Barcelona Primera Sound Music Festival 2011

Spring is coming, which means Primavera Sound Music Festival 2011 also! This event is becoming one of the biggest music festivals in the world, gathering together more and more music lovers from all the continents each year. If you are fond of independent music, this festival is for you!

For its 11th edition, Barcelona will host at the end of May for 5 crazy days, a lot of bands and Djs which will play alternative music from rock to electronic, passing through grunge and pop. More than 100 bands - as Pulp, Echo & The Bunnymen, Sonny & The Sunsets, The Black Angels, PJ Harvey, Grinderman - have already confirmed their coming.

Also called San Miguel Primavera Sound, this festival will be split on two venues: on the 25th and the 29th of May, you could enjoy concerts at Poble Espanyol on Montjuïc, whereas from the 26th until the 28th, others concerts will take place at Forum Parc, in Diagonal Mar district. The place will be especially arranged so that the 40 000 visitors could ideally partying with sea views.

Of course, you also might discover a lot of little underground artists which will perform in the streets and different public spaces of the city during all the week.

For more information about this event, you can check the program on the official website: http://www.primaverasound.com/

If you still don't have accommodation in Barcelona, check Top Barcelona Apartments, they still have apartments available.

International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia from October 7th to 17th

SITGES International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the number one fantasy film festival in the world and represents, at the same time, the cultural expression with the most media impact in Catalonia. With a solid experience, the Sitges Festival is a stimulating universe of encounters, exhibitions, presentations and screenings of fantasy films from all over the world.

Born in 1968 as the 1st International Week of Fantasy and Horror Movies, today the Festival is an essential rendezvous for movie lovers and audiences eager to come into contact with new tendencies and technologies applied to film and the audiovisual world.
Sitges’ status as the number one fantasy film festival in the world allows it to receive visits from top-level movie stars, directors and producers like Quentin Tarantino, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, Paul Verhoeven, Ralph Fiennes, George A. Romero, Cameron Diaz, Viggo Mortensen, Terry Gilliam, Rutger Hauer, Sarah Michelle Gellar, John Landis, Joe Dante, Zoë Bell, Dino de Laurentii, Takashi Miike, Wim Wenders, Tony Curtis, David Cronenberg, Vanessa Redgrave, Darren Aronofsky, Brad Dourif, John McNaughton, Peter Greenaway, John Woo, Park Chan-Wook, Johnnie To, Paul Naschy, Ray Liotta, Jon Voight, Sam Raimi, Robert Englund, Tarsem Singh, Roger Corman, Mira Sorvino, Santiago Segura, Narciso Ibáñez Serrador, Guillermo del Toro, Kim Ki Duk, Álex de la Iglesia, Aitana Sánchez Gijón, among others from the long list of people who, year after year, are a media attraction. The Festival is governed by a Foundation, made up of representatives from the Sitges Town Council, the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonia’s autonomous government) and other institutions, associations and public and private companies.

Most of its resources come from the sponsors, companies and collaborating institutions that consider their alliance to the Festival to be an excellent platform for widening their scope and branding.

If you don't want to miss this huge festival and all is horror films, Come to see us and rent an apartment!!!

The Pope Benedict XVI in Barcelona in November 7th

As you probably already know, Pope Benedict XVI will be paying an official visit to Barcelona on the 7th of November where he will be celebrating mass in the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The Pope will be blessing the Cathedral and the altar. Once the Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral that Antoni Gaudí designed, has been blessed, it will be designated a basilica for its monumental and artistic features by the Pope himself.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for faithful churchgoers to take to the streets and show their devotion via the itinerary that will span the different streets of Barcelona.

His first visit in Spain will be in Santiago de Compostela, after which he will be travelling to Barcelona where he will arrive on the 6th of November. During his visit to the city, he will be staying at the archbishopric and will be escorted to the Sagrada Familia by an entourage where the consecration of the Cathedral will be taking place. The Pope will make the journey to the Sagrada Familia in the Popemobile and will be making a detour beforehand round the Cathedral so he can greet his faithful followers already gathered there.

Following the consecration of the Cathedral, Benedict XVI will be celebrating the Eucharist before the Kings of Spain and once all this has been done, the Ángelus will be recited from the Sagrada Familia`s façade of the birth of Christ.

The Sagrada Familia has a 9,000 person capacity, but for security reasons only 7,500 people will be allowed to enter and celebrate mass inside the Cathedral. However, those faithful followers that have congregated outside the Sagrada Familia can follow the homily thanks to the gigantic screens and chairs that will be placed in the streets and the plazas adjacent.



