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

Areas to Be Extra Careful When in Barcelona ~

Ever since you have been buying milk at school, your parents continually remind you to watch your pockets and watch your money. You may be older, you are hoping you are wiser, but the same still holds true, even more so here in Barcelona. Violent crime in Barcelona is relatively low, so cheers for that. Unfortunately, Barcelona is the European pickpocket capital. During the height of the tourist season (ie. during the summer months), there are approximately 315 reported thefts in Barcelona each day. Anyone who has been mugged or pick pocketed knows the feeling of being left with no money, feeling vulnerable and violated. Barcelona pickpockets find that theft  is highly lucrative, with small fines and a quick release. The police try to serve and protect the public, but they can only do so much. While certain areas of the city are regarded as high theft locales, the truth is that it can happen on any street, at any time, by anyone. Do not be fooled thinking that thieves have s specific type; the gypsy looking woman, the poorly dressed man on the metro, the group of kids on La Rambla. These criminals take every shape and form, and they can often seem friendly and warm. Here is a list of the top 5  pickpocket locales in Barcelona.

1. Barcelona Pickpockets - The Metro

A ride on Barcelona’s Metro can provide quick and effortless access to the city at large. It can also provide quick and effortless access to an unsuspecting persons’ effects. Crowded and tight locations are prime hunting grounds for Barcelona pickpockets as they are able to get close, make body contact without anyone thinking twice about it, and an easy escape. Even in seemingly safe surroundings always look around and identify your location as well as the people who are around you. Wear you back pack forward or keep it in your hands. Do not leave it strapped to your back facing away from you as it is effortless for criminals to reach in and
grab any desired possession. Keep purses and camera holders tight diagonal around your chest and arms, and always be wary of people bumping or touching you, no matter how close of proximity you are. While people in Barcelona tend to be friendly, people normally do not like touching strangers unless they truly have to. Watch out for people a little too close for comfort.

2. Barcelona Pickpockets - Las Ramblas

Barcelona’s busiest street and most famous tourist attraction. During the day watch out for pickpockets on the street. As Las Ramblas is incredibly crowded, especially during the summer and weekends, it is easy to get pushed and bumped by the passerby's. While you may feel safe being in the busiest part of the city during the day with so many people around you, it is actually
an incredibly easy  situation for criminals to get close. The close proximity and constant bumping makes it easier for Barcelona pickpockets to get close and grab hidden items in pockets and purses. You may be busy watching the living statues or looking at flowers along the streets. During this time, you are not paying attention to your belongings and are not paying attention to the people bumping into you. Next you notice that your wallet or belongings are gone.  Even during the day it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and who is around you.  Keep purses closed, place the straps diagonal instead of simply resting on the shoulder. If you are taking pictures, keep the camera strapped around your neck or keep it in your bag when not using it.
In the evening, Las Ramblas can seem like an entirely different place. It is dark, empty, and seedy.  During the evenings, the street tends to be the habitation of  prostitutes looking for some evening work or a person to steal a few Euros from. Be careful as they can be incredibly pushy and forward. Continue to walk without stopping or making eye contact. They are persistent and will try to make body contact. During this time they will try to relieve you of your belongings. Don’t give them this opportunity. The easiest thing to do here is to walk quickly and avoid any conversation or contact.

3. Barcelona Pickpockets - Beaches

The beach is a pickpockets paradise as people are always leaving valuables out and often unattended. It is as easy as picking an item up off of a towel. Similar to every other situation, keep valuables like cards, passports, or expensive items at home, or if you have to take them with you keep them properly stowed away and never leave them out. Never leave your blanket or property even for a quick swim. Make sure someone is always watching your belongings.

4. Barcelona Pickpockets - Ciutat Vella

This is the area of the city right off Las Ramblas beaten path. Ciutat Vella consists of narrow isolated streets that are often dark and empty. During the day it can be fun to walk through these historic pathways, however use
extreme caution and judgement when alone at night, especially after drinking. There are many fun Irish pubs and tourist bars in the area, so make sure you never leave alone as this is the perfect scenario for a thief to take advantage.

