Bruce Springsteen Coming to Barcelona

Bruce Springsteen Concert Barcelona 2012

Barcelona events, Barcelona night life, Barcelona musicYou may have not been “Born in the USA” but people worldwide know the song and the man who has been rocking for decades. As you might know “The Boss” is wildly popular in Spain and on May 17th musical legend Bruce Springsteen will be playing in Barcelona’s Paseo Olimpico. Bruce is traveling around the world playing his “The Wrecking Ball” World Tour. “The Wrecking Ball” will spend two days in Barcelona May 17th and May 18th. If you miss either of these concerts Bruce will also be playing May 13th in Seville, May 15th at Las Palmas, and one more June 17th in Madrid.

 

Springsteen has been playing his heartland rock since the 1970’s and continues to bring the world his personal style of poetic lyrics and musical stories. Springsteen has been awarded 21 Grammys, two Golden Globe Awards, and even an Oscar. He is  regarded by many as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century, and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him as the 23rd Greatest Artist of all time.

 

Barcelona events, Barcelona night life, Barcelona musicThe concert starts at 21h so make sure to get there early. Tickets are on sale now. Check out Barcelona events at www.eventful.com/Barcelona for more information on the show. Don’t miss this historical musical icon when he is in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

 

Let us know if there are any events you are looking forward to this summer in Barcelona. Keep rocking.

 

Brett

 

Beach Near Barcelona: The Lost World of Waikiki Beach!

Waikiki Beach Near Barcelona? Yes!

barcelona playas

A little Barcelona playa action is always nice but they are full of people and and noisy venders (If you can’t make it out of Barcelona for the beach though, then check out our free ebook on the best barcelona beaches). Not so far from Barcelona, though, you can reach some pretty beautiful places that will thrill you with their beauty and tranquility and one of the coolest can be found amongst the Tarragona playas, just a short hop from BCN.

Tarragona playaWaikiki beach:

There is one place I have discovered called Waikiki beach, just like the famous Hawaii beach. I went there with some friends for a day and we didn’t want to leave. It’s like magic!

The water is so blue and there is more than enough wide open space. The atmosphere is quiet and paradise-esque! It is a real change from the dirty and distracting Barcelona playas!! And it is not so far from Barcelona. Waikiki beach is located 10km from Tarragona  close to a little village called La Mora. Tarragona from Barcelona is about 1h by car, and the trip is really worth it!

From La Mora, we had to walk in a pine forest for about 10 minutes, and it was a welcome venture into nautre, and we enjoyed all it’s smells and great colors… It actually made us think of the movie “The Beach”… After this short nice walk we arrived at a beautiful beach with with only about 10 people on a huge creek surrounded by cliffs . Personally,  I think Waikiki beach is one of the best beaches near Barcelona.

Everyone says hello to each other, the convivial atmosphere is there !!! Well, I didn’t tell you everything… Most of these people are nudists…Not all of them but quite a lot. These hidden creeks are pretty convenient for them. But don’t worry if you don’t want to have a brown bottom there is a lot of space so you can escape from the nude world or just choose not to participate.

Waikiki Beach Photos (How Cool!?)

Waikiki location:

Beach Near Barcelona

From Barcelona, there are two roads reaching La Mora, a motorway and a highway. For sure it takes more time by the highway but this route also helps you avoid the 18€ of toll.

Careful with the traffic jams on the highway to Barcelona, especially on Sundays afternoons.

As you see on the above map there are 2 “dream” beaches, the one on the left is my personal favourite with high cliffs.

In the parking lot you will find some  nice restaurants with sea-view terraces. they also sell sandwiches. There are no supermarkets in La Mora so if you want your own lunch bring a picknick!

What about a post card from Waikiki beach made by our very own Caroline from Suitelife :

Check out our Day trips from Barcelona blog, you’ll see other  great places to go around barcelona and our video about Marbella beach if you’re into the nude tanning.

Tell us about your experiences around Barcelona, which hidden paradises places have you enjoyed the most???