In the afternoon, the Pope will be visiting the Nen Déu en Guinardó Institute, where religious Franciscans will be looking after down-syndrome children and other disabled children. Meanwhile the Pope will be chatting with families and carers, and will receive a present from the children.

For security reasons, the Sagrada Familia`s doors will be closed a few days prior to the Pope’s visit.

I am sure you will not miss these event!! Then we propose you to rent an apartment for you and your family which is really much cheaper than an hotel. Barcelona is full of apartments for rent, so don't hesitate!!! Come to our beautiful city to visit the Pope visit!!!

Fiesta de Gracia a Barcelona

Barcelona is currently celebrating its famous and important Fiestas de Gracia. Gracia has always been considered one of Barcelona’s beautiful districts and it’s hard not to tell why. There are many little bars, coffee shops, romantic plazas and tiny streets to enchant us. The Fiesta de Gracia takes place on 14th – 22nd of August so it’s in full swing at the time of writing! It’s a great festival where all the neighbours transform the area into a paradise of colourful decorations. This year, most of the events will be taking place during the daytime.

There are many concerts to enjoy with many different music styles along with shows, traditional Catalan attractions and workshops. Famous musicians, like Maria del mar Bonet, Marina Rossell, Joan Isaac, and Luis Eduardo Aute, as well as classical music groups like Manel, Cuidado con el Perro or Cochambre Hotel will be playing their music for the residents of Gracia. Also, there will be culinary activities, like the “Tasta Gràcia” at the Plaza Manuel Torrente. In the magician’s area “Área de la Magia” at the Plaza del Norte professional magicians, as well as beginners in this magical art, will astonish you with all their exciting magic tricks.

Many years ago the Fiestas de Gracia had much more of a religious significance but over the years this has changed and it has become more of a social affair. The residents and citizens of Gracia put in a lot of work to get their street decorated in time for the festivities and as every year, the most beautiful street in Gracia wins a prize.

The Fiesta de Gracia is for everyone: both young and old alike. Unforgettable days full of entertainment for you and your friends will be guaranteed. Why don’t you rent the best apartments in Barcelona and spend a relaxing and fun filled holiday in the beautiful capital of Catalonia Spain?

Tennis- 57 Godo Trophy - Barcelona

The 57 Conde de Godo Tournament will be played at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona from 16 to April 26 with the participation of major players such as world No. 1 Rafael Nadal
If you love tennis and are just waiting for that moment that your all-time favourite tennis player will triumph over his opponent, then you should absolutely go to the Torneo Conde de Godo: Finals and see a match at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona in Barcelona on 26-04-2009.

This year it will inaugurate the new category ATP (500 World Tour), the most important tournaments in tennis after the 'Masters 1000' (formerly known as 'Masters Series'). It will be the tournament of its kind, to date, which will have more players in the Top 30 since its prizes will reach two million euros. It has been already confirmed the paricipación of the following players: the Spanish Rafael Nadal, world number 1, Russia's Nicolay Davidenko (5), Frenchman Gael Monfils (9), Spanish Fernando Verdasco (10), Frenchman Jo Wilfried Tsonga ( 11), Spanish David Ferrer (12), Argentine David Nalbandian (14), Spanish Tommy Robredo (15) and Czech Radek Stepanek (18). Rafael Nadal is the only player who has won this tournament four times (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008). With three victories in the tournament Nadal is followed by Roy Emerson (1961, 1963 and 1964), Manolo Orantes (1969, 1971 and 1976) and Mats Wilander (1983, 1984 and 1985). Tennis fans will enjoy seeing in action for several days to many of the world's best players and therefore it is time to reserve and purchase your tickets before they are sold out

Enjoy a breathtaking tennis match or tournament at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona in Spain and find out who is going to win this time! Being there at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona to watch the Torneo Conde de Godo: Finals will be an unforgettable experience!

If you want to assist to the tournament and need "last minute" accomodation in Barcelona you can contact http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/ they will be happy to offer you apartments from 50 Euros per night in the city center.

Holiday Apartment

Wonderful duplex apartment with 2 big terraces, both perfectly furnished to relax and enjoy the city views from the heart of the “Born” area, the centre of the old Barcelona.

This sunny apartment is located on the 4th floor in a completly renovated building with lift. Totally outer and very sunny, there is a big living/dinning room with an american kitchen opened to the living room and its study area, like in a loft and with direct access to the fantastic terrace. This terrace is furnished with hammocks, table and chairs.

