Sure you have heard about the famous Tibidabo Amusement Park! It is an emblematic attraction of Barcelona built in 1899, the second oldest park in Europe. You have probably seen some images in the Woody Allen movie Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona, with the wonderful views over Barcelona.

Barcelona has been able to preserve its old fashion touch but also make it a complete and modern amusement park with nothing less than 25 attractions spread into 6 levels for all ages and adrenaline levels… Here, we will tell you about our favourite ones.

The 6th level is the old part of the park. The traditional carrousel is very charming and the plane is like a magic travel in the past. The Talaia is a ride from 1921 and it will bring you 500 meters (above sea level) up in the air for an impressive view over the parc and the city, think twice if you have vertigo. You will also enjoy a pretty Automata museum and a very funny mirror path.

For more adrenaline go to the Roller Coaster am Hurakan which will give you great sensations! Another kind of sensation but no less exciting is the Hotel Krüeger, as you can guess, it is a terror house inspired from the scariest horror movies. The settings and actors are just terrifying, you will forget that it is an attraction for a while…

Of course there are also lots of attractions for kids, and these are mainly located in the first level, but you will have easy access to all levels with pushchairs if you go in the lifts provided. Furthermore, you can enjoy shows in the afternoon in the last level .

You will easily spend the whole day in the parc and there are different restaurants and places to buy food and snacks in the first and last levels. You can also enter the park from 16h if you want to enjoy your late afternoon there, which is a good option in summer with the hot temperatures.

The normal price is 25,20€ for adults but there are lot of offers and discount on the internet, you should consult the official website before going. You can even book the parking online if you go there by car. Otherwise yo can take buses and the Funicular all day.

Enjoy the visit!

Of course Barcelona is one of the best shopping city in Europe and of course you want to come back from your stay with some great discoveries, Barcelona fashion and souvenir. So you have lot of choice, you can stroll in Rambla for souvenirs, get into the streets of Born for designer shops and around Plaça Catalunya for mainstream store which still are unique in Barcelona with impressive settings. (We will tell you everything about Shopping in Barcelona in our new eBook: Barcelona Insights.) But maybe you would prefere to really bring with you a bite of Barcelona?

Do you know about Mercadillos? they are markets set in the streets where you can find everything from fresh food to clothes passing through body products. It is a nice and cheap way to make your everyday shopping outdoor. There are 21 around the city. The most famous one is Mercadillo de la Zona Franca every Sunday beside Montjuic at Carrer del Ferro. Another kind of markets are the Rastros with second hand poducts, this is the one that may interest you much. There, locals set up their stands and sell the things they don’t use any more. In the middle you can find some little treasors like vintage clothes, jewellry and accessories, some old fashion equipments or even art pieces. There are 10 rastros in the city. One of them is situated in Ronda de Sant Antoni just next to the Raval. It is a nice area with lot of Bars, Bakeries and there is the famous Moritz Factory. It is hold every sunday morning from 8:30 to 14:30.With the good weather of Spring and Summer it is such a good way to make shopping.

Another market that we would like to talk you about is quite original since it is organized by a jazz bar: Tres Gardenias. The DELICATED JUNK is situated in Plaça Catalunya from 13:00 to 18:00 and is a second hand market with clothes, shoes, books, discs, and any glamour thing that people would bring for selling. What makes it special is that the rastro is combined with great music, tapas and drink! Indeed, you will enjoy Vermú+pincho for 1,50€. You will experience a warm atmosphere besides the locals and be able to interact with them at the same time you buy some nice typical things you like. Do you know a better way to catch and bring a bite of Barcelona with you?

Barcelona Flats launches its new eBook in mid-May.

It is the first Barcelona guide from real people experiences. It has been written by all Barcelona Flats team. Our team is established in Barcelona for more than 10 year. Some of us are real experts and others are new in the city, this helped us to give the best information with different points of view and don’t miss to explain the very basics as well as the most special of Barcelona life. Our team is also composed by 5 nationalities, here again we get a very global approach and care about different habits, requirements and interests. Finally, from 21 to 52 years old, our team is diverse enough to give tips about a variety of topics like natural escapes or night clubs.