5. Barcelona Pickpockets - Any bar after a few drinks

I have first hand experience with this scenario. Barcelona night life is fantastic. Plenty of bars to find your favorite drinks, plenty of good looking people to talk with, plenty of songs to dance to, and plenty of parties to last the whole night through. Similar to Las Ramblas and the Metro, bars and clubs are great grounds for pickpockets as people once again are in incredibly cramped, crowded rooms badly lit with loud noise and plenty of
distractions. I hate to sound paranoid and discourage anyone from having fun, but similar to other setting be wary of people touching you. Yes people tend to be more flirty and touchy with drinks and dancing but make sure to be cautious of people touching you out of the blue. If they are grabbing you without even a conversation or dance then be a bit cautious. This is true of any city or scenario, but be careful of taking strangers home. I have friends who had taken people home from the clubs only to wake up missing all of their belongings. I know this may sound cliche, but use common sense; never leave a bar or club alone or with strangers, never take passports, credit cards, cameras, or other valuable items, and always be aware of where you are and who is around you. Barcelona pickpockets and thieves make there living by being fast and unsuspecting.
They go after the easiest prey they can. If you stay aware, alert, keep valuables hidden and guarded, they will be that much less likely to target you. Even if you are targeted by a thief, do your best to avoid body contact with strangers, and avoid conversations with people on the street who appear too close for comfort. If you use these tips while traveling through these famous Barcelona locations, then you will be less likely to be targeted by Barcelona pickpockets, and much more likely to enjoy your Barcelona experience,creating nothing but positive memories. If you have any tips about how to stay safe in Barcelona we would love to hear from you.
Cheers, Brettsky Check out these other Suitelife blogs about staying safe in Barcelona: 5 True Stories To Help You Recognize and Avoid Pickpockets in Barcelona Barcelona Pickpockets Hit the Road

La Boqueria

I won’t lie to you and pretend that I am a professional chef, I won’t even tell you I can cook well but when I walked through Barcelona ramblas Boqueria Market I felt as if I was playing the part. La Boqueria Market or Sant Josep is the place to go for any item you need for a delicious Mediterranean meal, or simply for some extra fruits and treats on the go. The Boqueria has everything you could possibly imagine under one tall metal umbrella. Sant Josep market is the largest of Barcelona’s 39 food markets, and it is also the largest in Europe. This market assaults your senses with the sounds of the people ordering in close proximity, the numerous smells intoxicating your brain, the riot of colors that cover every stand, the feel of Barcelona’s ripest fruits, and of course the taste of heaven on Earth as you delight in the freshest food the city has to offer.
Walking through la Boqueria can be like walking through a maze of foods and ingredients. It can take your brain a few minutes to adjust to all of the sites and sounds inside the crowded market. Take a deep breath and decide what you want to see because the market is actually organized quite well for an open bazaar.  The first thing you see when entering Boqueria Market from the Rambla are the fruit stalls on either side of the main alley. An incredible array of colorful fruits tempt the thirsty visitor, especially as they’re so nicely presented and packed for quick consumption. You can take your choice from pre-packed, ready to eat fruit salads, pineapple, mango, kiwi and a seemingly endless range of exotic fruits and fruit juices. Just off this main alley you can buy all the same stuff at a more reasonable price, especially if you can do without the packaging. The market is organized; fruit and vegetables on the outside, then pickles, olives, grains. Next come the stalls selling meats, chicken and innards like brains, whole heads, tongues, eyes, gonads, gizzards, and any organs you could possibly think of, (or want to eat). The inner circle is devoted to fish, seafood, and shellfish.
Once you have managed to maneuver yourself through the maze of alluring and attractive foods, it is time to decide what to buy. Whether you are perusing through the market while walking down the Rambla or if you are doing some serious shopping for a big dinner with friends make sure to stop for a refreshing fresh fruit drink. The fruit stalls in the entrance aisles have every flavor of fruit under the sun chilled and ready for quench your thirst. If you are planning doing some serious shopping for some special events, then pay attention to the stall prices, as those centralized and close to the entrance tend to have higher asking prices then the stalls further back.

