When you decide to leave your home country to live abroad, there are lots of things you need to think about. The big things are getting a job (if you are not leaving your home country for a professional reason) and finding a home (we’re here for you to do that!). And concerning money, what are you going to do?

Open an account in Spain

For sure, if you you’re going to live in Spain only for a while (exchange program, internship…) you will not really need a spanish bank account but if you are going to become a real expat it is almost mandatory for you to have an account in Spain.

The process

In Spain, there are two different types of account for expats : for non-residents and for residents.

• If you are a non-resident of Spain and want to open a bank account, you will have to prove your identity by providing papers (Passport, id card…). Then, within the 15 days following the account opening, you will have to prove your non resident status by providing a “certificado de no residencia” (You can ask and get that document in the local police station). The bank is supposed to check your non-resident status every 2 years.
• If you become a resident after the account opening, you will have to inform the bank and provide a copy of your tarjeta de residencia.

We can help you: If you need to open an account in Spain (a real one, with debit and credit cards), we have a special partnership with Catalunya Caixa, especially for our clients!

What do you need to open a bank account in Spain?

• Be at least 18 years old
• A proof of your identity with a photo (passport, national id card of the home country)
• A proof of your professional status or activity (employment contract, payslip, a letter from the accountant, the lawyer, student card…) That document is asked since 2007 from the Spanish Bank in order to fight against money laundering
• The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros) for the residents
• A proof of address (electricity bill, driving license or tax slip… No older than 3 months)

Info: Don’t try to open a spanish bank account from a distance: it is impossible, you’ll have to go to Spain to meet the banker.

Costs and services

Concerning costs and services, the accounts for non residents and those for residents are almost the same. The only differences are that the bank might refuse to provide you a credit card or to allow you an overdraft. Our tips:

• If you meet a bank which takes really high fees for foreigners, you should go to another agency.
• If you do the initial deposit in another currency, ask for the money to be immediately converted in euros because if you don't do that, you could have some problems afterwards.

Send money from Spain

You’re an expat? Want to transfer money abroad? Or have family abroad that you want to send money to? Or have a supplier to pay in foreign currencies? Here are three solutions for you to have the best exchange rate or the lowest costs when sending money from Spain.

1. Your bank The advantage of that solution is that it is the quickest and easiest way to transfer your money in a foreign currency. But this solution is really expensive. In fact, the cost of transfer looks cheap but there is something… You will attentively follow the exchange rate evolution and, when you will receive the money, you will notice that the one which has been applied is really below than what you observed before. Be careful: more than the exchange rates which are not transparent, some retail banks will charge more than 30 euros in fees. If your bank has an international branch, it can be very good for you to use that solution because you could transfer money free of cost or at a very low charge and moreover... It will be done in no time!
   
2. 2. Forex experts Forex is for foreign exchange, for example XE and RationalFX. You will have to send them the money and then they will send it back to you in the wanted currency. The huge advantage over the bank is that you will know everything you need: you will realize the transfer on a precise exchange rate. Our tip: Don’t forget to think about the transfer fees from your bank in Spain to the Forex expert.
   
3. 3. Peer to peer The most popular service of this type in Spain is with no doubt Transferwise (but CurrencyFair is also a good one and the two services are working almost the same way). The service uses the exchange rate that you can observe so, it changes nothing compared to the other two solutions except finding a better exchange rate! Instead of transferring your money in another currency, the system will find other users who will search for your currency and have the one you want. Concerning the fees, they will be around 0.05% so for an important amount of money, the costs will look excessive compared to those of a bank (which are fixed fees) but you will benefit from a much more advantageous exchange rate which will entirely compensate the costs.

Our tip: The service depends on the market fluctuations and needs a little bit time to receive your funds so the exchange rate may change meanwhile. If you want to do the transaction even if the exchange rate decreases, you should fix an acceptable limit. If the rate has too much decreased, you can just wait and see if it goes up again (after a certain time, they can either pay you back or force the transfer at the current rate).

And the best solution to transfer money from Spain is…

The biggest the amount of money you want to transfer is, the less significant the fixed costs will be... The more important thing will be the applied exchange rate. The market is fluctuating that’s why you should forget about the idea to buy the targeted currency at the lowest cost. Obviously, transferring money via your bank is the fastest and easiest thing to do but it can become really expensive. To me, peer-to-peer systems such as Transferwise and Currencyfair seems to be the best solution so as to have the market best rates (at a given moment). Our tip: Don’t forget to protect yourself a bit from the market fluctuations and be careful to have reasonable costs. Have you ever tried one of these solutions? Or are you about to begin these procedures? Tell us more in the comment section below!

Live Like a Local in Barcelona with these Tips

If you are going to live in Barcelona as an expat and want to know what Barcelona locals do or avoid, you've come to the right place! Here is everything you need to do or not do in order to fit instantly in the wonderful city of Barcelona. To do that, you do have to know that no one in Barcelona has time for…

Unauthentic food

Food is very important in Spain and has a very big part in the Spanish culture, especially in Catalonia, that’s why it comes first in that article. Tapas, paella, fuet, tortilla, croquettes, pintxos, jamòn Ibérico, tinto verano… Barcelona offers a variety of tastes for every one. But be careful, the food can be amazing and can also be horrible if you go to the wrong places. The most common and affordable food in Barcelona remains tapas (check out this article to see where you should go to eat really tasty tapas). For other dishes, you should go to these great restaurants that offer various food at reasonable prices; try these ones for Catalan specialties: Canlluis, Els Tres Porquets and L’Olivé and these ones for Spanish specialties: Cera 23, O Nabo de Lugo and El Bierzo a Tope.

Las Ramblas again and again during summer

Even if the street is one of the famous streets in the world and it is still the main drag through the city (running from the waterfront to the center), Barcelona citizens don’t often stroll on it (especially during the summer) for many reasons. First, it’s crowded, full of pickpockets and tourists. Then, remember, above, we just spoke about unauthentic food: restaurants on Las Ramblas are a very good example of that. You just need to see your first tourist running drunkenly around in a Mexican sombrero or pay 15 euros for a coca cola or frozen pizza to know that this street is full of stereotypical tourist traps that are fun to walk by, but not get caught in.
Besides all of that, if you are going there wittingly, Las Ramblas is a great spot to see for street performers, caricature artists, break-dancers, architecture (Liceu Theater, Palau Güell, the Christopher Columbus Monument) or also the city’s largest Market “La Boqueria”, flowers, florists and many much things; you can find almost everything there or in the streets just besides. Last but not least: people who spend all day on Las Ramblas (for work, hanging out…) are called Ramblistas.