Cheers,

Hugo

 

 

 

Barcelona Events: What’s happening in May 2012

All the Best Events in Barcelona, May 2012

 

Labour Day 1st

The 1st of May is a national holiday known as ‘Labour Day’ in many countries and Spain is one of them.  There will be some demonstrations in and marches led by trade unions in the city centre.  They will usually be around Placa de la universitat and passeig de Gracia.

 

Barcelona Poetry Week 8th – 17th may

Barcelona’s international poetry week is one of the many Cultural Barcelona events that take place each year.  There are poetry readings in many places around the city and most of the poetry is in Catalan or Spanish.   Check out the website for more details.

Website

Barcelona events

Sports Film Festival FICTS (2012) 10th – 12th

This year is the 3rd edition of the Barcelona international FICTS festival.  It is part of the world FICTS challenge, which is a collection of sport film festivals in countries all over the world.  There will be 70 films, based on a variety of different sports, competing in this year’s festival.  The main venue for the festival is in the heart of park de montjuic at the ‘The Museu Olímpic’ and ‘de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch’.  For more information see the website.

Website

Barcelona events

Spanish Gran Prix 11th – 13th

Formula 1 is coming to Barcelona! The Spanish Gran Prix is held just outside Barcelona each year at the Circuit de Catalunya, Montmelo.  28km North of the City.    There are many covered stands around the track and ticket prices for the weekend go from over €3,500 (paddock club ticket) down to just above €200.  So if you want to watch Alonso, Vettel, and Hamilton race round a track at unbelievable speeds then check the Gran Prix website for more info and tickets.

Website

Barcelona events

Tibidabo Race, 19th

La pujada al Tibidabo is an annual uphill race that goes all the way to the top of mount Tibidabo.  The race is 9km long and is part of the Up hill Series.  The race goes through the beautiful Collserola Park and throughout the route you get amazing views of the city.  So if you like running and a bit of a challenge then this is not to be missed.

Website

Route Map

Barcelona events

Museum Night, 19th

This is a great event each year in Barcelona where more than 50 museums throughout the city remain open during the night until 1 am and they are all free to visit.  Last year over 100,000 people took advantage of this great opportunity.  There will also be activities such as concerts and performances.  This is a night of fun you can’t miss.  For more information check the website.

Website

Barcelona events

Spanish Cup Final (Copa del Rey) FC Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao, 25th

FC Barcelona will compete in the Spanish Cup final in Madrid.  This means the city streets will be empty and the bars full as all the local football fans watch one of the most important games in Spanish football.  It’s always fun to watch Barcelona play in a local bar because the Barcelona fans get so into it, making the atmosphere electric.  Try watching the game in an Irish pub in Barcelona, which will be full of locals and expats all cheering and shouting.

Barcelona events

Dilluns de Pasqua Granada (Public Holiday in Catalunya) 28th May

It’s another Public Holiday in Barcelona. Why not go to the beach.  Read our free E-book all about Barcelona beaches to help you decide which one.

Barcelona events

Primavera Sound, 30th May – 3rd June

Primavera Sound is one of Europe’s biggest and best Festivals.  With over 100,000 visitors last year and this year will be even bigger.  There is a great mix of genres such as, Rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, jazz, electro and more! There will be more than 150 artists and lots of big names too! For more information read our Primavera Sound 2012 Bolg.

Barcelona events

If you have any questions or know of any other great Barcelona events, we would love to hear about them. Please leave a comment below.

Cheers

Matthew Rutter

 

Sant Jordi: Barcelona Patron Saint Revealed

The Man Behind the Feast

 

Sant Jordi Day, Day of Roses, Day of Books, Barcelona events, Barcelona holidays, Saint George Day, Saint GeorgeWe recently celebrated Sant Jordi Day here in Barcelona, the day we venerate Catalonia’s patron saint, Saint George, or Sant Jordi. This special holiday in Catalonia is a romantic day in which romantics across the region exchange presents, a rose for a woman and a book for a man. Sant Jordi Day is Barcelona’s equivalent to Valentine’s Day. In my last blog I wrote about the story of Saint George slaying the dragon of Montblanc before he ate the beautiful princess, saving her from her fate. Due to this romantic and chivalrous act Sant Jordi Day is celebrated as a romantic occasion.