History of La Boqueria ~

For the other historic enthusiasts out there, here is a brief background of our favorite one stop shop for kitchen stock ups. La Boqueria holds its inauguration back in 1217 when tables were installed near the harbor as a place to sell fish, pork, and other delicacies. Until 1794, la Boqueria was known as the Mercat de la Palla, or Straw Market. Over time, the market grew in popularity and farmers from neighboring cities would travel here to sell their goods. Competition among sellers was fierce as the Mercat de la Palla, even back then, was popular among the crowds. The fish shops and butchers tables soon created a street of their own, making the Mercat an even larger bazaar of eats and treats. The open market was becoming so large that it soon became its own locale, being named Sant Josep. Sant Josep was inaugurated October 18th, 1827 as an official market. During this time, Sant Josep was soon surrounded by flowers, fountains, and porches from the surrounding buildings. La Rambla and la Boqueria during this time were the central spots for peddlers and sellers of all types of wares.
It was in 1914 that the metal roof and enclosure that stands today were built. The current sellers are mostly of the third and fourth generation of salesmen of the market. The market continues to bring the past and present together, through food and culture. It is a place to discover new foods, new flavors, and learn new Spanish dishes. They are the union of the past with the present. In 2005 the Boqueria was given the award for best market in the world by the World Markets Congress of Washington. In 2003, la Boqueria began giving daily cooking classes to adults and children alike. La Boqueria is a destination for locals and tourists alike. It brings out the inner chef for all of us.

Check out our SuiteLife video tour of the greatest market in Europe:

Tell us about some of your favorite Mediterranean dishes made with Boqueria's freshest ingredients. Share any mouth watering recipes or cooking tips you may have. Cheers, Brettsky Address: La Rambla, 89 bis - Plaça de la Boqueria Phone: 933 182 584 / 933 182 017 How to get there: Metro L3, stop Liceu. | Bus 14, 59 and 91. Web site: www.boqueria.info E-mail: mercatboqueria@mercatsbcn.cat Opening time: Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8.30pm.

Top 5 Irish Pubs in Barcelona

Looking for the Best Irish pubs in Barcelona? At SuiteLife we love a good pint, so we decided to go to lots of Barcelona Irish Pubs and drink lots of beer so that we could give you a list of our Top 5 Irish Pubs in Barcelona. There is a huge selection of Irish Pubs in Barcelona and we think that these are the best Irish Pubs that Barcelona has to offer.

The Wild Rover Irish Pub

Located near Port Vell, The Wild Rover Irish Pub is our new favorite spot.
With cozy, lively and friendly atmosphere, The Wild Rover will not disappoint you. Being the onlyIrish pub on Las Ramblas with live music from 11pm to 2am everyday, it features awesome artists playing different types of music, from classic rock and roll, pop to traditional Irish songs. You will definitely sing along with the bands performing on the stage! The Wild Rover also offers a wide selection of drinks with more than 40 kinds of beer from Ireland, England, Belgium, US, etc and 15 cocktails on menu. I especially like their very good Stag and Hen offers which you can check out on their website. If you are a sport lover, you will love this place as Wild Rover has 2 HD Giant screens and 6TVs and you can watch 6 different matches of sports at the same time in sports bar Barcelona. If you are looking for a pub to enjoy lively music and chit chat with friends, Wild Rover is the place to be ! Check out the Wild Rover Irish Pub on the Map.

The Temple Bar

The Temple Bar is one of the nicest Irish pubs in Barcelona, just off the famous “Las Ramblas” its in a great location and always full of expats looking for a good pint.  It’s a cosy pub with a good bar selection and they also serve simple TEX-MEX food! The Temple Bar often has good live music and like most  Irish pubs in Barcelona is great for sports.  They show mostly football, and you can catch games from most big European leagues, especially the premier league.  Because The Temple Bar is a relatively small pub there is always a good atmosphere for the big games and live acts. So if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere then this is the Irish Pub for you. Check out Temple Bar on the Map

Ryan’s Irish Pub

Ryan’s is a small chain of irish pubs In Barcelona.  There are 3 Ryan’s Irish pubs dotted around Barcelona near the marina.  The best thing about Ryan’s pub is that it's cheap.  You can get a bottle of San Miguel for €1 if you like their facebook page and get their loyalty card (without the card its €2) and they sell 5 shots for €5, just don’t have them all to yourself. (Single shots are €1.50). Ryan’s pub is also good for sports, showing British and Spanish sporting events (mostly football).  Its staff is generally friendly and there is always a fun atmosphere, probably because of the cheap drinks.

Where to Find The Best Coffee in Barcelona that Nobody Knows About!