Tourist infected areas

Locals don’t really appreciate their city when it is full of tourists, especially in the summer when there are way too many of them. So they find places where tourists don’t go in order to relax and be away from the frenzy of the city. Speaking about beaches, tourists usually go to Barceloneta which is the closest beach to the city but it is a mistake if you are looking for a calm and relaxing place: during summer, it is full of people.
Moreover, you will find cleaner and less crowded beaches a few metro stops like Icària Beach (Yellow line, L4, Metro Stop Ciutadella Vila Olimpica) or if you like to be nude on the beach, just go for Marbella Beach (Yellow Line, L4, Metro Stop Poblenou and then walk for 20 minutes), this is unofficially a nudist beach so don't be surprised to see people not wearing swimsuits there.

Paying for great places

In Barcelona, you can do a lot of things with a very small budget; as you can already see here; there is no need to spend money to have a great time in the city. Besides things that were already said in the dedicated article, there are many other things that people do for free in Barcelona, such as admiring the architecture along Ruta del Modernisme (which is an itinerary that takes you through the Barcelona of the architects that made the city the world capital of Modernism), appreciating culture at CaixaForum (a center for experiencing art, conversing with culture and sharing social projects), relaxing at Park de la Ciutadella, watching talented skaters in front of MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art) or at Plaza Universitat, or taking a walk in the natural and huge Forest Collserola which is another great place to go.
A little trick for you : If you like museums, wait for Sunday to go: some of them are free this day after 3pm!

Clubs in front of the beach

Instead of going to these clubs along the beach and port and bars that are pretty much all tourist traps with high prices (15 € cocktail anyone?), locals in Barcelona tend to go either less fancy clubs or bars downtown (on Plaça de la Virrena or Plaça del Sol for example) or at “Piknic Electronik” or “Brunch Electronik” which take place every Sunday from June 28th to September 20th at Montjuïc. You have to know that usually, nights in normal bars start at 10pm and people are usually going to clubs around 1 or 2am: if you want to avoid big lines in front of the club, try to go there before 1am.

Justifying why they like FC Barcelona

Asking people from Barcelona why they like FC Barcelona is like asking people from Canada why they like Hockey. They just like it because it is the spirit of the city to like that team; actually, the team represents the city internationally: this is what people abroad know about Barcelona. Otherwise, when there is a football game in Barcelona at Camp Nou, the public transportation are full of football fans, it is pretty crazy!
Want to go and watch a football match at Camp Nou? Click here to know everything.

Bull-fighting

If you want to experience bullfighting, go to Andalusia (Seville, Madrid or Granada for example) because in Barcelona, it is forbidden since a vote of the Catalan Parliament in July 2010. This tradition has been the subject of much debate but now, it is no more legal in Catalonia and Barcelona is going even deeper with it by prohibiting anything resembling a bullfight as “bullfighting shows” in performances, ads, films etc. The two buildings (arenas) for bullfighting are still standing in Barcelona but they don’t have the same purpose at all. One of them has become a shopping mall (Las Arenas) and the other one (the Monumental) hosts concerts and other events and also has a little bullfighting museum.

Valentine’s Day

Yes, we celebrate Valentine’s Day in Barcelona like the rest of the world (14th of February) but the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day is way more popular: it is Sant Jordi’s Day on 23rd of April. This day is the most romantic day of the year and is also called “El Día de los Amantes” (the Lovers Day) or “El Día de la Rosa” (the Rose Day). On that day, the city is full of roses and books; it’s a tradition: boys give girls a rose and girls give boys a book in return as a symbol of love.
Why books and roses? The tradition of giving roses on the day of Sant Jordi (patron saint of Catalonia) dates back to the 15th century, the legend is that Saint Jordi slew a dragon to save a princess and plucked then a rose for the princess, and books are for the death anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes, the most famous writer in Spain that coincided with Sant Jordi’s Day. (Note that, as Valentine’s Day, Sant Jordi is not a public holiday in Barcelona) As you can see, there is plenty of great things to do in Barcelona and now that you have read this article, you have all the great tips to move to Barcelona and live here like a local! Did you enjoy this article? Anything to add or to say? We'd love to read your comment!

  The Ultimate Guide for Enjoying Barcelona with a Pet

“What should I do with my pet?”, “Where can I go with my pet”, “Should I take it with me or leave it at home?” and “Who will feed my pet while I'm away?” Whether you are travelling abroad or living in Barcelona, you probably have had those difficult questions in mind. So worry no more, because we have crafted the perfect guide for you and your four legged friend. This guide will provide you with a detailed list of all the things you need to know, fun attractions and locations that are suitable for pets, advice on finding the right apartment and all of the information that will help you to manage your time right. This guide is made especially for you and your pet in Barcelona, enjoy.

Finding an Apartment – Advice on Asking About Pets and Contract Clauses

Finding the right apartment can be tough, many owners do not allow pets in their accommodations and that can ruin a perfect opportunity for a good flat. However if you keep some things in mind and follow our advice, you will position yourself with better opportunities of finding the perfect apartment for you and your pet.
Advice #1: Never ask the owner if it is problematic to bring in your pet. In fact, don’t even mention your pet at all. A pet can be anything from a tiny kitty to a Great Dane, and the owner will always assume the worse, which will drastically lower your chances of getting the flat. Instead, politely ask the owner for a copy of the written contract. Once obtained, check for any clauses that prevent you from entering the flat with a pet. They are not common.  If such a clause does exist, address the owner with a special request stating type of your pet and promise to keep the apartment in a good shape. If done correctly, you will be able to find the flat of your dreams in no time. Advice #2: Search for an apartment near attractions. An attraction can be a local park, special pet shops, restaurants that allow pets and most importantly a veterinarian in case of emergency. Moreover there is nothing more frustrating than living far away from a park and doing the same path over and over again, it is time consuming and even boring after a while. Hence living near a park and other attractions is both time efficient and holds more possibilities. There are several potential locations that are nearby parks and can offer a nice variety of changing landscape (to keep it interesting for you and your companion). The best locations are: Sarria sant gervasi, Poblenou, El born and Parte de arriba de Gracia.

Be Aware of the Local Regulations and Laws

Many of the regulations regarding travelling with pets are quite new, and didn't exist a few decades ago. For that reason you must be aware and respect them. Luckily for you we have listed all of the regulations you should be familiar with. For additional information you can check out this great resource.