But! Barcelona is a big city and a life would not be enough to try and test everything, it is why we have asked our social media followers and customers to help us feed the content of our eBook with their own tips, tricks, favorite places, … experiences. Thanks to them we have made some amazing discoveries and we have been able to add a more personal touch for our readers.

Finally, we are proud to offer this unique Guide of Barcelona in an eBook version and for Free for your most convenience.

Download this eBook to know what to see, what to visit, what to try, what to taste, where to go, how to go, when to go and you will know why to go to Barcelona!

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You have already been in Barcelona before. You know that you still have a lot to discover and you can’t wait to comeback, but not doing the same touristic tours as always… what about Creative tourism? Barcelona is a moving, cultural, artistic city. It makes its visitors feel creative and open minded and give them lot of opportunities to express their art.

Want to practice Tango?

In the Tango school el Desbande de Barcelona you can enjoy open lessons with Carmen María Hergos every wednesday from 21.30 to 22.30. No need to be a couple or to have any previous practice to come. After the lesson and untill 01.00 am you will have the opportunity to dance and improve your movements and technique in a familiar atmosphere. You will spend a tremendous night for only 6€. Contact Carlos for more details.

Look for Gastronomy Workshop?

The Woki Organic Market is a new concept mixing restaurant, take away and market, all organic. They organize regularly thematic workshops like local wines and cava tasting, ethical coffees, organic bakery, etc. You will so have some expert insights, experience the products and methods yourself and finaly savour high quality dishes in a very warm atmosphere. workshops use to be in spanish (castellano) so even is it is no need to speak spanish to experience amazing products, some basics are great to undertsand the real added value which is the expert insights and tailored advices. You can see the programmation in the event section of the Woki Organic Market Facebook page.

Want to make the most amazing Photos of your Barcelona Stay?

Fira de Abril de Catalunya in Barcelona

The event will be held in The Feria de Abril de Cataluña is at Forum Park from Friday 27 April 2012 to Sunday 6 May 2012.
Originally, the Feria de Abril in a huge festival in Sevilla. But Barcelona has adopted the tradition and is having its own smaller, but equally festive version at the Parc del Forum.

Once upon a time…

Dating back to 1847, the festival began as a trade fair for cattle.

In time, the Feria de Abril becoming a time of song and dance!

The evolvement of the festival resulted in all kind of activities and expansions. Now a days, temporary tent cities known as Casetas are set up. They are colourful and highly decorated with lanterns.

The evening hours consist of flamenco dancing with elaborate and magic costumes. Although dancing and music are key elements of La Feria Abril, the weeklong festival is filled with other activities to include horse and carriage parades, strolling singers, guitar players, bullfighting, and more.

As the popularity raise it became a festival also celebrated in Barcelona…

And for that reason the theme of this festival is Andalucía. You can get a taste of the amazing food, drinks and atmosphere from the region! It is a Mecca of colours, food, dance, music, people and a true Spanish feeling…

For the Spanish people, this is a family event. The children can enjoy the many funfair attractions which are set up on the big fairground and the adult can enjoy the fantastic gastronomy and the dance.

You often see, that there will be sewn dresses for all the women in the family and they will go to dance and enjoy.

In the different “halls” of the forum there will be lots of music and the “Las Sevillanas” dancing. Everyone can attend this event and it is free. Spanish people from Barcelona and the surrounding area put on the lovely dresses and go to dance the Sevillian dance all together. Everyone can attend and there will be dinner and all kind of common activities.

There are two main areas.  One is an fairground with a big ferris wheel and many other rides and plenty of the usual fairground attractions like candy-floss, shooting galleries and other amusements and the other area is the main one, the “casetas” area. 

Caseta means “little house.”  The Casetas are marquee tents temporarily erected on the forum fair area for the feria de abril. There are usually around 70 casetas operated by a variety of organisations and groups.