 

Lets look at the real Sant Jordi, the man behind the legend. According to Christian history George was born in Palestine in 275 AD. Both of Saint George’s parents were Christians; his father Gerontius was a prominent official in the Roman army from Cappadocia while his mother Polychronia was from Palestine.  At the age of 14 George lost his father in battle and a few years later his mother died. As a young man George left Palestine to head to the imperial city of Nicomedia, where he asked Emperor Diocletian for a career as a soldier. By his late 20’s George had been promoted to the imperial guard where was given the privileged title of Tribunus.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Day of Roses, Day of Books, Barcelona events, Barcelona holidays, Saint George Day, Saint GeorgeIn the year 302 AD Emperor Diocletian issued a edict that every Christian soldier be arrested and Christian civilians should be sacrificed to the Roman gods. As a strong proud Christian George protested this edict and spoke to Diocletian directly. In front of the emperor and all of the imperial guard George declared himself to be a Christian and refused to change his beliefs. For this reason George endured several tortures such as lacerations on a wheel of swords. Even after his trials of pain and torture George once again refused to renounce Jesus Christ and his Christian faith. On April 23, 303 George was placed against the wall of Nicomedia and was decapitated in front of the city’s citizens. His body was soon returned to Palestine where it was buried.

 

The legend of Saint George and the dragon has several beginnings in Christian, Eastern Orthodox, and even Muslim writings. The dragon motif became popular with Vincent of Beauvais’ writings entitled Speculum Historale and later in Jacobus de Voragine’s writings entitled The Golden Legend. Historians believe that the slaying of the dragon is a direct representation of George denying paganism and the Roman Empire. In the story Sant Jordi Day, Day of Roses, Day of Books, Barcelona events, Barcelona holidays, Saint George Day, Saint GeorgeGeorge rides in to save the fair maiden from the jaws of death as she is given to the dragon as a sacrifice. George protects himself from the dragon by using the sign of the cross then justly using his lance Ascalon to strike down the evil beast. The citizens are grateful to George and abandon their pagan ways in order to follow Christ and the Christian Church as inspired by Saint George.

Images of Saint George can be found across Europe and even in the Middle East. Countries that venerate the Christian icon and count him as their patron saint include Georgia, England, Egypt, Bulgaria, Catalonia, Romania, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Iraq, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Serbia, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, and Bosnia.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Day of Roses, Day of Books, Barcelona events, Barcelona holidays, Saint George Day, Saint GeorgeCountries that celebrate the Day of Saint George raise the white flag with the red cross, the flag of Saint George. These countries will hold religious sermons along with celebrations of food and gift giving. The practice of celebrating Saint George Day is beginning to wane in countries such as England, Canada, and Georgia. Hungary marks April 23rd to also be the Day of the Police, portraying the Saint as a protector similar to those in uniform.

 

Across the globe April 23rd is marked with veneration and historical patronage. The Day of Saint George is celebrated in numerous different fashions, but they all have several characteristics in common; unity, patronage, and great storytelling.

 

Check out our other Suitelife blogs on Sant Jordi

Sant Jordi Day

Sant Jordi Barcelona

Sant Jordi Day Barcelona

 

Art In Barcelona: Corretger5

Art In Barcelona

“Architecture + Interactive Art”: this is how they describe their project. Corretger5 brings together architects that want to experiment with art in all its forms: photo, design, architecture, theatre…

When I went there last Saturday, I didn’t know what to expect. A friend took me there because she heard about it from someone, who heard about it from someone else, who… you get the picture!

The place is charming, it’s an old stable transformed into an atelier that becomes a gallery during exhibitions or a venue for shows. The neighborhood is great as well, as it is located in el Born, in Barcelona.