Every human being is able to make a coffee, but if you are visiting a city you want to taste something new; something worth it. What if we told you about the best coffee in Barcelona ? It's possible to find a cafe on almost every corner of every street in the city, but for the most part you'll find a lot of stale and unimpressive blends. So; dear SuiteLifers, we want to tell you about the best coffee shop in the city that we can guarantee none of your friends will know about. On the outskirts of the faaaar right of the Eixample there is this cafe called ‘’La Queixalada d’en Marcelino’’, which is located in the neighborhood of ‘’El Camp de L’arpa del Clot’’ (Metro L5 "Camp de Arpa"). This is where you can get the most eccentric, beautiful, and most importantly delicious Spanish coffee. It's just the best coffee in Barcelona. For coffee fans/snobs/connoisseurs, you MUST visit this diamond in the rough to have a Spanish coffee like you have never tasted in your life.

What Makes This Particular Cafe in Barcelona so Special?

I can promise you this, you’ll have your answer once you have visited the place and had a little chat with Pere who is the owner of this cafe.
When I first met him, I was amazed how quickly and passionately he was preparing a wide array of Spanish coffee drinks. I mean, he literally has coffee in his veins. I think it's all he thinks about from the time he wakes up until he goes to bed. Coffee bleeds out of this man and upon entering the cafe it's immediately apparent how passionate he and his staff are. Pere believes that everyone deserves a truly great coffee experience. He is also an ardent educator, running weekend classes for people who want to make great coffee in the comfort of their own homes. I tried this coffee called ‘’café Barcelona’’, an invention so tasty it helped him become the Baristas Champion of Cataluña in 2006. He also has a record for making 50 cups of coffee in just 5 minutes and I’m talking about good coffee here.

Why is the Cafe Located Outside the Center of Barcelona?

When asked if he had ever considered relocating his cafe to a more posh area of the city, such as Paseo de Gracia or Sarria, where he could almost certainly charge three times his prices, he told me that it's all about tradition.  His grandparents started making coffee in 1929 with obsession for detail and demand for the best coffee beans from Colombia and Africa at the very same location. This is why he wants to keep the family tradition alive by focusing on the family passion for perfection to offer the best coffee in Barcelona. We still think he'd rake it in if it were more centrally located, but the snob in us likes knowing about the off-the-beaten-track cafe in Barcelona that only those 'in the know' know about.

Get Your Coffee Now!

For people who want more than just coffee made by a waiter putting a capsule into a machine and pushing a button, this place is ideal to sit down and enjoy the best coffee in Barcelona that is truly a work of art both asthetically and in your mouth. Don't forget, the staff is very friendly, welcoming and always open for a nice conversation which makes you feel right at home. Check the place out! We promise you'll thank us later! Do you know of any truly special coffee experience in Barcelona? If so, we'd love to here about it in the comments! - Alper

SuiteLife's Must-Visit Top 12 Venues for Concerts in Barcelona

Going to concerts in Barcelona, maybe after a few tapas in the Borne with friends, is to really experience what it means to live in this unique, sound-obsessed city. There are so many live music venues in Barcelona that you're bound to find something to listen to each and every night, no matter if you’re in Gracia or Raval. Here is our list of the top 12 live music venues in Barcelona that you really can’t miss:

1.RAZZMATAZZ

Probably one of the most popular live music venues in Barcelona. This massive club is a converted old industrial building, divided into 5 floors all playing the best that the world has to offer in dance, electronic, pop and more. With regular gigs from artists across the musical scene, from DJs to rock bands, there's something for everyone to choose from and some great nights always lined up during the year. It can be a little on the pricey side at €17 for entry (with a drink), but if you were planning on seeing a concert it'd cost you about that much anyway - and besides, you wouldn't have another 5 floors to check out in a regular venue.  If Red Bull built a club, it'd be this one, so make sure you've got the stamina to keep going until the sun comes up! Sant Marti (L4 Bogatell).

2. SALA APOLO

Does 30K likes on their Facebook page mean anything to you? Like Razzmatazz, this is also a club as well as a concert venue. It has two huge spaces, and a super unique atmosphere. With different gigs and genres every night of the week Sala Apolo is a real mix of everything Barcelona has to offer, with their rock n roll Nasty Mondays being particularly famous. If you found a nice kitsch Rolling Stones t-shirt while shopping at Maremagnum that you wanna show off, now you know where to go. Poble Sec (L3 Parallel).