Opening hours:

Friday 27 April          – 18:00 to 04.15
Saturday 28 April     – 10:00 to 04:15
Sunday 29 April       - 10:00 to 02:00
Monday 30 April      – 10:00 to 02:00
Tuesday 1 May         - 10:00 to 02:00
Wednesday 2 May   – 10:00 to 02:00
Thursday 3 May       - 10:00 to 02:00
Friday 4 May             - 10:00 to 04:15
Saturday 5 May         - 10:00 to 04:15
Sunday 6 May           - 10:00 to 23:00

Getting there is really easy.

It takes about 20 minutes from the city centre (Plaza Cataluña) you can go by tram, bus and metro.

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1 weekend 4 events                           Barcelona Beaches                         El Bulli exposition

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During 1 weekend Barcelona hosts nothing less than 4 different events!

 Concurs Internacional de Roses Noves

Friday 4th May 2012 to Sunday 6th May 2012

Since 2001, it has been an annual tradition that at the beginning of May, the Parc de Cervantes hosts the Concurs International de Roses Noves.

 It is an international competition for new roses which attracts growers from all over the world. The are 7 different prizes to be won, but the first prize is called Barcelona and goes to the one who presents the best new rose of the show.

The reason why it is called the best, and not the most beautiful is due to the fact that the panel is international and local flower judges  judge on the basis of technical factors like hardiness, development, leaf, flower, fragrance and resistance plus the more obvious factors such as novelty, fragrance and appearance.

 It is not just the exhibition which drags thousands of rose-lovers to the lovely Park. During the event, there are concerts, flower arrangements and other activities.

The event is quite new, but well visited and free.

Saló del Còmic 2012 Barcelona

Tuesday 3rd May to Sunday 6th May 2012

 Saló del Comic is an international comic show. It is the 30^th anniversary of Barcelona’s Comic Fair and it lasts for 4 days.

One of the highlights in 2012 includes a visit by Renowned British artist David Lloyd, illustrator of V for Vendetta, who will present a collection of short stories called “Dark Matter”. It is the perfect event if you like comedy and would like to meet others with the same passion.

The fair is located at Fira Montjuic – Hall 8 – Exhibition Center Barcelona. Find out more information here.

Bebés & Mamás Barcelona 2012

Saturday 5 May to Sunday 6 May 2012

 This event is the 13th edition of Babies & Moms (Bebés&mamás) exhibition. It is a 2 day event made for new mothers. There will be a lot of free activities and services, and a show from the leading brands in the baby and family section. It is a nice family event and highly recommendable, as you can get advice and meet others who are also a new born mom. The event is located at Fira Montuic on Montjuic hill.

Fira Internacional del Disc 2012

Saturday 5 May to Sunday 6 May 2012

 The Fira Internacional del Disc is the biggest record-collection fair in Barcelona.

During the event, you can buy or exchange CD’s, albums and records and there will be auctions of music which are no longer available.

The event is located at Estacio del Nord. Carrer d’Alí Bei, 80, Barcelona.

Conclusively, this is a very nice weekend to visit Barcelona. You get both sunny weather and you can choose from 4 different events to visit, and that is, apart from all the other attractions Barcelona has to offer!

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Festa Major                                    eBooks – a brilliant invention                        Sant Jordi’s Day

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A Festa Major is certainly one of the most authentic celebration in Barcelona since it is a neighbourhood festival.

There is nothing more typical for Spanish people than neighbourhood life. Even in big cities like Barcelona, locals have warm feelings toward their barrio (distrcit or area) wich is always the best one for them. They are used to being very involved in this community life, it is one of the roots of the Spanish culture. If you don’t have the chance to talk with Spanish people directly (but you will in this event!), it is something that you can see on tv on lots of series where the stories are all focused on neighbourhoud stories (No hay quien viva, La que se avecine, Aida, etc.) and programmes are also dedicated to people talking about their neighbourhood (i.e. Este es mi barrio).