La Folie Condal: a Cabaret in Barcelona

barcelona art la folie condalThere was a cabaret that night: La Folie Condal. A red velvet curtain, a small stage and some candle holders, a quite minimalist design that did its job! It was the first cabaret that they organized and actually it was pretty good! It was a mix of sketches, dancing and singing. The cabaret was lead by 2 guys: a sort of Frankenstein and his Creator. Burlesque, absurd, live music and a lot of fun can sum up this night. (You can see the photos here)

The entrance was 2€ (unless if you wear something inspired by Paris 1920’s, it was free) and you can eat some food like tapas and drink beer (1€) or cocktails (2€)… After the show you can stay and talk with them while listening to some music. There is a really great atmosphere and everyone speak English (I guess most of them are not Spanish).

It was their first cabaret and as it has been a success, they will definitely keep doing it. If you are an artist and want to perform, you will be more than welcome to take part in it. Just contact them before through their Facebook page or their website. And visit these pages to be updated of their next cabaret in Barcelona! This is a great tip if you like amateur theatre.

 

Art Gallery in Barcelona

If you’re looking for an exhibition in Barcelona, you should check Corretgers5’s website regularly. Whether it is their work of someone else’s, there’s almost always something to discover in their atelier. And most of the time the entrance is free, or ridiculous.

The next exhibition, Viae Corporum, will be from the 12th of April until the 28th April. It will be charcoal drawings and the theme will be the body. The artist is the Greek painter Andrea Kontellis.

If you’re really into art, you may also be interested in their conferences or workshops about architecture or any other art.

They also organize showrooms with unique pieces that you can buy, and “auction sales” for some of their works. In April they will also set up their second vintage market “POP UP”, where you will find vintage clothes and stuff. And if you like vintage, you can also read this about vintage shopping in Barcelona.

art gallery in barcelona corretger5

I’d say that Corretger5 is a nice place to chill out and enjoy art in all its forms in Barcelona. This is different from a traditional museum or exhibition rooms, it is much more intimate and you can talk directly with the artists! It’s a good way to discover new things and local artists from Barcelona.

Next time you’re wondering where you could enjoy an exhibition in Barcelona in a casual place, do not forget Corretger5! Did you know about it already? We’d love to hear what you think of it, so if you go to their cabaret or vintage market, give us some feedback!

 

Caroline

 

Sant Jordi Day Barcelona and the Day of Roses

Barcelona’s Valentines Day with A Twist of Culture and Storytelling

Sant Jordi Day, Barcelona Valentine's Day, Sant Jordi Day Barcelona, Saint George Day Barcelona

 

Barcelona lovers hit the streets and buy your novio or novia a book or rose as today is Catalonia’s most cherished day; Sant Jordi Day. Sant Jordi or Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia along with a dozen other countries around the world. It is accepted that the chivalrous knight died April 23rd, 303 AD. Many other countries tie the day of Saint George in with Easter Celebrations but here in Barcelona and Catalonia the day deserves it’s own recognition and celebration.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Barcelona Valentine's Day, Sant Jordi Day Barcelona, Saint George Day BarcelonaThe streets across Barcelona will be radiating with the beautiful color and smells from roses along with the colorful designs and displays of books as sellers show their wares for all to enjoy. Flower and book stands will be draped with Catalonia’s red and white striped flag. Roses will be died in these colors, while other roses will be died red and blue in recognition of Barcelona’s famous football club. It is the tradition here in Barcelona for men to buy their lovers a flower and women to buy a book for their men. As time has gone by it is no longer gender qualified as men can buy women a book and women can buy their novios a flower if they choose to. Just don’t forget to bring your love one of these gifts.