1. Pets must be micro-chipped or tattooed. These two forms of identification are necessary if you wish to travel around Barcelona with your four-legged friend. The microchip must be an ISO (11784 or 11785) that is 15 digits long and non-encrypted. If the chip is not compliant with this ISO you can bring your own microchip scanner. As for the tattoo identification, the requests are for the tattoo to be clearly visible, your pet’s current rabies vaccination was administered after the tattoo was applied and the tattoo to be prior to July 3, 2011.
2. Blood Titer Test. This is a mandatory step if you bring your pet from a high-rabies country. If this is the case you will have to take your pet to the vet, where your pet will have to be micro-chipped and then vaccinated. After 30 days has passed, a blood titer test must be administered. It is important that these phases occur in that order. If your pet successfully passed all of these phases and in addition 3 months passed, you will be able to bring your pet into Spain. You can check the full list of counties that are considered High-Rabies country.
3. More than 5 pets? Here is what you got to know. Travelling with more than 5 pets is allowed under certain circumstances. Firstly the pets must be older than 6 months. Secondly in case you are travelling from an EU country, you will need an Intra-Trade Certificate and to register the movement on the traces system. If on the other hand you are entering Spain from a non-EU Rabies-free country, you will need to give 24-hours notice to an approved Border Inspection Post before your arrival
4. Puppies and kittens. If you own a puppy or a kitten, you will have to get them vaccinated against rabies before entering Spain. Yet these vaccinations are not allowed to be administered if your pet is younger than 12 weeks, in addition there is a 21 day wait for puppies and kittens arriving from EU member states or Rabies-Controlled Countries. If you bring your pet from a high-rabies country, it must be older than 7 months.
5. Special Breeds. There are some special breeds that require a 3 months registration prior the entry, these breeds are: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.

Rules for Pets in Barcelona (Beach, Public Transportation and Parks)

The beach – Barcelona beaches are an absolutely a must, and your pet will love it too! It is important to be aware that during the winter pets are always allowed and during the summer pets are allowed only after sunset, late at night or early in the morning. Nevertheless there are special dog-friendly beaches that are completely legal and within driving distance from the city. These beaches are: Sant Pol de Mar, Sant Pere Pescador to the north, Port Ginesta and Los Filipinos to the south are all dog beaches.
Public transportation – Pets and in particular dogs are allowed on the metro system as long as it is outside of busy periods. Regarding local trains (such as Cercania and FGCC) dogs are also allowed, however they are not allowed on medium or long-distance trains unless they are under 9kg and in a carrycase. During all-times your pet must be muzzled or in a carrier, the only exception is for small dogs. Parks and Gardens – Similar to other places around the globe, you will have to take care after your companion’s brown gifts and most importantly to take care of the environment around you, for that reason you should always carry waste disposal bags with you. If you decide to disobey the law you should expect to be fined heavily by the local authorities.

Bakery and Pet Shops – Special Treats for Your Special Companion

Dog bakeries usually offer similar threats for your pet, the most common ones are peanut butter filled treats for dogs and tuna flavoured snacks for cats, however there are shops that offer special treats based on their shop speciality. Among the special treats you might expect to find dog biscuits in various flavors and dog cakes. These special treats can make your pet very happy, yet while buying treats there are two important things you have to bear in mind!
Firstly our pets have different digestive systems than us, so remember to avoid buying or feeding them with any harmful treats such as: grapes, raisins, chocolate, avocado, macademia nuts, onion, garlic, milk, raw eggs and salt. Therefore it is highly important to check the ingredients of the treat. If the ingredients are not mentioned or clearly stated on the product, ask the workers what it contains. Our pets might try to use their big eyes and cute faces to convince us it is ok, but by preventing them a short pleasure, you can extend their life expectancy… And of course they will thank you later. Secondly remember that some treats (and especially the special treats like dog cakes) often do not contain preservatives and should be consumed shortly after the purchase.
The following is a list of pet bakeries in Barcelona, distributed by location: L'Eixample

1. Mister Guau Center, located at L'Eixample, (Carrer d'Aribau, 21), +34 934 510 404
2. Animals & Cia, located at L'Eixample, (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 513), +34 932 926 130
3. Barkcelona, located at L'Eixample, (Carrer d'Aribau, 43), +34 935 158 677
4. Don Perro, located at L'Eixample, (Carrer de Provença, 307), +34 934 575 969

El Raval

5. Dauer, located at El Raval, (Carrer dels Tallers, 48), +34 933 182 241
6. Caninetto, El Raval, (Carrer del Lleó, 18), +34 932 506 163

Sant Martí

7. València Veterinaris, located at Sant Martí, (Carrer de València, 577), +34 932 324 521
8. Ma petite Tuchy, located at Sant Martí,

Gràcia

9. Quissos, located at Gràcia, (Carrer Milà i Fontanals, 28), +34 615 618 025
10. Elia, located at Gràcia, (Carrer de Bruniquer, 19), +34 932 196 810
11. Pèls amb Gràcia, located at Gracia, (Carrer de Milà i Fontanals, 45), +34 932 854 938,

For the full list of pet bakeries in Barcelona and review check Yelp.

Parks and Attractions – Where to Go

1. Park Güell – This is a huge urban park designed by the great Antoni Gaudí, even though the park was never completed, it is considered one of Gaudi’s most colorful works. Even better, it is dog-friendly and great for running with your pet or playing fetch. Moreover there are small snack shops with outdoor tables. Located perfectly to the north of Gràcia and provides a great view over the city. P.S. The park used to have no entrance fee however now you will have to pay 7 euro per ticket.
2. Rambla Catalunya – This high-class pedestrian street is very close to Las Ramblas, yet it is way less crowded. It is perfect for walking with your pet simply because there are no cars. The street is lined with outdoor markets, shops, restaurants, cafes and most importantly lots of pet stores nearby.
3. Montjuic – you can visit the Magic Fountain, the national palace, the Communications Tower and the Plaça d'Espanya. However you will have to ask the stores nearby if you can bring your pet, since not all of them allow pets.
4. Columbus Monument – an outstanding monument with a great open place to walk your pet, really close to the beach.
5. Tibidabo– This location is outside of Barcelona, yet it is magnificent with its beauty and offers a gorgeous view from the mountain above, spectating over Barcelona.
6. Gothic Quarter – This area holds the beauty of the old Roman city, which is surrounded by a 30-metre-high wall. The streets in the area were designed as a maze so the raiders would get lost easily. Today, the area is full of interesting shops, restaurants and courtyards, where you can spend the day with your 4-legged friend and visit Placa del Rei and Palau Reial Major.
7. Port Vell – Another great place to visit with your pet, located near the beach and has many good restaurants.
8. Parc de la Ciutadella – A terrific main park near El born, perfect and huge, this is a perfect location to visit with your pet.
9. Parc del Clot – This park is not huge however it can provide a pleasant walk along its beautiful location. You should expect other dogs to be around so your dog can socialize with other dogs. It is located at Sant Marti.
10. Parc de la Barceloneta – located right across the street of Barceloneta beach and is a lovely place to walk with dogs. At the park you can find benches to seat on if you get tired and there are even water fountains for dogs who like to play with other dogs. If you find a fenced area you can also off-leash your dog let your dog wander around the other dogs, fun it guaranteed with this location.