On the same floor there is a double bedroom with a double bed and a bathroom with a bath tub.
Upstairs you will find the main bedroom and its large window with a beautiful view to the second terrace. Both terraces are furnished with comfortable hammocks where you can lie down and relax taking a sun bath surrounded by well taken care of plants, that will make you feel like inside a garden in the centre of Barcelona.

The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, freezer, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, and all the necessary to feel at home. The apartment is fully equipped with central heating for the winter and Air Conditioning for the summer. The apartment also has a washing machine and a dryer. There is ADSL Wi-Fi Internet in the apartment.

The apartament is located in a quiet street in the heart of the Born. Only a few meters away from the church "Santa Maria del Mar". The Born area is where all the young people in Barcelona would like to live. The Born represents the image of success of a district’s transformation. Small streets paved with old stone, old building renovated, fashion shops, art galleries, bars and Restaurants. There is only a 10 minutes walk to the Barceloneta Beach and to the famous Ramblas.

A holiday stay in this exclusive accommodation is one not to be missed. Are you interested in this nice apartment? Book it here.

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

Hostels

Terminology for budget sleep options can be a little confusing. From "hostal" to "albergue," "pension," "fonda," and "residencia," you'll find yourself asking, "what in the world is the difference?" Don't worry: these terms are largely interchangeable.

"Pensiones" and "hostales" tend to be small, family-run hotels. In other words, you'll find single and double rooms at these Barcelona hostels, but often will share a bathroom with other guests. You'll pay roughly between €30 and €60 a night per person.

A Barcelona youth hostel is usually called a "hostal" or "albergue." (So when you see "hostal" it could really be this or a family-run hotel, so don't forget to ask). Youth hostels tend to pack bunk beds into a large room and provide a number of shared bathrooms. If you don't mind possibly noisy conditions and a bunch of backpackers snoring around you, these Barcelona hostels are the cheapest option starting around €15 a night for a bed.

Find a different accommodation option, click here.

Hotels

There are a variety of different accommodation options in Barcelona. On the whole, you'll get much better deals when traveling with others, as single rooms can be quite expensive. The good old days of the peseta have unfortunately come to an end, and prices are constantly rising.

Barcelona hotels are among the most expensive in Spain, just about on par with Madrid. Expect to pay a bare minimum of €50 for the cheapest single and up to €400 for luxury suites.

Many Barcelona hotels include breakfast, usually continental (pastries, coffee and juice). If breakfast is not included, however, you're probably better off discovering a nearby café.

Find another accommodation option, click here.

Barceloneta Beach Apartment

Recently rebuilt and beautifully decorated apartment in Barceloneta, only a few minutes walking distance from the beach and sea, as well as within walking distance from the famous “Ramblas”. Absolutely lovely artwork and furnishings chosen by a professional Barcelona designer. Enjoy the ideal location in this charming, completely refurnished flat! Master bedroom with large double bed, living room with a comfortable double seater sofa, fully-equipped kitchen, complete bathroom.

A central and cosy treat at the heart of the old town in Barcelona, strategically located apartment in the city's centre, This modern apartment close not only to the beach but also to Port Vell and the trendy El Born districts. There are many little bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some of Barcelona's best seafood dotted all along the seafront and area surrounding the apartment. you will also find some typical Tapas bars, trendy shops, Arts galleries and some museum like the Museum of Picasso or the museum of Chocolate.
It is also a short stroll to the famous Rambla or Vila Olimpica. Conveniently located near metro, bus, tourist bus, and taxi stops.

A nice apartment in a great location to enjoy the sunny days of Barcelona during your holidays or just for a weekend. Rent this apartment.

Born Apartment

The apartment is in an old historical building and has wooden floors throughout, as well as stunning original features such as wooden beams, windows and a Spanish tiled ceiling New reformed and 80 metres up to 4-5 people, brand-new refurnished, full of Mediterranean warm light and eight windows and delicious decoration.

The apartment itself can sleep up to four people comfortably and occasionally we accept 5 persons, with two double bedroom with 2 double beds and 1 folding bed. There are 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of them inside the double bedroom. The apartment is duplex and the bigger bed is upstairs. It is fully outfitted with kitchen equipment and has a modern bathroom, as well.

The apartment captures the typical characteristics of the Born Quarter old building. The building (build in 1700) is been renovate to strict rules and guidelines which conserves the historic facade of the ancient gothic quarter. Is located in a beautiful and quite pedestrian street.