 

Today is recognized with several different names. Saint George Day, Sant Jordi Day, the Day of Roses, and the Day of the Book. Today alone Barcelona will sell over 400,000 books and over a million roses. More books will be sold today then the rest of the year combined.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Barcelona Valentine's Day, Sant Jordi Day Barcelona, Saint George Day BarcelonaApril 23 has been the Day of Roses since medieval times. The famed Saint George was once a knight in the Roman empire. The famous Catalonian tale speaks of George traveling through the Catalan town of Montblanc. The small town of Montblanc was plagued by a dragon who required a daily sacrifice every day of a villager. One day the village lottery had chosen the princess of Montblanc as the sacrifice. Before the beautiful maiden could come to her demise Saint George came to her rescue and slew the dragon, piercing it through the chest with his sword.  Upon the ground in which the dragon’s blood spilled grew a large magnificent rose bush shining bright crimson red. To this day Catalonian’s give their lover a rose to symbolize romance and chivalry.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Barcelona Valentine's Day, Sant Jordi Day Barcelona, Saint George Day BarcelonaThe Day of the Book began in 1923 when a sales savvy book store dealer in the region combined Sant Jordi Day with books as a means to honor the deaths of two world renowned authors; William Shakespeare and Miguel Cervantes, both who had died on April 23rd, 1616. The giving of books to a lover has been a part of Catalonian culture ever since. In 1995 UNESCO declared April 23 to be International Book Day.

 

Spend the day with a loved one and walk around the city. La Rambla and Plaza Catalunya will be especially festive as the concrete pathways will be adorned with flowers and books. Happy Sant Jordi Day to everyone.

 

Let us know how your Sant Jordi Day is and check out these other Suitelife blogs on Barcelona’s day of lovers and books.

 

Sant Jordi Day, Barcelona Valentine's Day, Sant Jordi Day Barcelona, Saint George Day BarcelonaSant Jordi Barcelona

Sant Jordi Day in Barcelona

Valentine’s Day in Barcelona

Cheers,

Brett

Design Barcelona: Studiostore

Design Barcelona: Studiostore has got it all!

One of the hottest spots for design Barcelona that promotes culture, art and creativity is Studiostore, the lively multi-purpose open space in the heart of the Born area.

Design Barcelona STUDIOSTORE

Calle Comerc was always one of my favorite streets. There is the Chocolate museum with the best chocolate pralines and probably the best hot chocolate in town and when you enter you feel as if you’re taking a tour of Charlie’s chocolate factory (only without Oumpaloompas, unfortunately). Then you cross the street and you have the Mutt Gallery and Iguapop (a cool clothing store) and the new and original concept store Studiostore.

We visited a few days ago and were lucky to be able to talk to its owner and idea maker Lafede, who told us some “behind the scenes” information about her interesting concept.
The Studiostore was born recently, but it has already won high praise in design Barcelona. Lafede and her team opened the doors of this store in January 2012 and by doing this she also opened the curtains of a cool space, which hadn’t been used in over 20 years. She told us it was all a lucky coincidence how she found the place; I would say the street called her, because Studiostore totally fits into the neighborhood. Studiostore is 300 m2 divided into studio space and the store, which has two floors. Big neon lightning saying TOGETHER all over one wall of the store represents one of the Studiostore mottos – being together and Back to basics.

Design Barcelona bazzar at Studiostore

Lafede is primarily dedicated to furniture design, lightning and retail spaces but as she said, she didn’ t want to be closed in her studio without the opportunity to meet her possible clients. By mixing her studio space with a 2 floor showroom she creates just that, the ability to meet with existing clients and the opportunity to turn window shoppers into new clients.

Studiostore collaborates with some well-known designers such as Woouf!, Sheriff & Cherry and Paco Rueda and together they release a collection of items that are sold in the front store. Besides all of this there are many events, conferences or pop-up stores happening in Studiostore as well. The lastest event that has recently finished was called The Gran Bazzar, where one can find original pieces from about 50 Barcelona artists including clothes, accessories, furniture, or design gadgets.
The next event will start in May and studiostore will open its walls to talented Barcelona photographers, so don’t miss it.

Studiostore

Lafede (Federica Sandretti), Italian designer and architect, specialized in retail design, came to Barcelona 12 years ago. She worked with Custo Barcelona, but had an idea of connecting her own studio with an open space that would bring and connect people interested in design and art. That´s how the idea of Studiostore was born and after 3 months of running this concept store we can already tell that it worked out well.

See you in Studiostore!