Veterinarian –

Veterinarians in Barcelona can be found by using google, no worries though, there are plenty of them. You can check the full list here.

Pet Friendly Restaurants

In the recent years Barcelona has gotten more pet-friendly, and so have its restaurants. Often you will be able to find restaurants that allow pets inside or at least provide a place (and sometimes even a bed) for you to leave your dog. If you are not sure whether a place allows pets or not, it is better to ask the staff or to call the restaurant and simply ask.
The following is a list of dog friendly restaurants:

1. Taller de Tapas – The gorgeous tapas bar is set on a little square opposite the old church. The menu offers a selection of fresh local dishes ranging from shellfish to cheese that you can eat outdoors, so you won’t have to worry about your pet.
2. La Taberna del Cobre – Nice place near the square where you can sip Sangria and eat tapas or Paella. Taller de Tapas and CheezeMe are in the same square, so it's relatively easy to get a table between the three.
3. Dog Café BCN – Dog Café is a perfect place for you and your dog where your little guy can run free! Not to worry though there are also specialized staff who are dog trainers to keep an eye on the K9s. Moreover the café has both indoor and outdoor space where your dog may play and socialize with other dogs.
4. Merbeyé – Located next to the blue tramline station on the side of Tibidabo Mountain, the bar offers cocktails and the terrace offers some of the best panoramic views over the city. Most importantly, pets are very welcomed.
5. The Room Service – The restaurant is a great place for soccer lovers, there you can meet new friends, eat delicious dishes, snacks or salad if you are on a diet. It is great for groups or as a romantic dinner lady-and-the-tramp style.

Meetups -

Through the site you can find others that are looking for good activities, sports, dog hiking, camping, dog walking amongst many others!  You can even create your own new group. Initially you will have to sign up and right after you will be able to search anything you want, this platform is great for finding cool new attractions with locals and travellers alike. Walkers Barcelona Dog activities Outdoor sports with dog Dog hikers Activities and Education. Hopefully you found some useful tips in our guide. Did you enjoy the content or find it useful? Do you have any questions? Do you know of any great places that we could update our blog with? We would love to hear what you have to say in the comments section below!

Fun things to do in Barcelona can be found almost around any corner, however if you are looking for more unique and interesting activities  you should consider participating in some that are a little bit weirder than what you are used to. That is, of course, in the case you are willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Just living in Barcelona is without doubt one of the best experiences I ever had in my life. The beautiful beaches, the culture and the unique nature of the place make Barcelona a top living destination for anyone's list! If you are looking for more fun things to do in Barcelona, you can find them all around. We have listed the top 7 Fun things to do in Barcelona that are a bit weird and odd, but I promise that you should definitely check them out:

1. Chocolate fan? You are going to love this!

The Chocolate Museum is perhaps the sweetest of them all. This Museum is dedicated entirely to chocolate and offers its visitors an insight into the history of chocolate as a luxury product. At the entrance you will have to pay 5€ in order to get a chocolate ticket (there is also a discount for groups or seniors, students and disabled visitors), inside you will be able to find stunning and detailed chocolate sculptures that will leave you drooling. When you can't take it anymore there is some chocolate tasting as well as wine tasting. Frankly the museum is relatively small, however it is a nice experience for the chocolate lovers among us.
If you are still yearning for more chocolate but prefer not to ingest it, why not put chocolate on top of your body while having an expert masseur pleasantly rub it all over you to completely stimulate your senses.
At K B Centers Spa you can enjoy a relaxing warm chocolate massage that is great for your skin and helps to burn fat (presumably the same fat you ate earlier in the chocolate museum). Moreover it is full of anti-oxidants, has an anti-ageing effect, help to diminish cellulite, and overall provides a pretty sweet experience. It is great for couples who search for a romantic activity or even to spice up their relation with unique and memorable experience.

2. Sick of normal Therapy? Try Wine Therapy!

Wine Therapy might sounds like an Alcoholics Anonymous activity for a late afternoon. But in fact, in Barcelona this is a form of real therapy. Right now you probably wonder what it is all about and why not simply drink wine and enjoy the flavour instead of wasting good wine for luxury bathing reasons. Well… you might change your mind after reading the benefits of this weird and exotic experience.
The Wine Therapy offers numerous treatments such as wine bath, wine massage with wine based oil and full body peel mask that is made from grape seeds. Using wine on your skin has several benefits. Firstly the antioxidant properties of wine can help fight toxins from your skin. Secondly it is a great way to make your skin really glow and remove stains. Thirdly wine (depending on the type) can provide great anti-ageing properties, open pores and acne prevention. Combine relaxing therapy and the special properties of wine and you will get a perfect relaxing experience that is good for your skin and soul and will make you feel like a brand new person. If you are interested you can check out Aqua Urban Spa, located on Gran de Gracia 7.

3. Freezing Cold Icebarcelona Bar

From the list of fun things to do in Barcelona this is definitely a must! So if you are in Barcelona during the summer, you are going to love the next location! Indeed seeing another bar is perhaps not the weirdest thing in the landscape of Barcelona. However, watching people wearing coats during the hot summer is definitely out of the ordinary. While the average temperature in summer can raise up to 28 °C degrees! Icebarcelona bar keeps a freezing temperature between -2° and -10°C!
Icebarcelona is located on the beach of Port Olimpic and from outside does not appear very attractive. However once you enter the bar you will immediately feel the fridge-like temperature and be amazed by the beautiful sculptures made entirely from ice. At the bar you can drink alcohol from frozen glass, enjoy good music and admire the detailed decorations that assemble to Gaudi and other famous artists. Whether you are looking to avoid the scorching sun of Barcelona or simply looking for a place to chill with friends and meet new people, Icebarcelona is absolutely worth checking out.

4. Anti-Karaoke!

When someone mentions Karaoke, the first thing that comes to my mind is a room full with drunk people who are singing so badly, they would make an old shrilling chainsaw sound like a masterpiece by Beethoven. Despite its name, anti-karaoke does not include unplugging the sound system. Quite ironically the activity of anti-karaoke consists of, you guessed it, drinking alcohol and singing karaoke! So... What makes anti-karaoke activity so different from other karaoke?
Well the answer is pretty simple! Beside the electrifying atmosphere and the various number of songs the club offers, the party is often accompanied with a bunch of singers and comedians wearing costumes that perform and sing with the audience! Therefore the major improvement of singing badly as a whole group is simply the extra show by actors, is that better or worse? You be the judge. The party takes place every Thursday at 22:00

5. FlyBoard like a bird over the Mediterranean sea!

We've all dreamed of flying like a bird, soaring over cities and nature while cruising through the clouds. These dreams are usually accompanied with an amazing uplifting feeling of being totally free and unchained from the ground and basic human needs. These yearnings of the heart are perhaps one of humanity's most primal and common wishes. It seems that the ability to fly manifested in the human mind for many decades and goes as far as ancient Greece, an example is the familiar story of Icarus and human obsession to reach near the sun.
Now you can finally realize your inner need to fly! In Barcelona you can rent FlyBoard and fly over the Mediterranean Sea, or even dive under the surface and swim like a fish! In my taste this is one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Barcelona that is truly unique and offers a thrilling experience! I highly recommended it for families and individuals alike. Make sure to register in the FlyBoard Barcelona offiicla website.  