3. LUZ DE GAS

Targeted at a slightly older demographic than the usual student-focussed clubs in Barcelona, this is a great venue hosting tremendous international songwriters and cover bands with the club nights mainly playing 80s and 90s music. Great for a bit of nostalgia! Sant Gervasi, (L3, L5 Diagonal).

4. TARANTOS

You might be at a concert venue in Barcelona but that doesn't mean you can't get a taste of the Andalusian flair. Here you can find 100% pure Tablao Flamenco shows. Romantic guitars, red dresses, black heels and hand claps will send your mind travelling down the coast into the birthplace of one of the most famous Spanish traditions. Raval (L3 Liceu).

5. JAMBOREE

Calling all jazz lovers, you cannot miss this unique combination of concert venue and cellar. Talented musicians perform every day with jam sessions taking place on a Monday. But its after the concerts that things get really fun. On the lower floor you'll find all kinds of mainstream RnB and Hip-Hop tunes and on the upper you'll find pop, indie, disco and everything in between. Located in Plaza Reial it can tend to be full of tourists, but get there after 2am and you'll soon find the Spaniards and international expat crowd flooding in. Personally, this is by far my favourite club in Barcelona. Raval (L3 Liceu).

6. OCANA BAR

Café, restaurant, club and terrace at the same time. Offering world music concerts, soul, jazz, hip hop. A Perfect match with the superb cocktails you can get here. Also in Plaza Reial, this is the perfect place for pre-Jamboree drinks! Raval (L3 Liceu).

7. SIDECAR FACTORY CLUB

Rounding off our Plaza Reial trio is the Sidecar Factory club. It has a restaurant at ground level and below that you will find incredible concerts almost every night . A very popular live music venue  in Barcelona, especially for indie and punk rock lovers. Gótico (L3 Liceu).

8. HARLEM JAZZ CLUB

This club has jazz coursing through its veins, but not only jazz: bossa nova, cuban rhythms, blues and unplugged rock music, all served up in a classy atmosphere. With some of the finest artists visiting this little venue, this is one of those places that make concerts in Barcelona so cool. (L4 Jaume I).

9. HELIOGABAL

Rock, jazz, literature, video projections. More than a live music venue in Barcelona. A meeting point for cultural activities and arts, in a neighbourhood we really love and recommend. Gracia (L4 Joanic).

10. Jazz Sí

This place is located in the Raval and offers live concerts in Barcelona every night! As its name doesn’t imply, the Jazz Sì is not only about jazz music. In fact, Fridays are devoted to flamenco, Saturdays to rock jams and Tuesdays to jam sessions of pop rock. You can even enjoy some tapas while you enjoy the music - tapas and live music in Barcelona, what else could you ask for?! Raval (L2 Sant Antoni)

11. PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA

For those of you looking for something a little more classical how about this beautiful concert hall in Barcelona? Designed in the Catalan modernist style, it is the only concert hall lit entirely by natural light during the day time. El Born (L4 Urquinaona)

12. BIG BANG BAR

Just one more jazz venue, we promise! This bar in Raval hosts weekly open mic and jam session nights as well as concerts from bands and DJs covering rock, funk, soul and, of course, jazz. Gótico (Jaume L4) Do you guy know of any awesome places to enjoy concerts in Barcelona? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Enjoy! - Erin

How to meet people in Barcelona?

Meeting in Barcelona can be a challenge for newcomers who aren’t familiar with using social networking. Here at SuiteLife, we understand what it’s like to arrive in the city and only know a few people, which is why we are constantly suggesting using social media to meet people in Barcelona. If you read our blog “7 Tips for Effective Social Networking in Barcelona, Spain” then you already know the importance of “liking” things on Facebook, and “following” people on Twitter, to get your name and face out there and begin connecting with others. In the digital age, using social media has become increasingly important as people are less likely to go out and strike up conversations with strangers. It’s intimidating, especially when a language barrier exists and you aren't one of those lucky extroverts who can talk to anyone. I’ve personally used CouchSurfing, Meetup, and LoQuo Intercambios successfully to meet people in Barcelona and you can too! I recommend joining a few clubs or activities and attending them regularly. Make yourself a familiar face and you’re guaranteed to stay busy and avoid the newly relocated, loneliness bug. [caption id="attachment_19624" align="aligncenter" width="520"]
Sad Clown, Has No Friends[/caption]