Sarka

Barcelona Events: What’s Up in April 2012

Events in Barcelona April 2012:

Semana Santa in Barcelona

Semana Santa is the week leading up to Easter and is translated to “holy week”.  Semana Santa starts on palm Sunday, the 1st of April, and lasts a week until Easter Sunday.  All the schools are closed for the week and there are public holidays on Friday the 6th and Monday the 9th.   There are processions on palm Sunday and good Friday (6th) in Barcelona where thousands take to the streets to commemorate this “holy week”. The photo below is of an Easter ceremony in Plaza Real.

events in barcelona april 2012

FC Barcelona Vs Ac Milan: Champions League Quarter finals.  Tuesday the 3rd 20:45

Barcelona faces AC Milan for the second leg of the Champions league Quarter Final.  The first leg resulted in a draw 2 – 2.  The Match is at Camp Nou and Barcelona are the favourites.  This is sure to be an exciting match so be sure to get yourself down to a bar for a great atmosphere and lots of excited Barca fans.  When Barcelona plays the bars in the city are always fun.  Bayern Munich and Marseille also play their champions league Quarter Final second leg at the same time, with Munich leading 2 – 0.  You may struggle to find somewhere to watch this game in Barcelona Bars tho.  Irish Pubs are a great place to watch the footy.  Check out our Top 5 Irish Pubs in Barcelona blog to know where to find them.

barcelona events april 2012

Barcelona Restaurant week: Friday the 13th to Sunday the 22nd

This month there is a great thing called Barcelona restaurant week where some of the best restaurants offer fantastic meals for only €25, €24 for the restaurant and €1 for charity.   There are more than 30 restaurants taking part and on any normal day you could expect to pay on average between €40 and €80 for a meal at these assorted restaurants, so €25 is a great deal.  Follow the link below to see which restaurants are taking part and to reserve a table.

Barcelona Restaurant Week

 

Sant Jordi: Monday 23rdBarcelona events 2012

Sant Jordi is the patron saint of Catalonia and the whole of Barcelona comes alive with red and gold Catalan flags everywhere.  The bakeries even go patriotic by adding red sobrassada pate stripes to their bread.  Sant Jordi is also the Ctalan Valentines day. You can read all about it on our blog on Sant Jordi Day in Barcelona.

 

The Barcelona Tennis open (ATP world Tour): Saturday 21st – Sunday the 29th

Some of the worlds best tennis players come to Barcelona to play in the ATP Barcelona Open.  It’s the second biggest tennis tournament in Spain behind the Madrid Masters.  The tournament is staged at the real club de Tenis Barcelona, which is the oldest Spanish tennis club. Rafael Nadal has won it six times out of the last seven so don’t be surprised if he wins again.

barcelona events april 2012

Fira de la Terra: Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd

The Barcelona Earth Fair takes part every year in conjunction with Earth Day, which is on the 22nd.  This Event is meant to raise awareness about global warming and all environmental issues, to help teach people how they can help save the earth.  Earth day started in America and is now a global event.  On Earth Day famous landmarks across the world will have their lights turned off for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and promote a “greener lifestyle”.  The Fira de la Terra Barcelona is held in Park Ciutadella.

Website

Barcelona events april 2012

FC Barcelona Vs Real Madrid: El Classico. Sunday the 22nd

When Barcelona Plays Real Madrid the streets in Barcelona are empty and the bars are full.  It seems like almost everyone in Barcelona is watching the big game.  This El Classico is in Camp Nou, and if Barcelona beat real Madrid, there will be a gathering of Barca fans Celebrating and singing in or near Plaza Catalunya.  If you’re not lucky enough to go to the stadium you should go to a bar for a fun and exciting atmosphere.  A good place to go is one of Barcelona’s best Irish pubs.

barcelona events 2012

If you have any questions or comments we would love to hear them.

Cheers

Matthew Rutter

 

 

Parks in Barcelona: Yo Momma Says Green is Good for You!