Coming back to what really intesrests us now, a Festa Major is an annual 10 day event which celebrates Catalan popular culture. Originally it is organized for and with local people, (you will have trouble in finding an English program….you can refer to our interactive calendar day by day to have an English version of the programme). The big highlight of these festivals are the Castellers (human towers) which are typical and AMAZING to watch. Traditional Catalan music will give the rythmn with local groups like Escola Municipal de Música de L’Eixample. Also, the percussionist band, Trastokats, welcomes the exciting Correfoc (fireruns….another MUST see). The main events take place at the weekends. On Sunday morning, while the monumental Geantes (Giants) from Colla Gegantera de la Sagrada Família receive the assistants of the Festa Major mass celebrated in the temple, groups of Castellers (human towers) are preparing to raise all together in the ’portal de Marina’ de la Sagrada Família. Castellers groups are preparing all year technically, morally and physically for this event. They always attempt new challenges which make their towers so amazing, and will make you stop breathing from time to time! After all the eneuphoria people go for a big lunch. The rest of the fiesta days are full of choirs, concerts, sardanes dancing, a street fair and much more. The Festa Major de la Sagrada Familia is from 26 April – 6 May 2012.

Enjoy this insight into catalan culture and VISCA LA FESTA MAJOR!

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St George’s Day in Barcelona

St George’sDay (dia de St Jordi) is on the 23^rd of April. It has become an international celebration, but originates from the Spanish province of Cataluña. Therefore the most authentic experience is to be found here and particularly in Barcelona.

 St. George’s Day is the day of books and roses.

Traditionally, the men will offer a rose to their loved one and in return they will receive a book.

Why? … The legend

The roses:                                                           

The legend says that St. George went to rescue the beautiful princess from the evil Dragon. As he fought and conquered the dragon, its blood spilled and there where it spilt grew a rose as a symbol of love and friendship.

The city will be adorned with roses as a symbol of the spring arriving!

The story of the books:

The date is also known as the “World Book Day”.

It all started with the “Renaixença” in the resurrection of the “Jocs Florals” (the Catalan language).

In 1859 a tradition of an annual literary competition was born (on 23rd of April) which increased the number of ideologists, new authors, political discussions  and also newspapers sold.

However, due to the Civil war the tradition was interrupted but revived again in 1978 in order to make young people cultivate and participate in Catalan culture and language.

The date is also the anniversary of the deaths of two of the greatest writers who ever lived: Cervantes and Shakespeare .

In 1996 the tradition became international and people started giving the mystical rose whenever a book was bought on this date and the date has become famous for its amount of book releases.

The St. George’s  day is also called the Lovers day (dia dels enamorats)

and even during the rule of Franco, when the open sale of Catalan language books was banned for 39 years, the citizens of Catalonia still flocked to the centres of their villages, towns and cities to get a rose and a book for their spouses, lovers, offspring or parents.

It is the most romantic day in Barcelona. The streets are full of happiness and celebration. The day often ends with fireworks.

You can read about an actual experience of the day here.

Here you will find the program.

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Barcelona Beaches                          Barcelona Resurant week 2012                        Travel from El Prat in 2014

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The amazing experience of Barcelona beaches is not a legend, you can get everything you expect along those 4.5 km of coast line. Feel the sun warm on your skin, reading a (e)book or having a nap. Be a spectator of the compulsive Barcelona life,  people coming and going and their stories. Be a fashion judge examining people’s dress codes which are as varied and original as the city culture. Chill-out with the sound of the waves and your feet in the sand.  Go shopping with itinerant beach-sellers and perhaps find your summer sunglasses, sarong or a fresh cocktail with a piece of coconut. Sculpt your body playing beach volley or wind- surfing. Cycle along enjoying the mediterranean air. Plan your night by collecting nightclub invitations. That is just a sample of the variety of activities you can experience and enjoy on Barcelona beaches…

Barcelona has 7 beaches with different commodities and atmospheres. All the beaches have disabled access, lifeguards (in season), sun beds, toilets and showers.