The apartment has a large living room area, with complete kitchen, with fridge freezer, microwave, hob top,and a dining area to sit and eat any meals prepared in the apartment. There are large windows and balcony’s looking out into the street. The apartment has the original wooden beams. However, the apartment is also furnished with brand new furniture and fittings. The apartment is in a 2nd floor without lift. Subtle lighting and a calm atmosphere makes any guest feel the true medieval Barcelona experience.

The apartment is well served by public transport - the nearest metro is just a 2 minute walk away, and for those sun lovers, a 15 minute walk takes you right to the beach, too. There are many shops and markets in the Gothic Quarter, along with the Picasso museum, the textiles museum, and even the Chocolate museum.

A holiday stay in this exclusive accommodation is one not to be missed. Are you interested in this nice apartment? Book it here.

Rent an apartment

Short Term Apartments
Before you start comparing hotel prices, you might want to consider the homey option of staying in a Barcelona apartment. Short-term rentals are becoming increasingly available, affordable and popular among tourists. Prices usually amount to those of a mid-range hotel (€70-€100 per night give or take, depending on location and number of renters). Make sure to check on extra fees and services, and the true convenience factor of the location before comitting to anything. You'll find hundreds of services surfing the web.

Renting an Apartment in Barcelona
If you're planning on a longer stay and want to find a Barcelona apartment for a couple of months, you'll probably want to check into a hotel or hostel while searching for the right place. As in any big city, it's best to shop around first to compare prices, locations and roommates. The general rule of thumb: don't agree on anything without seeing the place first! Most Barcelona apartments ask for a deposit equivalent to 1-3 month's rent, and some ask for an "aval" which is nearly impossible if you lack a Spanish bank account.

A single room in a shared apartment in the center of Barcelona will run from €200 and up. €300 is the average asking price; most rooms under €250 are too good to be true or windowless. Also figure about €30-€50 in extra expenses (gas, electricity, etc.) unless the ad says "gastos incluidos." Studios start at about €400 but most are higher.

A great website to use is http://www.loquo.com/, an online community site (like craigslist in the US) that started in Barcelona but has now spread throughout Spain. Here you'll find all types of apartments for long-term rent, short-term rent, in a shared flat, etc., plus activity and job postings. Another great and reliable site is http://www.top-barcelona-apartments.com/, which offers you nice apartments for your holidays from 27 euros per night and per person.

Business accommodation

Barcelona is a city where you can find a lot of conferences and business meetings all over the year.

The most famous conferences such as Bread & Butter (fashion show), GSM (mobile phone convention)... are located in "la Fira de Barcelona" near the "Plaza España".

If you are looking for a business accommodation, this apartment can accomodate up to 6 or 8 people, indeed it has 3 doble bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and also a sofa bed. The kitchen is fully equiped and gives to the ample living room. The apartment is very well located, in the city center, from there you can easily go to "la Fira de Barcelona" and all Barcelona's conferences.

Do you plan to go to Barcelona for a business trip? Rent a business accommodation

Budget accommodation

If you are looking for an apartment in Barcelona for holiday but don't want to spend all your money in the rental there is a solution: a budget accommodation.

This apartment situated in the city center, near the famous "Ramblas" and is perfect for small budget and fully equiped. Indeed it is a cosy apartment, with a double bedroom and convertible sofa-bed in the living room, wardrobe, washing machine and kitchen totally equiped.

Booking this type of accommodation not only will make you feel more as a local, also will allow you to walk around the city center without the need of taking public transportation. Most places of interest are within walking distance.

If you are looking for a budget accommodation for your holidays in Barcelona, click here.

Family accommodation

This apartment is located in the heart of the city, in a pedestrian street called "Calle Tallers". It is just within 2 minutes walking distance from the "Plaza Catalunya" and the Ramblas.


This type of accommodation is perfect for families or groups of friends, you have more space than in a hotel room, and you can feel more like "at home".
This apartment will allow you to cook and enjoy meals with all your family and make feel more like a local barcelonian.

This is a 3 bedroom's apartment and accommodates up to 8 people.

The living area provides the guests with a pullout sofa . You will find TV, DVD and air conditioning/heating in the apartment.

Internet ADSL WI-Fi.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all of the comforts of home. The apartment has got also a bathroom with a large shower unit, toilet, modern sink unit and vanity mirror, and also hairdryer.

Would you like to know more about this apartment? Click here.