Parks in Barcelona: Enjoy a Slice of Green in the Concrete Jungle (Aka BCN)

Parks in Barcelona

The beautiful Parks in Barcelona are something you could easily overlook on your first visit, but those in ‘the know’ worship these tucked-away green spaces as a way to escape the city, without actually leaving it. Here’s our guide to the best Barcelona parks around:

Park Ciutadella

If you haven’t been to Park Ciutadella, then you’re missing out on a magical little piece of Barcelona.  We’ve been going for years and it’s always the perfect lazy sunday alternative when you just don’t feel like the beach (If you are in a beach mood, download our free ebook here: The Barcelona Bible: Barcelona Beaches). I suppose the best way to describe it is… eclectic, and friendly, and otherworldly, and free. Bring your friends, or easily make some new ones.

Park Güell

Park Guell has a fascinating history, but if you don’t want a short synopsis then just skip down a paragraph.  Around the turn of the 1900′s, Count Eusebi Guell commissioned Antoni Gaudí to create the park. It was originally intended to be a posh gated community for the city’s elite, and consisting of only 60 properties, but there were only ever 2 houses actually built, neither by Gaudí himself, and it was deemed a commercial disaster (Interestingly enough, Guell convinced Gaudí to spend his life savings and buy the first model home. He moved in with his family in 1906 and spent the next 20 years living there). In 1969 it was designated a historical artistic monument of national interest. If you’re into Guadí, checkout our video: Las Ramblas Barcelona Part 4: Architecture.

Park Guell is best visited in off hours meaning the morning or around sunset and preferably not on weekends unless you want to wade through hords of tourists. You seem to be inspired to explore, like a giddy youngster, the architectural wonders it contains.  Some of them are easy to find like the park’s main terrace, with picturesque views and a long winding bench in the form of a psychedelic serpent wrapping around it.  Many of the nature-inspired works are hidden, and if you head out on the service roads and into the forrest you’ll discover all kinds of gems.

Read about it more in depth in Matt´s blog: Park güell: a personal guide to barcelona’s most famous park

Laberint d’Horta

Get lost in Parc del Laberint d’horta, literally. This is a fun place to come and be social, whether with some good friends or that special someone. The labyrinth even made it into our free ebook: The Barcelona Bible: Top 25 Place to Take a 1st Date. Make sure you find the outside bar and terrace. There’s nothing like kicking back for a few cañas after running around the labyrinth and the adjoining park.

Montjuic

Montjuic is truly incredible.  Go often, there’s so much to do and see.  The other day, and completely by happenstance, I stumbled upon a cactus garden and absolutely fell in love with it.

Gardens Mossen Costa i Llobera

The Jardins Mossen Costa i Llobera houses a collection that is considered by some botanists to be the plant world’s most important.  You will feel as if you are entering a different world, where you can admire an Alice in Wonderland like variety of cacti, all shapes and sizes and some in full bloom. This hidden cactus garden can be found heading down from Miramar, next to Pl. de l’Armada.

Gardens Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer

One of the most beautiful gardens in Barcelona has to be Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer. The designers took into account different plants’ flowering periods and weather conditions so there really isn’t a time of a year in which you could visit and be not struck by something. The landscape design of the park alone is something to marvel at. C. dels Tarongers, 1-5.

Parks in Barcelona-nursery

Tres Pins Nursery

I really love to watch things grow and hence this garden touched my heart. The Tres Pins Nursery is a more alternative green space, and quite a bit different from the many parks in Barcelona, and its beauty is hard to imagine before you enter. A tour through the nursery shows you how plants are grown and you’ll quickly discover that a nursery can be, at the same time, quite simply a beautiful garden. Again, the nursery can be found within my favourite Parc Montjuic – at Avinguda de Miramar.

Collserola

On a day when you’re crippled by a hangover, I don’t know another activity which helps clear your head that’s better than spending a day out in the forest. Collserola is perfect because it’s so easy to get there.  There are 5 different walking routes to choose from and the shortest is about 2km around a small lake.  The longest will take you several hours.  It’s hard to miss the spectacular views and picturesque fountains where you can drink the naturally purified water right from there spouts. To get there just hop on the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya).  You’re looking to get off at the station “Baixador de Vallvidrera”. Then follow the signs directly to the park.

