelona.

The SARFA bus company also runs routes to Figueres.

Sitges

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

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

Beaches in Sitges

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

How to reach Sitges from Barcelona

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

Sant Antoni Market

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

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

Boqueria Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Restaurants

International Restaurants in Barcelona

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

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

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

Below are some listings for some popular international Barcelona restaurants.

Fusion/ Creative Restaurants in Barcelona

Comerç 24

c/ del Comerç 24, La Ribera

Metro Barceloneta

Tel (+34) 93 319 21 02

Daily Tue-Fri, Sat dinner onlyMeal for one €35-45

Àbac

c/ del Rec 79-89, La Ribera

Metro Barceloneta

Tel (+34) 93 319 66 00

Open daily, Mondays dinner only, closed August

Meal for one €90-100

Cuban Restaurants in Barcelona

HBN BCN

c/ Escar 1, La Barceloneta

Metro Barceloneta

Tel (+34) 932 25 02 63

Daily 1-4pm & 9pm-midnight

Entrees under €15

Habana Vieja

c/ dels Banys Vells 2, la Ribera
Metro Jaume I

Tel (+34) 93 268 25 04

Meal for one about €20

Japanese Restaurants in Barcelona

Hello Sushi

c/ Junta de Comerç 14, El Raval

Metro Universitat

Tel (+34) 934 12 08 30

Daily 12:30-4:40pm & 8:30pm-12:30am, Sun 12:30-4:40pm, closed Mondays

Sushi Itto

c/ Londres 103, Gràcia

Tel (+34) 932 41 21 99

Daily 1:30-4:30pm & 8:30pm-midnight

French Restaurants in Barcelona

Krampus (Crepes)

c/ de Saragossa 89, Gràcia

Metro Lesseps

Tel (+34) 93 200 85 97

Daily for dinner, closed Mondays

La Carassa (Fondue)

c/ de Brosoli 1, La Ribera
Metro Jaume I

Tel (+34) 93 310 33 06

Thai Restaurants in Barcelona

Thai Gardens

c/ de la Diputació 273, Eixample

Metro Passeig de Gràcia
Tel (+34) 93 487 98 98

Closed SundaysMeal for one €25-30

Tapas & Catalan Cuisine

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

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

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

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

Barcelona Tapas Restaurants

Bodega

c/ del Regomir 11, Barri Gótic

Metro Jaume I

No phone

Daily 1pm-2am, closed Mondays & first half of August

Quimet i Quimet

c/ Poeta Cabanyes 25, Poble Sec

Metro Paral.lel

Tel (+34) 93 442 31 42

Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only

Txapel (Euskal Taberna)

Pg. de Gràcia 8-10, Eixample

Metro Catalunya

Tel (+34) 93 412 02 89

Open Mon-Thu 8am-1:30, Fri-Sun 10am-2am

Picture taken from "La Tartine Gourmande" http://www.latartinegourmande.com/

Catalan & Spanish Restaurants in Barcelona

Agut

c/ d'En Gignàs 16, Barri Gótic

Metro Jaume I

Tel (+34) 93 315 17 09

Open Tues-Sat, Sunday lunch only €20-30 per person

Cafè de l'Acadèmia

c/ de Ledo 1, Barri Gótic

Metro Jaume I

Tel (+34) 93 319 82 53

Open Mon-Fri€20-30 per person

Los Caracoles

c/ dels Escudellers 14, Las Ramblas

Metro Drassanes or Liceu

Tel (+34) 93 302 31 85 Open daily 1pm-midnight€20-30 per person

Can Culleretes

c/ Quintana 5, Las Ramblas

Metro Liceu

Tel (+34) 93 317 30 22

Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only €20-30 per person

Set Portes

Pg. d'Isabel II 14, La Ribera

Metro Barceloneta

Tel (+34) 93 319 29 50 Daily 1pm-1am€20-30 per person

Orígens 99.9%

c/ de la Vidriera 6-8, La Ribera

Metro Jaume I

Tel (+34) 93 310 75 31 Daily 12:30pm-1:30am€15-20 per person

Els 4 Gats (Picasso's first exhibit opened here!)

c/ Montsió 3, Barri Gótic

Metro Catalunya

Tel (+34) 93 302 41 40

Daily 1pm-1am€10-30 per person

Casa Leopoldo

c/ de Sant Rafael 24, El Raval

Metro Liceu

Tel (+34) 93 441 30 14

Closed Mondays, Sundays lunch only €30-50 per person