The closest beach to the city centre is Barceloneta. It is 1.1km long and has a metro station dedicated to it. This is certainly the one that you will find first. It is the favorite one of tourists - crowded, noisy and very jolly. There are 3 volley-ball courts, a leisure area with ping pong tables and a gym area. You will also find there a series of American-style eateries (pizzas and Tex-Mex mostly). Next to this beach, looking at the famous W hotel, is Sant Sebastià beach, one of the oldest in Barcelona. It is the same length as Barceloneta and has a lot of services. Most people here are Spanish. The beach is broad and very pleasant, and some restaurants have their terrace directly on the beach enabling you to enjoy sea-food and cava without leaving the beach. You will cross some very old areas to get to this beach from all bus stations (lines 14, 16, 17, 39, 40, 45, 51, 57, 59, 64, 157) , and then, you will suddenly feel in the heart of a typical Spanish village, this contrast is very pleasant.

The next main part of Barcelona’s beaches begins with Port Olympic. It is a much more modern area, where you will find restaurants, bars and clubs and even Barcelona’s Casino along by the beach. You also have a metro station to get there easily from the city centre - Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica (L.4).

From Port Olympic, 4 more beaches offer you the Barcelona Mediterranean experience. The best way to get to any of these is to take bus nº41 from Universitat or Plaça Catalunya, and it goes directly along the Litoral, along the beach from Port Oympic as far as Diagonal Mar Park next to the last beach in Barcelona. The first beach you come across is Nova Icària, one of the quietest beaches in Barcelona, ideal for families with children. You will find a lot of restaurants and services around. The next one is Bogatell, 640m of beach lined with a promenade, perfect for jogging, roller-blading and cycling. Then, there is Mar Bella, where most young people meet. If you want to practice windsurfing and kayaking you will find a school there with board rentals. Behind a long hillock of rustling bamboo is Barcelona’s naturist beach (even though going-topless is usual on any of Barcelona’s beach). Finally, the last beach is Nova Mar Bella with Llevant, the furthest beach from the city centre. It is less crowded here and most people are local. There are several bars along the beach called Chiringuitos.

You can begin to enjoy the warm sun from mid-March to chill-out and prepare your skin for summer tanning. March to May and September to October are the best periods to enjoy the beach while it is quiet and clean. June to August is the hotttest and busiest period on Barcelona beaches, but you will always be able to enjoy some calmer and cooler atmosphere in the evenings. Or, if you prefer, you will be able to enjoy live music & DJs on the actual beach!…

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      Barcelona beaches                          Barceloneta Duplex Apartment                 Barceloneta – The Fisherman’s Quarter

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This year is the sixth edition of Barcelona Restaurant Week for the delight of our palates and purses. The concept of this week originated in New York with  a lunch-only promotion, set up by a group of local restaurateurs and food-industry types, as a way to drum up business during that year’s Democratic National Convention twenty years ago. In 1992, 25 restaurants took part, today, more than 100 cities around the word have adopted this event, one of them being Barcelona.

So, what exactly happens this week? In fact it is a 10 day event, from the 13th –  22nd April in Barcelona. During this period, you will be able to savour the best gastronony of Barcelona in more than 30 top restaurants, several of which hold Michelin stars, with a fixed price menu. The price will be 24€ + 1€ donation for charity so in effect 25€. (Please note that this price does not include IVA  or drinks).

This year the charity fundation is Intermón Oxfam. Their mission is :”To fight for the underpriviledged population and as part of a global movement, with the objective to eradicate unfairness and poverty, and to achieve that all human beings can fully exert their rights and enjoy a dignified life.”

So, now you can justify enjoying a gastronomic meal in one of the best restaurants in Barcelona. But then, which restaurant to book and where to stay?

Loidi: Fusion cuisine from the famous Chef Martín Berasategui in an exclusive establishment in the heart of Barcelona.

Visual: A place where the dishes and the 360º view over Barcelona are all a show for eyes as well as for the most demanding palates.