Parks in Barcelona- Cervantes

Cervantes park

Cervantes is one of the can’t-miss parks in Barcelona. In May it is especially beautiful and succulent.  Colours and scents overwhelm your senses and the vegetation is lush and inspiring. Rose lovers rejoice; the garden houses literally thousands of different species.  May and June is the main flowering period of the year, don’t miss it! Cervantes Park is in the Les Corts neighborhood on Avenida Diagonal, 708-716.

Hidden university garden

A little hidden oasis in the centre of the city.  Us SuiteLifers love to bring our lunch here because it’s quiet, green and peaceful.  It’s a nice place to disconnect and enjoy a relaxing moment.  It’s not huge, but because it’s hidden there is usually always a place to sit.  Sit by the fountain or under a big tree on the patio.  To find it just go to the university door (in Plaza Universitat) find the patio and turn left to find the garden.

Parks in Barcelona- Espanya industrial

Park Espanya industrial

A huge iron dragon reigns supreme over this interesting Barcelona Park. The park is centres around fire, water, and earth themes, has sunny grassy areas, a large pond, and great spots for setting up a picnic or relaxing in the sun with friends.

There are way more parks in Barcelona that we haven’t even mentioned here.  Did you know there are vegetable co-op gardens in the city too? One is close to the Sagrada Familia, but they say you have to wait till you’re 65 ir order to be able to buy a plot for your tomatos and I simply cannot wait that long!

Can you suggest any other great Barcelona parks that we can check out and add to our list?

Sharka

Best Hot Dogs in Barcelona: American Style, German Bratwurst, etc…

Almost every culture loves Hot dogs, or some sort of tube-stuffed meat, and that’s why we wanted to let you know where to find the best hot dogs in Barcelona.

best hot dogs in barcelona

The Dog is Hot

This place offers a Spanish twist to the classic American style hotdog, and many would say they are the best Hot dogs in Barcelona.  The Dog is Hot instantly makes an impression because of the bright graffiti art decorating its exterior.  The interior is very simple and because it is a take out place there is little more than a service counter and a large menu board.  There is also great urban artwork on the inside.

They have many different toppings combinations such as a “texasdog” which has bacon, barbeque salsa, fried onion and cheese.  Another favourite of mine is the “Mushdog” which has mushrooms, olives, fried onion bacon and cheese.  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.  This place is also great for vegetarians because you have the option to replace your frankfurter with tofu, although it does cost around 50 cents extra.  You can expect to pay around €3.50 for one of these hot dogs in Barcelona or as little as €2.30 for a basic hot dog.

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best hot dogs barcelona

Don Bratwurst

This is where you should go to get a Bratwurst in Barcelona (a German Hot dog in Barcelona).  Although this place is a bit out of the city centre it is well worth a visit.  The serve great traditional German bratwurst’s and it’s a very fun and friendly place.  Read our Don Bratwurst blog to learn more.

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best hot dogs in barcelona

Frankfurt Pedralbes

This is a very popular place to get hot dogs in Barcelona for students, probably because it is so close to a university.  They make great sandwiches, burgers and some of Barcelona’s best Frankfurters.  One thing that makes this place special is the sauce they use, it unique and delicious.  This place if often very busy and can be a bit crowded but the hot dogs are cheap and good.

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best hot dogs in barcelona

Barbaro

This may not be as renowned as a place that serves the best Hot Dogs in Barcelona, but it does serve the biggest.  Barbaro is in Gracia near diagonal and it is known for serving huge Hot dogs, sandwiches and burgers.  It your feeling extra hungry or want a challenge then head over to this place.  Or you could just share with a friend.

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best hot dogs in barcelona

You want to find the best burgers in Barcelona?  Read Bennys hunt for the best  Barcelona Burger.

 

Do you know any other great places to find a great Hot dog in Barcelona? We would love to hear about them, leave a comment below.

Cheers

Matthew Rutter

 

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