6. Another one bites the dust - Catalunya

If you are a person who loves challenges and knows to appreciate lightning-fast cars, the next activity is made especially for you! We are all familiar with some of the brands associated with fast cars… Bugatti, Aston Martin One, Jaguar, McLaren are just some of them, yet the most familiar brand is most likely Ferrari. So... when was the last time you have raced a Ferrari?
Yes you heard correctly, in Barcelona you can actually race with one of the most iconic and fastest cars ever invented! This experience is for the strong hearted and of course any true fast car lover. So what are you waiting for? If you wish to take this baby (Ferrari 430) for 60 minutes ride of pure power and joy you will have to contact the agency. Adrenaline and excitement are guaranteed with this experience! The price is 560 euro and the only limitation is for the driver to be above 26 years old.

7. "I See Dead People" at Funeral Carriages Museum

If you are a person who appreciates art, you have probably already visited a Museum at least once in your life. Museu de Carrosses Fúnebre is however not a typical normal museum and to my taste it is the weirdest of them all. While most ordinary Museums offer various pieces of Art that reflects the artist’s mind set and feeling, Museu de Carrosses Fúnebre offers a glimpse to our (not-so-far-ago) history, to a time when death was celebrated with rich and stunning local tradition.
The display consists of a collection of elaborate funeral carriages, hearses and life-size mannequins of people dressed in costume. This unusual activity provides a perfect view to the era when honoring a dead person was followed with a huge and beautiful ceremony. The experience is entirely free and located nearby the cemetery of Montjuïc, Barcelona's main cemetery. Did you enjoy our list of fun things to do in Barcelona? Do you have any recommendations for different experiences you have tried in Barcelona? We would love to hear about it and so would others! So make sure to share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

5 Amazingly stylish Barcelona renovations that will pump creativity to your next project!

Barcelona architecture is an eclectic and diverse patchwork mixing old, new, and sometimes modernist. We see this often in some of the best renovations of apartments in Barcelona as well. Newly renovated homes that have once served a different purpose are getting to be quite the trend. The top 5 repurposed spaces we've curated for you will give you some great inspiration when you're tired of the typical cookie cutter Ikea-esque apartments that we're getting so bored of seeing here.  The takeaway here folks is that there can always be a creative spin on the old adage 'out with the old in with the new'. Without further adieu, I present to you our top five repurposed renovated homes in Barcelona.

1. The cement factory

The first on the list is an absolute piece of artwork. Actually it reminds me of something as beautifully twisted as the aesthetic of the movie Edward Scissorhands. The the way the breathtaking towers jett out into and contrast with the sky is enough to make you fall in love with this former smoking ruin. Designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill in the mid 70’s, this once decommissioned cement factory became a renovation project and a design challenge meant to turn the “the most ugly thing” into a thing of beauty, and to be honest, remarkably so. The spacious interior was designed with a special fervor to give the viewer an enhanced spatial experience and allow the mind to wander and increase its natural creativity. The furniture is made with minimalism in mind so that the free flowing feeling of the property will not be obstructed or cluttered. I can imagine myself sitting in one of the immensely spacious rooms, having a coffee and toiling away on a project, feeling the tranquility and calm that only such an impressive design can bring and feeling the creativity flow from my body and reverberate around the room. For me this is the pinnacle of Barcelona real estate dreams. For those of us looking to live in Barcelona in a home that might be a bit smaller than a summer palace though, the next renovation project might be a bit closer to reality. I also suggest watching this short about this amazing estate:

2. The sugar factory

Wow, just wow. Look at what a little creativity and a touch of amazing taste can make. Could you even believe there used to be heavy machinery and decaying structures in this newly renovated estate?? I just love the amazing work the architect did to accommodate the gym into this apartment using the natural space of this one time sugar factory to allow a feeling of a genuine fitness room with great air circulation for the hot summer days. This amazing renovated apartment is currently home to Jorge Gutiérrez, one of Spain’s most well-known personal trainers taking pride in his residence while making us all think about at least fitting a treadmill into our bedroom. Viewing this amazing apartment makes me constantly think if I ever get the opportunity to own this kind of real estate in Barcelona, I am going to lock my door and not step out until I have the build of a hunky model and the cardio prowess of an Olympic runner or a cheetah. This place is quite literally a fitness freak’s wet dream. Being a former sugar factory and puns about sweets aside, this apartment is really made for those of us who like to enjoy the SuiteLife. Without sugar coating it anymore, this is the crème de la crème of repurposed renovations.

3. The workshop

Talk about hard work huh? Might as well enjoy the amazing view! This former industrial workshop has been transformed by Nook Architects into a co-working office space that just makes you feel at ease while working on your daily routine. I find the way Nook Architects transformed the open space into smaller rooms separated by glass panes absolutely fascinating, and the minimalistic yet hip (it got its own bar!!) way this office space is built really separates it from what you would traditionally consider as an office space. Your daily work routine hence is transformed into an amazing visual experience. With all these things considered I definitely took a few design ideas from this amazing renovation even if I might not find my very own local industrial workshop to set it in.

4. The brewery

Beer and style, style and beer, what else can you ask for when wanting to relax next to a cool glass of fine lager in this amazing brewery from Moritz? This renovated brewery has just the right amount of old style mixed with new design features that meld together in such a fantastic way that it invites you to enjoy your surroundings while you savour the food and drinks offered. The architecture done by Jean Nouvel took the once decommissioned and old styled brewery and infused it with a fantastic modern touch. For those of you interested in unique real estate designs, I recommend you not to skip a visit to the Moritz brewery on your next visit to Barcelona, Cheers mates!