Visual Restaurant in Barcelona

La Terraza del Claris: Amazing views from the roof of a luxury hotel and serving delightful mediteranean specialties! Average normal price is 60€ so enjoy the opportunity to have it for only 25€

César Pastor: Romantic establishment in the Eixample area. Average price is usually 45€ but you can have it for 25€ only this week!

1898: Discover this gastronomic jewel of a restaurant hidden on the first floor of a luxurous building on Las Ramblas.

Els Jardinets des Gràcia: Located in the city centre, with a modern and welcoming design, this restaurant will conquer you with its atmosphere and its mediteranean and creative cuisine.

Torre D’Alta Mar: Wonderful views over the sea and Barcelona in a unique space! Average price usually 90€, so, you know that you can’t miss the opportunity…

Galaxò: Modern restaurant situated in Casa Fuster Hotel, with beautiful views, located at the top of Passeig de Gràcia. Unique creative cuisine and service, in an ey- catching space.

Indochine (Aribau): Saquitos (crunchy base full of meat, prawn and aromatic herbs), vietnamese raviolis, porc meat with tamarind sauce… these are some of the specialties of this authentic and genius cuisine.

Windsor: Quality Catalan cuisine  and exclusive and sophisticated rooms with garden view. This restaurant is characterized for its young team of chefs showing off their innovation in Catalan cuisine.

Bravo 24 Restaurant in Barcelona

  Bravo 24: Fusion cuisine from the Michelin star chef , in a luxurious and paradisiac reastaurant. Average price usually 85€, so, enjoy the opportunity to have it for only 25€

  DO2 – by los Hermanos Torres: Torres brothers, famous chefs with Michelin star, present this new space dedicated to high gastronomic cuisine.

  Icho: Discover the new culinarian style, mixing authenticity of nippon cuisine with the best mediterannean ingredients. You will be surprised by the fantastic combination of aromas, textures and colours!

 Cal Pinxo (Palau de Mar): Located at Port Vell, with nice views of boats and the sea, this restaurant specializes in mediterannean cuisine, sea-food and rice.

Comiols: Temporal and creative Catalan cuisine in an exclusive establishment. Average price usually 55€…

Sabor Mediterrani: Creative cuisine and unique design in Barceloneta!

Petit Comitè: A modern and avant-garde space to savour Catalan cuisine. This contrast makes it unique in the famous passatge de la Concepció.

Boca Grande: Delicious menu and beautiful restaurant!

Alba (Parìs): Typical homemade Catalan cuisine but with a creative touch that will delight you. Its meats and fishes are authentic delicacies.

Osmosis: Fresh prodcuts well presented in the Eixample area. This restaurant will suprise you with a unique gastronomic class in which classic and modern styles are perfectly harmonized.

L’Oliana: Located in the heart of Santaló in a unique building, it is spacious and luminous. Catalan cuisine presented in an exceptional way!

Terrabacus: One of the institutions of  the Eixample area! Mediterannean specialities, meats and fish, presented in a creative way and with a personal touch.

CentOnze: Catalan market cuisine with a touch of fusion in a unique environment.

Cent Onze dishes

Bistrot El Regulador: Elegant space specializing in mediterannean and market cuisine that will surprise you. The freshest products from the famous Boqueria market with a modern atmosphere to enjoy.

Alba (Granados): Varied offers of temporal and fusion cuisine with decoration inspired from wine-growing.

No 3: Delightful restaurant with an average price of 65€, so, enjoy the opportunity to discover it this week!

4 Capellans: An amazing terrace for a very active restaurant which also organizes a lot of courses such as wine tastings.

Quo Vadis: Delicious Catalan and International recipes producing authentic gourmet food.

Cruixent: Home made croquetas and other mediteranean exquisiteness in an establishement set up in a way to make you feel home.

El Magatzem del Port: You will savour the best sea food and rice dishes on the sea-front.

El Comedor: Elegant and modern restaurant of mediterannean cuisine with a creative touch, close to Barcelona beach.

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Try Easter in Barcelona         El Bulli Free Exhibition          Mercat de la Concepció

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