Couchsurfing Events

One organization I have found particularly useful in my travels is Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing’s mission “to create inspiring experiences” is achieved by connecting people in over 230 different countries using profiles, and providing various levels of affiliation with the site so that members can be verified and vouched for. Unlike LoQuo.com where you meet absolute strangers, you can really get a sense of who someone is by reading their CouchSurfing profile, and unlike Facebook, the point is to connect with people you DON’T already know! Barcelona has one of the largest and most active CouchSurfing communities and there are events nearly every day of the week in different parts of the city. The latest event I attended was a language exchange at a coffee shop near Parc de la Ciutadella. There were about twenty people there from all over the world. I spoke to people from France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. It’s likely that if you go to a CS meeting you won’t be the only person who hasn’t learned their way around Barcelona just yet, so they’re an exciting place to meet other explorers and tourists. So how do you get started? Simply login to the website, set your location, search for events, whatever area, and you'll start to meet people in Barcelona! Insider tip: When you start building a profile for yourself, try to be as detailed as you can. Other CouchSurfers will read it and with prompts like “Personal Philosophy,” and “Types of People I Enjoy” it pays to be true to yourself. After all, there is no point in meeting up people with whom you have nothing in common. [caption id="attachment_19622" align="aligncenter" width="520"]
Map of Worldwide CouchSurfers[/caption]

Meetup Activites

If you’re the activities type, Meetup is one website that will undoubtedly inspire you to get up and go meet people in Barcelona! After you sign up, Meetup asks you about your interests and matches you to groups and activities in your area that cater to things that you like, everything from Salsa Dancing to Photography, to Nightlife, to Day Trips from Barcelona. They will send out invites and newsletters to let you know what’s happening, so you don’t have to do the work of searching and reading through tons of pages. I signed up for Yoga Challenge in Barcelona and Vinyasa Flow in English and the instructors of each contacted me with a welcome and some inside info about upcoming classes. The best thing about Meetup, in my opinion, is the minimal role that the site’s administrators actually play in organizing activities and contacting members. It is more of a forum for people to stumble through events that are already happening with or without the extra online advertising. Another great thing about Meetup is the multitude of outdoor/physical excursions. It’s even easier to converse with people with an activity at hand, as you can get past the obvious “What do you do in Barcelona?” and “How long have you been here?” questions and get right down to the nitty-gritty. The only downside to Meetup is that there are a lot of events that cost money but this is to be expected if you want to go out and do things. If you’re looking to only spend a few Euros on an excursion I’d recommend grabbing a coffee or tea and linking up with this next suggestion. [caption id="attachment_19628" align="aligncenter" width="497"]
Bicycling Group[/caption]

Intercambios on LoQuo

Is your Spanish challenged? Yes, read on. No? Well, what about other languages? Have you ever thought about learning French or Italian? Many people in Spain are multilingual and it’s good to keep an open mind when it comes to enhancing your linguistic abilities. LoQuo.com is a vital source, not unlike the United States’ Craiglist, which can hook you up with jobs, apartments, free stuff, and much, much more. I recently discovered the Intercambios section of the website and have been using it to meet with people one-on-one to practice my Spanish. I placed an ad several weeks ago and in a short time had dozens of responses from people who wanted to trade their knowledge of Spanish with my knowledge of English. What a great way to meet people in Barcelona! I met several of them with mixed results and friended a few people on Facebook who I’ve been chatting with as well. The great thing about LoQuo is that the responses are immediate and you can be specific in your ad about what you want to learn or get out of the exchange. The downside is that people e-mail you individually and your inbox might actually get flooded with people looking to meet you! Crazy I know. The other negative is that before meeting a person off LoQuo, you only have an e-mail exchange to go from. I usually ask for a Facebook or Skype account to chat with the person first and make sure they are who they say they are. It sounds paranoid, and perhaps it is my Western upbringing, but before meeting someone offline you should always tell a friend where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Just in case. [caption id="attachment_19634" align="aligncenter" width="520"]
"Really? You like drinking coffee?! Me too!!!"[/caption] I hope these three networks can be of assistance to those of you who are looking to meet people in Barcelona.  Useful as they may be, remember not to get caught in the online loop, pull yourself away from Google, get out in the world, practice your Spanish, and SMILE!  You’ll be glad that you did. Cheers, Kathy