5. The dairy

Ok I will confess, I saved my favorite for last. This one Is an absolute beauty in terms of architecture and design, and I love it. With its spacious rooms, exposed walls to show the old architecture and the overall style that preserves motives of its old dairy origins, this renovated house just screams style. Bought by the French architect Marc Mazeres and designed with the assistance of the local architect Lluís Corbella this former dairy factory today accommodates Mazeres and his family. Now this is the kind of home I would totally go for at the first chance I got, just thinking of moving to such an apartment and living in a constant state of relaxation. This apartment I must say is more suitable for families, and for people looking to have a bit of a crazier lifestyle another choice of rental might be more appealing, but for people looking to settle in and enjoy the simple life or even to invest in an amazing real estate opportunity, this is the place for you. So this is it folks, I hope you found some cool ideas for renovations or otherwise just seen some awesome real estate that is just to die for. If any of you did any cool renovations or know a place that can be made totally better by just a touch of fresh ideas, let me know in the comments. Until next time, and remember to live the SuiteLife! ~Wiz

SuiteLife TV went outside again to shoot this Barcelona Hyperlapse video, and we are kind of proud of it! We spent uncountable hours of work for shooting and editing this video, shot around 3100 single pictures just to give YOU an amazing insight into the stunning cityscape of Barcelona. Lean back and enjoy the vibrant city of Barcelona, captured from November 2015 to January 2016.

Barcelona Hyperlapse 2015/2016 by SuiteLife Real Estate

SuiteLife TV went outside again to shoot this Barcelona Hyperlapse video, and we are kind of proud of it! We spent uncountable hours of work for shooting and editing this video, shot around 3100 single pictures just to give YOU an amazing insight into the stunning cityscape of Barcelona. Lean back and enjoy the vibrant city of Barcelona, captured from November 2015 to January 2016.

Barcelona History: Two Tales of a City

Today, SuiteLife is giving you a quick and painless Barcelona history lesson as we explore everything that is Barcelona. Former monikers include: Barcilonum, Barceno, BCN, Barca, Barna, Barchinona, Barçalona, Barchelona, and Barchenona. Our favorite city in the world has a deep rooted history, and it has plenty of names to show it. Barcelona has 5 million visitors each year and a population of 1.6 million inhabitants. We love to live here, we love to visit, but do we know where the name Barcelona comes from and what it means? Here comes a little bit of Barcelona history. “A Tale of Two Cities” is a classic story by Charles Dickens describing two amazing European cities; London and Paris. However, Barcelona is so special that it has two tales for itself. Catalonia’s capital city goes back hundreds of years, so far that there are different ideas to it’s origins. There are two legends that refer to the founding of Barcelona. Our first tale brings us 400 years before the creation of Rome. It is a time of gods and monsters. Our favorite mythological hero, Hercules, was surviving perilous adventures before he was singing and dancing in Disney movies. Hercules braved his famous 12 perils, which included fighting the three headed dog Cerberus, taking the head of Medusa, defeating the hydra, and going to the Underworld. One story many forget is that Hercules actually accompanied Jason and the Argonauts on their quest for the golden fleece. Jason, Hercules and the Argonauts set sail with nine ships filled with the strongest and bravest men of their time. During their travels, one of the ships was lost in bad weather off of the Catalan coast. Hercules set out to find his lost friends only to find them, days later, along a small hill, all alive and safe. The crew was taken by the beauty of the coast and hills, and they decided to remain. It was on this coastal landscape that Hercules and his men founded the city Barca Nona, or Ninth Ship. Our next story may not include Roman gods, but it contains famous historical figures just the same. The great Carthaginian leader and father of Hannibal, Hamilcar Barca, won many battles and was noted as an excellent general. He obtained permission from the Carthaginian Senate to recruit and train his own army, in hopes of expanding Carthage’s empire.  Barca took his army of brave Carthaginian soldiers across northern Africa and crossed into Europe along the Strait of Gibraltar. After eight years of war, Hamilcar Barca obtained a large stretch of land in Espanya along the Mediterranean coast. Barca established the port city of Barcino in 230 BC, only two years before his death in 228 BC. Between the Carthaginians, the Catalans, Romans, Moors, Pyrenees, and Spanish, this stunning city has had many names. It has two wondrous stories that share it’s beginnings, and it has millions of people the world over to continue keeping its spirit alive.
Which Barcelona history story do you prefer? Tell us about your favorite Barcelona historical spots. Cheers, Brettsky

Is Backpacking in Barcelona A Good Idea ?

Backpacking in Barcelona may at first sight not seem to be something that can work well together mainly because Barcelona is perceived as being a very expensive city. While this has some truth, it is far from being a city where only those with lots of money can afford it. In fact, Barcelona is full of backpackers on Interail/Eurail tours or other backpacking trips from all over the world. Being up there on the list of obligatory places to tick off on the list, Barcelona most certainly has the infrastructure to make a stop here one of the most memorable. Backpacking in Barcelona is a really cool experience!
Check out some of our recommendations and advices on how to be a backpacker in Barcelona and make your money go further! Also check out our blog on the top 10 things to do for free in Barcelona.

Exploring...

As a backpacker, I am aware of the balance between seeing as much as possible within an often short timeframe. Barcelona is full of hostels and organisations offering tours and excursions. However, the majority charge around 20 Euros plus for these regardless of the type of tour and duration. But you can still have a really good guided tour of Barcelona and pay whatever you like! This is where Travel Bound Barcelona comes in......
A local travel company called Travel Bound offer free walking tour covering the history and sights of Barcelona. The tour lasts for about 2 1/2 hours and they meet up to take people on the tour every day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. You may have noticed that I wrote FREE walking tour. This isn't a typo - it's free! Gratis! Well sort of. The tour is basically run on a tipping style philosophy. The tour sucked? You don't pay. Simple! In fact you pay whatever you felt the tour was worth. This ensures you get a good tour and you even get a free beer at the end of it at their bar - Travel Bar. You'll for sure meet some new friends and maybe even some new companions for your next destination (I did!).

Socialising...

Other than seeing new places and having new experiences, a really special part of the backpacking experience is meeting new people from all over the world. As with most big cities in Europe, that's on the backpacker to do list, Barcelona has an incredible expat scene where you can easily meet likeminded travellers, expats and locals. Unfortunately some bars take advantage of this and charge higher prices, but there are some which offer a really great opportunity to meet others and don't charge a lot! I've included a list of some cost effective, yet socially rewarding recommendations of meeting fellow people backpacking in Barcelona and not pay a huge price for the privelege. Let the good times roll! 1. Stoke Bar (C/Banys Nous, Barri Gotic) A personal favourite and also frequented by locals, it's reasonably cheap and always full of travellers. The owners Wendy and Omar are really cool people, who moved to Barcelona from France and decided to buy this bar. Their enthusiasm is perfectly shown in Stoke Bar and they'll not hesitate to engage you in conversation. Before you know it, you'll be chatting away to them and other people like you've known them for ages!
2. Ryan's Irish pubs Ryan's are a chain of Irish pubs all over Barcelona who are incredibly popular with foreigners and locals alike mainly because of the 1 Euro beer (get a card or 'like' them on Facebook to get this). Ryans pubs are always full and usually have something happening thanks to the huge amount of promoters and Erasmus organisations who organise get togethers for students living in the city.
There are 4 Ryan's around Barcelona at the following locations:

• Ryans Escudellers, C/Escudellers (just off Plaza Real), MetroL3: Liceu
• Ryans Paradis, C/Paradis (just off Plaza Jaume), Metro L3: Liceu or Metro L4: Jaume I
• Ryans Ample, C/Ample (near Passeig de Colom in the Barri Gotic), Metro L3: Drassanes
• Ryans Gracia, C/Torrent de l'Olla, Metro L3: Diagonal

3. Couchsurfing For those unfamiliar with this revolution in the backpacking world, Couchsurfing is a community based site in which locals let travellers sleep on their couches for free. The philosophy is to create inspiring experiences by connecting travellers and locals who meet to share their culture, hospitality and adventures on the road or in their hometowns. But Couchsurfing is much more than just sleeping on couches. Almost every town and city in the world has a Couchsurfing community of locals who meet up and organise events for local Couchsurfers and travellers alike. For those wanting to get closer to the culture here in Barcelona, this is an incredible way of doing so and finding the best of Barcelona. For more suggestions on meeting people in Barcelona, feel free to check our blog!

Moving on...(or arriving)

We know that you could stay in Barcelona for evermore. Most backpackers in Barcelona do. In fact, that's the reason why most of us are still here to this day! But inevitably, backpacking in Barcelona means moving on to explore the rest of our beloved Spain or further afield in Europe. Many backpackers travel about using Interail and Eurail passes or use that thing we love to hate Ryanair. However, there are some other really cool ways to get about too! 1. Carpooling The Couchsurfing of car travel, Carpooling is a concept in which people can save money on car fuel by offering spare seats in their car to travellers to a particular destination. It's success has spawned a whole host of similar sites, but Carpooling is by far the most popular in Europe. By simply signing up on the site, you will see a list of advertised journeys which range from city to city within Spain and from Spain to other countries! You then simply select the trip that best matches your plans and you're away!
Naturally, this isn't for anyone but it has proved a hit with many travellers and it saves a load of money as well as having environmental benefits (less cars on the road). It's also a way of meeting people and dispelling myths of foreign drivers! From looking at the site, Carpooling is massively popular in Barcelona with pages upon pages of listings making this a viable option for moving on or arriving to Barcelona! 2. Eurolines The Interail of buses if you like and is popular with those wanting to save a bit of money. As with Interail, there are options to get a selection of passes if you're touring about. A great alternative to Interail, although it lacks the romance associated with train travel and it can take a while to reach places. In Barcelona, Eurolines buses usually depart from the Arc De Triomf station or at Sants.
Hopefully, you're now a bit more in the know on how easy and exciting backpacking in Barcelona is. Are you planning on coming here on an Interail tour? Been a backpacker in Barcelona already? We'd love to hear your experiences! - Chris

What to do in a Weekend in Barcelona ?

Visiting Barcelona for just one weekend and not sure where to start? Let us give you some tips so you can pack your schedule with the best that BCN has to offer! Coming to Barcelona for the weekend is fun (and easy on the pockets if you're on a tight budget) and might be just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes, when we're feeling burnt out, its a sign that we're in need of a well deserved holiday - a short break from all the stress in our worlds. A weekend in Barcelona is the Goldielocks zone, not too long, not too short, but just right for getting yourself refreshed in the relaxing mediterranean atmosphere. You should also consider renting a Barcelona holiday apartment while you're here, it's simply the best way to go for so many different reasons.

Saturday - Hardcore Day

Because you're trying to discover the city in 2 days, which is in itself a monumental task considering all the activities the city has to offer, we have broken down your itinerary into two parts: Saturday (the hardcore cardiovascular challenge. See it as killing two birds with one stone - you burn calories while having fun) and Sunday (the recovery day when you get to take in the sights and a slower pace, especially because you might be hungover!). So lets begin!

1. Walk Stress Away - Ramblas Styles

The first stop we suggest any visitor who wants to spend a weekend in Barcelona is the world famous Las Ramblas; a tree-lined pedestrian that starts at Plaza Catalunya and winds down through the old city to the port. To call it eclectic is an understatement (people watching here is amongst the best in the city). This 1.2 km stretch will immediately expose you to all walks of life found in Barcelona. Las Ramblas isn't the horror story you may have heard or read. Yes, pickpocketing is rampant, so you have to be very vigilant and use your common sense, but it's not enough of a reason to miss this one of a kind street. This street is a top priority - or at least it should be - for weekend in Barcelona. Its also best to get there as early as possible as it quickly fills up with tourists, especially during the summer months.

2. Go Back in Time

Your trip would not be complete if you didn't check out the Gothic Quarter. The area starts as soon as you take a left off Las Ramblas and you will be transported back through time to an era long long ago. The city was taken over by the Romans in an invasion during the 2nd century, which allowed them to take over the entire Iberian coastline. Barcelona became a Roman town and to this very day you can still visit the remnants of the old civilization where the Gothic Quarter retains it's cobblestone streets and ancient walls and buildings.
The Gothic Quarter is like a city within a city with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. Here you'll get the opportunity to try some of the more traditional restaurants and menus and buy unique souvenirs. Also suggested would be a quick stop at the church Santa Maria del Mar, a very iconic church, not very far from las Ramblas. Definitely checkout Plaza Reial, a very special plaza in the Gotico. Be careful not to get caught out by tourist traps in this area though - some bars and restaurants are definitely overpriced! Because of the vast amount of things to see and do in this area, you may want to read about the Gothic quarters before visiting. After all, we wouldn't want you to miss a thing - remember you are touring Barcelona in 2 days and we still have much to do... 3. Party 'Till You Drop
There's definitely no shortage of parties in Barcelona. You can pretty much party every day of the week and in every neighbourhood (by the way, here is a Barcelona neighborhood guide that might be pretty useful to you). Sunday you have no obligations (kind of), so why not party until you drop? Your weekend in Barcelona would not be complete unless you go out for a couple of drinks and enjoy some dancing. The Spaniards are known for their long and wild nights of partying (nightclubs don't get crowded until after 3 a.m. and the party usually ends after the break of day). Here are some great ideas depending on what type of scene you are looking for:

• Musica en vivo: If you like your music live, checkout our blog on the best places to see live music in Barcelona.
• Hardcore: For those of you love electronic music checkout the city's biggest wildest club Razzmatazz.
• Swanky: If you're looking for something more upscale checkout Sutton Club or any of the establishments in what's called the "Maria Cubi" area (take a taxi to c/ Aribau with Travesera de Gracia, get out and ask around, there's great places all over a 6 block radius).
• On the down low: If you like to have unique experiences when you travel and venture off the beaten path, take a look at our blog on Barcelona's secret bars. They're sometimes hard to find but well worth it, at least for the story you'll be able to bring home with you.
• On the cheap: If you want to get the most drunk for your Euro checkout our blog on cheap bars in Barcelona. But go easy, you need some energy for the second part of your adventure!
• Glam Glam Glam: If you want a rooftop party with a view check out the amazing parties at the Hotel W or even having a drink on rooftop bars.

OK, if you've made it back to your apartment and haven't ended up in an alcohol induced coma on the side of the road, it's time to start your second day Itinerary!

Sunday

First thing's first, you can;t start your Sunday without some brunch! Some great recommendations on where to find an amazing brunch are Milk Bar, Hotel Barcelo, or checkout our definitive guide to brunch in Barcelona. If you're lucky to be there on the 3rd Sunday of the month, you can experience the brunch electronik! Now let's move on. We leave the less hardcore activities for Sunday for obvious reasons; you don't want to be a wreck on Monday morning or have a hangover that would make you regret having taken this weekend getaway. Instead you want to return home feeling refreshed and alive and happy you decided to explore Barcelona.

4. Become One with Nature

There's something about getting in touch with nature that just aligns you to a higherself, creating a more peaceful mind and therefore preparing you for the rest of your enjoyable and pleasant day! Park Güell has the power to do just that with its impressive mixture of garden and complex architectural elements by Antoni Gaudi. It is situated on the hill of El Carmel, in the Gracia distric of Barcelona.

5. Get High

Not on Drugs! We mean get as elevated as possible to enjoy the picturesque views of this enchanting city. Besides Parc Guell, you must see Montjuic. Plaza Espanya is at the foot of this hill, so  make sure that on your way to the hill you can make a quick stop to take some pictures since the statue that decorates the roundabout is the 1992 Olympic torch, and from the top of the stadium you can get a glimpse of the square (a preview of what's to come). Montjuïc also houses the Spanish village, an amazing walled off area where you can experience architecture from all of Spain's regions.  Visit what what once a fortress, and get even a larger view of Barcelona. If you're not afraid of heights, take the cable car down. Maybe set a time limit for yourself. You could spend your whole two days on Montjuic so check out a few highlights and move on.

6. Get Higher

Still not the kind of high you may have been thinking about but this time we refer to the spiritual high any person could ever experience by visiting churches like La Sagrada Familia. There's something about these churches, even if you're not spiritual, that humble you even for just a second as it reminds you that you're just a drop in this vast ocean we call life. You can end your weekend in Barcelona by visiting this majestic structure either during day time or night time. Both times are great; at night you'll get to see the building lit up but during the day the light pours in through the beautiful stained glass windows. It will surely bring you the peace of mind that has been evading you and definitely closer to something bigger than yourself, allowing you to realize that if a man has the capacity to create such a master piece out of his imagination then anything is possible, even a two-day see-all trip to Barcelona. Like a lot of churches, there are special times and days of the year in which visiting is a must, so these time tables are always good to know before hand for a more enlightening experience. Make sure to book in advance online as during the high season tickets are often sold out in the morning. Wohooo! You did it! As you can see, touring Barcelona in 2 days is more than doable as long as you have the right guidance. Think we missed something important out? Let us know in the comments below. -Yohan

La Maquinista Mall: Girly Things I Love

I mentioned in my last blog not going to Maremagnum on a Sunday, it was the first mall that I visited in Barcelona and all in all a failed mission due to the crowds; not one to give up on shopping I did some research online and discovered La Maquinista Mall, a ways outside of the city, and decided to check it out on a Thursday. I had no idea La Maquinista Mall was open-air and on the day that I went it was freezing outside. It actually turned out to be a good thing because I discovered all the stores and cafes were heated (the ones outside had heat lamps) and the cold deterred the crowds to the point that I practically had the entire place to myself.
La Maquinista Mall is three stories high, four if you count the lower parking level. It has over 230 stores that offer everything from specialty goods (Iberian ham) to electronics to the latest fashions. On the top floor there is a cinema that plays movies in 3D and stays open later than the rest of the mall. There are also several themed restaurants, two of which offer American style barbecue. Haha. I was by myself so I didn’t bother eating at either one but I’d love to go back and see how authentic it really is! There are so many variations on BBQ that it is difficult to do it “wrong.” But not to get sidetracked, La Maquinista Mall was quite the experience and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves shopping as much as I do. The mall seems to be designed with Spanish shoppers in mind as there is a big free parking lot on the lower level. If you don’t have a car, you can take the green line to Torras y Bajes station and when you get off you will be able to spot La Maquinista and just walk towards it. It’s huge and impossible to miss. The stores are all on two main levels, sandwiched between parking and the cinema at the top. I had no idea how big it was when I embarked on the first level. My assumption was that it followed a straight line so I could walk to the end, turn around, go up an escalator, tour the second level, and exit at the same point I came in. But no, there is an entire wing to La Maquinista that veers off on both levels and has even more stores.
I was looking for shoes and warm clothes so some of the highlights for me were definitely Blanco, H&M, Desigual, Bershka, and Pull & Bear. There are several American stores at La Maquinista Mall that I imagine are worth a look for Spanish shoppers but for me were not of interest. These include Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21, and Guess.  I also noticed The Body Shop, which I’m not sure is an American store, but is  a wonderful place if you’re looking for fragrant body washes and lotions or all natural cosmetics. For the guys, there’s a massive electronic store on the first level and several “Gamer” stores. There is a grocery store, and specialty food shops that sell the aforementioned Iberian ham, coffee, candy, chocolate specifically, and other gourmet stuff. There’s really not much else I can say about this mall, other than, for an American shopper it can be kind of overwhelming (in a good way). Let’s face it, the European aesthetic in fashion is something that hipsters in the United States are copying and also willing to pay top dollar for. Look through any Urban Outfitters catalog and you’ll notice a striking similarity between what the people here in Spain are wearing and the clothes on the pages. Does that mean Europeans are more fashionable? I don’t have the authority to say but it is nice that copycat versions of the same stuff are available all over La Maquinista Mall for much cheaper. I bought a puffer coat and a knitted scarf for 20 euros. Some of the stores are located in other parts of the city, but if you go on a weekday to La Maquinista Mall you’ll probably find the stores are much less crowded and will have a better selection. Just make sure you leave for the metro before it gets dark, I’ve heard the area around the mall gets a little sketchy at night. Here is a map to get there: View Larger Map What malls have you been to in Barcelona? What do you think about the American/European fashion dynamic? Ciao! Kathy